Hazard urged to quit Chelsea
With Real Madrid reportedly lining up a massive offer for his services, Eden Hazard has been urged to leave Chelsea by Belgium manager Roberto Martinez.
“The Belgium superstar winger sparked a big-money tug-of-war over the weekend,” reports the Daily Mirror, “after admitting he is ready to snub a £300,000-a-week new deal and leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
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“Roberto Martinez, his national team coach who has spent the past six weeks with Hazard, believes he should go, with Madrid a long-time admirer and keen to replace Cristiano Ronaldo following his move to Juventus.”
Chelsea are reluctant to let their star man leave and will demand a £200m fee. But it has been reported that Real have opened the bidding with an offer of £198.5m for both Hazard and keeper Thibaut Courtois.
Blues close in on £88m double deal
New Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri could use some of the Hazard fee to land two players from Juventus, reports CaughtOffside.
Negotiations are under way over the signing of striker Gonzalo Higuain for £53m, says the website, while defender Daniele Rugani could also be on his way to Stamford Bridge for £35m.
Rugani, 23, would be a “useful potential addition in defence to provide a long-term replacement for ageing and off-form duo Gary Cahill and David Luiz”.
The defender’s agent added to the speculation by admitting that Sarri “rates” Rugani and said: “Rugani himself hasn’t expressed willingness to go elsewhere, but it must also be said that if there’s an offer, it’ll be listened to because there’s respect in football.”
Alderweireld issues warning
Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld, who fell out of favour at Spurs last season, has hinted that he could be on his way out of White Hart Lane after impressing at the World Cup for Belgium.
Since January the 29-year-old has made just three Premier League starts for Tottenham after losing his place in the side to Davinson Sanchez. Speaking after the World Cup he said he felt his omission from the side was “unjustified”.
He is also involved in a “contract wrangle” and wants to double his £60,000-a-week salary, reports the Daily Star.
Manchester United are believed to be interested but have “baulked” at the player’s £70m price tag.
However, the paper suggests that Spurs may be prepared to sell as a clause in his contract means that Alderweireld could leave for just £25m next summer and would be a free agent a year later.
Liverpool handed Fekir deadline
Despite signing Xherdan Shaqiri at the weekend Liverpool are still thought to be interested in World Cup-winning midfielder Nabil Fekir.
A £53m deal for the Lyon star collapsed earlier in the summer for medical reasons. But French forward Fekir emerged unscathed from the World Cup and Lyon have now given the Reds until the end of the month to resurrect the deal.
According to the Daily Mirror, Liverpool “retain an interest” in the 24-year-old but Lyon have imposed a deadline on the deal.
Spurs want Andre Gomes
Spurs could make a move for Barcelona “misfit” Andre Gomes, reports TalkSPORT.
The 24-year-old has flopped at the Camp Nou and is now looking to engineer a move to the Premier League after changing agents, says the website.
“The north Londoners were interested in signing Gomes last season and the Portugal international is reportedly fond of Mauricio Pochettino’s style of play.
“Gomes has started pre-season with Barca but it is clear his future does not lie with the Catalans.”
Liverpool linked to keeper Alisson
Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker could be on his way to Anfield, reports the Liverpool Echo.
“Alisson Becker is expected to hold talks with Roma on Tuesday over his future – with speculation intensifying over an imminent bid from Liverpool,” says the paper.
“Liverpool had been monitoring the Brazilian but believe prising him away from the Serie A side would prove difficult given the player's believed price tag in excess of €70m – although there are indications that, should Alisson press for a move, Roma may have to lower such demands.”
Chelsea are also said to be interested in the keeper.
