City to ship Zabaleta, Toure to Inter Milan?
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: Toure and Zabaleta wanted by Inter
According to the Mail, Inter Milan will lead the chase for Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta if they become part of a Manchester City clear-out when Pep Guardiola takes over at the Etihad this summer. Inter boss Roberto Mancini made no secret of his desire to sign Toure last summer, and is expected to try again at the end of the season.
Zabaleta revealed after last weekend’s defeat by Leicester that the players expect changes once the Spaniard comes in, and it’s common knowledge that Toure and Guardiola don’t have the best relationship in the world after he sold the Ivorian to City from Barcelona in 2010.
The club are ready to back Guardiola with massive investment, with Martin Demichelis, Aleksandar Kolarov, Fernando and Gael Clichy all reportedly under threat as the former Barcelona boss looks to add his own twist to the squad.
Arsenal keen on Koziello
Arsenal are keen to beat AC Milan to the signature of Nice midfielder Vincent Koziello this summer, according to Calciomercato. The 20-year-old has developed in to one of the most promising young midfielders in French football since breaking in to the Eagles’ first team last year, and has been compared to Barcelona legend Xavi due to his physique and excellent passing skills.
With Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini believed to be on the way out in the summer, the Gunners will be in need of some more depth in midfield.
Along with Mohamed Elneny, Koziello could provide just that and still leave room for another “marquee signing.”
Unlike the extortionate transfer fees floating around the European game, the French midfielder would not break the bank due to his age and club.
Mourinho or Pochettino?
ESPN FC’s Craig Burley weighs in on the debate on who Manchester United should hire should Louis van Gaal be sacked:
Bayern Munich ready to compete for Sanches
German champions Bayern Munich have joined the race for Benfica starlet Renato Sanches. The attacking midfielder has been strongly linked with a transfer to Manchester United, with the latest reports indicating that the Red Devils were closing in on a £46.1 million deal to sign him.
A Bola believes Sanches will be targeted as a player who could have a part in a rebuilt Bayern squad under incoming coach Carlo Ancelotti next season. Real Madrid are also reported to be keeping tabs on the youngster.
The 18-year-old has a £62 million buy-out clause in his contract which could be activated by any of his suitors who want to guarantee his signing. In reality though, he is likely to be sold for less than that.
Remy being courted by China
French outlet Le10 Sport says Loic Remy is weighing up an offer to move to the Chinese Super League after Chelsea have agreed in principle to accept a ¬20 million offer from an unnamed side for the striker.
With the 29-year-old frustrated due to injuries and a lack of first team football, a move away seems logical with the Chinese transfer window remaining open until Feb. 26.
The newly-promoted side Hebei China Fortune, who have already signed former Chelsea midfielder Gael Kakuta and Ivory Coast forward Gervinho in the last few weeks, are mentioned as possible suitors, although they have also been linked with an approach for Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentine winger Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Tap-ins
– Watford are in talks with Liverpool youngster Jerome Sinclair, reports the Express. The Reds reportedly rejected a deal on deadline day for the 19-year-old as they demanded £3 million for his services. Sinclair is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to commit his future at Anfield.
– The Express also reports that Phil Jagielka is being eyed for a Chinese Super League swoop. The Everton captain’s contract is due to expire in 2018, but after injury has hampered his season, in addition to the good form of summer signing Ramiro Funes Mori keeping him out of the side, it is thought that he could be persuaded.
– Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue is training with Sunderland at the Academy of Light this week, according to the Sunderland Echo.
Eboue, 32, is a free agent after leaving Turkish side Galatasaray last summer and has been invited to train with Sam Allardyce’s men. However, it is understood that at this stage, Eboue is only at Sunderland to keep fit, as opposed to being on trial with the club.
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