Rumour reel: Barca get their man
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Deal to be confirmed on Wednesday
Much of Coral’s rumour reel columns have been filled with Southampton’s attempt to hold on to a want-away star, but today we start with the news that they have brought a major name in – Mario Lemina. The Juventus midfielder joined on a five-year deal, costing The Saints £18m.
23-year-old Lemina, a Gabon international, turned out 42 times for The Old Lady, and also boasts big game experience in the colours of Marseille. A signing sure to get the attention of fans before this weekend’s big kick-off. Let’s run through what else catches the eye in midweek…..
Coutinho expected to sign for Barca
Reports in the Spanish press on Tuesday evening told followers Barcelona consider themselves to be a matter of hours away from signing Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho. The La Liga giants have been chasing Coutinho all summer, with Liverpool saying they weren’t interested in selling the 25-year-old playmaker, but it looks like his head has been turned, and the club are powerless to stand in his way. Barca sent a group of representatives over to Anfield early this week to thrash out the small print, with a transfer expected to be announced today. As well as a hefty fee, Liverpool will also be offered Andre Gomes as part of the deal, just to sweeten things, if the player and Liverpool can agree terms.
Drinkwater to start the shopping spree
Chelsea have left it late, and looked, at times, to be dragging their feet in the transfer window after missing out on Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United, but boss Antonio Conte now wants to get things moving before the end of the month, with anything up to four new faces set to arrive at Stamford Bridge in the near future. We told you last week the Premier League winning manager wanted more Englishmen in his ranks, Gary Cahill the only regular starter at present, and with that in mind they’re pushing on with a bid to pull in Danny Drinkwater. The Leicester City midfielder will help add a bit of depth to a side that had to name a number of academy players on the bench for the Community Shield last weekend.
Sissoko in need of a fresh start
Moussa Sissoko has told Tottenham bosses he is keen on sealing a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor, after learning of their interest in him. The Black Sea Storm had originally been in contact regarding a loan move for 27-year-old Sissoko, but the Londoners aren’t so keen, telling Trabzonspor they must pay up if they want the Frenchman at their club. With Sissoko currently valued at around £30m, was that a move designed to put an end to the discussion, or would the Turks back up their interest with hard cash? Sissoko caught the eye in a friendly match vs Juventus at the weekend, but he had a poor season last time, making just eight Premier League starts. A fresh chapter could be the best for everyone concerned.
