Coral’s Rumour Reel: RVP to Fenerbahce, Newcastle in for trio and more
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Manchester United, 11/2 Premier League chances with Coral, have reached an agreement in principle with Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce for Netherlands striker Robin van Persie and could ship him off to Istanbuk, according to the weekend tabloids.
Compatriot coach Louis van Gaal found the Red Devils frontman suffering from injuries throughout last term, so United could cut their losses on 31-year-old Van Persie and move him on.
Newcastle United, 11/4 to finish in the top half, are yet to make any summer signings, but new head coach Steve McClaren and the Magpies’ hierarchy have lined up some ambitious targets.
The Toon are trying to build a new-look strikeforce by pairing £15m-rated England cap Charlie Austin, who McClarem worked with at QPR, with Bordeaux and Uruguay attacker Diego Rolan, 22.
An opening bid of £10m is reportedly being considered by the Ligue 1 outfit, but they are reluctant to sell their prized asset.
McClaren will also move for PSV Eindhoven captain Georginio Wijnaldum, 24, now that the Dutch midfielder has rejected overtures from Sunderland and compatriot coach Dick Advocaat.
If Newcastle are successful in these pursuits, then controversial owner Mike Ashley will have to pump at least £40m of investment into the squad at St James’ Park.
Sticking with Tyne and Wear, 2/1 relegation chances the Black Cats will now turn their attentions to Everton and Republic of Ireland winger Aiden McGeady, 29, to add more guile in attacking areas.
Free agent and former England right back Glen Johnson, released by Liverpool when his contract an Anfield expired, is rumoured to be in talks with 7/4 top 10 finish hopefuls West Ham United about a return to Upton Park.
The 30-year-old began his career with the Hammers before spells with Chelsea, Portsmouth and on the Red half of Merseyside. West Ham are not guaranteed to re-sign Arsenal’s Carl Jenkinson on loan, so Johnson is an experienced alternative open to new boss Slaven Bilic.
