By Alan Duffy
Transfer Balls: Rounding up the day’s football tittle-tattle so you don’t have to…
Man City Still Pining For Pogba
Manchester City remain keen on Paul Pogba, according to the Star. The Juventus midfielder is Europe’s hottest property and has also been linked with both Barcelona and Real Madrid. City are willing to cough up a fee of £80million and pay the 22-year-old £250,000 a week. However, any deal is complicated by the fact that a former agent of the player still holds his image rights.
However, Barcelona still does look the most likely destination for the French international.
Likelihood rating:
/5
PSG Dig Di Maria
The Mirror tells us that PSG are still interested in snapping up Angel Di Maria. The Manchester United attacker endured an inconsistent first season in the Premier League and the Ligue 1 champions are readying a £45million bid for the Argentine.
PSG boss Laurent Blanc is, however, aware that a deal won’t be easy, saying: “Di Maria, he’s good. We have more freedom, but it remains a difficult project for us because we’re not alone in wanting him. When you see the financial power of the English clubs, they are attacking everyone.Competition is very, very tough. Don’t forget, Manchester United paid a fortune to sign him.”
Likelihood rating:/5
Roma Reel In Dzeko
Edin Dzeko has moved a step closer to joining Roma, according to the Mail. The Bosnian striker is considered surplus to requirements at the Eithad but Roma’s initial bid of £14million fell some way short of Man City’s £20million asking fee.
The 29-year-old is likely to make way for the incoming Raheem Sterling at City so the likelihood is that City and Roma will reach an agreement this week.
Likelihood rating:/5
Gunners Keen On Callejon
The Express claims that Arsenal close to securing a deal with Jose Callejon. The Spanish winger has been a major success with Napoli, netting 32 goals in the last two seasons, but now the Gunners are willing to meet the player’s £18million valuation.
With Lukas Podolski off to Turkey, Arsene Wenger could well want to add a potent winger to his ranks, with Spaniard Callejon fitting the bill.
Likelihood rating:/5
Chelsea Ponder Pedro Purchase
A target for Arsenal this summer, Pedro could now be on his way to Stamford Bridge. The Mail (via sport.es) tells us that Jose Mourinho is ready to splurge £22million on the Barcelona winger ahead of the new season.
The 27-year-old Spanish international has struggled to secure a regular starting berth ahead of the Messi-Suarez-Neymar Holy Trinity and so is looking elsewhere for regular football. Although, one wonders if he’d be anything more than a back-up for Eden Hazard and Willian at Chelsea.
Likelihood rating:/5
The best/worst of the rest:
Watford have snapped up Spurs midfielder Benjamin Stambouli, Napoli are open to selling Gonzalo Higuain to Arsenal while Chelsea are still eager to sign Chile midfielder Charles Aranguiz.