Coral’s rumour reel: Man Utd chasing another Argentine?
Manchester United, 5/1 chances with Coral to win the Premier League, are back in the transfer mix this morning, with two more midfielders tipped to join the Old Trafford outfit.
Lazio’s Lucas Biglia is believed to be a £17.5m target for Louis van Gaal after the Argentine helped the Eagles to a top three spot in Serie A last term, while United are also reportedly challenging Arsenal and Chelsea for out-of-favour Real Madrid anchorman Lucas Silva.
Since the Red Devils are already well-stocked in their engine room, attacking additions should be top priority and, after defeating Tottenham in their opening Premier League outing, United are once again said to be tracking Spurs striker Harry Kane. Rumour has it that the capital club could now be convinced to part with the poacher for an unspecified eye-watering sum.
Elsewhere at Old Trafford, a long-mooted move for Barcelona forward Pedro could be postponed after reports suggested Nou Camp clubmate Neymar had fallen ill, meaning Luis Enrique may try to keep his attacking cover in Catalonia.
Javier Hernandez, meanwhile, could finally make a £12m move away from Manchester, as West Ham United, 14/1 for a top six finish, continue to circle the Mexico striker.
Across town at the Emirates, Manchester City are rumoured to be ready to fork out £45m for Wolfsburg playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, while Die Wolfe sporting director Klaus Allofs cast doubts over the Belgian’s long-term future.
“I think some other clubs have definitely turned Kevin’s head,” stated the Bundesliga big-wig. “Let’s be honest about it – it’s highly unlikely that he’ll stay with us right up until 2019.”
Staying with North West transfer business, Everton are expected to receive another offer from Chelsea of around £30m for centre half starlet John Stones, and could look to replenish their rearguard with Celtic’s Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk.
In the Midlands, Stoke City are still in the market for Inter Milan wingman Xherdan Shaqiri, despite several set backs, and are keen to complete a deal as soon as possible.
When asked about the Switzerland international, persistent Potters boss Mark Hughes told media: “If we can conclude something then we’ll be delighted but nothing is certain in the transfer market when the window is open.
“We’ve been close in the past and haven’t been able to conclude deals. We’ll have to wait and see.”
While Stoke are still looking for further recruits, rivals Leicester City are pushing one marksman to the King Power exit. The Foxes are too top heavy following the arrival of Japan striker Shinji Okazaki, so David Nugent may make way and join Championship club Middlesbrough for a £4m fee.