Could Liverpool be prepared to replace one flop with another?
According to The Star, then they are. They say that Liverpool are preparing to flog Mario Balotelli to the highest bidder, in the hope of swooping for Manchester United flop Radamel Falcao.
The Colombian has had a disaster in his season-long loan at United, scoring just four times in his 23 matches for the club.
He’s thought to be sick of starting games on the bench at Old Trafford, and it looks like United won’t be taking up the option to make his loan move permanent in the summer.
His poor form this season has dropped his price tag down to a much more manageable £25m, £15m less than was floated during the summer.
Sampdoria have offered Balotelli a route out of Anfield, which would leave Brendan Rodgers in the market for another marquee front man.
The Times say Manchester United will spend up to £70m on the signings of Mats Hummels, Nathaniel Clyne and Memphis Depay this summer.
After manager Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to step down as Borussia Dortmund yesterday, it now looks increasingly likely that the German World Cup winning defender will follow suit, and he’s been a long-term target of Manchester United.
Also on the United radar is Nathaniel Clyne, with United expected to have to stump up at least £17m, and Javier Hernandez going in the opposite direction to land the England International, who is thought to be keen on playing Champions League football.
The third big name on the United shopping list is Dutch flyer Memphis Depay, who scored two goals for Holland during the World Cup last year. However, they won’t get him on the cheap, with PSV expected to milk as much as they can for the 21-year-old.
Chelsea could be making a surprise move for West Ham’s Enner Valencia, and wash their hands of Brazilian playmaker Oscar.
The Mirror claim the Chelsea expressed interest in West Ham’s Ecuadorian striker in January, but are ready to reignite their bid in the summer.
Valencia has scored just five times in 30 games for the Hammers since joining in September, but has impressed in other aspects of his game.
His workrate has been praised, and it’s an area that Oscar has not impressed Mourinho with in the last two seasons.
Juventus looks like the most obvious destination for the 23 year old.
The London Evening Standard claim Arsenal will have to offer a four-year deal to land James Milner, who is available on a free transfer in the summer.
Both the Gunners ad Liverpool are thought to be interested in the versatile midfielder, but it’s thought Arsene Wenger’s side are leading the race for his signature.
Milner is holding out on a new deal at City, and the paper say if Arsenal want him to make the move to the Emirates, they will need to secure his services until he’s 33-years-old.
However, they say the player is hopeful of securing his future in Manchester, but is looking for reassurances about his place in the first team.
