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Rumour Reel: Draxler to Everton as Koeman eyes marquee signing

| 05.08.2016
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

Robbie Purves | August 5, 2016

Coral’s rumour reel

The blue side of Merseyside could finally land a star talent this summer after weeks of speculation, with Julian Draxler to Everton linked in today’s back pages.

With the start of the Premier League campaign just over a week away, Ronald Koeman is keen to add reinforcements before their opening clash against Tottenham.

Draxler to Everton?

The Toffees have mad an audacious approach to sign Wolfsburg’s wonderkid Julian Draxler – according to reports.

Germany vs. Italy

In a sensational interview with a German newpaper on Wednesday, the Die Mannschaft international said: “I have expressed myself clearly to [coach] Dieter Hecking that after the Euros I want to leave Wolfsburg.”

Everton’s new majority owner, Farhad Moshiri, is reportedly keen to add a marquee signing to usher in a new era at Goodison Park, free from financial constraint and instability.

Having added only Maarten Stekelenburg and Idrissa Gueye since this official takeover, the Merseyside outfit are expected to splash the cash and have been linked with a £15m move for Swansea’s Ashley Williams too.

Wolsfburg have insisted that Draxler will go nowhere, but the World Cup winner has a £63m release clause the Toffees may be tempted to trigger. Arsenal and Juventus have been keen on the attacking midfielder, with the Italian giants the most likely challenger to Everton, as the Gunners already possess the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.

 

Reds say bye to bad boy Balotelli?

Ajax are reportedly ready to hand out of favour Mario Balotelli a lifeline, after his disappointing years at Liverpool.

Mario Balotelli File Photo

Liverpool’s Italian striker has only managed to net twice in 36 total appearances for the Reds and AC Milan, the latter being on loan. Despite this, the Amsterdam outfit are willing to take a punt on him, after making it to the final qualifying round of the Champions League.

The 25-year-old has 12 months remaining on his contract, but Liverpool could look to recoup some of the £16m they paid for him 2014. Ajax could also see Balotelli as a replacement for Arkadiusz Milik, who moved to Napoli this summer.

 

Hornets look at Lemina

Gabon international Mario Lemina is ready to leave Juventus this summer, despite only making his loan move from Marseille permanent in April of this year.

Soccer - UEFA Champions League - Group D - Monchengladbach v Juventus - Borussia-Park

Lemina cost the Old Lady just £7m and, after making just 10 domestic appearances last term, his value has rocketed to around £20m. The dynamic box-to-box midfielder can also play on the wing or even full back, and has reportedly interested Watford.

The Hornets have already had a bid rebuffed according to reports, and now face stiff opposition in the form of Schalke. The German club have reportedly sent a bid of around £19m to Turin, and are now waiting for the Serie A champions’ response.

Related

Check out our Rumour Reel archive.

Toffees fans, what do you think of Draxler to Everton? Let us know in the comments below.

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Author

Robbie Purves