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Hello and welcome to the Premier League latest transfer news and rumours of the day! Here are the top stories of the day surrounding the Premier League!
#5 James’ father speaks
The foster father of Colombia star James Rodriguez, Juan Carlos Restrepo, has spoken of the interest on his son from the Premier League. The former AS Monaco star has been linked with a move to the Premier League as he nears the end of his loan deal with the German outfit.
Bayern aren’t expected to sign him permanently. As a result, there is a very good chance for him to leave. However, Restrepo claimed that the Colombian is content in Munich but also added that there could be offers for him from England.
"He is comfortable in Munich," Restrepo told Marca.
"I don't have news about it, but there may be offers based on those rumours coming from England.
"He is calm and he feels that he's at a good level again and that he's physically strong.”
James has been linked with Arsenal but his father believes that he is still in love with Real Madrid as he enjoyed some great moments with the Merengues.
"That gives us a perspective that he is happy, motivated and working well, as he is eager to achieve new success.
"Real Madrid are one of his loves, but unfortunately he had to look at a different course.
"However, that does not mean that he doesn't love Los Blancos, an institution that allowed him to enjoy beautiful moments.”
As a result, Restrepo thinks that a move back to Madrid is still possible if he backs up his skills with performances on the pitch in the remaining few months.
"Inside his heart, given that he is a fan of Real Madrid, he will contemplate the possibility of returning.
"Real Madrid own his rights and I imagine that if he has good performances then his return would be possible."
#4 Paul Merson’s advice
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has suggested them to sign Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure. According to him, he is a far better player than Lucas Torreira, who has been a decent signing for the Gunners.
The Londoners can’t sign anyone permanently in this window. However, even then Merson wants them to try and sign Doucoure, who he believes has the ability to play for any of the top six sides in the Premier League.
"They should sign Abdoulaye Doucoure at Watford - he'd walk into the team. I'd take him tomorrow morning,” he said.
"He's a much better player than Torreira and he scores goals. He's one of the most under-rated players in the Premier League - he could play for any of the top six.
"It seems no-one pays attention to him because he plays for Watford and fans will say, 'Why are we buying him, he's at Watford?' - but he's a proper player."
#3 The other 'Uniteds'
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez had openly claimed that the club needed some signings in order to push for survival this season. And it seems as though the Spaniard’s please hasn’t fallen to deaf ears.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Newcastle are close to completing a loan deal to bring Jordan Lukaku to the Saint James Park.
Meanwhile, West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini doesn’t think that Andy Carroll will leave the club in the winter market. However, his words could be interpreted to claim that there is a chance Carroll leaves in the summer.
“He was out for a long time with an injury, but now he is working every day with the squad and I think his performances are improving with every game. I don’t think Andy will leave the Club before the end of the season,” he said.
#2 Chelsea
Chelsea have finally completed the deal to bring Higuain at the Stamford Bridge. Maurizio Sarri had wanted him since he joined Chelsea as their manager and he has finally seen his wish come true.
However, it is a loan deal and according to the Italian, the Argentine will have to score goals in order to make his stay permanent.
“For sure, he is one of the best strikers in my career. It’s up to him, I think. He has to score, first of all. I think that for a long-term contract, he has to do very well. He has to play. He has to score. He has to be useful for the team,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to this report from the Mirror, Cagliari want £50 million for Nicolo Barella, who is being courted by the Blues as a replacement for the departed Cesc Fabregas.
#1 Manchester madness ft. Liverpool
When Manchester madness is the last slide, you know things are going to be somewhat exploding. The Red Devils are having a rather quiet window but it hasn’t stopped them from targeting players.
According to reports, Liverpool and Manchester United are sending scouts to watch Uruguay U20 starlet Nicolas Acevedo. The teenager is currently taking part in the South American U20 championship and has attracted the interest of the Premier League clubs.
Meanwhile, Don Balon claim that Real Madrid had targeted Bernando Silva of Manchester City to replace Luka Modric. However, the Portuguese is very happy at the Etihad and has no intention of leaving – even for Real Madrid.
As a result, Florentino Perez has to look elsewhere and Christian Eriksen seems like the favourite.
For more Premier League transfer news and rumours, visit our EPL Transfer News page!
