Rumour Reel: Kostas Manolas in the frame for Man Utd, Andrea Belotti eyed by Arsenal
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Coral’s rumour reel
As Premier League clubs continue to weigh-up their options in the winter transfer window, Coral’s rumour reel keeps you updated on all the latest whispers throughout the football world. Friday’s fix of gossip focuses on speculation of an English raid on Serie A, as rumours of Roma’s Kostas Manolas to Man Utd are doing the rounds, as well as Arsenal interest in an Italy international.
So, read on to find out which players are today’s transfer protagonists in the papers and beyond…
Kostas Manolas to Man Utd?
Despite the resurgence of defensive duo Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo under Jose Mourinho, star centre back Eric Bailly’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations absence and speculation over Chris Smalling’s future mean Manchester United are still being tipped to move for backline reinforcements.
Never usually one to delve through the bargain bin, Mourinho has been linked with several high quality additions such as Jose Fonte and Victor Lindelof, though a mooted move for the latter Benfica and Sweden centre half is apparently off the table – leaving the door ajar for Roma rearguard enforcer Manolas.
The Greece international was believed to be a target for many Premier League clubs, including Man Utd, back in the summer but remained with the Giallorossi, for whom he has continued to be a reliable ever-present.
Manolas, 25, will reportedly be the subject of a £32.5m bid from the Red Devils, with Mourinho finally set to go for the Greek. Though, currently second in Serie A, will Roma really let their defensive lynchpin leave so easily?
Elsewhere, in more Man Utd news, former Red Devil Patrice Evra could be edging closer to an Old Trafford return, with the Juventus left back having apparently held talks with both the Mancunian giants and West Ham United.
Arsenal in Andrea Belotti transfer?
Man Utd aren’t the only elite English side threatening to snatch stars from Serie A, however, as Arsenal are also being linked with interest in a Andrea Belotti transfer.
Could the Gunners really land the Torino talent, 23, mid-season? Arsene Wenger, renowned for being a frugal Frenchman, is believed to be reluctant to pull the transfer trigger thanks to the Italy international’s reported £50m pricetag, which would beat the current club record of around £42.5m paid for Mesut Ozil.
This could mean Belotti will be targeted in summer instead but, with the Red Devils and Chelsea also said to be keeping an eye on the striker, who has struck 13 in 16 league outings this term, that could prove to be an Arsenal error.
