Two Martins – One back four.
That’s what Brendan Rodgers is hoping for anyway as Liverpool are reportedly close to completing the transfer of Barcelona right back Martin Montoya for a fee of around €10 million.
Montoya, 24, has failed to break into Luis Enrique’s starting XI thanks to the stellar performances put forward by Dani Alves and the Spaniard is understandably after first team football.
His move will hinge on the contract discussions of Alves because, if the Brazilian decides to stay put in Catalonia, Montoya will likely be moved along.
Rodgers is desperate for a more reliable right back than regular starter Glen Johnson who has been used as a traditional full-back by the Reds boss in between spats of formation tinkering. (OneWorldSports)
We’re also mightily excited at the prospect of Scousers trying to pronounce Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the Sunday Mirror have claimed that the Borussia Dortmund forward is Brodge’s Plan B after missing out on the signing of Memphis Depay.
Aubameyang’s versatility fits Rodger’s playing style perfectly as he can play as a pacy winger but his finishing prowess means he can also be used more centrally when Daniel Sturridge invariably gets injured again.
The Reds will be hoping that the decision of Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp to leave the club would entice the Gabon international to follow suit.
It’s understood that advanced talks are taking place between Manchester United and Southampton over the transfer of right back Nathaniel Clyne.
Clyne has been a target of the Red Devils since before Louis van Gaal took over but Rafael’s persistent injury issues, combined with the fact that Antonio Valencia lacks any genuine defensive purpose, has upped the requirement for a top class player for that position.
The Sunday Times report that an increased bid of around €25 million has been made to the Saints and it looks as though LvG is aiming to get his spending done early, after stealing Memphis Depay from under Liverpool’s noses.
Meanwhile, the man who did this looks like he could be set for a return to Premier League life as newly promoted Bournemouth look to introduce some top-flight experience to their squad.
Manager Eddie Howe has targeted Monaco front man Dimitar Berbatov as his big-name signing as he hopes to keep them away from next season’s relegation battle.
Monaco’s Berbatov has seven years of experience in the Premier League, lazily jogging to collect the ball for Spurs, Manchester United and Fulham in his time here.
But he does have that special something that a promoted team could use as they aim to reach that 40 point target as soon as possible. (Sunday Express)
Chelsea will have far loftier expectations for next season and they’re looking to add to their title-winning side by securing the services of Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke.
The Spaniard has been one of Diego Simeone’s standout players since being promoted to the first team in 2009 and Chelsea are hoping to link him up with former teammates Diego Costa, Felipe Luis and Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge.
Roman Abramovich is happy to meet Atleti’s €55 million asking price and it’s understood that the only competition they will face is from title rivals Manchester City who will be looking to replace Yaya Toure if the Ivorian moves on this summer. (The Sun)
