Coral’s rumour reel: champions Chelsea to bolster attacking force?
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The transfer gossip is continuing to circulate around Europe’s top divisions, including the Premier League, and it’s the top-flight champions Chelsea who are heavily linked with several new star names.
Jose Mourinho’s Blues have been liked with a £30m swoop for Napoli’s in-form striker Gonzalo Higuain, with the Argentine attacker having enjoyed a superb season in front of goal in Serie A and the Europa League. The 27-year-old would provide a significant improvement on the London club’s strikeforce as they aim to defend their title next term (6/4 with Coral to win retain PL crown).
Chelsea are also reportedly planning to make a move for Atletico Madrid central defender Joao Miranda, with the 30-year-old’s contract set to expire next summer. Although, the champions would have to compete with Manchester United for his signature, as the Red Devils search for defensive reinforcements.
Remaining in the capital, and sought-after Spurs stopper Hugo Lloris has refused to rule out departing White Hart Lane in the coming months, with Louis van Gaal’s Old Trafford outfit reportedly keen to acquire his services, if current goal guard David de Gea finally leaves.
In addition to United’s goalkeeping problems, Spain international De Gea has apparently already said his farewells to teammates in Manchester, as the club prepare for his imminent departure to Real Madrid. The Galaticos are confident of securing a deal for the 24-year-old, who has just a year left on his current deal, and £30m could be enough to capture United’s number one.
To fund a move for their primary target De Gea, Los Blancos may allow Spanish playmaker Isco to leave the Bernabeu, with Manchester City wanting the £32m-rated midfielder as a potential successor to present creative spark David Silva.
In the West Midlands, it is believed that Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has told attacker Andreas Weimann he can leave Villa Park this summer, with Derby County’s new manager Paul Clement lining the Austria international up as his potential first signing at Pride Park Stadium.
On the red half of Merseyside, Liverpool are reportedly planning a bid for Real’s out-of-favour wideman Denis Cheryshev, with the Russian a possible replacement for contract rebel Raheem Sterling.
Newcastle United narrowly avoided relegation this season and in a bid to steer clear of a similar situation next term (11/2 to face drop), the Magpies will attempt to lure Schalke defender Joel Matip to St James’ Park. The 23-year-old Bundesliga centre back has also been linked with Liverpool and City previously.
