The transfer window for all of Europe’s big five leagues is closed, but that doesn’t stop Transfer Talk from rummaging around about who will be moving where come January.
TOP STORY: Liverpool eye Napoli striker Insigne
When you’ve scored six goals already this season in the league, you’re going to be noticed. And that’s what is happening to Napoli striker Lorenzo Insigne, who Rai Sport claim is attracting the attention of Liverpool.
Insigne, 27, has 116 goals in 360 appearances in Naples, so Jurgen Klopp knows he would be getting an experienced striker.
Of course, Insigne is well known to Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, who is also on the lookout for a goal scorer. And we know his track record of persuading his former players to come and join him again (Jorginho, anyone?).
Liverpool may just have a battle on their hands.
LIVE BLOG
09.25 BST: ICYMI – Usain Bolt has been offered a two-year contract to play for Maltese club Valletta FC and spearhead their charge to the Champions League.
Valletta managing director and CEO Ghasston Slimen told ESPN on Monday that they hope to sign the eight-time Olympic sprint champion in time for him to participate in their Maltese Super Cup match on Dec. 13 against Balzan.
09.00 BST: Real Madrid remain interested in Harry Kane, but their main target is Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar, according to Guillem Balague who was speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live.
PAPER TALK
Chelsea could thwart United, Spurs over Ake
Manchester United and Tottenham are interested in Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake, according to the Telegraph, but his old club, Chelsea, could frustrate them.
United boss Jose Mourinho remains eager to add another central defender to his squad after failing to do so in the summer, and Spurs are also monitoring Netherlands international Ake.
But the Telegraph reports that Bournemouth — who signed the 23-year-old in a £20 million permanent deal after a loan spell — would have to inform Chelsea of any offer because the Blues hold first refusal to re-sign him for about £40m.
United and Spurs “are likely to keep tracking Ake until the end of the season, but any move would have to wait until Chelsea signalled their intentions.”
And although there is no indication of whether Maurizio Sarri would be interested in bringing Ake back to Stamford Bridge, a bid from Manchester or North London “would force Bournemouth to offer Chelsea the opportunity to make a move and leave the other two clubs sweating.”
The Telegraph says Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld is still expected to leave at the end of the season, while the long-term Old Trafford futures of both Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly appear to be in doubt.
Barcelona eye Alderweireld
Barcelona have leaked nine goals in eight games and haven’t kept a clean sheet in five, so are turning to the transfer market in an attempt to do something about it.
They were recently linked with Dutch centre back Matthijs de Ligt, but Catalan radio station RAC1 have reported that this particular move would be “impossible” in January. However, Barca also have their eye on Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld.
The Belgian’s contract expires in the summer, and there is no sign of a renewal, so the Catalan club could see him as a realistic target according to the Mirror.
Ernesto Valverde’s side acquired Clement Lenglet this summer, but he could take some time to settle in. They will see 29-year-old Alderweireld as a read-made solution.
Bale free to leave Real Madrid
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is open to offers for Gareth Bale as he believes the Welshman doesn’t have what it takes to step into Cristiano Ronaldo’s shoes, according to Spanish newspaper El Periodico.
The Welshman has impressed in spells at the Madrid club, and was an important part of their Champions League triumphs under Zinedine Zidane, but it has never felt that he has been fully accepted in the Spanish capital.
Manchester United have long been linked with the former Tottenham winger, and could see him as the man to wake them from their slumber. The report states that the only obstacle is Bale’s desire to remain at Real but, at 29, he could be tempted into one final big move.
Tap-ins
– Edin Dzeko is looking to return to the Premier League after spending four seasons in Serie A, according to the Mirror. Southampton, Crystal Palace and Cardiff are all interested, but these clubs will have to concentrate on staying in the Premier League first. Perhaps a January move for the former Manchester City man could help them.
– Vincent Kompany, 32, thinks he has plenty more to give at Manchester City, and is looking for a new contract, say the Daily Mail. The Belgian is aiming to play for at least three more years at the top level.
– Meanwhile, Everton winger Kevin Mirallas does not want to return to Merseyside and is targeting a permanent deal at Fiorentina, where he is on loan. The 31-year-old has found himself out of the picture at Goodison Park following the summer arrivals of Richarlison and Bernard and hopes to stay in Italy, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Be the first to comment