It’s almost time for clubs to start opening their cheque books as the final month of the season approaches.
Managers have pinpointed their targets, chairmen have clarified their budgets and Peter Odemwingie is setting his GPS.
Manchester United have stolen a headstart on their rivals for top target Memphis Depay this week as they have flown the PSV winger to England for talks on a €180,000 a week deal, according to The Sun.
The Dutchman is also wanted by PSG and Liverpool but it’s understood that Louis van Gaal’s presence at Old Trafford, who has managed the 21-year-old at international level, could be enough to sway the player.
The Red Devils are willing to shell out €34 million to get the deal done as early as possible and save themselves the hassle of a deadline day panic.
Meanwhile Liverpool have reportedly started proceedings to replace Steven Gerrard by making an offer for out-of-favour Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi.
The Spaniard moved to the Bernabeu at the same time as Isco but has failed to make the impact that Isco has under Carlo Ancelotti.
Brendan Rodgers is a fan of Illarramendi who can play as a creative midfielder, as well as in a holding role, but will face stiff competition from Arsenal for the signature of the 25-year-old.
Marca claim that Real Madrid will be willing to part with the player for around €32 million.
Another of Rodgers’ transfer targets who may have just been priced out of a move to Anfield is Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie.
Bolasie has been one of the most skillful players in the Premier League over the last two seasons and is on the radar of Liverpool but manager Alan Pardew has slapped a ridiculous €80 million price tag on the player.
The Democratic Republic of Congo international signed for Palace from Bristol City for €550,000 in 2012 so it’s safe to say that his value has increased.
“I’ll sell Yannick, if someone wants to give me £40m (€55m) to £60m (€83m), somewhere in there, that would be good,” Pardew said. “I’ll take it and we’ll build the team around that money. Every player has a price, of course. All these players here are undervalued, in my opinion.” The Guardian
Meanwhile Premier League leaders Chelsea are looking at a €230 million spending spree this summer with moves for Gareth Bale (makes sense), Raphael Varane (makes sense) and Radamel Falcao (WTF?).
While it’s unlikely that all three will move to Stamford Bridge this summer, with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez rebuffing offers from the Blues for Bale and Varane, a move for Falcao looks less improbable.
It was reported earlier this week that Liverpool were in talks to bring the Monaco forward, on-loan at Manchester United, to Merseyside for €34 million but it’s now believed that Chelsea are willing to throw their hat in the ring and will likely be the more desirable destination for the Colombian due to their place in next season’s Champions League. (Metro)
And in what could be music to the ears of Arsenal fans, it looks like the Gunners have eventually acknowledged their need for a defensive midfielder and will finally secure a deal for long-time target William Carvalho.
Arsene Wenger has been monitoring Sporting Lisbon’s Carvalho for what seems like twenty years but saw numerous offers rejected as the Portuguese club held out on their €40 million asking price.
But, according to reports in Portugal, Sporting are now willing to accept less than €30 million for the holding midfielder. (The Telegraph)
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