With the home straight of the season firmly in our sights, chief executives the world over are making plans for the next campaign.
You’d be safe as houses betting on Manchester City being the biggest spenders in the summer and MailOnline report that they are looking at a sensational move for Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson to set up a more serious run at the title in 2015-16.
After their 2-1 home defeat to United yesterday, fourth spot is looking increasingly unlikely for the Reds and Henderson, who has been one of few stand-out players for Brendan Rodgers this term, could consider a switch to the Etihad to secure Champions League football.
It may sound unlikely but City have the money, with a reported €275 million war chest at their disposal, to prise away the Liverpool vice-captain.
It could be a case of one in and one out at Anfield as Rodgers looks keen on luring Dynamo Kiev winger Andriy Yarmolenko to Merseyside.
The 25-year-old has been on Rodgers’ radar for some time but would have endeared himself to the Kop faithful after this wonderstrike helped knock rivals Everton out of the Europa league last Thursday.
It’s reported in the Daily Star that it would require a fee of around €27 million to take the Ukrainian to England but Rodgers & Co. are seriously weighing up their options.
Meanwhile, the still-celebrating Manchester United are keeping close tabs on Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi.
Manchester Evening News believe that the Red Devils have sent a scout to Spain to monitor the 27-year-old centre back and, after weighing up a bid for him in January, are keen on putting pen to paper when this season finishes up.
The transfer would see Otamendi link up with fellow countryman Marcos Rojo in a back four that Louis van Gaal is desperate to settle down.
And in other top-four transfer news, Arsenal are apparently “set to meet with Palermo officials next week to seal the signing of Paulo Dybala.”
The 21-year-old Argentine has often been compared to Sergio Aguero for his tenacious, creative playing style and has scored 12 goals in 27 outings for the Rosanero this season.
Juventus are also in the market for the striker but, according to Metro, the Gunners are more than willing to meet Palermo’s asking price of around €40 million.
