The wheels are in motion.
Last night’s comments from Barcelona president Josep-Maria Bartomeu have been interpreted two different ways. Semantics makes the transfer world go round.
Bartomeu said Barca wanted to keep Pedro in Catalonia but did not rule out an impending bid from Manchester United.
Add to that the assertions, made earlier on Wednesday from reliable sources, that the Spanish international had agreed terms with United and it could well be a case of Bartomeu covering his ass if a popular player leaves.
As it is, the Pedro train keeps rolling.
Sunderland are hoping the deal crosses the finish line as they have their eye on a season-long loan for Adnan Januzaj if it happens.[Daily Star]
As we reported, last night, revelations on Spanish radio station Cadena Ser about Sergio Ramos’ Real Madrid contract being “nowhere near” signed have sparked United transfer stories, again.
The hopeful Premier League club, on this occasion, are Everton. They will get Jonny Evans for in the region of £12m if Ramos becomes a Red Devil.
One La Liga-based player who may not be heading to the Premier League is Karim Benzema.
Real Madrid are only willing to let the French striker go for £45m, which would surpass the £42.5m they paid for Mesut Ozil two years back. [AS]
Thierry Henry thinks they should stump up and has told talkSPORT the Gunners could win the league if they stump up.
Aston Villa look set to start the season without two key targets, who are proven [when the mood fits, in one case] Premier League performers.
Joleon Lescott looks set to stay at West Brom, despite interest from Villa, while moving to Birmingham is proving the major impediment from the often good Emmanuel Adebayor. [Mirror & Birmingham Mail]
Atletico Madrid’s striker Raul Jimenez has secured his work permit for the UK and will join West Ham on a season-long loan. [Daily Mail]
As if that isn’t good enough for you Hammers fans, the club has also asked Liverpool how much it would be to take Fabio Borrini off their hands. [The Times]
We round this edition up with talk of another respected La Liga defender turning down a wage offer but this time from a Manchester club, to stay in Madrid.
Atletico Madrid’s Diego Godin will remain in Spain after rejecting Man City’s £88,000-a-week salary proposal. [MARCA]
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