Man City prep three-for-one swap for Stones
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: Man City to offer three players for Stones
According to the Mirror, Manchester City are ready to send Wilfried Bony, Jesus Navas and Eliaquim Mangala to Goodison Park in hopes of getting their hands on John Stones. The Sky Blues are launching an ambitious bid to lure the talented centre-back from Everton, using players worth £75 million to try to sweeten the deal as Roberto Martinez and the club begin to feel the pressure of their poor form.
Stones was subject to three bids from Chelsea last summer, which were all rejected by the Merseyside club as they looked to build on their young, promising squad. However, with a top-eight finish seemingly the best they can achieve this summer, the top clubs will circle for the 21-year-old’s signature again, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all keen on the former Barnsley man.
The defender has made 27 appearances for Everton this season, partnering both Phil Jagielka and Ramiro Funes Mori in an inconsistent Toffees side. Praised for his intelligent positioning, reading of the game and composure on the ball, he is a rare breed of English centre-back but with a high ceiling — something that appeals to many of the Premier League’s top sides.
Paper Round
Man United line up Aubameyang bid
Manchester United are closing in on the £70m purchase of Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer, reports the Daily Mail. Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward revealed this week to United shareholders that the club has cash reserves of £121.6m and indicated there will be “star signings” in the summer.
The 26-year-old has scored 27 goals for Dortmund this season and is rated by many as the best centre-forward in Europe, with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Chelsea all being linked to the Gabonese international in the past 12 months.
Liverpool eye swoop for Nordtveit
With Liverpool keen on bolstering their midfield options for next season, Jurgen Klopp has identified Havard Nordtveit as a primary transfer target, according to a report in the Mirror. The former Arsenal trainee has just six months left on his contract at Borussia Monchengladbach and would be available on a free transfer after contract talks seem unlikely.
The Norwegian plays primarily as a defensive midfielder, but he can also fill in competently at centre-back if need be, a trait that appeals to Klopp after his squad has been exposed to injury after injury. Having spent the majority of his time as a manager in Germany, the Reds’ boss is convinced that Nordtveit could be a quality addition to the club, and being able to bring him in without denting the club’s transfer budget is a bonus.
Chelsea keep tabs on Donnarumma and Bazoer
While Chelsea are mostly known for splashing the cash on the world’s biggest stars, two of the club’s most recent transfer targets are still teenagers, in the form of Gianluigi Donnarumma and Riechedly Bazoer. Donnarumma, the 6-foot-5 16-year-old, has burst onto the scene this season after establishing himself as AC Milan’s first-choice goalkeeper, and he is an enticing prospect for the West London club, reports the Sun.
Bazoer, at still only 19 years of age, has broken into the Ajax first team this season and has become a vital member of their midfield with his energetic, box-to-box style. Barcelona were interested in him during January, reports Spanish outlet Sport, but decided not to make a bid.
Tap-ins
– In the Sunday Express, the newspaper claims that Bayern Munich could sack Pep Guardiola before the end of the season. His bosses, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Uli Hoeness and Matthias Sammer — who even in the best of times have reportedly had a somewhat fractured relationship with the former Barcelona manager — are apparently unhappy that Guardiola has already committed to City with important months of the season still to go.
– A report in the Star reveals that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is still upset that he missed out on signing Leicester midfielder N’Golo Kante. After a recommendation from a close friend, Wenger had the Frenchman watched and earmarked as one for the future, before passing up on him over doubts over how quickly he could adapt to English football.
– Premier League players continue to be linked with moves to China. This time it’s Juan Mata, reports the Mirror, and Marouane Fellaini, according to the Star. Three Chinese Super League clubs have been reportedly been in contact with Man United over the pair, but their approaches were subsequently turned down by the Red Devils, as they have no intention of selling as they look to fight for a European place.
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