Arsenal, Wigan Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, QPR, Aston Villa, Stoke City and Sunderland are the talks of the papers today…
Ajax centre-back Toby Alderweireld has said he is keen on a move to the Premier League and hopes to follow in the footsteps of Jan Vertonghen. He said: “A club such as Arsenal or Tottenham, they are fantastic clubs and would be a step forward.”
Another centre-back on the market is Brazilian star Lucio. The Brazilian has had his contract at Juventus terminated by mutual consent and is now a free agent. He has been tipped to rejoin Bayern Munich or Bayer Leverkusen, but we have put forward a case why he should re-unite with former Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez at Chelsea.
Liverpool are keen to sign a centre-back of their own, the latest name linked is Frenchman Nicolas Mirin. The 21-year-old plays for Valenciennes and is a French under-21 international. The Mail reporthis contract is up in 18 months meaning the Reds could sign him for a cut-price fee.
Spanish newspaper AS has claimed Arsenal want to sign Barcelona full-back Dani Alves. The 29-year-old has fallen out of favour at the Camp Nou this season, and while he has a contract until 2016, the Spanish club would be open to offers for the Brazilian international. Arsenal are expected to lose Bacary Sagna in the summer, and Alves would be a ready made replacement.
Wigan Athletic have sealed a deal for Honduran international Roger Espinoza, after a work permit hearing was approved yesterday. The deal will go through on January 1. Roberto Martinez said: “He has been developing into an exciting footballer over the last three seasons in the MLS.”
Aston Villa and Stoke City are among a whopping 30 clubs linked with signing Crewe Alexandra‘s Luke Murphy. The midfielder is 23, and the Mirror report Villa could have the edge as they will offer him the chance to reunite with former teammate Ashley Westwood.
Harry Redknapp wants to bring Demba Ba to QPR, report the Telegraph. As well as the Newcastle striker, he is keen to bring in Nicolas Anelka and rescue him from his stint in China, and will meet Tony Fernandes this week to discuss transfer funds. Other targets include Liverpool‘s Joe Cole and Aston Villa‘s Darren Bent.
Martin O’Neill has denied reports he wants to sell Frazier Campbell, who scored for Sunderland this weekend against former club Manchester United. He had been linked with a switch back to Hull City.
image: © Oh Barcelona
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
