According to Italian media outlet Tuttomercatoweb, West Ham United are closing in on the signing of Lazio winger Felipe Anderson for a fee of €30m (around £26.5m), which could rise to €38m (around £33.5m) in add-ons, and Newcastle United should be watching developments closely.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Irons boss Manuel Pellegrini is clearly keen to significantly boost his newly-inherited squad to ensure they are challenging in the top-half of the Premier League next season, and he wants some marquee signings in at the London Stadium to help him achieve that.
The east London outfit appear to be closing in on the Brazilian, with Tuttomercato saying that his agent Kia Joorabchian, who also brokered the deal that took Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez to the club previously, has held positive meetings with Lazio and agreed a €3.5m-a-year (around £60,000-a-week) contract with West Ham.
The winger will provide some much-needed pace and skill on the flanks, and he will likely be competing with Michail Antonio, who earns £70,000-a-week according to the Daily Mail, for a spot in the starting XI on the right-hand side, although equally his arrival could throw the future of the 28-year-old former Southampton and Reading man into doubt.
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Why should Newcastle be monitoring the situation?
Well, Magpies manager Rafa Benitez is determined to strengthen his squad this summer in order to ensure they build upon their impressive 10th-place finish on their return to the Premier League last season, and he may well want to add some more players to the core of his team with top flight experience.
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Antonio would certainly bring that, along with plenty of power and pace, and he would provide some real quality to the Newcastle frontline – as well as some much-needed competition for the likes of Matt Ritchie, Jacob Murphy and Christian Atsu.
The England international is also versatile and capable of playing on either wing, as a wing-back and as a centre-forward, and that is something that should certainly appeal to Benitez and the club, who could see Jonjo Shelvey walk out and Chancel Mbemba revitalised if a £30m deal goes through this summer.
As reported by The Daily Star, both Manchester United and Manchester City are locked in a battle for Shakthar Donetsk midfielder Fred in the final days of the January transfer window.
What’s the story?
The paper say that while both Arsenal and Tottenham have shown interest in recent weeks, the race to sign the Brazilian is set to come down to the two Manchester clubs over the next few days.
According to the report, the Ukrainian side value the 24-year-old at £50m, meaning he would represent a significant outlay for both clubs.
After United beat their rivals to Alexis Sanchez, it’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top for this star, with both managers said to be hugely interested in adding him to their squads.
What can he offer United?
Paul Pogba has been effective this season but arguably doesn’t have the midfield freedom to truly focus on supporting the Manchester United attack first and foremost.
Bringing in a player like Fred would certainly go a long way to solving that problem, his style of play focusing on winning back the ball and protecting his side’s defensive line.
He has plenty of experience under his belt despite being just 24 years of age and was integral to the Ukrainian’s progress to the Last 16 of the UEFA Champions League this season.
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He could be a perfect accompaniment to the French international and forge a successful career at Old Trafford, especially with ageing defensive minded midfielders potentially on their way out of the club.
Manchester City midfielder James Milner says that despite a lack of regular first team football he wants to stay at the Etihad, as reported by Sky Sports.
Milner has been a bit-part player under Manuel Pellegrini and has lost his place in the England squad because of that.
City are only going to strengthen their side further in the summer and so Milner could continue to slip down the pecking order.
However the 28 year old is not worried about that as the success of the side is so much that he can play a bit-part role and still be involved in celebrations.
“I want to play every game but I know that’s not possible at Manchester City,” Milner told the Sunday Mirror.
“I love being here, even though there is great competition for places, and I would love to stay.
“I’d love to stay at the club, but that’s a decision for the club to make and me as well.”
Milner has less than 18 months left on his current deal so will be hoping for discussions over an extension to begin shortly.
Tottenham go in search of their first win at Old Trafford since 1989 on Saturday evening on the back of two consecutive Premier League victories.
This fixture has been famed for controversial decisions in recent seasons, with Tottenham rightly feeling they are due a bit of luck at the Theatre of Dreams.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have yet to hit their best form this season, but currently sit 2nd with 12 points out of a possible 15.
Last weekends result at Liverpool was a classic example of picking up a result despite playing poorly.
Antonio Valencia is United’s major injury concern after the Ecuador wide-man suffered an ankle injury at Liverpool last week and Ferguson rates him as “doubtful”.
The Scot also has a defensive headache to deal with after club captain Nemanja Vidic underwent knee surgery on Tuesday to rule him out for eight weeks.
