Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
The January transfer window is now in its third day of business and although this period runs at a slightly lesser pace than that of the Summer there are still some bargains to be had (or not if you read some of the rumours below). Once again it is my task to debunk all the gossip, so here is today’s hearty serving of football news.
As always – gossip in plain text, may views in bold
Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho believes he has played his last game for the club but it will take an offer in the region of £133m for a move to Barcelona to go through this month. (Times) Slightly less than the £160m quoted yesterday but still a handsome sum that Barcelona will need to spend to get the Brazilian.
Liverpool should sign Alexis Sanchez, 29, from Arsenal for £40m to replace Phillippe Coutinho if he leaves Anfield, according to former Reds striker John Aldridge. (Irish Independent) This is not happening, I give you my word.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has opened the door to selling Chile striker Sanchez this month. (Mirror) A supposed dressing room revolt is one reason, the other is that it seems ludicrous just to let the forward leave for nothing
RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita is set to stay at the German club for the rest of the season as the 22-year-old Guinea midfielder is made to wait until the summer for his £55m move to Liverpool. (Bild via Liverpool Echo) No chance of Liverpool being able to hurry along the move after agreeing a Summer 2018 link up. RB Leipzig sticking to their guns here.
The German club also say selling striker Timo Werner, who has been linked with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, is not in their immediate plans. (AS) The last thing they need to be doing is selling to Bayern Munich and strengthening the German juggernaut.
Chelsea are ready to push through a £50m January deal for Juventus’ Brazil left-back Alex Sandro, 26. (Mirror) Oh it’s this one again….
But Blues manager Antonio Conte has cooled talk of a January move for Juventus’ 33-year-old Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini. (Daily Mail) This was mentioned yesterday with Chiellini believed to be ready to sign a new contract with Juventus.
And the Italian manager has also said Brazil defender David Luiz, 30, and Belgium forward Michy Batshuayi, 24, can leave Stamford Bridge in January if they wish. (Telegraph) Both players will want regular football what with it being a World Cup year, so moves could be a possibility.
Fenerbahce could make a move for Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, 31, this month. Reports in Turkey suggest the club are keen to sign him as a potential replacement for Robin Van Persie. (Fanatik via Football London) Same reason as above.
West Ham remain interested in signing Stoke City and Wales midfielder Joe Allen, 27. (Sky Sports) Stoke have few gems in their team and with an uncertain managerial future, a player departure is the last thing they need.
Manchester United do not need to sign anybody during the current transfer window according to the club’s former coach, Steve McClaren. (Sky Sports via Daily Star) That has perhaps true but that doesn’t usually stop Manchester United spending
The agent of Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian has confirmed multiple Italian clubs have been in touch with regard to signing the 28-year-old Italy full-back – but claims he is not for sale in January. (Manchester Evening News) Never really loved by Mourinho, could a January exit be on the cards?
Everton will attempt to complete the signing of Besiktas and Turkey striker Cenk Tosun, 26, on Wednesday at a meeting with the Turkish club’s president, Fikret Orman. (Guardian) Everton will look to get their business done quickly to stop anyone else coming in and swooping in for him, that and they need some goals after no win in four matches.
Southampton, Everton, Crystal Palace and West Ham all want to sign Nicolas Gaitan from Atletico Madrid. (AS via Daily Express) You would think a player of Gaitan’s talents would be higher up the Premier League food chain.
Wolves are set to land their first signing of the January transfer window after agreeing a deal with Valencia for rumoured Real Madrid target, 20-year-old forward Rafa Mir. (Express and Star) The revolution in Wolverhampton continues.
Manager Jose Mourinho is treading a fine line with the Old Trafford hierarchy over his comments about Manchester United’s spending. (Daily Mail) A talking to behind close doors and nothing more
West Brom and Poland midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak, 27, who has failed to score a goal since signing in the summer, could be offered an escape route from the Hawthorns by Spanish side Getafe. (Talksport) Not really known for his goalscoring prowess, bit of a weird stick to beat him with. Whether he has his loan move cancelled we shall have to wait and see.
Lazio and Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, 22, insists he is not thinking about leaving the club after being linked with a move to Manchester United. (Novosti via Metro) Everyone is linked with a move to Manchester United
