There are just 16 days until we see marital aids being shoved into Sky Sports reporters ears and that means that clubs are really kicking into transfer mode.
Manchester United’s seemingly endless link to up-and-coming right backs continues this morning as The Independent reports that Louis van Gaal is keen on a move for Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne.
The Saints’ full back has played his way into the England set-up and his performances for Ronald Koeman this season have not gone unnoticed by the powers that be at Old Trafford.
The switch would see the 23-year-old link up with former teammate Luke Shaw who has been played at left wing back by the United boss this season.
But with Southampton currently sitting higher than United in the Premier League table and looking genuine contenders for Champions League football next term, Clyne may reject the big money move but it is understood that the Red Devils still have Everton’s Seamus Coleman in their sights as a contingency plan.
Another right back who could be set for new surroundings is Real Madrid’s Alvaro Arbeloa who may be reunited with former manager Jose Mourinho.
“The Special One” worked with the Spaniard between 2010 and 2013 and according to The Daily Express, Mourinho rates him highly enough to consider bringing the 32-year-old to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues boss is eager to bolster his defence with experience and it is believed that the former Liverpool defender would offer cover for current first-choice right back Branislav Ivanovic who is always likely to pick up a suspension.
Chelsea will face competition for Arbeloa, though, with Arsenal and former club Liverpool also keen on securing his signature.
Mourinho could be set to double down on his Real Madrid raid with suggestions that he is considering a bid for Luka Modric.
The Portuguese signed the midfielder in 2012 but The Daily Express report that the Croatian would be open to a move back to London as his girlfriend has struggled to adjust to life in the Spanish capital.
Modric, 29, has over 100 Premier League appearances to his name for Spurs but that number could rise if Mourinho gets his way.
The theme of players swapping La Liga for Premier League continues this morning with The Daily Star reporting that Liverpool are about to offer Sevilla €13million for the in-form Kevin Gameiro.
The Frenchman scored twice in Sevilla’s 4-0 victory over Granada on Wednesday and Brendan Rodgers’ is in desperate need of goals.
The 27-year-old striker would also bring much-needed versatility to Rodgers’ rather shallow Reds’ squad as he has the ability to play as a lone striker, off the front man or as a wide player.
Samuel Eto’o could be one player who is on his way out of the Premier League with The Daily Mail suggesting that a two-and-a-half year deal is on the table from Serie A side Sampdoria.
The Everton forward has not been the first name on the teamsheet of Roberto Martinez this season and would undoubtedly be given superstar status with a return to Italy.
The 33-year-old’s first game could be against former side Inter Milan who Sampdoria play on Wednesday.
The details of the transfer are still being hammered out but it is understood to be a done deal with a coaching role at i Blucerchiati in place for the Cameroonian upon retirement.