Phil Jones (knee) and Chris Smalling (broken metatarsal) are still on the sidelines, meaning Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans are United’s only fit central defenders.
Brad Friedel will return in goal for Tottenham’s trip to Old Trafford after Carlo Cudicini took over for the midweek Capital One Cup triumph over Carlisle. Hugo Lloris is likely to return to the bench.
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Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring), Scott Parker (Achilles), Jake Livermore (groin), Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Younes Kaboul (both knee) are all missing for Andre Villas-Boas.
Reports in Portugal suggest Everton have moved into pole position to sign William Carvalho this summer.
What’s the story?
Portuguese outlet Record claimed this morning that Everton were once again hunting Carvalho, and A Bola have now added fuel to the fire by suggesting the Toffees will battle Monaco for his signature.
According to A Bola, Silva wants to reunite with the tough tackling midfielder, after the pair worked together during his time in charge of Sporting CP.
Carvalho, who is expected to star for Portugal at this summer’s World Cup, has been linked with a move to West Ham, but the arrival of Silva could tilt the scales in the Toffees’ favour.
The 26 year-old would be a powerful addition to the Toffee’s lacklustre midfield.
Perfect move to Merseyside?
Carvalho, valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, was one of the standout performers in Portugal’s incredible Euro 2016 win, and has been constantly linked with moves to the Premier League ever since.
The giant defensive midfielder gives you exactly what it says on the tin, averaging 1.8 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 1.5 clearances per game this season.
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Everton have had their fair share of problems this year, but the overriding weaknesses came from midfield, where only Idrissa Gueye could really claim to have had a decent season, and the Senegalese international doesn’t exactly excel with the ball at his feet.
Carvalho would give the Toffees excellent defensive cover, but also provides more going forward than the current options at Goodison, completing over 60 passes per game this season at an impressive 89 per cent completion rate.
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Across 24 league appearances this season, he averages an impressive 4.3 successful long balls per match, and he’s got good feet for a big man too, averaging nearly two successful dribbles per game.
The midfielder is in contract with Sporting CP until 2020, but it is thought a bid in the region of £30m would be enough to secure his services.
So, Everton fans, do you think Silva is right to go after Carvalho? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…
Manchester United have entered the race for Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez, according to Sky Italy.
What’s the story?
For months now it has seemed somewhat inevitable that the Chile international would end up at Manchester City.
However, Pep Guardiola’s neighbours have reportedly thrown a spanner into the works by swooping for their top target.
According to Sky Italy, the Red Devils are interested in signing the 29-year-old forward and are willing to offer Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the deal.
The Armenian has struggled for game time this season under Jose Mourinho having made just 11 Premier League starts so far.
The report adds that United are willing to pay Arsenal a higher fee than City are proposing to sign Sanchez in this window.
Could this shock deal happen?
From United’s point of view, securing Sanchez’s signature would be a major coup given that nobody would have seen this coming.
Mourinho’s men have failed to set the world alight this season with their performances on the pitch, but having the former Barcelona star in their ranks would bring an injection of attacking quality.
Sanchez would also be expected to contribute with goals, which means that pressure on Romelu Lukaku’s shoulders would be alleviated.
The deal would benefit Arsenal as well given that they will get a decent player in return, whereas with City, there have not been any suggestions in recent weeks that a player-plus-cash arrangement is on offer.
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What would be even sweeter for United fans would be the fact that they have denied their local rivals a chance to strengthen.
Guardiola’s men are running away with the title, but it would be a bitter blow if they were to lose out on signing Sanchez, particularly if they are beaten by United in the race.
The winter transfer window is suddenly looming in the near future, and considering the make-up of the Premier League’s summit at the moment, it could prove to be a vital one for all clubs involved in the English title race.
One of the leading stories in the tabloids preceding the market’s reopening in January has been Arsenal and Tottenham’s hunt for a new centre-forward.
Both North London outfits are lacking in quality in depth in the final third, with the Gunners needing an adequate deputy for the in-form Olivier Giroud (that isn’t Nicolas Bentdner) and Spurs desperate to sign any striker who can find them a Premier League goal in open play.
Various names, ranging from Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema to Burnley’s Danny Ings, have been floating around in the backpages, but there’s a simple solution for both clubs right under their Premier League noses – Aston Villa star Christian Benteke.
