Coral’s rumour reel: Man Utd interested in Atleti attacker?
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Manchester United fans should have more to smile about this morning, following yesterday’s double transfer blow, as the Premier League giants are being linked to Atletico Madrid and France forward Antoine Griezmann.
Louis van Gaal could turn to the La Liga star after losing out on Pedro, but Diego Simeone’s star man has a reported release clause of £56m, which could prove a significant stumbling block.
Meanwhile, Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has spoken out over rumours of the Red Devils’ interest in Saints winger Sadio Mane and Tottenham’s tracking of midfield leader Victor Wanyama.
“There is no bid for any player. Not for Wanyama, not for Sadio, not anyone… we have to deal with rumours of the press and maybe somebody of Manchester [United] – I don’t know,” said the Dutch coach.
While Spurs, 9/1 with Coral for a top four finish, may miss out on Wanyama, they could soon see defender Federico Fazio head for the White Hart Lane exit, as the Argentine is reportedly at West Bromwich Albion for a medical, with a view to a £5m move.
Former Tottenham and Man Utd frontman Dimitar Berbatov, currently a free agent after leaving Monaco and apparently an Aston Villa target, is said to be taking time to weigh up his options, with Serie A side Sampdoria supposedly leading the race for his signature.
In other Italian news, Inter Milan could allow academy product Davide Santon to leave the San Siro to link-up with former boss Alan Pardew, who tutored the defender at Newcastle United. Crystal Palace, who have spent smartly this summer, are apparently keen on the defender.
Going in the opposite direction could be Chelsea wideman Juan Cuadrado, however, following Pedro’s arrival at Stamford Bridge. The Colombia international is believed to be the big name casualty following the Spaniard’s surprise switch, with Juventus said to be keen on acquiring the former Fiorentina winger.
In other Blues news, Roberto Martinez has denied reports that Everton defender John Stones has submitted a transfer request, with Chelsea believed to be plotting a double swoop worth around £100m for the centre back and Juve dynamo Paul Pogba.
As for potential Goodison Park incomings, the Merseysiders (10/3 chances for a top six finish) could be close to completing a £15m deal to capture Dynamo Kiev skipper Andriy Yarmolenko, and Bayern Munich centre half Dante is also tipped to be a target.
Finally, Arsene Wenger has dismissed reports suggesting playmaker Mesut Ozil could exit the Emirates to join Turkish giants Besiktas.
The French tactician told press that the Germany international is “completely committed to the club” and “focused on getting results.”
