Cavani has Chelsea, Man City in his sights
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: Chelsea, Man City go to war over Cavani
According to the Sun, Chelsea and Manchester City have been sounded out over a move by unsettled Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani, even though he has two years left on his current deal. The 29-year-old reportedly has his heart set on England and the Premier League after three inconsistent seasons in the French capital.
Antonio Conte is the front-runner for the Chelsea job and a huge admirer of the ex-Napoli star, which could be a perfect match with Diego Costa’s future in West London unclear amongst speculation of a move back to Atletico Madrid. The Uruguayan also fits the bill for Pep Guardiola at City, who is set to look for a striker to support Sergio Aguero with Wilfried Bony speculated to depart in the summer.
Manchester United are long-term admirers of the Uruguayan but failure to reach the Champions League could damage their chances of landing him. Cavani has already voiced his unhappiness at being played out on the left flank, due to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s monopoly of the central striking role.
United eye Robertson swoop
Star insiders say Manchester United are considering a move for Hull left-back Andrew Robertson, after Old Trafford scouts watched the 21 year-old in their game against Brighton earlier this month. United wanted a left-back in the January transfer window with England’s Luke Shaw still out injured, but put their search on the backburner after teenager Cameron Borthwick-Jackson came into the side and impressed.
Robertson was a £2.85 million signing from Dundee United two years ago, arriving on a three-year contract. But United might not have things all their own way in the battle for the defender, however, as Robertson has also been watched by Manchester City, plus London clubs Arsenal and Tottenham.
The youngster would provide solid competition for Shaw next season, as well as holding considerable potential for the future.
Man City have eyes on Laporte
Pep Guardiola is hoping to make Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte his first Manchester City signing. The Sun says the 21-year-old Frenchman would reportedly set the Etihad side back a whopping £80 million on transfer fees and contract perks. But with young, talented central defenders at a premium, the City board could see the Frenchman as an investment for the future as well as the present.
Laporte has a release clause in his contract of around £40 million, but City would also offer the France under-21 international a good perks package, including £8m per year after tax. With European giants Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain hot on the heels of the Bilbao man, as well as cross-town rivals Manchester United, Guardiola is willing to splash the cash in a bid to land his number one priority.
The youngster would be a good move for Guardiola’s side, with star man Vincent Kompany spending a lot of time on the sidelines this term due to injury. On top of that, some big-money signings like Eliaquim Mangala have failed to live up to their price tags in England.
Newcastle lead the chase to sign Umtiti
Also in the Sun, Newcastle United will attempt to bring Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti to the Premier League this summer.
The £10 million-rated Frenchman is happy in France, but after a disappointing season, could be persuaded with a new location and challenge. Steve McClaren wants to rebuild his leaky defence this summer, and should they survive relegation, will be given funds by owner Mike Ashley to do so.
Umtiti, who can also play at left-back, has already revealed his ambitions of playing in the Premier League, and is one of a number of centre-backs being monitored by Newcastle as they look to find a long term option to replace their ageing captain Fabricio Coloccini and to partner Chancel Mbemba.
Tap-Ins
– According to the Express, former England manager Fabio Capello claims fellow Italian Antonio Conte, who is expected to be named Chelsea manager, is already “preparing” for the Stamford Bridge job.
– Everton’s new major shareholder Farhad Moshiri has pledged “major investment” to not only help build a stadium, but also significantly strengthen the squad. The Mirror says up to £100 million will be made available to buy, and importantly, keep their star players in the summer.
– Stoke boss Mark Hughes is chasing giant Fulham defender Dan Burn as he looks for a ‘British’ centre-half. The Sun reports that the Potters are watching the 6-foot-7 defender, who has been one of few shining lights in the club’s poor season.
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