Sergio Ramos’ agent is playing a blinder.
The 29-year-old Spanish defender is currently in contract improvement talks with Real Madrid so, unsurprisingly, his name is getting linked with Premier League clubs.
Throwing his name into the ever-crowded transfer picture at Manchester United was a fortunate boost. Now that their cross-town rivals, Manchester City, are in the picture, the potential transfer fee and proposed wages will soar.
The Daily Mail and The Mirror report that City have been alerted to Ramos’ availability and are confident that they can offer him better terms than United, and guaranteed Champions League group stage [at least] football.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are expected to land Nathaniel Clyne for a fee of £12.5m. The right-back will arrive from Southampton but his signing does not mark the end of the Reds’ summer spree.
Christian Benteke’s path to Anfield may be cleared somewhat with a make-weight striker. Liverpool are eager to get the Belgian in the door, according to The Independent, but are not so keen on stumping up £30m. That price may drop if Villa are open to taking either Fabio Borini or Rickie Lambert in return.
Wonder what Tim Sherwood makes of that…
Back at Old Trafford and The Times have returned to another high profile player currently negotiating with his club for a new deal. The paper reports that it is a guarantee of first team football, not filthy lucre, that is proving extremely tempting to Bayern Munich’s 30-year-old midfielder Bastian Schweinstieger.
There could be some more ins and outs at Stamford Bridge. Atletico Madrid’s Ardan Turan has come under their radar after his agent revealed he was talking to ‘three or four clubs’ about a move. [Daily Mail]
If he comes in, Oscar could be the man moving on. It seems unlikely but Juventus are crossing their fingers that they can get the Brazilian to replace Andrea Pirlo and build their midfield around him. [Evening Standard]
A transfer beckons for Irish midfielder Stephen Quinn, according to Wales Online, but he will not be playing Premier League football next season. Cardiff City and Reading are the two clubs interested in taking him off Hull City’s hands.
