Coral’s rumour reel: Potential new British Galactico?
Current Napoli boss Rafael Benitez is heavily tipped to take over as the new Real Madrid manager and his first signing could be Liverpool’s wantaway contract rebel Raheem Sterling. The 20-year-old English winger is expected to depart Anfield and the former Reds boss is potentially set to swoop and make him the newest Galactico this summer if appointed at the Bernabeu.
Another Liverpool attacker, but a less effective one, still holds an uncertain future as Mario Balotelli’s agent recently claimed that the Italian wants to stay, but the Merseyside club are reportedly keen to offload the misfiring forward.
A possible incomer, or replacement for Balotelli, could be Burnley’s imminently departing marksman Danny Ings, who is available on a free transfer ahead of his contract expiring at Turf Moor. Liverpool are believed to be very keen on the in-form frontman this summer and are 5/2 with Coral for a top four finish next season.
Although, Tottenham may be a more attractive destination for the England Under-21, with a reported £12m bid being lined up by Mauricio Pochettino’s side. The Burnley sharpshooter could forge a deadly partnership with his fellow Under-21 international forward Harry Kane at White Hart Lane, a mouth-watering prospect for the Spurs faithful.
At Old Trafford, Argentine Angel di Maria’s future remains a doubt, but Manchester United will demand most of the record £59.7m fee that they paid for his services last summer, with German champions Bayern Munich the latest European club to be linked with a big-money swoop.
From attack to defence, the Red Devils will reportedly look to capture Wolfsburg’s talented full back Ricardo Rodriguez, with talks potentially underway over a deal. The left-footed wideman is believed to hold a £24.2m buy-out clause, with Louis van Gaal keen on the 22-year-old’s acquisition.
Across the city to United’s bitter rivals Manchester City, and the Sky Blues are leading the race to sign former Red Devils and current Juventus midfield star Paul Pogba, with a fee of £45m being touted.
With Dick Advocaat having left the Stadium of Light, Sunderland will now be aiming to quickly appoint a new boss on Wearside. David Moyes is reportedly within the club’s sights, with the Real Sociedad manager boasting plenty of Premier League experience, and Madrid assistant coach Paul Clement is also an option.
One of the top-flight’s new boys Watford are in prime position to land 28-year-old Cagliari midfielder Daniele Dessena ahead of Serie A clubs Palermo and Atalanta, while it is reported that their former coach Slavisa Jokanovic was offered only a raise of £1k for guiding them to the Premier League. The club are even-money to stay up next season.
Elsewhere, QPR may bid £2.5m for 33-year-old Liverpool flop Rickie Lambert, should top-scorer and star striker Charlie Austin depart Loftus Road.
