Rumour Reel: Janmaat to West Ham, Chelsea seek defensive solution from Serie A
Published:
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | August 23, 2016
Coral’s rumour reel
While many of Tuesday’s back pages are given over to Sam Allardyce’s recent press conference ahead of his first England squad announcement, Daryl Janmaat to West Ham United and Chelsea’s interest in Serie A defenders form the juiciest transfer gossip.
Links between Blues boss Antonio Conte and signing players from the league he played and managed in so successfully are to be expected.
Read all about these rumours below!
Janmaat to West Ham?
Netherlands international right back Janmaat, 27, has stayed with Newcastle United despite their relegation from the Premier League, but for how much longer?
Today’s tabloids claim the Hammers and Watford are both eyeing the £10m rated defender, who is understood to be open to a top-flight return.
West Ham have used both regular winger Michail Antonio and January transfer window arrival Sam Byram in their right back berth this season, as Slaven Bilic seeks to strengthen a rearguard that has kept two clean sheets in five Premier League and Europa League qualifying outings so far.
An expert in the position with top-flight experience would be preferable to young Byram and also frees Antonio up to contribute to attacks.
Chelsea linked to Serie A defenders
Across London, meanwhile, reports have surfaced that Conte has had a £30m offer for AC Milan centre back Alessio Romagnoli rejected by the Rossoneri.
Widely regarded as one of Italy’s hottest defensive prospects, 21-year-old Romagnoli would add balance to the Blues’ back four because he is left-footed.
It is claimed by reports from his homeland that Conte could now turn to Torino’s Nikola Maksimovic, with the Chelsea coach hopeful that fellow Serbia internationals Branislav Ivanovic and Nemanja Matic can help persuade the 24-year-old to switch to Stamford Bridge.
As a former manager of Juventus, Conte will have seen Maksimovic up close and personal in the Turin derby. His judgement on Serie A defenders should be sound given his trophy-laden spell in charge of the Old Lady.
Related
You’ll find previous gossip in the Rumour Reel archive.
Chelsea fans, we want to hear from you! What Serie A defenders would you like to see at the Bridge and why? Have your say in our comments section below…
