Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Newcastle United are all the talk of the papers today.
Bringing you the latest news, gossip and rumour from the last 24 hours.
The race for speedy winger Theo Walcott is hotting up, with the Arsenal wide man no close to resolving his future. He has just one year left on his contract and the Gunners will nopt want to lose him on a free next summer. The latest reports indicate that Liverpool have a strong interest in the 23-year-old, who is said to be a fan of the club. They are ready to bid £15 million for the player, who is also a target for Chelsea. The Blues need right-sided players and Walcott fits the bill, but Brendan Rodgers and his attacking style could tempt Walcott towards the Reds.
Ajax starlet Christian Eriksen faces an uncertain future, after it emerged Zenit St Petersburg have made a bid for the player. An unnamed second club is believed to have entered the bidding too, but ambitious Eriksen is keen on a move to either Manchester United or Barcelona. He is already a Dutch League winner, and featured against United in the Europa League last season. Ajax want £20 million for the 20-year-old, but with Ferguson suggesting the club want to make just one or two new signings the attacker will hope he is a priority.
Aston Villa are said to be close to sealing a deal for Dutch international defender Ron Vlaar. The Euro 2012 defender was seen at Villa park yesterday as he went to discuss personal terms on a deal. The defender plays for Feyenoord and would cost around £8 million, a sizeable investment for Paul Lambert‘s side. He would certainly add experience and depth to Villa’s back line, and be a very good addition.
Manchester City have joined the clubs interested in Kenyan star Victor Wanyama. The 21-year-old midfielder was impressive for Celtic last season, but is said to be keen on a new challenge, with several teams chasing his signature. West Ham are among those linked, but City see him as a replacement for Nigel de Jong who has just one year remaining on his contract.
Newcastle United are keen on a sensational deal to bring back Andy Carroll, but have had an opening offer rejected by Liverpool. Newcastle made an approach to take him on loan which was turned down by the club, but are said to be ready to lodge a £17 million bid, almost half the fee they sold him for 18 months ago. Rodgers is still not sold on Carroll for next season, and the money would be re-invested to buy his own targets, including Theo Walcott. It would be a shrewd move by Newcastle and underline the terrible business Liverpool made in overpaying for him.
image: © Steenbergs
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