Rumour Reel: Spurs seek Drinkwater deal, Baggies close on Sakho signing
Robbie Purves | August 1, 2016
The summer transfer window officially opened on July 1st, and clubs have wasted no time chasing down their targets one by one, as they look to complete some of their business with the upcoming Premier League campaign fast approaching.
Tottenham target Leicester League winner
According to reports, Spurs are preparing a £20m move for 26-year-old Danny Drinkwater to complete their talented midfield.
Drinkwater was a vital component of Leicester City’s shock league triumph and that form saw him earn his first ever England caps. However, the Manchester United youth product has started talks over a rumoured new £80k-a-week contract which could be enough to keep the midfielder in the East Midlands.
Of the headline grabbing names that lead to Claudio Ranieri’s side the league title, only N’Golo Kante has left, after Jamie Vardy snubbed a move to Arsenal and Riyad Mahrez seems happy at the King Power Stadium.
Tottenham added Kenya anchorman Victor Wanyama early in the summer from Mauricio Pochettino’s former team Southampton, and the signing of Drinkwater would complete a rock solid shielding force in front of the back four.
Boro eye Enzo
Middlesbrough are eyeing up a move for Zinedine Zidane’s son Enzo, with a potential loan offer set to be submitted to Real Madrid.
The 21-year-old has spent the last few weeks training with Los Blancos’ senior squad, and manager Zinedine could be willing to lend one-time Bernabeu teammate Aitor Karanka his son.
Spanish sides Alcorcon and Sporting Gijon have made their interest known for Real Madrid Castilla regular Enzo.
Sakho Baggies bound
West Bromwich Albion have reportedly agreed a £15m fee for West Ham United’s Senegal striker Diafra Sakho. The 26-year-old submitted a transfer request last month amid interest from Sunderland, and refused to travel with the squad to Austria for pre-season training.
Now, Sakho has to decide whether he wants to join the West Midlands side. The Senegalese scored seven goals in all competitions last term and could be a replacement for the likely departing Saido Berahino.
Conte keen on Lukaku
Chelsea have already reportedly had a £57m offer rebuffed for Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku, and reports now suggest the Blues are set to test Everton’s resolve with an improved £68m bid for the former Stamford Bridge talent.
If successful, it would break the current British transfer record set by Manchester United when they signed Real Madrid’s Angel Di Maria. Despite Lukaku seeking a move, the Toffees are digging their heels in as talks enter into August.
The Merseyside outfit are asking for a spectacular £75m – according to reports. Everton are under no pressure to sell their valuable asset for under their price, after Farhad Moshiri became the club’s majority shareholder. The Iranian businessman brings financial stability and fresh investment, with a refurbished stadium in the offing.
Lukaku could be one of two big money departures from the Toffees, as Manchester City remain confident of sealing John Stones’ signature for £50m.