Rumour Reel: Isco to Man Utd, Arsene eyes Jones while Bellerin is Barca bound?
Published:
Robbie Purves | September 20, 2016
Coral’s Rumour Reel
Jose Mourinho is in need of a creative injection and a wantaway Real Madrid attacking midfielder could be on his way in January, as Isco to Manchester United is among stories in today’s back pages.
Isco to Man Utd
Wayne Rooney’s display against Watford at the weekend was a clear indication something needs to change at Old Trafford. The England captain crawled his way around the pitch and made little positive impact.
In light of this, Isco, an actual number 10 with supreme playmaking qualities appears to be on Mourinho’s winter wishlist. Los Blancos’ 24-year-old has made only two substitute appearances in La Liga this season, and is an attainable talent when the window slides open in January.
Isco is contracted until 2018 and United could face competition from Manchester City – who attempted to sign the Spaniard when he was at Malaga.
Real’s out of favour creator has notched a total of 26 assists in his previous two seasons and could cure the Red Devils’ number 10 woes – he would reportedly cost around £25m.
Arsene eyes Jones
Unsurprisingly, Phil Jones is currently out with an injury and United have reportedly finally lost patience with the accident prone centre back.
Jones has failed to make his mark since arriving in 2011 from Blackburn, unable to reach his full potential with injuries holding him back. The Preston-born defender is on around £110k-a-week and would be sold for anything upwards of £10m – according to reports.
Arsenal and Liverpool have been earmarked as potential destinations, with them both reportedly tracking the situation. Despite Arsene Wenger bringing in Shkodran Mustafi, the Emirates outfit still look vulnerable at the back, but Jones probably wouldn’t be the answer.
Meanwhile at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp appears to have the makings of a quality centre back pairing in Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren, a duo Jones would be unlikely to break up.
Bellerin Barca bound?
Barcelona’s vice-president Jordi Mestre has added fuel to the fire surrounding Hector Bellerin’s Arsenal future, by heaping praise on the right back, calling him a “great player”.
Wenger’s 21-year-old Spain international was born in Barcelona and started his career in the club’s famed La Masia youth academy before moving to north London in 2011.
Since then, Bellerin has blossomed into one of the league’s best full backs and has reportedly caught the interest of his former club.
The Emirates outfit would likely demand a fee in the region of £30m, which would see another former Barca man return to the Catalan club, just as Cesc Fabregas did.
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United fans fans, tell us what you think of Isco to Man Utd in the comments below.
