By Alan Duffy
Transfer Balls: Rounding up the day’s football tittle-tattle so you don’t have to…
Di Maria Destined For Bayern
With Manchester United eager to secure the services of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Bayern Munich are apparently now keen to add Angel Di Maria to any deal between the two clubs. That’s according to the Metro, who we all know are a 100% trustworthy bunch. 30-year-old Schweini could be available for as little at £7.5million, but the Red Devils may be forced to sell Di Maria (for a hefty fee) to the German giants as part of the deal.
The Schweinsteiger reports are certainly gathering momentum but this Di Maria rumour seems extremely unlikely. Although interestingly, ES Sport are linking the Argentine with a move to European Champions Barcelona.
Likelihood rating:
/5
Mapgies Thwarted Over Thauvin
The Mail reports that Newcastle have had a £10.7million bid for winger Florian Thauvin rejected by Marseille. The French schemer has been tipped for big things in the past few seasons but is still waiting for his first senior cap. Previously linked with a move to Arsenal (obviously), Thauvin would add to the Magpies’ (inconsistent) French contingent but Marseille are holding out for £18million for the 22-year-old.
The wideman netted five and assisted eight for L’OM in 2014/15 but it remains to be seen whether he’d make it in the Premier League. However, expect Newcastle to return with an improved offer anyway.
Likelihood rating:/5
Gunners Shop For Schlupp
According to the Star, Arsenal are eyeing a move for Leicester wing-back Jeff Schlupp, The Ghanaian was one of the Foxes’ best performers in 14/15, with his swashbuckling play down the left-flank apparently piquing the interest of Arsene Wenger. However, now, Leicester are readying an improved deal for the 22-year-old in order to keep their man.
This all seems a bit implausible, to be honest, with the Gunners well-stocked on the left side.
Likelihood rating:/5
Atletico Jump On Jackson
Linked with a move to Arsenal, Colombian hitman Jackson Martinez now looks on his way to Atletico Madrid, according to the Mail. The Porto striker will cost the La Liga giants £25million and will take the place of Mario Mandzukic, who has left for Juventus.
One wonders if the Gunners were ever interested in the 28-year-old, or indeed in any striker at all.
Likelihood rating:/5
Black Cats Wants Wijnaldum
Yet another Dutchman is headed to the Premier League, according to the Guardian, with PSV Eindhoven midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum eyed by Sunderland. Dick Advocaat is keen to snap up the 24-year-old, who netted 14 goals in PSV’s title-winning campaign.
The Black Cats have apparently offered £11million for the player, although rival Newcastle are also thought to be interested.
Likelihood rating:/5
The best/worst of the rest:
Stoke City and Newcastle United are both in for Ukrainian wideboy Yevhen Konoplyanka, Papiss Cissé wants to stay with the Magpies while Aston Villa have offered Ciaran Clark a new deal.