Rumour Reel: Gimenez to Man Utd while Liverpool look at Lopez and City move for Mina?
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Coral’s rumour reel
With the fast approaching winter window nearing its opening, Jose Mourinho appears to have already set his sights on Old Trafford’s number one defensive target, with Jose Gimenez to Manchester United linked in today’s back pages.
The 21-year-old Atletico Madrid centre back was a key component in Diego Simeone’s side last term, and has reportedly caught Mourinho’s eye.
Gimenez to Man Utd?
United have reportedly earmarked Gimenez as their number one target this January window, as Mourinho searches to solidify his defensive line.
However, United will have to fork out an eye watering fee to land the defender. The Uruguay star reportedly has a £56m release clause that is unlikely to be met, even with Old Trafford’s riches.
Simeone will be reluctant to let the fellow South American leave Madrid, as Gimenez remains key to the Vicente Calderon outfit’s future. Compatriot Diego Godin has formed a formidable centre back pairing with Gimenez and it is unlikely to be broken up, as Atleti head into a new stadium in an era in which the club’s hierarchy aim for European domination.
United spent £30m on Eric Bailly last summer, but with him out thanks to a knee injury for two months, Marcos Rojo is likely to come in – leaving Man Utd thin at the back.
Liverpool look to land Lopez?
Premier League giants Liverpool reportedly sent scouts to watch 18-year-old Marseille sensation Maxime Lopez in action against Bordeaux on Sunday.
The Frenchman is widely regarded as the Stade Velodome side’s best prospect since Samir Nasri graduated. Lopez is equally adept at playing the number 10 role or out on both flanks, a positional versatility that sees Liverpool sniffing around the Marseille born teenager.
However, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds could face competition from Arsenal. Arsene Wenger reportedly attempted to sign Lopez back in 2014, but the guileful creator opted to sign a professional contract with his hometown club instead.
The attacking midfielder has sporadically featured this campaign, but starred when recording 90 minutes at the weekend.
City move for Mina?
Manchester City have made contact with Brazilian club Palmeiras to ask about the availability of Yerry Mina – reports suggest.
The Colombia defender only joined the club in May, but has already received admiring glances from European giants. Mina missed the Olympics with a shoulder injury, but the 6ft 5in centre back has since flourished in his new surroundings – scoring four goals in the process.
However, Pep Guardiola’s Sky Blues may face competition from La Liga. Reigning Spanish champions Barcelona have a first option agreement to sign him for £8.1m at the end of the season if they so wish – according to reports.
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