Transfer Balls: Rounding up the day’s football tittle-tattle so you don’t have to…
Man Utd Carry On Kane Pursuit
Manchester United’s pursuit of Harry Kane ain’t over, according to the Mirror, with the Red Devils making ‘discreet enquiries’ about the Tottenham hitman. Louis van Gaal still wants to add to his attack and find someone to play alongside Wayne Rooney. However, Spurs are desperate to hold onto their star man.
If a deal does go through, it’ll cost United a pretty penny, with a whopping (and slightly silly) £50million already quoted for the 22-year-old.
Likelihood rating:/5
Man City Splurge £46m On De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne could finally make the move to Manchester City this summer, according to the Mail. The Citizens have been stalking the Belgian schemer all summer but now the club look set to finally seal the deal for the former Chelsea man.
At £46million, the 24-year-old won’t come cheap but his mix of creativity and mobility will surely boost the Citizens’ title credentials. And he could even make his debut for City against none other than Chelsea next weekend at the Etihad.
Likelihood rating:/5
Arsenal Go Big For Benzema
Another transfer story that’s been rumbling on for some time could soon come to fruition, with the Independent reporting that Arsenal are set to bid for Karim Benzema. The Real Madrid man has been linked with a move to the Emirates for some time now and after the Gunners’ misfiring defeat to West Ham on Sunday, Arsene Wenger could be ready to bring in some extra top-class firepower.
Benzema could cost the north Londoners around £45million but would surely be an upgrade on the likes of Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck.
Likelihood rating:/5
Stoke Seal Shaqiri Deal
Staying with the Independent, who report that Xherdan Shaqiri is close to sealing a move to Stoke City. The Swiss winger was spotted at the Potters’ game with Liverpool on Sunday and manager Mark Hughes has confirmed that the former Bayern Munich man is close to a move to the Britannia.
The 22-year-old turned down a move to Stoke earlier this summer after a £12million bid had been accepted by Inter Milan. However, now the chunky attacker looks set to join Hughes’ rather impressively gifted ranks.
Likelihood rating:/5
Chelsea Offer £30m For Stones
Chelsea are set to launch a third bid for Everton defender John Stones, according to the Mail. Jose Mourinho is eager to bring the 21-year-old to Stamford Bridge and after having bids of £20million and £26million rebuffed by the Toffees, he is now set to offer £30million for the England centre-half.
With John Terry in the autumn of his career, Stones would be the perfect successor to the Blues’ legend although Everton boss Roberto Martinez is still desperate to hold on to his young star.
Likelihood rating:/5
The best/worst of the rest:
Arsenal are set to cough up £86m for Mario Gotze and Julian Draxler, West Brom boss Tony Pulis leaves door open to Saido Berahino exit and Tottenham want Real Betis winger Alvaro Vadillo.