With the winter window opening soon, the rumour mill is beginning to gather pace. Who will be moving where come January? Transfer Talk has the latest.
TOP STORY: Rafa hopes to land MLS star
Rafa Benitez will turn to Major League Soccer in an attempt to land a player he believes could save Newcastle’s waning season.
Those are the claims of the Sun, who report that Benitez has identified Atlanta United playmaker Miguel Almiron as the man to deliver his side from relegation.
Almiron proved to be one of the breakout stars of the 2018 MLS season, scoring 12 goals and laying on 13 assists in the space of 32 appearances as Atlanta powered into the postseason.
Toon manager Benitez believes that Almiron has all the credentials to replicate that kind of form in the Premier League and is hoping that club owner Mike Ashley will supply the £15 million it will take to land the 24-year-old Paraguayan in January.
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08.00 GMT: West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic was linked with a move to Manchester United during the international break, but his manager insists the Austrian is happy with the Hammers.
Arnautovic told Austrian newspaper Kurier last week he wanted “to compete with the very best”, while his brother and agent Danijel said the 29-year-old must “play for a top team” to fulfill his potential.
“I know Marko. I know the way he thinks,” Manuel Pellegrini told reporters ahead of Sautrday’s Premier League clash against Manchester City. “I think that every player in every team must have an ambitious mind and want to continue improving his career.
“But I am sure he is happy here and the best way to [show] it is to continue having good performances.”
PAPER TALK (by Chris Wright): Chelsea eye Cahill replacement
With it looking highly likely that Gary Cahill will bring his six-year stint with Chelsea to an end in January, the club have reportedly identified the long-serving defender’s direct replacement.
That man is Daniele Rugani of Juventus, who has been specifically selected by Blues boss Maurizio Sarri as the chosen successor to Cahill’s mantle at Stamford Bridge.
According to the Sun, Rugani could be available for around £25 million when the market reopens, but Chelsea might have to act quickly if they wish to beat Arsenal to the punch, as their cross-city rivals are also known to be coveting the 24-year-old.
Tap-ins
— Having reclaimed his place in the team, Alex Sandro will not be leaving Juventus in January, despite being heavily touted by Real Madrid, Barcelona and several eager Premier League suitors, so claim Calciomercato.
— Juventus are piecing together a January raid for Wolves star Ruben Neves, according to the Mail. The midfielder has caught the eye with a series of impressive performances and spectacular goals since arriving at Molineux in 2017.
— As reported by the Sun, Maurizio Sarri is convinced that France Under-21 international Houssem Aouar has the potential to develop into a world-class player who is perfectly suited for Chelsea’s system.