Premier League transfer news and rumours
Summer talks for City and Kompany
Vincent Kompany’s current deal with Manchester City expires next summer but the champions are “prepared to wait until the end of the season” before starting talks with their experienced captain.
According to The Sun, the Belgium defender’s contract negotiations will be put on the “back-burner” as Pep Guardiola’s side focus on retaining their Premier League title.
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Kompany, 32, has recently celebrated a decade with City and is thought to be willing to take a hefty cut on his £200,000-a-week wages in order to stay.
A City source told the Sun: “There are no issues with Vinnie and everything is expected to happen when the season ends. He isn’t going anywhere, we know that. His injuries have been an issue but we know he has no intentions of hanging up his boots just yet.”
Paul Pogba: Manchester United to Juventus/Barcelona
The Daily Express reports that Paul Pogba has told Manchester United he wants to return to Juventus in January. Meanwhile the Daily Star says that United players fear Pogba and boss Jose Mourinho are “set to fall out” and this could lead to the French midfielder leaving Old Trafford. Barcelona are monitoring the situation, says the Star.
Herrera will listen to offers
Ander Herrera’s contract talks with Manchester United have stalled and the Spanish midfielder is prepared to listen to offers to leave during the January transfer window. Herrera’s current deal expires at the end of the season. (Metro)
Hammers may struggle to keep Arnautovic
Sky Sports pundit Craig Bellamy believes West Ham’s struggles in the Premier League could see them lose striker Marko Arnautovic in January. The Hammers have lost their opening four league games and Bellamy said: “He’s the one player for me at this present moment that West Ham do have with a bit of pace and do have as a threat. However, he’s a volatile player as well. If it isn’t going his way come January and West Ham are struggling, he’s one player, if there is going to be interest, that’s going to test you.”
Markovic hits back at Anderlecht
Liverpool winger Lazar Markovic has denied that his wage demands were the reason why a transfer to Anderlecht fell through. The Belgian side’s manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck blamed Markovic for the deal collapsing, saying: “Our president and sports director did everything to convince Markovic. They waited until Liverpool lowered the price. They almost did a crazy effort for the player, but it wasn’t enough. It’s his own fault that the deal fell through.” However, Markovic replied on Twitter: “Thank you for making such a great effort for trying to get me back in the club. However, money was not the issue!!!!! Good luck in the future!” (Liverpool Echo)
Spurs scout Ajax ace De Jong
Tottenham have joined the race to sign Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong. Valued at around £40m, the 21-year-old is also a target for Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund. (Daily Express)
Benkovic demanded Celtic loan move
Filip Benkovic has revealed that he demanded a loan move to Celtic just three weeks after joining Leicester City for £13m. With Harry Maguire staying at the Foxes, Benkovic knew that first-team football could be limited. He said: “I was at Leicester for three weeks and it was great. But I didn’t want to spend all season on the bench so I spoke to the manager and told him how much I respect the club, I want to improve and the only way to do that is to get games. There were other loan options – clubs in Italy, Spain and Germany, but I just wanted to go to Celtic.” (Daily Record)
