The Lucas Moura saga continues to receive considerable sound bites from the Brazilian side as Sao Paulo’s director Adalberto Baptista contradicted vice-president Paulo de Jesus Lopes’ claims that a move to Manchester United is still on. “There are no negotiations going on” declared Baptista to ESPN Brasil as he reiterated that the club had rejected an offer from the Red Devils. He also insisted that it was only the player’s agent who was keeping the rumours alive. United are reluctant to pay over the odds for the 19 year old, but after making a serious offer, the only one received by Sao Paulo, the transfer is definitely still on.
Andre Villas-Boas might be facing defeat in luring Joao Moutinho from Porto, but the Daily Mail report that 20 year old winger Christian Atsu could be plucked from the Portuguese outfit. Spurs are on the lookout for a wide players, with Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling and Shakhtar Donetsk’s Willian also targets.
A month after Manchester City were linked with the capture of Celtic’s 21-year Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama, the Daily Mail report that Manchester United and Arsenal are keen on signing him. However, interviews from both managers in recent weeks are a pretty clear indication that neither is looking to strengthen that areas of the pitch, even if Wanyama had the desire quality. This one will remain a rumour at best.
The Sun report that Benfica have strongly stated that Axel Witsel can only leave the club if his release clause of £31m is met as Man United, Chelsea and Man City face likely defeat in the Belgian’s chase. The 23 year old midfielder has been earning rave reviews across Europe, with even Real Madrid and AC Milan keeping an eye on him.
Everton’s ploy to offload their aging defenders, Johnny Heitinga and Joseph Yobo has taken a hit claim the Express, after Fenerbahce rejected a chance to sign the duo. The Turkish club were strongly linked with Heitinga in particular, but he is now expected to stay at Goodison Park for the new season.
Reading could be rocked by the departure of their midfield lynchpin Jem Karacan according to the Daily Star as Newcastle, Aston Villa and West Ham lie in wait for the 23 year old. He only has a year left on his current deal and with contact negotiations being stalled, the trio of suitors could take advantage.
Christian Zapata, a long forgotten name in transfer columns is back in the reckoning for a move to the Premier League with the Daily Mail declaring that Everton and West Brom are battling for the 25-year old Villarreal defender’s signature.
Fulham have announced that midfielder Alex Kacaniklic has signed a new two-year contract at the club, a reward for his good progress following a loan spell at Watford last season. The contract also has an option for a further year, meaning he could stay at Craven Cottage until summer 2015.
(TheSportsCampus)
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