By Alan Duffy
Transfer Balls: Rounding up the day’s football tittle-tattle so you don’t have to…
Red Devils Reel In Ramos
With Sergio Ramos apparently unhappy at the Bernabeu, the Metro are quick to link the swashbuckling defender with a move to Manchester United. Frustrated with negotiations over a new deal with Real Madrid, Ramos is apparently open to a move to Old Trafford, with a £165,000 per-week deal already on the table.
A fine defender, if a bit of a loon, Ramos would definitely beef up the Red Devils’ backline and weigh in with a few goals too (not to mention a plethora of red cards).
Likelihood rating:
/5
Liverpool Bid For Bacca
Liverpool are preparing a big-money bid for Colombian striker, Carlso Bacca, according to the Mirror. The Reds have had a rethink over their proposed move for Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke and are now eyeing the Sevilla striker, who is currently on international duty in Chile at the Copa America.
However, Sevilla are adamant that any club who wants the 28-year-old forward will have to meet his £21.5million buyout clause, which may put off Brendan Rodgers and co.
Likelihood rating:/5
Saints Set for Austin
Southampton have entered the race to sign QPR hitman Charlie Austin, according to the Express. The 25-year-old is being tracked by the likes of Newcastle and West Ham (and Chelsea, apparently), but now Ronald Koeman has thrown his hat into the ring, courtesy of a £10million offer.
With QPR back in the Championship, Austin will no doubt want to stay in the top-tier and Southampton would seem a pretty good destination for the striker.
Likelihood rating:/5
Hammers Hope For Dembele
Moussa Dembelé is wanted by new West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, the Sun tells us. The Belgian midfielder has struggled to find his best form at Tottenham and could be available for around £12million. Bilic is eager to boost his midfield options, particularly with the departure of Alex Song back to Barcelona while Jose Mourinho is looking to replace Jon Obi Mikel.
Able to play anywhere in midfield, the 27-year-old may well jump at the chance to join Chelsea, although the promise of regular football with the Hammers might sway the former Fulham man too.
Likelihood rating:/5
Black Cats Pounce On Townsend
The Newcastle Chronicle tells us that Andros Townsend may be on his way to Sunderland. The pacy winger has struggled to hold down a regular berth with Tottenham and is eager to get some regular playing time. The Black Cats are desperate from some more width, with Townsend comfortable on either flank.
Still a fixture in Roy Hodgson’s England squad, the 23-year-old still needs to kick on in club football, and Sunderland does seems like a decent option.
Likelihood rating:/5
The best/worst of the rest:
Arsenal target Geoffrey Kondogbia is signing for Inter Milan, Spurs flop Roberto Soldado is off to Galatasaray while West Brom have snapped up Wigan’s James McClean.