Rumour round-up: Walcott Barca bound, Ronaldo returning to PL?

Lee Gormley | November 2, 2015

Transfer rumours round-up

After reaching November this year, it seems clubs around Europe are already getting their plans in place for recruitment business in the January transfer window, as the rumours recently went into overload for the Winter period.

Among the rumours flying around the tabloids, after a busy summer of activity in the Premier League and the rest of Europe’s top divisions, stars such as Theo Walcott, Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba have all been linked with moves. Read on to see what the latest rumours are!

Walcott wanted at Nou Camp

According to reports in Spain, reigning treble champions Barcelona are ready to up their interest in Arsenal’s rapid wideman Walcott, after suffering a host of high-profile injuries and their transfer ban coming to an end next year.

The Gunners attacker has been in fine form this season, before picking up a recent injury, and Luis Enrique’s Catalan giants, who are 3/1 with Coral for another Champions League triumph, may seek the England international’s services, with Lionel Messi a long-term absentee.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, another starlet from Barcelona could be heading in the opposite direction soon, with Roberto Martinez’s Everton linked with the promising Munir El Haddadi. The Toffees have grown fond of capturing young Barca stars, having already lured in Gerard Deulofeu previously.

Munir has reportedly become tired of constant criticism placed on him this season at the Nou Camp, so could the 20-year-old become the latest youngster to arrive at Everton under Martinez?

Chelsea chasing Capello?

Jose Mourinho’s season is gradually getting worse, after being recently hit by legal action from former team doctor Eva Carneiro, following the Blues’ disastrous start to the defence of their Premier League title.

Plenty of managerial names have been mentioned as potential replacements for the struggling ‘Special One’, and former England boss Fabio Capello has now also expressed an interest in taking charge at Stamford Bridge.

Although the Blues hierarchy are reportedly not interest in dismissing Mourinho at this moment, Capello’s name could come into the fray if poor results continue in the next few top-tier games.

Whoever is in charge in the coming campaigns will likely have to pick from a squad without currently loaned out misfit Juan Cuadrado, with Juventus ready to open talks regarding a permanent switch, having declared their willingness to pay up to €20m for his services.

Ronaldo hints at PL return

Since his departure from Manchester United in 2009, Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo has been constantly linked with a return to the Premier League.

After becoming Los Blancos’ most prolific marksman ever earlier this year, overtaking club legend Raul Gonzalez, could the Portugal international skipper comeback to England next year?

Ronaldo sparked further speculation after stating: “At this moment, I’m happy playing for Real Madrid but I don’t know what will happen in my future. I must choose the way that makes me happy.”

This will give hope to Red Devils fans, who have long desired the return of their former Old Trafford hero, but the riches of rivals Manchester City or Chelsea could be a temptation too if that day does actually come.

Drogba talk a load of Bologna?

After taking the MLS by storm since arriving at Montreal Impact, Chelsea legend Didier Drogba is being linked with a loan switch to Serie A side Bologna.

Such a switch would see Drogba join past and present MLS stars such as Robbie Keane, David Beckham and Landon Donovan in securing a temporary move away from the ever-developing division in America.

Van Gaal tracking Youri

The Red Devils have stuttered in recent weeks domestically, and boss Louis van Gaal is reportedly looking to Belgian prospect Youri Tielemans in a bid to bolster his Old Trafford ranks next year.

Anderlecht’s talented 18-year-old midfielder has also been tracked by Man City, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, but it’s Man Utd who want to swiftly secure his services in the coming months. United are 9/1 to lift the Premier League title this campaign.

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