Coral’s Rumour Reel: Top of the Pogs! Chelsea close on Juventus star
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With the end of the summer transfer window rapidly approaching, there are still may unresolved reports and moves that could go through between now and the end.
The latest features Chelsea’s persistent pursuit of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, with Jose Mourinho expected to make a £70m bid to strengthen his side who are 10/3 to win the Premier League title. It is easy to forget that the Champions League runner-up is just 22, though has shown maturity beyond his years while at the ‘Old Lady’, playing a pivotal part in the club’s multiple trophy wins.
With Mourinho wanting to add more dynamism to his double pivot midfield, pushing Cesc Fabregas further up to play behind Diego Costa, Pogba is seen as the ideal candidate to play alongside Nemanja Matic.
Also on their radar, is Everton centre back, John Stones, who has been the subject of constant attention all summer from the Blues, with Toffees chiefs having rebuffed at least three bids. Should Chelsea land both these targets, it would take their summer spending to £159m after the signing of teenagers Danilo Pantic, Nathan and Kenedy (both Brazilian), plus goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, left back Abdul Baba Rahman and attacker Pedro.
Meanwhile, Manchester City, 12/1 with Coral to win the Champions League this season, are closing in the capture of former Blues midfielder Kevin De Bruyne from Wolfsburg, with the fee said to be in the region of £60m. The Belgian has reportedly been offered a six-year deal worth a staggering £15m annually, as manager Manuel Pellegrini prepares for an assault on the Premier League title, after a perfect start to the season.
Leicester City, who have began their season brilliantly under new coach Claudio Ranieri, with seven points from three matches, are, according to reports, interested in Birmingham winger Demarai Gray and have made an offer to trigger his £4.7m release clause. He would add further competition to the outstanding Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton, providing the Foxes with an injection of pace.
