Premier League transfer news: Ozil, Coutinho, Dybala, Neymar, Fabinho, Eriksen, Llorente
MLS side DC United target Mesut Ozil as a replacement for Wayne Rooney
Premier League transfer gossip and rumours
Ozil to move Stateside?
Mesut Ozil could be set for a New Year move to the United States as DC United’s replacement for Wayne Rooney.
Former England striker Rooney is joining Derby County in January as player-coach and Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit DC United are now looking for a big name to fill his shoes in time for the start of the new season in March.
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The Daily Mirror says that Ozil’s representatives are to have “exploratory talks” with DC United next week over a move, which has the blessing of Arsenal.
The Gunners are “keen to offload the £350,000-a-week playmaker” and a move Stateside would suit all parties.
Spurs line up Coutinho and Dybala
With just a day until the transfer window closes, Tottenham are being linked with what The Times calls “a remarkable double bid” to sign Philippe Coutinho and Paulo Dybala.
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Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino worked with Coutinho at Espanyol in 2012 and that connection could seal a loan deal for the Brazilian playmaker, who allegedly snubbed a similar move to Arsenal.
As for Dybala, The Times claims that Tottenahm “hope to agree a £65m deal with Juventus”, although there is much to negotiate before any move is completed, particularly over the question of his image rights, which are owned by a third party.
The Argentina forward turned down the chance to join Manchester United, apparently because of their failure to qualify for the Champions League, but he is ready to sign for Spurs with Sky Sports claiming the two clubs have agreed a £64.4m fee, although personal terms remain outstanding.
Eriksen to Old Trafford?
With news that Philippe Coutinho and Paulo Dybala are being lined up by Tottenham, could this spell the end of Christian Eriksen’s time at the north London club?
Sky Sports reports that Manchester United are considering a late move for the playmaker, which isn’t dependent on Paul Pogba leaving Old Trafford.
Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Juventus have also been recently linked with the Danish midfielder.
United linked with Llorente
Manchester United are also considering a “surprise move” for ex-Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente.
The 34-year-old left Spurs at the end of last season and is available on a free transfer. According to reports in Italy United are giving serious consideration to signing the veteran Spaniard.
With Romelu Lukaku expected to join either Juventus or Inter Milan in the coming days, United need to bolster their attack.
Metro says that Llorente’s experience is valued by Man Utd manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Zaha latest
Everton “will push” to sign Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha up until tomorrow's 5pm transfer deadline, reports The Daily Telegraph, despite having what the paper describes as a second, improved bid knocked back by the Eagles.
The south London club remain adamant that they won’t accept anything under £60m for their star asset and the Telegraph claims the latest bid “is not thought to be significantly more than the £52m rejected by Palace last month”.
It’s reported that Everton may have thrown striker Cenk Tosun into the bargain, but if they did then it didn’t weaken Palace’s resolve and time is running out for the Toffees to land their man.
Meanwhile, the BBC reports that Palace are set to sign Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy from Everton for £3m.
Bayern eyeing Willock
Bayern Munich are “interested” in signing Arsenal youngster Joe Willock, reports Sky Sports News. The 19-year-old midfielder has impressed for the Gunners in their pre-season warm-ups, continuing his good form from last season when he came off the bench in the 4-1 Europa League final defeat to Chelsea.
Bayern liked what they saw of Willock when they played Arsenal in the USA last month and an offer could be made shortly.
Terms and conditions for Upamecano
Arsenal are in talks with RB Leipzig over a deal for Dayot Upamecano. Apparently the Gunners have had a £55m bid knocked back by Leipzig because the German outfit are “demanding Emile Smith Rowe as part of the deal”.
The 19-year-old Smith Rowe sparkled for Leipzig on loan last season and they are ready to sell Arsenal the 20-year-old centre-back Upamecano only if they get the teenage Gunner in return.
The Sun claims that Arsenal “value the attacking midfielder at around £25m” and are continuing negotiations.
United turned down Neymar
Paris Saint-Germain have offered Brazilian striker Neymar to Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid - but not his former club Barcelona. Spanish newspaper Sport says the offer to United was “a €20m [£18.3m] loan fee as well as covering his massive wages for the next 12 months - United turned it down”.
Cancelo in, Danilo out
The Daily Star reports that Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo has passed his medical with Manchester City and the Premier League champions will confirm his move from Juventus today. Meanwhile, City full-back Danilo is set to move the other way. Sky in Italy say the Brazilian is in Turin for his medical.
Fabinho going nowhere
Liverpool midfielder Fabinho is being linked with a big-money move to Real Madrid. However, despite the reports the Liverpool Echo says the Anfield club have no intention of selling the Brazilian.