Arsenal and Tottenham were both linked to the beastly Belgian in the summer, following reports that he’d handed in a transfer request at Villa Park, but eventually abstained from the opportunity to snap up one of the Premier League’s rising stars for a reported £20million.
With glaring flaws in their strikeforces in the first half of the season however, both clubs should look to revive their interest in January.
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Benteke burst onto the Premier League scene last season after Paul Lambert signed him for just £7million from Belgian side FC Genk. The nominal fee for the forward powerhouse has proved to be a real coup, with Benteke netting 19 times in his inaugural Premier League campaign and emerging as a talismanic force in the Birmingham outfit’s top flight survival last season, all at the tender age of 22.
Amid Arsenal and Tottenham’s brief interest in the summer, many fans rejected notions that the Belgian hitman was ready for the step up to a Champions League club, claiming Benteke was simply the ‘flavour of the month’ and landing him with the rather unenviable ‘one-season wonder’ tag.
But yet again, Benteke’s quality has shone through; despite battling with injury, he’s found four goals in nine starts this term. Before his brief stint on the sidelines, the Villa star’s early season four-goal haul made him the Premier League’s top scorer since the turn of the year, coinciding with his club’s continual rise in form.
Not that he’s all about goals. Benteke measures in at 6 foot 3 and bares pace, power and mobility. As well as being a lethal threat in the air, he’s comfortable with his back to goal and bringing others into play. A strong understanding with strike partner Andreas Weimann last term also showed the Villia talisman’s more cultured side, perhaps best portrayed by the duo’s fine combination play against Liverpool last December, with Benteke’s back heel flick leading to the Austrian’s cool finish in a 3-1 win, the other two goals from the Belgian himself.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m by no means declaring the 22 year-old is the finished product. A 57% pass completion ratio this season suggests obvious weaknesses to the technical side of his game, and a red card at the end of last term showed the Villa forward requires maturity; had it not been for Wigan’s defeat to Arsenal a week later, Benteke’s self-created absence could have well cost his club their Premier League status.
But if we extrapolate his efforts in the English top flight thus far over the next ten years, it’s glaringly obvious Benteke has all the raw ingredients to become one of the division’s flagship stars.
He’s already a regular fixture for the Belgium national team, and the 2014 World Cup could well prove to be the tournament in which the Aston Villa man truly comes of age, although the monumental rise of the almost identical in style Romelu Lukaku could stand in his way.
Furthermore, the kind of service Benteke provides is what both North London clubs should be searching for in January.
For Arsenal, he’d bring a similar skills set to the final third as current front man Olivier Giroud, albeit rather rougher round the edges. Using his powerful frame, the Villa Park star would act as a pillar to instigate attacks and bring the Gunners’ incredibly talented midfield into play, a method in which, through the hard graft and guile of Olivier Giroud, has spawned 15 of the Emirates outfit’s 24 Premier League goals this season. He may be yet to claim an assist, in comparison to the Frenchman’s four, but it’s worth noting Benteke is currently averaging 2.1 key passes per game, according to Whoscored.
And for Spurs, Benteke would provide a much-needed variation in style from Jermain Defoe and Roberto Soldado, who both decisively belong to the ‘poacher’ category of striker. With neither Tottenham forward measuring in at above 5 foot 10 or donning any physical prowess, the Lilywhites’ need for something different up top has become glaringly obvious by the fact they’ve averaged just 0.75 goals per game this season.
That’s what the 22 year-old can bring to the table – he’s a natural target man, an individualist type of striker, capable of leading the line on his own with enough athleticism to physically dominate two opposing centre-backs. He’s also a useful tool outside of the box – unlike Soldado – often instigating Villa counter-attacks by beating defenders to the ball on the break, be it on the ground or in the air.
Perhaps most importantly however, Benteke has developed an astute knack of scoring against the Premier League’s bigger sides – something which will be vital for both Spurs and Arsenal this season if they’re to achieve their ultimate aims, and an issue that’s continually haunted them in the past. He’s already bagged a brace at the Emirates this year and got on the score sheet against Chelsea, whilst last season he netted twice against Liverpool and Everton.
Benteke is a player for the future capable of have an immediate effect. Furthermore, he’s already established himself at Premier League level, and clearly has all the characteristics to remain an effective target man in the English game, regardless of the recent slump in his goal-scoring form since picking up a knock in late September.
