Coral’s rumour reel: West Ham to lose out on Mexico marksman?
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First up this morning there could be disappointment for Slaven Bilic and West Ham United (2/1 with Coral for a top 10 finish), who appear to have lost ground in the race for Atletico Madrid hitman target Raul Jimenez.
The Mexico forward was thought to be London-bound but, according to Spanish press, may now join Portuguese giants Benfica instead, after the Lisbon outfit reportedly purchased half of his rights.
Staying in the capital, Tottenham may have happier news in their chase for a frontman, however, with speculation swirling that Spurs are close to capturing 11-capped Cameroon and Lyon striker Clinton N’jie.
As young-gun Saido Berahino is linked with an exit, West Bromwich Albion are also believed to be ready to fork out a club-record £15m fee for Zenit St Petersburg poacher Salomon Rondon, who has clocked up 28 goals in 57 games for the Russian juggernauts.
Meanwhile, in the Northwest, Everton (11/4 for a top six finish) could be about to finally shake-up the summer transfer window with a double swoop. Roberto Martinez may look to succeed where Stoke City failed and convince Switzerland international Xherdan Shaqiri to swap Italy and Inter Milan for England, while Argentina defender Ramiro Funes Mori is also rumoured to be on the Catalan coach’s radar.
From Merseyside to Mancunia, Manchester United starlet Adnan Januzaj, previously linked to the Toffees, is apparently now being targeted by Sunderland, who could tempt the attacking midfielder with a temporary stint at the Stadium of Light.
In other news, it seems Premier League new boys Watford are still not finished splashing the cash and could be on the verge of securing a loan deal for ex-West Ham midfielder Alessandro Diamanti, who is said to have passed a medical and currently plies his trade in China for Guangzhou Evergrande.
Finally, on the continent, new Barcelona buy Arda Turan has rebuffed reports that he could return to former club Galatasaray on loan until the Nou Camp club’s transfer ban is lifted.
The Turkey international told press: “Galatasaray didn’t try to take me on loan. To do that, they would have spent all of the money which they have reserved for the youth team and I don’t want Galatasaray to spend a lot of money on me.
“Besides, Luis Enrique wants me to continue in Barcelona and be close to the team,” added the ex-Atletico midfielder.
