Rumour Reel: Hart to Everton, Rondon Baggies to Barca while Hornets poised for Pereyra
Published:
Robbie Purves | August 17, 2016
Ronald Koeman could be about to battle it out with bitter Merseyside rivals Liverpool, as Joe Hart to Everton headlines today’s back pages.
England’s number one Hart is understood to be unhappy at Manchester City, after new boss Pep Guardiola dropped him for the club’s first two competitive games of the season.
Hart to Everton?
When coming into the Toffees job, Koeman reportedly highlighted the goalkeeping position as weak link and is now in the market for a long-term replacement for Tim Howard, who left after nine years at Goodison Park.
Summer signing Maarten Stekelenburg impressed on his debut against Tottenham, but the availability of Hart could spark a bidding war on Merseyside.
Jurgen Klopp also added a new keeper this summer, 23-year-old Loris Karius from Mainz. However, he is considered competition for Simon Mignolet and not a direct replacement. With Karius out with a broken hand for around 10 weeks, the Anfield outfit could swoop for Hart and push the accident prone Mignolet to the periphery of the squad.
Man City are thought to be in talks with Barcelona for keeper Claudio Bravo for around £18m – but may be delayed until the Spanish giants find a replacement, as Marc-Andre ter Stegen is out injured.
Rondon to switch Baggies for Barca?
According to reports, Catalan giants Barcelona are monitoring West Bromwich Albion striker Jose Salomon Rondon, as they continue their pursuit of backup striking options.
The Spanish champions possess arguably the deadliest attacking trio in world football with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, but Luis Enrique remains keen to add reinforcements.
Venezuela hitman Rondon has already had successful spells in Spain with Las Palmas and Malaga, so could be tempted with a move back.
After a slow start moving from Zenit St Petersburg for £12m, Rondon has impressed and scored the winner in the Baggies’Premier League curtain-raiser against Crystal Palace.
Barca’s potential target list is thought to include Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez, Valencia marksman Paco Alcacer and Carlos Bacca of AC Milan.
Hornets poised for Pereyra
Watford have agreed a club record fee of £13m to sign Juventus midfielder Roberto Pereyra, reports suggest.
The Argentina international reportedly already had talks with Hornets boss Walter Mazzarri, and is due in England today.
After their initial bid of £7.8m for the 25-year-old attacking midfielder was rebuffed, the Vicarage Road side came back with another deal that was subsequently accepted.
Pereyra only played nine times in Serie A last season and is looking for regular first-team action. He is a quick, dynamic, and hardworking player, who possesses great vision, and the technical skill to excel in the Premier League.
With Pereyra on his way out of Serie A, Cesc Fabregas could head in the opposite direction.
It is understood that after being left out of Chelsea’s opening matchday squad by Antonio Conte, Fabregas has reportedly explored avenues away from Stamford Bridge, with Italian champions Juve a possible option.
Related
Toffees fans, tell us what you think of Hart to Everton in the comments below.
