Coral’s rumour reel: Could Lukas Podolski move to Merseyside?

Everton (14/1 with Coral for a top four finish in 2014/15) are ruffling a few feathers this morning, with rumours of their interest in luring Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski to Goodison Park.

Now 30, the Poland-born Germany poacher spent the latter half of last season on loan to Italian giants Inter Milan, but it seems neither the Nerazzurri nor Gunners wish to retain his services, leaving the door ajar for the Toffees to tempt Podolski into a move.

Meanwhile, on the Red half of Merseyside, Liverpool are said to be one of a gaggle of top clubs, including Inter, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City, vying for Barcelona defender Marc Bartra. The young centre back, 24, is believed to be available for a bargain fee of around €12m, with his buyout clause having plummeted due to lack of game time.

Brendan Rodgers certainly appears to be busy, as the Anfield outfit are also tipped to make a renewed bid for Southampton and England right back Nathaniel Clyne and, according to reports in Italy, have agreed an initial £16m fee for Inter and Croatia schemer Mateo Kovacic.

Staying with Northwest transfer business, the Reds’ bitter rivals Manchester United just can’t seem to stop eyeing brilliant Brazilians. According to recent reports the Red Devils are close to capturing Bundesliga-based Samba Boy Roberto Firmino, with a fee said to be agreed, but could also raid Italy for Lazio sensation Felipe Anderson.

The 22-year-old only penned a new five-year deal with the ambitious Eagles in March, but Louis van Gaal could prise the playmaker away from Rome for around £30m. Is there room for two future Samba superstars at Old Trafford?

Staying with Stadio Olimpico sides, Lazio’s rivals Roma are expected to snare Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca, with the Colombian hitman’s agent citing some unusual transfer motives.

“Carlos is deeply religious. And in Rome, there is the pope… If Bacca were to leave Sevilla, it will not be for the money, but a chance to play in the Champions League,” said Sergio Barila of his client, who is already set to play in the Champions League next campaign with the Bathtubs.

Back in England, Leicester City (9/2 to be relegated in 2015/16) have apparently joined Aston Villa, Newcastle and West Brom in the chase to sign Hull City defender James Chester, who could find a route back into the top tier away from the relegated Tigers.

Fellow Hull star Tom Huddlestone could soon be on the move too, with Villa said to be keen on capturing the former Spurs deep-lying midfielder, for a rumoured fee of £5.5m.

And finally, soon-to-be free agent Bobby Zamora is also expected to pack his bags and exit relegated club QPR, having reportedly been offered a contract with Indian Premier League side Pune.