Coral’s rumour reel: Chelsea tracking Pedro?
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The media may be awash with Manchester United’s transfer dealings this morning, while Raheem Sterling’s mooted to move to Liverpool is also hogging the headlines, but could Chelsea (8/5 with Coral to retain the Premier League) be about to steal the limelight back?
Jose Mourinho’s men have had a quiet summer so far, but the Blues may be about to do some serious bargain hunting of their own. The Premier League champions are now being linked with a surprising swoop for Barcelona forward Pedro and could meet his reported £22m release clause.
The hardworking Spain striker has long been tipped to join either Arsenal or Liverpool but, in a surprising twist, could now bolster the Blues’ already brilliant frontline instead.
Watch Pedro’s season highlights:
Mourinho’s former protege Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, may try to trade out-of-favour forward Mario Balotelli to Serie A side Fiorentina, who have previously expressed interest in the striker. What would Liverpool like in return? Former Bayern Munich goal machine Mario Gomez.
Elsewhere in the Northwest, Manchester United simply can’t stay off the back pages. Whilst David de Gea could now stay put between the Old Trafford posts for one more season, it may be the Red Devils’ club record signing Angel Di Maria who makes way.
Now free from Financial Fair Play restrictions, PSG are believed to be back in for the Argentine attacker, with a £47m offer in the works. Cue the usual rumours of a swap deal for supposedly want-away Uruguay sharpshooter Edinson Cavani too.
See Cavani in action:
The Parisian club appeared to confirm their interest, with boss Laurent Blanc stating “Di Maria, he’s good. We have more freedom, but it remains a difficult project for us because we’re not alone in wanting him.”
Man Utd are also believed to be intent on adding Di Maria’s compatriot Nicolas Gaitan to their roster and could use Brazilian right back Rafael as a sweetener to tempt Portuguese giants Benfica into selling their wing wizard.
Rafael’s agent told media “Benfica and Manchester United are in negotiations over Gaitan and one offer includes Rafael to join Benfica…if the talks proceed, it will not be difficult to reach an agreement.”
In more Premier League transfer gossip, Southampton coach Ronald Koeman is said to be closing in on former Feyenoord charge and Netherlands international Jordie Clasie, with the Clockwork Orange schemer set to replace Man Utd-bound Morgan Schneiderlin and make the Saints’ midfield tick.
And finally, Tottenham (6/1 for a top four finish) could make a double swoop for Everton duo James McCarthy and Kevin Mirallas, with Spurs supposedly prepared to part with around £23m for the talented Toffees pair.
