Rumour reel: Conte targets defensive trio, Foxes demand Man Utd swap deal
Published:
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | September 26, 2016
Coral’s rumour reel
As another Premier League matchweek goes by, clubs are already looking at players to improve their teams this January transfer window, especially after some less than promising performances.
Coral’s latest rumour reel for September 26th sees Antonio Conte’s Chelsea, who were taken apart by London rivals Arsenal on Saturday, in the market for three new defenders, while Leicester City have asked for a Manchester United midfielder in return for Danny Drinkwater.
Elsewhere, a Blues star might be on his way across the capital to West Ham United.
Find out who the stars in question are by reading on…
Chelsea chase defensive trio
West London outfit Chelsea may have started life under Antonio Conte well with three straight wins in the top flight but, as the season has progressed, cracks beneath the surface have begun to show. Their latest defeat to Arsenal has seemingly sparked the club into scouring Europe in search of new recruits, particularly at the back.
Gary Cahill once again was at fault for a goal after momentarily losing concentration, while Branislav Ivanovic showed signs of ageing. John Terry and Kurt Zouma’s injury issues are of some concern too.
Newspaper reports have since suggested that the Blues are looking at younger English talent, with Burnley’s former Manchester United youth graduate Michael Keane and Middlesbrough versatile player Ben Gibson the names being linked.
The duo, who are both 23, have highly impressed this term, despite their newly-promoted teams being at the wrong end of table, and they’d certainly be cheaper options than higher-profile stars abroad.
One man they do fancy splashing out on, though, is commanding centre back Leonardo Bonucci, who played under Conte at Juventus and Italy.
Although aged 29, it is said he could cost up to £50m to prize away from the Serie A giants, while Manchester City are also in the hunt for him.
Foxes want Man Utd star in return for Drinkwater
We reported recently that Man Utd were seriously interested in buying back their former youth player Drinkwater, and Claudio Ranieri has since said he won’t stop him from going.
Latest stories suggest that the Foxes are resigned to the fact that the 26-year-old England midfielder will be on his way in January, but are also hoping to gain from it too – as they want France anchorman Morgan Schneiderlin in return.
Such a move may interest Jose Mourinho, who has used Schneiderlin sparingly this term and has a number of names in his position anyway.
Cesc to swap Chelsea for Hammers?
Back to Chelsea, but this time an intriguing potential outgoing transfer. Cesc Fabregas is another who has failed to really impress his new manager, having started just once in the Premier League to date.
It is now being said that the 29-year-old Spain international could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge, though still stay in London.
Fellow under-performing team West Ham are the touted team to take the ex-Arsenal and Barcelona man in.
Related
You’ll find more terrific transfer gossip in the Rumour Reel archive.
Can you say any of the above stars turn out for their linked teams? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
