Coral’s rumour reel: Chelsea seeking clubs for Cuadrado?
Published:
Despite having taken a chance on one out-of-form Colombia attacker in Radamel Falcao, it appears Jose Mourinho and Chelsea (8/5 with Coral to retain the Premier League) will not extend a second shot to Coffee Growers flank threat Juan Cuadrado, who only joined the west London club in January.
The Blues are reportedly ready to find a new home for the 27-year-old, who made just 12 Premier League appearances and contributed one assist to Chelsea’s title triumph. A return to Italy could well be on the cards for Cuadrado, then, as Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta told media: “We are open to all possibilities. If Chelsea were open to releasing him on loan, we’d be very happy with that.”
Just a stone’s throw away, Premier League new boys Watford are back in the press, as the Hornets have apparently had a joint £10m offer for out-of-favour Tottenham midfield duo Etienne Capoue and Benjamin Strambouli accepted by the White Hart Lane hierarchy.
The Hertfordshire outfit could also make headlines by returning former Australia, Leeds United and Liverpool winger Harry Kewell to England’s top tier. As Under-21 team coach, of course.
Returning to Spurs chatter, Belgian midfielder Mousa Dembele, rumoured to be wanted across the capital by both Chelsea and West Ham United, could soon make a decision on his future.
The £12m-rated 27-year-old, who has been at Tottenham since 2012 but recently found himself further down the pecking order under Mauricio Pochettino. Dembele said: “After my holidays, I’ll talk to the boss about my future at Spurs. We will see.”
North London neighbours Arsenal could also have an outgoing star on their hands, as German sharpshooter Lukas Podolski, who spent last season on loan at Inter Milan, is believed to be close to making a permanent move from the Gunners to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Back up north, ambitious Stoke City (11/1 for a top six finish) are monitoring 19-year-old Real Madrid starlet Sergio Molina, a highly-rated defensive midfielder from the Bernabeu club’s youth ranks, as Mark Hughes looks to continue his successful recent plundering of the Spanish market.
Meanwhile, Championship side Burnley are said to be holding talks with Belgian club Genk over forward Jelle Vossen, who spent last season on loan with Middlesbrough, but may have to fork out £3m for his services.
Finally, to round things off, the David de Gea and Sergio Ramos sagas rumble on, amid reports that Manchester United will now let their Spanish stopper see out the final year of his contract unless Los Blancos sanction Ramos’ mooted move to the Red Devils.
