ESPN FC’s Tommy Smyth and Alexis Nunes talk Manchester United transfer rumors, namely Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne and whether or not the defender is a realistic target for the Red Devils.
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.
United closing on Clyne but waiting on Laporte?
Having decided one young Southampton full-back isn’t quite enough, Louis van Gaal is intent on adding another to his ranks in the shape of Nathaniel Clyne.
Sources told ESPN FC last week that the 23-year-old right-back is a target for Manchester United, and the Daily Star reports that an Old Trafford scouting delegation watched the England international in the Saints’ match at Newcastle last weekend with a view to a 20 million-pound January move.
One player the Star says United won’t be signing this month though is Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte. The paper reports that the Spanish club are willing to let the 20-year-old French centre-back leave if United meet his 20 million-pound buyout clause, but not until this summer.
Sterling stalling over new deal?
Brendan Rodgers is facing a crucial period in convincing a number of his squad that their futures lie with Liverpool, but the Daily Mirror reports that Raheem Sterling has dealt the club a blow by rejecting a second contract offer.
With Luis Suarez sold last summer and Daniel Sturridge struggling for fitness, 20-year-old Sterling has quickly become Anfield’s key player, so the lack of any announcement over a new deal will be of particular concern to the fans.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he is keen to move on from Steven Gerrard’s decision to leave the club at the end of the season, as the Reds prepare to host Bolton in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Mirror states that Sterling turned down the first offer worth around 70,000 pounds a week, and with a second deal also snubbed, it appears Liverpool will have to return with an offer worth over the 100,000 pound-a-week barrier — a real test with Champions League football far from guaranteed next season.
Who is talking to Memphis?
After Memphis Depay’s star performances for Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup, the PSV Eindhoven starlet was understandably linked with a move to continue his development under Louis van Gaal at Manchester United.
No move materialised, though the Daily Express reports that United will now go head-to-head with Tottenham over a 15 million-pound deal for the 20-year-old winger.
Depay would be a fine replacement for the outbound Aaron Lennon at White Hart Lane, while the Dutch attacker would also offer United much-needed pace were he to opt for Old Trafford. A Premier League move is likely, so it’s up to Spurs and the Red Devils to duke it out now.
De Gea takes love over money into account
The heart wants what the heart wants, and the Daily Mirror reports that David De Gea has told friends that no amount of money will make a difference to his eventual decision regarding his Manchester United future.
With the Old Trafford club thought to be preparing a new contract worth 200,000 pounds a week — more than Real Madrid are reportedly willing to pay the goalkeeper — the Mirror says De Gea’s decision to either stay in Manchester or return to Spain will be one made by his heart, and not by his wallet.
ESPN FC’s Sid Lowe indicates a return to Spain is an option David de Gea has considered and believes Real Madrid would be tempted to sell Gareth Bale.
United fans will no doubt be hoping that the 23-year-old has enough love for the club — and, indeed, his first club Atletico Madrid — to stay away from the Bernabeu, but with 18 months left on his current deal, the ball is firmly in De Gea’s court.
Saints target Dutch duo?
What’s better than your manager earmarking one Dutch starlet? Finding two at the same club of course, as the Daily Mail reports that Southampton boss Ronald Koeman will launch a double raid on Feyenoord this summer for defensive duo Terence Kongolo and Sven van Beek.
The two 20-year-old centre-backs have featured heavily for their Eredivisie side this season, with Kongolo coming highly rated after being selected by Koeman’s rival Louis van Gaal for Netherlands’ 2014 World Cup squad.
With the Daily Mirror reporting that the Saints have issued Jack Cork a 48-hour ultimatum to sign a new deal with his current contract up this summer, it seems Koeman is moving early to target reinforcements to ensure his second season at St Mary’s is as fruitful as the first.