ESPN FC’s Gab Marcotti discusses the Lucas Silva move to Real Madrid, where he will serve as a defensive specialist in the centre of the park.
The winter window is now open, and that means the LIVE transfer blog swings back into action. Find out the latest news, gossip and deals here…
TOP STORY: Chelsea in talks with Ramos’ agent?
Sergio Ramos is never one to back down from a confrontation, and it seems as though Chelsea may look to capitalise on his current contract impasse with Real Madrid.
The Daily Express reports that Jose Mourinho will seek to add Ramos to his leaky back line, with the Blues enquiring with the player’s agent as to whether the Spain international fancies living in west London.
Ramos is understood to have turned down Real’s first contract extension, and with the 28-year-old’s deal running out in 2017, Carlo Ancelotti could be tempted to cash in rather than see the defender’s value plummet.
It could all be posturing from Ramos’ camp to ensure the best deal he can get at the Bernabeu, though with Manchester United and Arsenal also interested, the centre-back certainly has a strong hand to play at whichever negotiating table he finds himself.
Is Sergio Ramos headed for a reunion with former Read Madrid boss Jose Mourinho?
PAPER ROUND
Liverpool closing on Lavezzi?
After watching their side narrowly lose Tuesday night’s tempestuous Capital One Cup semifinal clash against Chelsea, Liverpool fans could do with a boost in the transfer market to perk up their spirits a little.
The Daily Express reports that Brendan Rodgers is closing in on a 14 million-pound deal for Paris Saint-Germain ace Ezequiel Lavezzi, with the Reds confident of completing the move before next week’s deadline.
Lavezzi’s days at PSG have looked numbered ever since being fined and banned for two games by the club for returning from his winter break late alongside Edinson Cavani, and an Anfield escape route seems more likely for the 29-year-old winger with each passing January hour.
Zaha nears permanent Palace return?
Sir Alex Ferguson was famed for spotting potential in youngsters, but the former Manchester United manager’s Midas touch did not, apparently, extend to one Wilfried Zaha.
The talented winger was the Scot’s final signing as United boss, but the Palace academy graduate struggled to shine in his debut season at Old Trafford before joining Cardiff for half a season, and finally returning to Selhurst Park on loan this term.
The Guardian reports that new Palace boss Alan Pardew is keen on making the 22-year-old’s return a permanent one, and will pay three million pounds up front with another three million based on add-ons.
That would represent a significant loss for United on a player United spent an initial 10 million pounds on in the belief he could be the next Cristiano Ronaldo, but Louis van Gaal is not one to wait around.
Rodgers wants the next Busquets?
Hyperbole is rife in modern football, with wild exaggerations and lazy comparisons that can only disappoint expectant fans. Still, Transfer Talk loves it all — and with good reason.
The Daily Mirror reports that Liverpool are tracking Porto’s 17-year-old midfielder Ruben Neves, with scouts in Madeira at the weekend to take a closer look.
Club teammate and former Barcelona winger Pedro describes Neves as “similar to Sergio Busquets,” and whatever you think of the Barca defensive midfielder’s play-acting at the Camp Nou, he is a mean customer in a holding role.
If Neves is half the player Busquets is then Liverpool could soon have a fine player on their hands to fill a position soon to be vacated by Steven Gerrard, though a 29 million-pound release clause is a potential sticking point.
Expect to hear Ruben Neves referred to as the ‘Portuguese Busquets’ for the next few months at least…
Pato to replace Eto’o at Goodison Park?
Samuel Eto’o… Alexandre Pato… anybody would think Roberto Martinez was playing Pro Evolution Soccer six years ago regarding his striking targets. But the Daily Mail is serious when reporting that the Everton manager has been offered Brazilian striker Pato as a replacement for the veteran Cameroonian, who joined Sampdoria on Tuesday.
Pato was a prodigy at AC Milan but failed to live up to the ridiculous hype, and is now plying his trade on loan for Sao Paulo from parent club Corinthians.
The 25-year-old has regained his form this season scoring 12 goals, and after QPR boss Harry Redknapp revealed he turned down the chance to sign Pato, Martinez could do worse than take a gamble on a player many thought could become a world-beater.