The weekend is almost upon us. But that doesn’t mean the transfer speculation and rumors are slowing down.
Oh no.
Clubs are back into the swing of things in preseason training and managers are finally talking about potential signings, as preseason press conferences continue. New kits, new ambitions and potential new signings are being discussed.
Let’s see what rumors are circulating around European soccer this morning.
This can’t be real, can it? After months of hearing Luis Suárez‘ desire to leave English football after the way he has been treated following various incidents which culminated in him biting Branislav Ivanovic’s arm, the Uruguayan forward is set to move to Chelsea. Reports from Spain suggest Chelsea have emerged of favorites ahead of mourinho’s old club Real Madrid after offering $60 million for the forward. Is José Mourinho mad? Or is this another management masterstroke from the Portuguese maestro? We shall see. But Suárez staying in England is all of a sudden a viable option. Linking up with Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar at Chelsea could see the 26-year-old score a bucket load of goals. (AS)
Alvaro Negredo is being chased by both Manchester City and Tottenham, as the Sevilla striker could leave La Liga for the Premier League. Negredo, 27, looks to be closer to a move to Manchester, with Manuel Pellegrini a big fan of the forward. Negredo scored 25 goals in 36 games last season, and he could cost City up to $35 million as Sevilla hold out for a big fee. Atletico Madrid have already had a bid rejected for the Spanish international, as Sevilla would rather sell Negredo to an EPL club rather than a La Liga rival. (The Guardian)
Southampton have set their sights high as they aim to push on in their second season back in the Premier League. Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino yesterday confirmed that the $16 million deal to sign Celtic’s Victor Wanyama isn’t dead in the water and that the EPL side are also looking at Valencia’s Ever Banega and Brazilian forward Leandro Damiao. Getting any one of those three players would be a huge coup for the Saints. Can they pull it off as they aim for a top half finish this season? (Goal.com)
French international Loic Remy has been offered the chance to leave Championship side QPR for Newcastle United, following their relegation from the EPL last season. Remy, 26, would link up with plenty of his countrymen on Tyneside and was close to joining Newcastle back in January before choosing Rangers. Despite the R’s dismal season in the Premier League, Remy scored six goals in 14 games to make him QPR’s top scorer. But is Remy the right man for Newcastle? Probably not. With Papiss Cisse already on board, Remy is a very similar player. Can’t see this one happening. (Chronicle)
Manchester City are set to be back in for Real Madrid defender Pepe. The Portuguese defender, 30, has a reputation as a hot head but Pellegrini believes he is one of the finest defenders in Spanish soccer. City are a little bit short at the back, after Kolo Toure departed for Liverpool and Joleon Lescott only has a year left on his contract. But is he really what City need in defense? Certainly the $30 million price tag seems to be steep for a player clearly out of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans at Madrid. (The Sun)
More: Tuesday’s Transfer Rumor Roundup, El Shaarway to Chelsea, Cavani to PSG
More: Wednesday’s Transfer Rumor Roundup, Fred to Man City, Matic to Chelsea
