Coral’s Rumour Reel: Talented English internationals on the move?
Published:
England have all but sealed their place at next summer’s Euro 2016 in France (12/1 with Coral to win), but some of the international stars who have helped them towards the competition could be featuring for new clubs by the time this prestigious tournament begins.
Starting in the capital, and top-flight champions Chelsea have threw a spanner into the works regarding rivals Arsenal and their attempts to sign Petr Cech, with the Blues asking for wideman Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain to be included in any transfer. The Gunners want a cash-only deal for the shot stopper, but Jose Mourinho is aiming to capture ‘the Ox’ in exchange.
Arsenal’s young attacker has been out of England duty because of injury, but Aston Villa’s Fabian Delph has been making the most of his rise to prominence this season, becoming a regular feature in Roy Hodgson’s side. The midfielder is now being targeted by City this summer, as the Sky Blues look set to miss out on sought-after Paul Pogba.
Manuel Pellegrini’s recently dethroned top-flight champions will be aiming to bolster their attacking options for next term to win back their title, and have made an improved £40m bid for Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling, having had a £25m offer recently rejected.
QPR striker Charlie Austin is still the subject of a transfer tug-of-war between Newcastle United and several other top tier clubs, including West Ham United, with a £15m price-tag possibly putting potential suitors off his services.
Manchester United’s search for a new defensive unit is continuing, and could do long into the summer, with reported target Nicolas Otamendi now also being tracked by recently appointed Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez. The 27-year-old centre back enjoyed a successful Copa America clash against Uruguay alongside current Red Devils defender Marcos Rojo recently, in a 1-0 triumph in Chile.
Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood is still trying to lure Hull City midfielder Tom Huddlestone to the West Midlands, but could now also make a swoop for the midfielder’s teammate and Republic of Ireland international Robbie Brady in a boost for next season (7/2 to be relegated).
Another Ireland star James McClean is reportedly close to agreeing a switch from Wigan Athletic to West Bromwich Albion in a £1.5m deal. Although, the Baggies could lose their star frontman Saido Berahino, with the England Under-21 international seemingly likely to depart The Hawthorns this term.
