By Alan Duffy
Transfer Balls: Rounding up the day’s football tittle-tattle so you don’t have to…
Darmian Destined For United
Manchester United are close to securing the services of Italian international Matteo Darmian, according to the Mail. The Red Devils missed out on Nathaniel Clyne and with Rafael considered surplus to requirements, a top-quality right-back is a priority for Louis van Gaal. Torino defender Darmian has 13 Azzurri appearances to his name and is comfortable on either flank.
With a fee of just £11million being touted for the 25-year-old, this could prove a fine bit of business for United.
Likelihood rating:
/5
Cabaye Eager For Eagles Move
French international Yohan Cabaye is set to join Crystal Palace, according to the Mail. The Eagles have apparently agreed a £10million deal with Paris St Germain, with that fee rising to £12.8million based on performances.
The former Newcastle United midfielder has been frustrated by a lack of game time in Ligue 1 and is eager to stay in the frame for the French national team. The 29-year-old was a success before in the Premier League and would be a fine purchase for Alan Pardew and co.
Likelihood rating:/5
Dann Destined For Toffees
Everton are eyeing move for Scott Dann, according to the Mirror. The Toffees have offered £8million for the Crystal Palace centre-half, however the Eagles are thought to want around double that amount for the 28-year-old defender.
A solid if unspectacular performer, the Liverpool-born Dann would add some more steel to the Everton backline, if Roberto Martinez and co. are willing to up their bid, that is.
Likelihood rating:/5
Lacazette Linked To Liverpool
Talksport tell us that Liverpool are eyeing Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette. The in-demand hitman was Ligue 1’s top-scorer last season but with talks over a new improved contract with the Les Gones stalling, Liverpool are ready to pounce.
However, the Reds will have to battle it out with the likes of Bayern Munich and PSG for the French international’s signature.
Likelihood rating:/5
Ospina On Way To Everton
Back to Everton who, according to the Star, are after Arsenal ‘keeper David Ospina. The Colombian enjoyed an impressive first campaign with the Gunners last season, but the arrival of Petr Cech has pushed the 26-year-old back down the pecking order at the Emirates.
Toffees’ boss Roberto Martinez is looking for a long-term replacement for the 36-year-old Tim Howard and with top-class international and Premier League experience (and 10 years younger than Howard), Ospina would definitely fit the bill.
Likelihood rating:/5
The best/worst of the rest:
Arsenal warhorse Mathieu Flamini looks set to join Bastia, Angel Di Maria has been linked (in the most tenuous of ways) with a move to the Gunners and Steven Nzonzi could be on his way to Sevilla.