In my opinion at least, the risk for Arsenal and Tottenham is slim, but as a result, Benteke’s price-tag could be a monolithic stumbling block. Having snubbed the chance to snap him up in the summer, Villa can now hold potential suitors to ransom after tying down their star striker to a long-term deal at the start of the season, especially if they’re to let him join another English club mid-campaign.
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Considering he was valued at £20million six months ago, before he signed a new contract and carried his goal-scoring form into the current term, Benteke’s price-tag could well have risen to the £30million mark.
But that doesn’t take away from the fact the 22 year-old is obviously a safe investment, that will not only contribute Tottenham and Arsenal’s aims this season but also help them build for the campaigns to come.
I strongly urge both clubs to make a move for the Aston Villa ace in January whilst the iron’s still hot, and before his price further escalates at the 2014 World Cup.
Should Spurs or Arsenal snap up Benteke in January?
Manchester United are keeping tabs on Real Betis winger Alvaro Vadillo according to The Sun, who has been labelled as the ‘new Cristiano Ronaldo’.
The left winger became the second youngest ever player to feature in a La Liga match when he made his debut for the Andalusian side back in August 2011, and has impressed initially with his speed and trickery on the ball.
Vadillo suffered a cruciate ligament injury at the tail-end of last year, but is now back available and playing for Betis.
It is believed that United have sent scouts to watch the teenager and may well face competition from AC Milan for the attacker’s signature.
Betis are keen to hold onto their prize asset, who is a graduate of their youth system.
Vadillo has been learning English over the last year and is thought to be keen to move to play in England at some point later in his career.
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As reported by The Mirror, Arsenal are interested in signing Jonny Evans this summer as they look to make big changes to their faltering defensive line.
What’s the story?
The upcoming transfer window is a massive one for the Gunners, with an incoming manager set to put his own stamp on the squad and changes badly needed if they’re going to compete for major honours next term.
One name that could be arriving at the Emirates is West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans, according to The Mirror.
The paper reckon that Arsenal are interested in making a £3m move for the 30-year-old as part of a plan to sell Shkodran Mustafi and replace him with a trio of central defenders.
Would he be a good signing?
Although it’s tempting to pick the bones of relegated sides for budget deals when they drop down into the Championship, it’s often important to remember that those teams are relegated for a reason.
Evans may not be the worst offender at the Baggies this term, but he did play 28 of the 38 games that resulted in his team finishing rock bottom of the table.
Arsenal should have their sights set on bigger things and Evans isn’t the top six calibre player that they need to compete with the likes of Manchester City, United and Liverpool next season.
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As back-up, it’s not the worst idea in the world, but the Gunners need first team quality arrivals this summer.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, Aston Villa are unlikely to push through a January deal for Leicester City striker Leonardo Ulloa.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Daily Mail says that Villa have asked about Ulloa’s availability as they look to find a replacement for Jonathan Kodjia after his latest ankle injury, and competition for the likes of Keinan Davis and Scott Hogan.
However, the Daily Mail says that even though Steve Bruce’s men and Championship rivals Sheffield United are keen on the 31-year-old, who is unlikely to be allowed to leave by Foxes manager Claude Puel because of the cover he provides.
The report says that even though the Argentine centre-forward has featured from the substitutes’ bench in recent weeks, he is eager to get more game time.
How has Ulloa done this season?
The striker may have been hopeful of more first-team minutes this term after signing a new two-year deal with the club in August, but it hasn’t proven to be the case.
His late substitute appearance in the 3-2 win against Newcastle United at St James’ Park earlier this month was his first Premier League outing of the campaign, while he has also come on against Southampton and Crystal Palace since then.
Aside from in the top flight, the 31-year-old has played twice in the EFL Cup, providing one assist in the 4-1 win against Sheffield United in August.
How much of a blow is it if Villa miss out on Ulloa?
It is quite a big one, really.
Bruce looks to need a tall and strong centre-forward to provide competition for Keinan Davis and be able to play the lone role up top well, and Ulloa comes with the added bonus that he has plenty of Championship experience as well.
The Argentine striker netted 23 goals in 50 games at that level for Brighton and Hove Albion previously, and he certainly would have had a big point to prove in the second-half of the campaign.
Is a deal definitely dead?
It may well depend on Leicester’s January activity.
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If they fail to sell Islam Slimani or fail to bring in a new striker then Ulloa may well go – whether it be on loan or a permanent deal – but if those two things do happen the 31-year-old is likely to stay until the end of the season as the Foxes look to push for Europe.