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Hello and welcome to the Premier League transfer news and rumours corner. Here are the top stories of the day for 4 January 2019:
#5 Why Perisic rejected Manchester United
Ivan Perisic had been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer of 2018. However, the deal never took place and now, the Inter star has lifted the lid on why he opted to stay on at the San Siro.
The Croat winger admitted that he had an offer from the Red Devils and was seemingly “close” to joining them but ended up staying in Italy due to the insistence of Inter manager Luciano Spalletti.
“It’s true that an offer from Manchester United was on the table and I was close to leaving Inter,” Perisic said.
“But I decided to stay and, as I said, Luciano Spalletti’s perseverance to keep me played a big role. In football, small details in these situations are key.”
Perisic then went on to praise former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, stating that he was flattered by his interest and found it difficult to not be swayed away by an offer from a club of such big stature.
“Admiration from a coach like Jose Mourinho is definitely something that flattered me. It’s confirmation of hard work and good performances.
“When you’re praised by a guy like Mourinho – the manager of a huge club like Manchester United – it’s difficult not to think about such an offer.”
He finished off by adding that Mourinho’s admiration for him is something that motivates him to become even better as a player, and to perform consistently at the top level.
“I’m glad he has a high opinion of me and these things motivate me to work hard and train hard, to achieve the best performances.”
#4 Sevilla still interested in Morata, Pellegrini rules out Carroll move
Spanish side Sevilla have refused to rule out a move for former Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata. The Spaniard has been struggling for form so far this season and Sevilla are said to be among the clubs interested in him.
And director Joaquin Caparros has admitted that they have many names on their wish list.
"We are working on many names. The important thing is that the player wants to come to Sevilla,” Joaquin Caparros was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini has ruled out a move away from the club for striker Andy Carroll. There were rumours of Carroll leaving the Hammers but Pellegrini has confirmed that the former Liverpool star is an important piece in his jigsaw puzzle.
“I don't think so. I think Andy will stay here with us, he is an important player for our team,” Pellegrini stated.
#3 Liverpool duo set to move out
It seems as though Liverpool are on the selling side of things at this point in time as two players from the Merseyside outfit are reportedly leaving the club in the winter transfer market.
According to a report from Goal, Dominic Solanke’s loan move to Crystal Palace broke down last week due to short-term fitness concerns around the striker. As a result, he could now be moving away from Anfield in a permanent deal with Brighton and Hove Albion, who are interested in him.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports report that Nathaniel Clyne is set to move to AFC Bournemouth on a loan deal for the rest of the season. The full-back has seen his spot in the first team blocked by the meteoric rise of Trent Alexander-Arnold, and is likely to leave in order to earn playing time.
#2 Spurs and Huddersfield target reinforcements
Tottenham Hotspur didn’t sign anyone in the summer transfer window and will have to sell some players before they can buy some in the winter. There is no shortage of players being linked to them, as according to TMW both Arsenal and the Spurs are interested in signing Torino defender Nicolas Nkoulou.
The Lilywhites see the Serie A defender as a potential replacement for Toby Alderweireld.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Huddersfield Town are set to sign his player Jason Puncheon in the near future. The former Liverpool boss even revealed that he doesn’t expect anything to impede the deal.
“I believe that we are still waiting for confirmation on the paperwork being completed and that the deal has gone through, but I don’t expect anything to happen to prevent that from going ahead,” Hodgson was quoted as saying.
#1 Salah and Ozil could have contrasting futures in the Premier League
Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah might be playing for the side that are currently the leaders of the Premier League, but that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from suggesting that the former Roma star could leave at the end of the season.
According to Don Balon, Salah wants to play alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona and, as a result, will reject the chance to sign for Real Madrid. The report also adds that should Salah force a move to the Catalans, the operation could cost €180 million.
Meanwhile, according to Evening Standard, Unai Emery is happy with the attitude that Mesut Ozil has shown of late. He is hopeful that the former Real Madrid star won’t act up like Alexis Sanchez in order to force a move away from the Gunners.
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