ESPN FC’s Gab Marcotti weighs in on the latest transfer news and rumours in January’s window, including Real Madrid’s new signing Lucas Silva.
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.
Spurs to fight for Depay
Netherlands World Cup star Memphis Depay attracted quite a collection of suitors with his performances in Brazil, including Tottenham. Ultimately, the 20-year-old remained at PSV Eindhoven on Sept. 2.
Now, however, clubs are lining up once again to take PSV’s prized asset out of the Eredivisie. According to the Daily Mirror, two of those clubs are Manchester United and Tottenham.
Memphis Depay has parlayed his impressive displays at the World Cup and with PSV into serious interest from the Premier League.
United may hold an edge in being managed by Louis van Gaal, who led the Netherlands to third place in last summer’s World Cup, but Tottenham are aiming to close a deal for Depay by the end of the window for a fee of 15 million pounds.
Market for Ings heats up
Danny Ings‘ Burnley contract expires in the summer. The Bournemouth academy star has enjoyed an impressive debut Premier League season in which he’s caught the attention of some of the league’s biggest clubs.
His seven league goals have generated interest from the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City, according to the Daily Mirror. Chelsea and City would likely be addressing their needs for homegrown players, but Spurs could have a genuine use for the England U-21 talent.
With that contact set to expire this summer, Burnely would be entitled to a mere three million pounds in training compensation should Ings join a Premier League club at the end of his contract. The Mirror report that a bid surpassing that compensation amount could tempt Burnley into a sale.
Ings, a long-standing Southampton fan, has also been linked with Saints in January. That could become ever clearer with the news of Shane Long‘s injury on Saturday.
Speroni to be rewarded
Another player with a contract soon to expire is Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper Julian Speroni, who will be free to move in July. However, the Argentine is set to trigger an automatic extension that will keep him at Selhurst Park until 2016, according to the Mirror.
“I still feel fit and have a good few years left in me yet,” Speroni said. “Not once have I ever wanted to play for any other club in England.”
Blackburn’s outstanding ROI
Twelve months ago, Blackburn Rovers signed Rudy Gestede from Cardiff for a mere 200,000 pounds. Now the 1994-95 Premier League champions are negotiating with Crystal Palace, West Brom and Hull over a 5 million-pound transfer, according to the Guardian.
The 26-year-old has scored 13 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions this year.