Coral’s rumour reel: Premier League rivals battle for Basel starlet
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Tottenham, 8/1 with Coral for a top four finish, look set to re-enter the transfer market this morning, as reports suggest the Londoners are speeding ahead in the race to sign Basel young-gun Breel Embolo.
The 18-year-old poaching prodigy could be set to cause a stir this summer, as fellow Premier League clubs Aston Villa, West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion are also said to be keeping tabs on the attacker.
Another star who must make a decision over his future is Napoli midfield shield Gokhan Inler. The Switzerland skipper has a raft of suitors including the Hammers, Leicester City, Bundesliga battlers Schalke and Turkish giants Besiktas, and could finally pick a club over the next 48 hours.
It appears one player who may have to stay put, however, is Barcelona’s Alex Song, who reportedly has few admirers seeking to secure him permanently, despite impressing on loan at Upton Park last campaign.
In more Nou Camp news, Italian giants Roma are believed to be tracking centre back Thomas Vermaelen, who has been plagued by injury since leaving Arsenal to join the Catalan kings.
One player Barca seem keen to keep, however, is rumoured Manchester United target Pedro, who could start as Luis Enrique’s side face Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup.
Nou Camp clubmate and fellow La Masia graduate Andres Iniesta told press ahead of the clash that: “as of today we are not thinking that we could lose him. He continues to be our teammate and he is here to win the first title. Hopefully, as a teammate and a player he can continue with us because he is a world class player.”
Coach Enrique also chipped in, stating: “I have never decided to pick a player or leave him out because of the transfer window.
“I would like to keep all my players through the whole season. But we have talked enough about Pedro. The solution will arrive soon.”
Another Iberian about to secure an exit from Spain may be out-of-favour Real Madrid full back Fabio Coentrao. It was thought Man Utd, who almost snared the defender under David Moyes, were still interested in the Portugal international, but latest gossip suggests former club Benfica and Serie A side Inter Milan are the only clubs eyeing the Los Blancos left back.
Back in England, Liverpool (6/4 for a top four finish) could be about to lose anchorman Lucas Leiva, while West Ham are reportedly close to completing the shock capture of controversial midfield scrapper Joey Barton on a Bosman.
