Manchester United, Manchester City, Everton, Sunderland, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Chelsea are the talk of the papers today.
All the latest transfer news and gossip you need to know…
Reports in Germany claimed last month Manchester United had agreed a deal in principle to sign Polish striker Robert Lewandowski. This was denied by Borussia Dortmund, and now a new twist in the tale is emerging, with reports in Italy claiming Inter Milan have entered the race for his services. Juventus are also said to be interested in the striker who has netted 13 times this season and who recently turned down a contract extension with the German club.
The Mirror claim that Joleon Lescott is set to spark a transfer merry-go-round by leaving Manchester City to join former club Everton on loan in January. The defender has unexpectedly fallen out of favour at the Etihad this season with new signing Matija Nastasic preferred in defence as well as veteran Kolo Toure as a partner for Vincent Kompany. The report says Everton will use the opportunity to sell Johnny Heitinga to raise cash, with Galatasaray interested. This would then allow Everton to spend the money on two strikers, with PSG‘s Kevin Gameiro and Toulouse‘s Wissam Ben Yedder linked. Even with Kompany’s injury, City would consider a loan because they are looking at signing Mamadou Sakho from PSG, with Liverpool‘s Daniel Agger and Newcastle‘s Fabricio Coloccini named as more unlikely targets.
With Oriol Romeu‘s injury and Jon Obi Mikel out of favour, it is being reported that Chelsea are to renew their interest in Newcastle‘s Cheik Tiote. The powerhouse midfielder is valued at around £20 million and is a key player at the Toon, but with Alan Pardew’s side needing to strengthen they could look to cash in on the midfielder for the greater good. Tiote is set to depart in the New Year for the African Nations Cup, which could be a sticking point in the deal.
Arsenal’s chief executive Ivan Gazidis spoke at a supporters club meeting last night, and confirmed manager Arsene Wenger will have considerable funds available in January, if he decides he needs them. “We’ve got money to spend, but does that mean that he’s [potential targets] available. That’s something else.”
Sunderland are ready to wield the axe after a poor start to the season, and bad boy Titus Bramble is top of the list. He is out of contract next summer and the Black Cats would accept a small fee to move him off their wage bill sooner. Another player perhaps surprisingly set to be shown the door is Frazier Campbell, who was exceptional in Martin O’Neill‘s start with the club, earning an England call-up. He has since faded, and fallen out of favour, and Sunderland are willing to listen to bids for the striker.
image: © mafue
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