This would be great news for Martin O’Neill
Having seen several of his squad suffer the indignity of relegation from the Premier League, Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill will be hoping some can find their way back into the top flight. Hull City winger Robbie Brady would be right at the top of that list after the 23-year-old really found his feet during the Tigers’ battle with relegation, and it looks like O’Neill’s prayers might be answered by newly-promoted Norwich. The Canaries are well keen on Brady, but could have to pay £15million to link him up with fellow Ireland midfielder Wes Hoolahan. (Hull Daily Mail)
Yesterday’s news of talks between representatives of Karim Benzema and Manchester United got us hot under the collar, but despite further reports that Real Madrid are keen to use the France striker as leverage to to get their move for Red Devils keeper David de Gea over the line, the forward’s agent has flatly denied that he is interested in leaving Real. “Karim wants to see out his contract. He wants to retire at Real Madrid,” Karim Dzajiri said. “I haven’t met with any club in London. Not with United and not with anyone else. We haven’t held talks with anyone other than Real Madrid.” (Marca)
Meanwhile, United have been linked with a £30million bid for Lazio hotshot Felipe Anderson. The Brazilian attacker starred for the Serie A side this season, scoring ten times, but has recently signed a new five-year contract. (Star on Sunday)
One player everyone, including Tim Sherwood we reckon, expects to move this summer is Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, although nobody seems willing to come close to the reported £32million buyout clause in the Belgian’s contract. Liverpool have been heavily linked with the 24-year-old, but Spurs may attempt to jump the line by being the first to table a formal offer. Crucially, the London club only value Benteke at around £20million. (Sun)
Paul Pogba will probably take some time to get over the crushing disappointment of Champions League final defeat, but if the Frenchman decides to leave Juventus, Manchester City will be jostling at the head of the queue. If they are not successful, however, City will turn their attentions to German international midfielder Lars Bender (below) instead. The 26-year-old Bayer Leverkusen man has previously been linked with both Arsenal and Manchester United, and at £25million would cost a good deal less than Pogba. (Mirror)
Charlie Austin is unlikely to remain at relegated QPR next season, but we’d hope he can do better than joining the circus at St James’s Park. The England striker will be Steve McClaren’s first target if the former Derby boss takes over on Tyneside. (Newcastle Chronicle)
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