Top transfer rumours of the day – January 19, 2015

The transfer season has moved to it’s third week with the rumour mill working overtime. Some of these rumours were turned into reality, while others were silenced by players or officials. The rumour that had everyone’s attention was about Lionel Messi’s transfer, but it was silenced by the Argentine at the Ballon D’or ceremony. Few potential deals go through were – Wilfried Bony to Manchester City, Xherdan Shaqiri and Lukas Podolski to Inter Milan, Yaya Sanogo to Crystal Palace, Fernando Torres to AC Milan – and the list goes on. The third week of the transfer season has already startled football fans by linking reputed clubs with top players. Let’s take a look at the rumours that are doing the rounds today, with clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Juventus, Sevilla and A.S. Roma beiing heavily linked.

#1 Chelsea and Manchester United

Luka Modric (right) might return to the Premier League

Chelsea officials are on high alert as Real Madrid ace Luka Modric could reportedly move back to Premier League. FIFA agent Francois Gallardo revealed that the player’s wife seems to be unsettled at Madrid and this might prompt Modric to return to United Kingdom. Gallardo said, “Modric is the engine of Real Madrid, but the problem it is his wife who did not fit into Madrid in Spain.”

Chelsea to make a quick move for Mauro Icardi as the 21-year old has reportedly entered into talks with Inter Milan over contract extension. The blues had planned to approach the player this summer, but due to the latest development, Chelsea might make an offer in haste to prevent the player from securing any extension with the San Siro side.

Manchester United are keen on signing Gareth Bale by offering David De Gea to Real Madrid. According to Sunday Express, Louis van Gaal has released a bid of £80m to bring the Welshman to Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are willing to offer £35m to sign De Gea.

Manchester United have reportedly given up their plans to bid for Mats Hummels and Kevin Strootman. Louis van Gaal feels that the current squad is strong enough to qualify for the Champions League. Hence, there won’t be any new players arriving at Old Trafford this winter transfer window.

#2 Liverpool and Arsenal

Mattia Destro might sign for Arsenal

Real Madrid are willing to sell Karim Benzema to Liverpool as they need to raise funds for PSG striker Edinson Cavani. Benzema might be a replacement for the failed summer signing Mario Balotelli. The Frenchman has also been reported to be keen on moving to the Premier League, due to tensions with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger might open talks with Roma to sign the Italian forward Mattia Destro. The Gunners believe that Destro can fill the void left by Lukas Podolski and Yaya Sanogo. Wenger has reportedly offered the player a fee of £15m. The Italian footballer has scored five goals in 15 appearances so far this season.

Liverpool are close to signing Ipswich midfielder Teddy Bishop. The Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is keen on signing the £10m rated teen and complete the transfer in the summer. Bishop has been on the radar of Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal, but the men from Anfield are chasing the deal with enormous intensity.

#3 Real Madrid and Sevilla

Paul Pogba might make a move to the Bernabeu

Real Madrid are keen on launching a world record bid for David de Gea. Carlo Ancelotti is very confident on completing the move by next season. He sees De Gea as the successor to Iker Casillas. Manchester United are willing to hold on to De Gea, but they might lose him as Real Madrid have a habbit of getting their man.

Real Madrid keen on swooping Paul Pogba for a bid of £78m from Juventus. The Frenchman has been the interest of clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City, but Real Madrid seem to be leading the race. Pogba’s agent, earlier revealed that the player will not be able stay in Italy for long.

Sevilla are willing to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard. The Dane has not made any appearance this season and wants to move away from Old Trafford to fight for a first team football oppurtunity. The 30-year old is now Van Gaal’s third choice goalkeeper, after Victor Valdes signed an 18 month contract with the Red Devils.

#4 Juventus and Roma

Luiz Adriano (Left) might move to Juventus

Juventus to enter race with Roma for Brazillian forward Luiz Adriano. Reports say that Adriano will be alternative for Juventus, if they fail to land Stevan Jovetic from Manchester City. The Bianconeri might land a deal with the 27-year old striker in the summer.

A.S.Roma to bid for Solomon Kalou as the Giallorossi look forward to strenghen their attacking options. The Ivorian is currently playing his football with Hertha BSC in the Bundesliga, but sources say the 29-year old is unhappy with the club, due to the lack of game-time. The former Chelsea forward was under Rudi Garcia, when the latter used to coach for Lille.

#5 Others

Can Kevin Mirallas offer a better second half of the season to Borussia Dortmund?

Swansea City have reportedly launched a £4m bid for Norwich star Martin Olsson. Swansea’s manager Gary Monk wishes to use the funds obtained from Wilfried Bony’s transfer to target Olsson, who earlier played in Premier League with former club Blackburn.

German giants Borussia Dortmund are willing to sign Everton striker Kevin Mirallas. Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp is in desperate need for a new face, after a disasterous first half of the season. The Belgian striker has 18 months left at Goodison Park and is also on the radar of Atletico Madrid.

West Brom to launch a new bid for Wigan’s Callum McManaman. The Baggies’ previous bid of £4m got rejected, earlier this week.West Brom manager, Tony Pulis is willing to strengthen his squad with at least four transfers, before the window closes. West Brom are expected to return with another bid by the end of this week.