The transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs may be closed but they are still working tirelessly behind the scenes to line up the arrival of their next star. Transfer Talk has been scouring the world’s media to see who could be heading to your club when Jan. 1 arrives.
TOP STORY: Hazard flirts with Real Madrid again
Eden Hazard has made no secret of his admiration for Real Madrid in the past and his flirtation with the Spanish giants continues to intensify, after the Belgian gave another open interview to RMC Sport.
The Chelsea magician has bagged seven goals and eight assists in 15 Premier League appearances so far this season and would help fill the huge void that Cristiano Ronaldo left at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in the summer.
With the 27-year-old’s contract running until 2020, any deal would almost certainly cost Los Blancos well in excess of £100m.
“I have always liked Real Madrid as a club, with or without [Zinedine] Zidane,” Hazard said.
“At the end of this year I have one year left on my Chelsea contract. We will see, it’ll be up to me to make the decision.”
Juventus eye up Neves
Despite already boasting a frightening array of talent in the heart of midfield with the likes of Sami Khedira, Miralem Pjanic, Rodrigo Bentancur and Blaise Matuidi, Juventus are now rumoured to be eyeing up the heartbeat of Wolves, Ruben Neves, according to Calciomercato.
The 21-year-old, who is represented by Jorge Mendes, is also being looked at by Manchester City and Manchester United, but the Old Lady may well have the upper hand given their excellent relationship with the Portuguese super-agent, having signed Ronaldo and Joao Cancelo.
Neves cost Wolves £15.8 million when they secured his signature from FC Porto in the summer of 2017 and would represent an exciting signing for Juve, as they look to get their hands on that elusive Champions League title.
Leonardo hints at Fabregas deal
With his Chelsea contract set to expire next summer, Cesc Fabregas is high on AC Milan’s transfer wish list, according to the London Evening Standard.
The Spaniard has fallen down the Stamford Bridge pecking order after the arrival of pass-master Jorginho, and is free to negotiate with potential suitors come January.
Milan sporting director Leonardo is an admirer of the 31-year-old but has an almighty good poker face.
“We evaluated it, considering the possibility, but didn’t go all in,” he said. “We are still evaluating the conditions.”
Newcastle in pole position for MLS star Almiron
After leading Atlanta United to MLS Cup glory on Saturday night, Miguel Almiron is reportedly close to signing for Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle, report the Newcastle Chronicle.
The Paraguay attacking midfielder, who bagged an impressive 13 goals and 13 assists this campaign, will only leave the champions if a “serious offer” arrives, according to club president Darren Eales.
It is believed that a £25m fee could tempt the American side to part ways with their prized asset and the player’s father confirmed that the Geordie club are at the front of the queue for his son’s signature.
“He will definitely go to England, what’s left to be decided is to what club but Newcastle is the one with the advantage,” Ruben Almiron admitted.
Spurs look to pip United in race for Man
Tottenham are hoping to beat Manchester United in the race to sign Romania attacking midfielder Dennis Man, reports the Sun.
The 20-year-old has managed seven goals in 22 matches this season for FCSB — previously known as Steaua Bucharest — and has also attracted interest from the likes of Roma and Fenerbahce.
In fact, the Turkish club had hoped to secure their man with a £2.5m offer, however, owner Gigi Becali deemed it a derisory bid and values the player at ten times that amount.
Football Whispers’ transfer algorithm gives the likelihood of rumours happening a score out of five.
Thorgan Hazard to Liverpool — 2.3
Liverpool are reportedly eager to add Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Thorgan Hazard to their ranks and could be willing to trigger his £26m release clause. The 25-year-old has been in equally “hazardous” form to his sibling Eden, netting 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions so far this campaign.
Alvaro Morata to AC Milan — 2.7
After missing out on him in the summer, AC Milan are believed to be ready to make a move for Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata. The 26-year-old Spain striker signed for the Stamford Bridge club for a whopping £59m in the summer of 2017 but has been criticised for his profligacy in front of goal, managing just 16 goals in 45 Premier League outings.
Suso to Liverpool — 2.7
AC Milan attacking midfielder Suso is said to be attracting interest from ex-club Liverpool, four years after swapping Anfield for San Siro. The 25-year-old is the leading assist-maker in Europe, along with Lionel Messi and Eden Hazard, having set up his teammates eight times, and could cost the Reds around £36m.
Nacho Monreal to Marseille — 2.1
Marseille are rumoured to be eyeing up a new left-back and have their sights set on Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal. The 32-year-old Spaniard has suffered from injury this season and has struggled to regain his place from Sead Kolasinac in Unai Emery’s side. With his contract expiring in the summer, Marseille could bag themselves a New Year bargain.
Fabio Quagliarella to AC Milan — 3.2
Veteran forward Fabio Quagliarella has been in fine form for Sampdoria this season and is reportedly high on AC Milan’s transfer agenda. The Rossoneri are interested in signing the 35-year-old initially on a loan deal with an option to purchase. Quagliarella is ageing like a fine Italian wine and has netted eight goals and five assists in just 14 Serie A outings this time out.