Dutch midfielder Kevin Strootman has a big night ahead of him.
Roma take on Manchester City in a winner-take-all Champions League, with Strootman looking for the performance that will seal his move to City’s rivals United, where compatriot Louis van Gaal is looking to strike quickly once the transfer window opens, although any deal with Roma will be hard to thrash out should the Italian side advance. (Daily Star)
With Van Gaal insisting he needs no reinforcements for his triage unit of a defence, if Strootman cannot be had next month United could instead divert their £25m towards Argentina midfielder Enzo Perez. With Valencia unable to meet Benfica’s asking price, the Red Devils have moved into pole position to sign the 28-year-old. (Talksport)
Robbie Keane has fuelled rumours of a move back to the Premier League by telling the American press ‘Sometimes change is good for everybody’. Everyone knows Rangers boss Harry Redknapp is a big man so could the MLS MVP join QPR ASAP? (MLS Soccer)
Norwich keeper John Ruddy looks set for a return to the Premier League, with Everton and Crystal Palace fighting over his signature. (Mirror)
Simon Mignolet hasn’t thrown one into the net for a couple of weeks, but that doesn’t mean his place at Anfield is any safer. Far from it in fact, with boss Brendan Rodgers still prowling around for a new stopper. Petr Cech and Asmir Begovic are the known quantities still in the frame, but a potential move for Germany Under-21 keeper Timo Horn (below) has been thwarted by the player announcing his intention to sign a new deal at Cologne. (Daily Mail)
Sunderland have moved to fend off interest from we’re not sure whom by tying Connor Wickham to a new four-and-a-half year deal. The forward has put pen to paper on a £60,000-a-week deal, the bugger. (Mirror)
Glad to have signed a new deal at Sunderland. Thanks to everybody involved. #SAFC
— Connor Wickham (@ConnorWickham10) December 9, 2014
