Premier League transfer news and rumours
Real still keen on Pochettino
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is still wanted at Real Madrid, who could be on the lookout for a new manager if they sack Julen Lopetegui following Los Blancos’ poor start to the season in Spain.
According to The Sun, Real are “double-checking if there is any chance of getting Poch before making their final decision”.
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The Spaniards wanted Pochettino when Zinedine Zidane quit in June after steering Real to a third successive Champions League crown, says the paper.
“But the former Espanyol boss, 46, had just signed his new five-year deal – worth £8.5million a year.
“Real’s interest has not waned, though, and they hope Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at PSV – which all but ended Spurs’ hopes of reaching the Champions League last 16 – might make Poch want to join them.”
Tottenham fight Arsenal for Almirion
Whether or not Pochettino is still in charge come January, Spurs are intent on making some big signings during the transfer window and the Daily Mirror says they could pip Arsenal to Atlanta star Miguel Almiron.
“The Paraguayan star has caught the eye in the MLS this season, scoring 12 goals and providing a further 13 assists,” says the paper.
“Arsenal have been tipped to make a move for the 24-year-old but may now miss out to their north London rivals.”
Almirion would set them back £22.1m.
Spurs also keen on Barrios
Boca Juniors midfielder Wilmar Barrios will be another Spurs target in January, says website This Is Futbol.
Reports in Argentina suggest he has been scouted by Spurs, who are ready to sign him for £20.4m, to provide competition for the out-of-sorts Mousa Dembele and Victor Wanyama.
“Barrios is a proven player with plenty of top-level experience for club and country,” says the website. “He shone for Colombia at the World Cup and has been a key player for Argentine outfit Boca since joining in 2016… He has spoken in the past of a move to Europe and it appears that a deal with Tottenham is getting closer.”
Liverpool open Gomez talks
Liverpool have opened talks over a new contract with defender Joe Gomez, who is finally showing what he is capable of at Anfield after overcoming a series of injuries.
The 21-year-old signed for £3.5m from Charlton in 2015 but has managed only 53 appearances after suffering knee and Achilles problems. This season he has remained fit and the Daily Mirror says: “Liverpool boss [Jurgen] Klopp is determined to recognise the defender’s rapid ascent and despite Gomez only signing a new deal back in January 2017, the England star is set to be offered fresh terms.”
Man Utd rule out Ibrahimovic deal
Jose Mourinho has ruled out a loan move for former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who left the club to join LA Galaxy in March.
“The 37-year-old has regained form in the United States, scoring 22 goals in 26 Major League Soccer games since arriving in California,” says The Independent.
“Ibrahimovic could feasibly return to Old Trafford on loan during the MLS close season. However, when asked whether he would consider a move for his former player, Mourinho said: ‘No. No.’”
United to sign keeper
Manchester United are set to sign former Newcastle goalkeeper and England youth international Paul Woolston, who was released by the Magpies last season and is now a free agent. (Daily Mail)
Newcastle Origi interest
Newcastle are considering a move for unwanted Liverpool striker Divock Origi ahead of the January transfer window, but Besiktas could offer competition, according to reports in Turkey. (Talksport)
