Sturridge ready to call it quits at Liverpool
The winter window might have shut, but the rumour mill rolls on! As always, Transfer Talk has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest rumours and gossip. See the latest deals here.
TOP STORY: Sturridge ready to quit Liverpool
According to reports from the Mirror, Daniel Sturridge is ready to quit Liverpool this summer. The 26-year-old thinks he may have to leave Anfield in order to get back to his best at both club and international level after his substantial injury woes. Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp has been very vocal in his frustrations, both privately and publicly, and Sturridge reportedly believes it could be time for a fresh start.
Friday’s Daily Mirror back page:
Sturr Wars#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/FNhpZRfnoS– Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) February 4, 2016
There would be no shortage of interest in the striker despite the questions over his fitness; Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham and former club Chelsea are all seeking forward reinforcements. England manager Roy Hodgson believes Sturridge is his most naturally gifted striker, but concerns about his involvement in Euro 2016 are in doubt after Sturridge has made only 25 appearances since the start of last season.
Sturridge is reportedly fed up with the public criticism of his desire to play and is desperate for a chance to get back to playing football. After a nightmarish 18 months, he is now back in training, feeling sharp and there are no fitness doubts in his mind.
Paper Round
Chelsea reject £57 million bid for Oscar
Chelsea have reportedly rejected a £57.5m January bid for Oscar from Chinese club Jiangsu Suning, according to reports from the Sun. The club, managed by Dan Petrescu, have already bought midfielders Alex Teixeira and Ramires for a combined £63m, and are keen to exert more of their financial firepower.
Friday’s Sun back page;
Great haul of China#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/kSraq0XiT3– Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) February 4, 2016
However, after the Brazilian’s return to form under interim boss Guus Hiddink, including a hat trick against MK Dons last weekend, Chelsea have no intentions of selling the 24-year-old. While Jiangsu are unlikely to come back in for Oscar this month, they have every intention of going after his signature again in the summer.
Man United to return for Renato Sanches
Super-agent Jorge Mendes has confirmed to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo that Manchester United made a ¬40m bid for Benfica’s Renato Sanches in January. According to Mendes, United were even willing to pay ¬40m plus ¬20m in bonuses, but the Lisbon club wanted ¬60m up front for the 18-year-old.
The energetic midfielder has broken into the Benfica first team this season, scoring five goals in 13 appearances. With the Red Devils often lacking drive and penetration through the middle, it is thought that Louis van Gaal would have hoped for a similar impact from Anthony Martial, who joined in the summer.
Arnautovic release clause a worry for Stoke
According to reports from the Telegraph, Marko Arnautovic can leave Stoke City for just £12.5m this summer, prompting a scramble for his signature. The Potters have been in negotiations with the 26-year-old over a new contract but aren’t set on wages yet. The clause could be activated unless the sides can agree on a resolution.
Arnautovic and Stoke agreed to insert the clause when he joined the club from Werder Bremen for £2m in September 2013, with the attacker arriving in England with a questionable reputation. Since then, he has caused no issues for manager Mark Hughes and produced some of his best football in the past 12 months, playing a key role in the club’s progress under the Welshman.
Tap-Ins
– According to ESPN FC sources, Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas is a target for Major League Soccer side New York City FC. New York City, who already have David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard, are keen to strengthen their squad after their disappointing first season in MLS.
– Dynamo Kiev winger Andriy Yarmolenko has said he’d rather join Everton than Barcelona, according to quotes attributed to the Ukrainian in the Liverpool Echo. The 26-year-old said that playing twice a week is far more important than “taking selfies for Instagram with Lionel Messi.” Toffees boss Roberto Martinez is a big admirer of the wide man and is reportedly keen on adding him to the squad this summer.
– Burnley manager Sean Dyche claims that the club still haven’t been paid by Liverpool for Danny Ings, reports the Mail, despite a tribunal taking place seven months ago. The Clarets boss says he hopes that the matter will be resolved before the end of the campaign.
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