Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
We’ve reached Friday, it’s nearly the weekend. That said when it comes to transfer gossip there’s no such thing as the weekend, here is the early morning serving of transfer rumour debunking
Gossip in standard font, my thoughts are in bold
Manager Antonio Conte’s future at Chelsea is in doubt because the Italian is furious at the club’s summer transfer failings. (Daily Mirror) In my opinion I think this is just a bit of bluster from Conte if at all, bit of a non story.
Manchester United’s attempts to sign Romelu Lukaku are not linked to any deal which would take United captain Wayne Rooney, 31, to Goodison Park. (Liverpool Echo) Not really anything new in terms of news as this was something that was made clear yesterday
However, Chelsea are expected to step up their interest in Lukaku, 24, despite United agreeing a £75m fee with Everton for the striker. (Guardian) Chelsea have been caught cold but there is still time to hijack any potential move to Old Trafford
Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, 24, has been left in limbo in the wake of United’s deal for Lukaku, having been convinced he was set to leave Spain for Old Trafford.(Independent) What about a move to Chelsea?
Belgium international Lukaku has agreed a long-term contract worth £250,000 a week with Jose Mourinho’s side. (Daily Star) If that is the case though then Mourinho has got one over his former employers
Chelsea could face a striker crisis after Diego Costa, 28, started to say his goodbyes to his team-mates, having been told he is not part of Conte’s plans for next season.(Daily Telegraph) Maybe they will have to do a Costa u-turn
The Premier League champions have turned their attention to Swansea striker Fernando Llorente, 32, after missing out on a loan move for the Spaniard in January. (Evening Standard) Or not if they go with Llorente, although keep in mind he has a broken arm at the moment
Barcelona are furious with legendary former club captain Carles Puyol after a player he represents – 16-year-old midfielder Eric Garcia – decided to walk away from the club to join Manchester City. (Independent) This was a story that was first broken last week, repeated news.
Swansea City are braced for a revised £32m bid from Everton for midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson, 27. (Daily Mail) Not quite the £40m that has been quoted over the past few days
Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland, 24, says he would have to “consider” any approach from Manchester United. (Manchester Evening News) Swap “consider” to “look forward”
Arsenal are interested in 19-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Aymen Barkok. (Spox – via Daily Express) Barkok sounds like somewhere you might go for a late night drink if you are a bit light on your feet
French side Marseille are leading contenders to sign Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, 30, in a £24.7m deal after the Gunners completed a club record deal for Alexandre Lacazette. (Daily Telegraph) With Lacazette at the club, Giroud’s days do look numbered and both players will want to be playing first team football what with their World Cup aspirations next season
The Gunners are refusing to meet Leicester City’s valuation for winger Riyad Mahrez but the 26-year-old is still expected to leave the Foxes this summer. (Daily Star) It looks like Arsenal or bust for Mahrez right now as there are no other suitors at present fo the Algerian
Former Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa, 30, has been told he can leave Paris St-Germain. (L’Equipe – via Newcastle Chronicle) A move that never really worked for him, I think he is better off being the bigger fish in the smaller pond.
Winger Demarai Gray, 21, wants assurances from Leicester about his first-team prospects amid growing interest in the England Under-21 international from Liverpool and Tottenham. (Daily Mirror) But would he get in the first team of either Liverpool or Tottenham?
Barcelona have had a £22m bid for former Spurs midfielder Paulinho, 28, rejected by his current club Guangzhou Evergrande. (Sky Sports) Normality is restored for now
Stoke have been in talks to sign Manchester City midfielder Fabien Delph, 27, on a loan deal. (Stoke Sentinel) Delph has been the forgottten man at Manchester City, he needs to decide just how much longer he wants to be a fringe player at The Etihad
Real Madrid have held secret talks with PSG midfielder Marco Verratti, 24. (Don Balon – via Daily Star) Are they going to beat Barcelona to the punch?
Watford are in talks with Chelsea over midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah and are confident the versatile 22-year-old wants to return to Vicarage Road. (London Evening Standard) Makes perfect sense for the youngster to leave Stamford Bridge especially with Watford being able to offer a lot more regular football
Southampton goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga is close to leaving the club with several sides interested in either a loan or permanent deal for the 25-year-old. (Daily Echo) Cannot got anywhere near the starting eleven so his departure will come as no real surprise
