Latest Premier League transfer news and gossip
Real Madrid want Hazard in January
The Premier League rumour mill has a contrarian streak. The day after Eden Hazard explicitly ruled out leaving Chelsea in January reports say he could be off to Real Madrid as early as the new year.
Picking up on reports in Spain, the Daily Express says the “bigwigs” at the Bernabeu are “ready to hit the panic button” and make a mid-season move for the Belgian after defeat against Eibar at the weekend.
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The paper explains: “Florentino Perez is ordinarily averse to splashing the cash in the January transfer windows. But with his side struggling to making any headway domestically, he’s ready to sanction a spending spree.”
And it’s Hazard who remains top of his wishlist.
Man United keen on Witsel
Never one to settle for what he has, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has set his sights on Borussia Dortmund star Axel Witsel after “criticising the midfield options at his disposal”, reports Metro.
“United were interested in the Belgian last summer but prioritised a move for Shakhtar Donetsk star Fred due to his age,” says the paper.
They also thought it would be risky to sign a player from the Chinese league and backed off. Dortmund took a gamble and now United have seen the error of their ways and intend to launch a raid on the German club this summer.
PSG dismiss De Gea talk
There are concerns at Old Trafford over the future of goalkeeper David de Gea, but one reported suitor has played down talk of a move for the Spanish international.
The Daily Telegraph says that Paris Saint-Germain aren’t interested in a deal for the 28-year-old.
“De Gea will be in demand with a number of Europe’s leading clubs but PSG have distanced themselves from claims he is set to sign for them,” says the paper. “They signed 40-year-old Gianluigi Buffon on a free transfer last summer – on a one-year deal with an option for a further 12 months – to compete with Alphonse Areola for the number one spot.”
Mourinho eyes another centre back
Jose Mourinho has developed a taste for expensive and unproven centre backs during his time at Manchester United, and now has another in his sights, according to the Daily Mail.
The paper claims that United and Spurs sent scouts to watch Joachim Andersen in action for Sampdoria at the weekend.
The Mail has picked up on reports in Italy that United and Spurs are both considering moves for Andersen, who is rated at “around £25m”.
The Dane could be a perfect fit at Old Trafford. “The 22-year-old centre back has caught the eye in Serie A this season, but was partly at fault for Genoa's equaliser in the Derby della Lanterna,” says the paper.
Spurs want Allan
Spurs are lining up a £35m bid for Napoli’s Brazilian midfielder Allan to replace China-bound Mousa Dembele. But the Italian club may be unwilling to sell in January. (TalkSport)
City starlet to join Real Madrid
Man City prospect Brahim Diaz will quit the Etihad in June when his contract expires and is expected to join Real Madrid. The 19-year-old has yet to appear in the Premier League and wants a fresh start. (The Sun)
Arsenal chase Kabak
Arsenal will fight Inter Milan for the services of Galatasaray defender Ozan Kabak. The 18-year-old, who burst into the Turkish side’s starting XI this season, has attracted interest from some big names, prompting Galatasaray to offer him a five-year deal. (TalkSport)
