We’ll admit it. We had Manchester United’s initial bid for Raheem Sterling put down to nothing but the remaining wine left in Louis van Gaal’s system after the Player of the Year awards.
But it seems that the Dutchman’s desire to bring the Liverpool contract rebel to Old Trafford is a genuine one as The Daily Mirror report that United are set to table another bid for the 20-year-old.
The first bid from The Red Devils was dismissed as quickly as Steven Gerrard against Manchester United but Liverpool’s resolve is set to be tested with a more persuasive €35 million bid.
Sterling’s relationship with his club has deteriorated to the point that it looks an impossibility that he’ll remain at Anfield beyond the summer and United clearly want to get in their early if a bidding war is to start between themselves, Manchester City, Arsenal and Real Madrid.
In terms of potential arrivals at Anfield, it’s understood that Liverpool are slowly but surely increasing their bids for Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne.
The Reds’ first offer for the England international was turned down by the Saints but a (slightly) better offer of €20 million is set to be lodged for the pacy full- back.
Right-back is one of the key positions where Liverpool need improvement this season and, with the likely departure of Glen Johnson, they are expected to do all they can to bring Clyne to Merseyside. (Daily Express)
If Clyne does agree to join Brendan Rodgers’ side, he likely won’t be playing in a back-four alongside Martin Skrtel as the Slovakian defender has called Liverpool’s offer of a contract extension “unacceptable” which has sparked rumours that he could leave the Reds in the summer.
Speaking to Aktualne in Slovakia, the centre-back vented his disappointment at being offered a wage that was less than that of teammates who weren’t as fit as him which has alerted a number of potential suitors in Germany and Italy.
Meanwhile Paul Pogba’s destination has finally been decided as one of the most sought-after young players in Europe has opted to join La Liga champions Barcelona.
Manchester City were ready to shatter the British transfer record with a €95 million offer for the Frenchman but Pogba’s eyes are set firmly on the Camp Nou.
The transfer ban currently in place on the Catalan giants means that it could be 2016 before he officially joins Luis Enrique’s treble-seeking side from Max Allegri’s treble-seeking side. (The Daily Star)
Premier League fans who were worried that they mightn’t get the chance to see Radamel Falcao play on the English stage any more can settle down because Chelsea looks set to offer the Colombian a lifeline.
Jose Mourinho is looking for a striker with big-game experience to replace the outgoing Didier Drogba and has long been a fan of Falcao’s despite the Monaco forward’s poor displays while on loan at Manchester United.
The Daily Star suggest that it could come down to a bidding war between the Blues and Andre Villas-Boas’ Zenit St-Petersburg for the player’s signature but Mourinho is confident of getting his man.
