- Eye Kounde as Maguire’s replacement
- Barca still considering Raheem Sterling
Focused on resolving their seeming intractable defensive frailties, troubled Premiership side, Manchester United are eyeing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde as a replacement for injury-prone Harry Maguire.
According to Todofichajes, the Red Devils are looking for a new central defensive partner for summer signing Raphael Varane and have turned their attention to Kounde who plays as a centre-back for La Liga club Sevilla and the France national team.
And under-fire manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils seem ready to activate defender’s release clause come next January transfer opening
Though Sevilla are keen on letting Kounde leave, insiders hinted that the Spanish side will be insisting that any interested club must meet his release clause, believed to be around €80 million (£68m/$92m).
Barcelona Watch Over Sterling, Mulls Simons Return
Raheem Sterling remains a legitimate target for Barcelona, who have discussed the economic details that would be required to pull off such a big move.
Reports quoted the Manchester City winger as admitting recently that he was open to playing abroad, offering Barca a bit of hope for a deal.
Also, there are unconfirmed reports that the Catalan giants could agree on a deal to re-sign teenager Xavi Simons from PSG.
According to Cadena Ser, Simons’ representative, Mino Raiola, raised the possibility of re-signing the 18-year-old in a meeting with Barca President Joan Laporta.
Simons left Barca for Paris two years ago but is out of contract at the end of the season and is set to move on from the leading French side.
Van Bronckhorst Set For Rangers Job
Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst is already formulating his backroom team at Rangers as he closes in on the manager’s job at Ibrox.
Daily Record reports that the Glasgow giants held positive talks with the 46-year-old Dutchman on Sunday and he could be confirmed as Steven Gerrard’s successor as early as Monday.
Though former Chelsea boss, Frank Lampard also held talks with the Rangers hierarchy, reports said Van Bronckhorst remains their first choice.
Spurs Reject Hazard, Court Bale
With the new man on the block, Antonio Conte seeking to change the fortunes of Tottenham Hotspur, the London side have turned down the chance to sign Eden Hazard from Real Madrid.
However, reports by El Nacional say Spurs are seriously considering a permanent deal for Gareth Bale.
Los Blancos have offered both players to Spurs as they look to move some of their higher earners off the wage bill.
Tottenham boss Conte knows Hazard well from his time in charge of Chelsea but has opted against signing the Belgian. However, a cut-price move for Bale, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is a potential option. – With agencies reports
