The transfer window for all of Europe’s big five leagues is closed, but that doesn’t stop Transfer Talk from rummaging around about who will be moving where come January.
TOP STORY: Ake OK for Guardiola and City
Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake is receiving plaudits aplenty for his displays on the south coast, and, according to a Mirror report, Manchester City are the latest top-six club chasing his signature.
Tottenham have also been linked with the defender in recent weeks, while it has been revealed that Chelsea could have first refusal on their former youth player. This latest report states that City manager Pep Guardiola was considering bringing Ake to the Etihad in the summer but instead chose to see how he developed at his current club.
The Catalan boss will like the 23-year-old’s versatility, as he’s able to play on the left of a back three or in a back four and has also played as a defensive midfielder in the past. He would be able to challenge Aymeric Laporte, who has been one of City’s most used players this season and is currently their only senior left-footed centre-back.
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10.25 BST: Former England boss Roy Hodgson says he would have loved to have Wayne Rooney at Crystal Palace and believes the 32-year-old striker left for MLS too soon.
“He left England too early. He still has much to offer,” he said. “There is no doubt the talent he has, showing he could still play top-level English football.”
09.44 BST: Anthony Martial has been linked with a move away from Manchester United, but the winger says he is happy with manager Jose Mourinho despite reports of a bust-up.
“Things were not tense between us to begin with [before the performance at Chelsea],” he said. “We have a player-coach relationship and I hope that we will continue like that and bring Manchester United as much as possible.”
09.00 BST: Arsenal boss Unai Emery has revealed he wanted to sign Alexandre Lacazette at Paris Saint-Germain, and has urged the striker to take his game to another level this season.
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Man United plan Milenkovic move
Not to be left out, City’s local rivals Manchester United are targeting a defender of their own, with the Daily Star revealing that Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic is wanted by Jose Mourinho.
Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Juventus are all-in for the 21-year-old who can play at right-back, as well as in the centre of defence.
Both of these positions are currently seen as problem areas for the under-pressure Portuguese boss, but given the Serbian stands at 195 centimetres, you’d imagine he’d be of more use in the middle of the defensive line as opposed to motoring up and down the right flank.
The last Serbian defender to play for the Old Trafford club was Nemanja Vidic, and they could be hoping their latest transfer target becomes just as solid a presence in their back line.
Malcom in the middle of Spurs and Arsenal
The loan market for Malcom is heating up since it became evident Barcelona don’t see a place for him in their lineup, or even their squad, with AS reporting that Arsenal have joined Spurs among the clubs interested in the attacker.
An injury to Lionel Messi during the Spanish champions’ 4-2 win at home to Sevilla may open up a place in the side, but Malcom has played only 25 minutes of first-team football since his arrival and rarely makes the matchday squad.
Arsenal were linked with the player during his time at Bordeaux, prior to his move to Catalonia, and they could see an opportunity to return for the winger in January on a short-term deal.
Who knows, if the move is a success they could persuade the 21-year-old that their particular part of north London is right for him on a long-term basis.
Tap Ins
– Tottenham have been scouting Blackburn midfielder Bradley Dack ahead of a possible move, as per the Daily Express. The 24-year-old has impressed at Ewood Park since joining from Gillingham last season and is also on the radar of England manager Gareth Southgate.
– Arsenal were linked with Atlanta United’s Paraguayan attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron earlier in the week, and it appears that the Major League Soccer side have already signed his replacement. Reports in Argentina revealed that Boca juniors attacking midfielder Gonzalo Martinez will join Atlanta in January, potentially cushioning the blow of Almiron’s departure and encouraging suitors such as Arsenal.
– Watford are set to sign young Brazilian star Joao Pedro, who is eligible to move clubs in 2020 once he has turned 18. The Watford Observer says the Premier League club hope the Fluminense attacker will show similar progress to Richarlison, whom they signed from the same club in 2017.