Rumour reel: van Dijk a step closer to leaving Southampton
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Dutchman expected to sign for Liverpool
Another done deal, and it’s big news if you’re a Brighton fan. The Seagulls, who were promoted to the Premier League last season thanks to a second-place finish, swooped to sign Dutch midfielder Davy Propper from PSV.
The 25-year-old penned a four-year contract in a £6m deal, which is a club record transfer. That’ll ensure there’s a high level of expectation placed on the player, but manager Chris Hughton told fans the newbie is a strong competitor and boasts both Champions League and international experience.
Virgil van Dijk hands in transfer request
It was only a matter of time, and surely no one believed Liverpool when they said they had ended their pursuit of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk. To help push through any move, the 26-year-old slapped in a transfer request on Monday, setting his current employers straight – he wants to leave, and he wants to do it before the transfer window closes in the coming weeks. The player told fans he has made his intentions to leave clear after learning the club were ready to fine him two weeks wages, releasing a statement that read – I would like Southampton to consider the interest in me from top clubs should it still exist. The Netherlands cap, who joined from Celtic in 2015, is expected to go to Liverpool, but a number of big name sides are said to be keeping a close eye on that one.
Mourinho ready to fight for Bale
On the eve of Manchester United’s UEFA Super Cup tie with Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho has spoken of his desire to sign former Tottenham player Gareth Bale. Mourinho was linked to Ronaldo earlier in the summer, when it was announced CR7 wanted to leave La Liga, but The Special One now appears to be focusing his attention on Gareth Bale. The Welsh attacker is being shunted out the door at the Champions League winners to make way for more big names, and was given limited game time in last season’s league winning side. Jose took it a step further, confirming his interest in Bale and telling reporters he would fight with other coaches if Real were willing to sell the 28-year-old. Bale joined Zidane’s side in 2013 for £85m, and the Spaniards would surely be eager to get a chunk of that back, but United haven’t been shy in splashing the cash. It’s common knowledge Mourinho wants at least one big name this month.
Waghorn leaves Rangers for Ipswich
In Scotland, striker Martyn Waghorn has moved from Rangers to Ipswich Town for an undisclosed fee, thought to be around £1m. The 27-year-old will join up with ex-Bears team-mate Joe Garner, who made an instant impact for the Tractor Boys, scoring at the weekend. Waghorn spent two years in Glasgow, scoring 44 goals in 79 appearances and ending as the club’s sharpest shooter in both seasons. New boss Pedro Caixinha didn’t seem to take to the player however, and bringing his own ideas on the way forward, Waghorn saw himself pushed out. The Rangers support remained divided over the departing man, some believing they were losing a proven scorer at a crucial time, others thinking him too wasteful in the final third.
