In today’s transfer news and rumours, we feature Joe Hart’s honest assessment about his future, and Tottenham’s Dele Alli is in the headlines today after a £50 million White Hart Lane exit became a possibility earlier today. Barcelona manager Luis Enrique dropped hints on Lionel Messi’s future and the latest update on the Argentine’s contract extension.
Serie A
Inter to offer Jovetic for Badelj
Inter Milan are ready to go head-to-head with AC Milan in the signature of Fiorentina’s Milan Badelj, according to reports from Football Italia. As per the reports, Inter are ready to offer the want-away striker Stevan Jovetic to sweeten the deal and are now favourites to sign Badelj, who looks certain to quit Fiorentina in January.
Joe Hart hints at long-term Torino stay
On-loan goalkeeper Joe Hart has hailed Torino ahead of the much-awaited clash against Juventus and has hinted towards a possible long-term stay with the Serie A outfit. Hart has already ruled out the possibility of returning to Manchester City and with most of the Premier League teams already settling on their long-term keeper, Hart fancies a stay with Torino as his ideal scenario.
Eder on his way to Sampdoria?
According to Il Secolo, Sampdoria are interested in signing Inter Milan striker Eder if their highly-rated striker Luis Muriel leaves in January. Muriel is linked with several European clubs in January and the Genoa-based club are desperate to bring in another goal scorer. Inter are currently in a turmoil and a massive squad overhaul is expected which could allow Eder to join Sampdoria for a fee closer to €7-8 million.
Bundesliga
Ribery pledges his future to Bayern Munich
French winger Frank Ribery has confirmed that Bayern Munich will be his last European club and hopes to stay in Germany until the end of his current contract. Ribery’s current deal expires in 2018 and he hopes to end his European experience with the German champions. In an interview with Eurosport, Ribery also cited that he sees himself playing football beyond the age of 36 and has opened doors to a move to Chinese Super League and MLS.
Arsenal handed boost in Draxler chase
According to reports from ESPN, Arsenal have been handed a massive boost to sign Wolfsburg’s Julian Draxler after Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out Bayern’s bid for the German playmaker. In an interview with ESPN, Ancelotti said: "Draxler is a very interesting player. He can play in any team. Our team is complete. We won't do anything in winter – there's no market for us."
Draxler has been linked with a move away from Wolfsburg with Arsenal, PSG and Manchester United interested in signing him, however, at this stage, Arsenal are leading the race. The Gunners want to bring in an attacker due to constant exit fears of their two superstars - Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
Premier League
Mourinho meets West Ham playmaker to sign him in January
According to reports from Le10 Sports, Jose Mourinho has made West Ham playmaker Dimitri Payet his number one target in January and has even had a one-on-one conversation with the Frenchman to express his interest in the crafty playmaker. The left wing still continues to be a problem for Mourinho where he has already tried Anthony Martial, Memphis Depay and Juan Mata with little success. Payet is also unhappy with West Ham’s poor start to the season and is ready to move if West Ham decide to sell him in January.
Chelsea to offload Oscar in January
Chelsea are ready to complete a deal with Turkish side Fenerbahce for their out-of-favour playmaker Oscar, according to reports from The Sun. Oscar has failed to start in the last half a dozen matches and is the 5th choice midfielder for Antonio Conte. Oscar lacks the physical power to be the focal point of Chelsea’s midfield and is all but certain to exit Stamford Bridge in January. Oscar was previously linked with Inter Milan but a change in management has seen the Serie A side’s interest in the Brazilian wane.
Liverpool to table £ 22.5m bid for 19-year-old
Liverpool are preparing a £22.5 million bid to sign Atalanta teenager Frank Kessie, according to a report in Italy. Corriere dello Sport claim Liverpool have been scouting the youngster throughout the season and they are ready to make a formal offer for Kessie in January. The midfielder has been targetted by Jurgen Klopp after being impressed with his superb performances for Atlanta this season.
La Liga
Luis Enrique hopeful over Messi’s new contract
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is hoping to tie down Lionel Messi to a long-term deal, which will keep the Argentine superstar till the end his career at Camp Nou. According to reports from Sport, Enrique said, "Of course (I like the news). The day on which it is announced will be a great day for everyone to celebrate. He would join a list of players that have renewed and want to stay at Barca and form part of the Barca family,"
There have been a lot of uncertainties over Messi’s future in recent past with Manchester City emerging as the favourites to sign him given Pep Guardiola’s presence at the Etihad.
N’Zonzi to decide his future soon
According to reports from Sky Sports Italia, Juventus have registered an interest in signing Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi after the midfielder’s impressive 2016 and 2017. N’Zonzi was instrumental in Sevilla’s Europa league success last season and has taken the La Liga side to the knockout rounds of Champions League for the first time in 4 seasons. Chelsea are also monitoring N’Zonzi’s developments and the player is expected to name his next club in coming weeks.
Rest of Europe
Aston Villa agree first January signing
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has revealed that Aston Villa are closing in on a double January swoop with one signing already “verbally” agreed. In an interview with Birmingham Mail, Bruce said, “I already have one I hope in the bag, verbally. That will be good for us. By this afternoon I possibly could have two, which would be a really good addition to us.”
PSG to make £50 million Dele Alli bid
French Champions PSG are contemplating a £50 million bid to sign Tottenham's Dele Alli, according to reports from Daily Star. Alli has failed to hit the heights from last season and has been in and out of the Spurs side this season. Inside sources believe that Spurs are open to the idea of selling if a sizable bid comes in. PSG see Alli as the long-term midfield solution after seeing their move for Hatem Ben Arfa fall.