The transfer rumour mill is a fast-paced smattering of elements of truth mixed up with a whole lot of smoke. Nonetheless, sifting through the mess can be fruitful (sometimes), so let’s take a look at the transfer turnstile that was today.
Transfer Turnstile: Paulo Dybala, Yannick Carrasco, Andy Carroll and Ross Barkley
Manchester United still on the hunt for Dybala
Juventus’ Paulo Dybala and a possible move to Manchester United has once again hit the rumour mill. José Mourinho’s first bid for the Argentine was rejected. Juventus are planning to sell former favourite Dybala for no less than £140 million. With José Mourinho’s insistence on acquiring the striker, United are preparing to launch a second bid. In doing this, The Mirror has indicated that Paul Pogba could be instrumental in this move. They are expecting his personal relationship with Dybala will perhaps help smooth the transfer.
Despite Paulo Dybala being a front runner for Juventus, he’s been frequently benched of late, following issues with his coach. The club are willing to let him go, as he hasn’t been integral to the side.
If Dybala agreed the United move, it would see him playing behind central attacking midfielder behind Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku however, was stretchered off, thus Jesse Lingard stepping up for that game, and will now likely take his place.
The injury will surely compel the ‘Special One’ to be seeking an immediate move once and for all, for the unsettled Dybala?
This move will likely be successful. José Mourinho is determined to land Paulo Dybala. Placing the youngster at the top of his transfer list, he is looking to strengthen his squad to nearer match that of his current nemesis Pep Guardiola. He will be hoping money will be no object for the Red Devil’s on this occasion, this time landing their catch.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-united-fans-suddenly-convinced-11779662
@empresstashe
Chelsea interested in Atlético Madrid Winger
Athletico Madrid Winger Yannick Carrasco could be on his way to London in January as the Spanish side are reportedly happy to sell the Belgian international. Athletico’s transfer ban comes to an end soon and the club need to bring in funds for new signings to boost their season. With only 12 appearances in a pretty good league campaign where Athletico sit 2nd behind runaway leaders Barcelona. It’s pretty clear if Athletico want to catch the Catalan giants then new players are needed in Diego Simione’s side.
Carrasco has been solid for Athletico since joining from Monaco in 2013 but isn’t quite starting winger calibre and would make for a fantastic second choice winger behind Eden Hazard as Antonio Conte chases players to add depth to his thin squad and compete in their own title challenge that seems all but over. With Champions league starting again in February Carrasco won’t be eligible but would be a great option in the premier league as the team is rotated to carry out a very busy schedule. Even though I feel Carrasco would be the right fit for Chelsea I’m not sure how likely this rumour is as Conte may look to strengthen other areas as last year’s champions still have Pedro and Willian.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/gossip
@liamednie
Carroll to solve Benitez’s striker problem?
It can’t be a transfer window period without Andy Carroll being linked with a moveback to Tyneside. Every window since Carroll departed for Liverpool he has been linked with a return to St James’s Park. When left Newcastle in 2011 he broke many hearts on Tyneside as he was seen as Alan Shearer’s heir apparent and the Geordies were hoping that he would lead the Newcastle line and England frontline for many years. Carroll’s progress has stalled in reality due to injuries and off-field issues. The deal is unlikely to work for West Ham as it would be selling him to one of their relegation rivals and would not work for Newcastle due to his reported £100,000 per week wages. The only way I could see this deal happening is if Newcastle were happy to swap hot-tempered Jonjo Shelvey for Carroll but player exchanges no longer happen these days.
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11678/11196249/newcastle-not-keen-on-west-hams-andy-cahttp://www.skysports.com/football/news/11678/11196249/newcastle-not-keen-on-west-hams-andy-carroll-following-talksrroll-following-talks
@andrewaziz2688
Barkley saga finally over
The signing of Ross Barkley to Chelsea is nearing completion and surprises many due to the uncertainty of where he fits into Conte’s system. In the 3-5-2 its hard to see him playing in place of N’Golo Kante or Cesc Fabregas. Kante destroys play and Cesc will create opportunities from deep and also sets the tempo of the game. Neither of these roles Barkley could solve. This leaves Barkley fighting with£35m Bakayoko for a position where the Frenchman has struggled with the pace of the English game and the discipline of the position. Barkley has also often been criticised for his decision making in final third and also his inability to stay discplined. The fact that he is starting from a position of weakness having been injured would also prove worrisome. Barkley’s best position is the Eden Hazard role and there is no comparison between the two for that role. The other problem is that Conte’s position is very uncertain he has been very strongly linked with moving back to Italy and so Barkley may find himself in the summer a new manager who may not appreciate him.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42574404
@andrewaziz2688
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