Premier League
Napoli don’t want to sell Manolo Gabbiadini
Southampton are having a right old see-saw time of it as they try to sign Napoli’s Manolo Gabbiadini. The Italians had first stated that they wouldn’t accept anything less than 20 million of the good stuff for their front man, while the Saints were unwilling to budge a penny above 10.
The Neapolitans, though, showed they had the better negotiators when they got Southampton to shell out 17 mill., but apparently, their Chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis is absolutely peeved by the way they’ve played over the weekend (they drew 1-1 to Palermo and lost further ground to Juve) and doesn’t want to sell him. Or maybe he just really wants that 20 million pounds he initially asked for.
Sunderland to sign Bryan Oviedo
Sunderland are all set to make it an even jollier Everton reunion at Wearside by signing on Bryan Oviedo (to replace Patrick van Aanholt) and Darren Gibson (for kicks, I guess). Those two may also be joined by Leonardo Ulloa – who is unhappy with the lack of match action he is getting at fellow relegation contenders and former Champions Leicester City.
Branislav Ivanovic to leave Chelsea
Branislav Ivanovic does not have a future at Stamford Bridge – you, me, and Anonio Conte’s grandmother all know this. The Chelsea man is widely reported to have two options at his disposal – move further up the land to West Bromwich Albion and Tony Pullis, who has a happy reputation of bringing the best out of retirement candidates... or, move to China where a couple of clubs have expressed their interest.
“Ni hao” isn’t that hard to say, Branislav, don’t worry.