Rumour Reel: Hornets honing in on Marseille defender Dja Djedje
Published:
Lee Gormley | July 19, 2016
Coral’s rumour reel
The summer transfer window is in full swing now, after the conclusion of the summer’s showcase event Euro 2016, and Premier League managers are swiftly trying to get plenty of business done ahead of the 2016/17 campaign kick-off.
Hornets closing in on Dja Djedje signing
One such top-flight side is Watford, who are reportedly close to agreeing a deal for Marseille defender Brice Dja Djedje this summer, with their newly appointed boss Walter Mazzarri hoping to strengthen his backline.
The Gino Pozzo owned club have offered Marseille a bid in the region of €4m, an offer which will supposedly see the 25-year-old right back arrive at Vicarage Road, though personal terms are yet to be agreed.
Born in the Ivory Coast, Dja Djedje has made 63 appearances for Marseille since joining them from Evian in January 2014, and has featured seven times for his country since making his international debut three years ago.
The talented Ligue 1 defender would become Watford’s fifth acquisition this summer, with all of Jerome Sinclair, Isaac Success and Christian Kabasele arriving permanently, while Juan Camilo Zuniga was captured on a season-long loan deal from Napoli.
Gunners target double defensive boost
Arsenal fans may be getting frustrated at the fact Arsene Wenger is still yet to splash out on a big-name frontman in this summer market, and they may have to wait even longer as it’s a defensive duo that the Frenchman is reportedly seeking next instead.
The Gunners have been linked with both Manchester City’s Jason Denayer and Borussia Dortmund’s Matthias Ginter in this window, as they hope to secure the signing of versatile defenders that can feature across the back four positions.
Belgium international Denayer, who was the main victim of that Cruyff-turn by Wales’ Hal Robson-Kanu in Euro 2016, is being pursued by the Londoners and is believed to cost in the region of £10m from Man City. He has earlier been on loan spells with Celtic and Galatasaray.
With Pep Guardiola now at the helm at Manchester City, Arsenal are hoping to land the defender’s signature, while Ginter has long been admired by Wenger, who has been scouting him since he was a youngster at Freiburg.
Koeman keen on landing Euro 2016 star
William Carvalho entered Euro 2016 as one of the hottest prospects on the continent and his performances only added to his ever-growing reputation, as he starred in Portugal’s first ever major international silverware success.
The Sporting Lisbon anchorman is now being tracked heavily by Ronald Koeman at Everton, with the Dutchman aiming to bolster his midfield ranks ahead of next term and sees the 24-year-old as an ideal candidate to improve his central areas.
Although, it is believed the new Toffees tactician would have to spend over £30m of his summer budget to secure such a high-profile arrival at Goodison Park.
Carvalho has made 111 outings for his current employers in his native country and has won two domestic trophies, with a potential switch to the blue half of Merseyside looming large for the previous Manchester United target.
Related
With the summer in full swing, there’s gossip aplenty in Coral’s Rumour Reel, so check out other editions to ensure you don’t miss any tasty tabloid titbits.
