Coral’s Rumour Reel: Ligue 1 goalies linked with Premier League
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | December 22, 2015
A pair of Ligue 1 goalkeepers could be crossing the Channel if today’s press reports are to be believed, with Liverpool and Newcastle United seeking to add something between the sticks.
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds suffered a big setback in their bid for reclaim a place in the Premier League’s top four by losing handsomely at Watford, and a poor display for understudy stopper Adam Bogdan started off that 3-0 loss.
Mandanda to move to Merseyside?
With first-choice keeper Simon Mignolet missing out injured and his own form giving cause for concern, the Anfield outfit have thus been put on alert by indications from Marseille custodian Steve Mandanda that he may move to England.
The Stade Velodrome side have been a selling club for some years now, so long-serving skipper and stopper Mandanda, 30, may just be the latest in a long line of assets that L’OM cash in on.
Liverpool cannot expect a clear run on Mandanda, however, as Merseyside rivals Everton are beginning to think about a successor to Tim Howard.
Magpies seek Sirigu swoop
Newcastle, meanwhile, have been short options between the posts since Tim Krul sustained a season-ending injury. Rob Elliot has stepped up, producing several fine saves in wins over Klopp’s club and Tottenham, but a lack of experienced cover is understood to be a concern to the Magpies hierarchy.
PSG and Italy keeper Salvatore Sirigu is the Tyneside team’s top target, having lost his place at the Parc des Princes to summer signing Kevin Trapp. Although the 28-year-old has won si major trophies in Paris, Laurent Blanc may be willing to let him go out on loan in search of first-team football.
As Azzurri understudy to Gianluigi Buffon, Sirigu will be keen to play in the run-up to Euro 2016 to ensure he has a squad space under national coach and former Juventus boss Antonio Conte. Switching to St James’ Park could help Sirigu, but Monaco are also thought to be interested in him.
Berahino or Negredo to bolster Spurs striking options
And finally, Tottenham will turn to ex-Manchester City frontman Alvaro Negredo if they are once again frustrated in their attempts to sign West Bromwich Albion’s Saido Berahino this winter, as the former possesses Premier League experience.
The Baggies refused to sell their star striker to Spurs during the summer, but White Hart Lane chairman Daniel Levy is expected to renew his efforts to get the Burundi-born England call-up.
Mauricio Pochettino remains a little light on centre forward options, so Valencia’s Negredo would be a credible short-term alternative with Los Che boss Gary Neville preferring the younger legs of Paco Alcacer and Santi Mina at the Mestalla.
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