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We all know that time stops for nobody as the clock keeps ticking and things keep happening. In the football fraternity, the rumour mill keeps spinning and generating stories that are often polarising, to say the least.
Every day, millions of transfer stories come up that sometimes make the fans dream and hope. However, more often than not, they are only just false dawns. My job here in this column is to bring to you the hottest rumours of the day—whether or not you wish to dream is up to you—and here are some of the rumours surrounding the Premier League.
Oh, and the main focus is on the less famous clubs.
#5 The van Dijk saga
One could actually make a movie on the saga surrounding Virgil van Dijk. The Saints defender wasn’t allowed to leave the club in the summer as Liverpool were vehemently behind the player, but the club may have just changed their minds apparently.
The manager of the club, Mauricio Pellegrino, has admitted that there will be tons of reports after leaving the defender out of the squad for their game against Huddersfield and has taken full responsibility for choosing the final XI.
"Virgil, we know there will be a lot of speculation about him he's important player but I can't say anything right now.
"I decided that was best for this moment. This is the reason. I am responsible for picking 11 players, and I intend to pick the best for the team.”
And now, The Independent.ie believe that the Saints are opening to sell him for a fee close to £70 million with the trio of Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea interested.
#4 The Hammers thrust
After being appointed by the manager of West Ham United, David Moyes has a point to prove. After all, his name—which was quite revered during his time at Everton—has been thrown into the rut following his failed spells at Manchester United and Real Sociedad.
And now, he is looking to redeem himself and has targeted two players who could help him in his plans.
The pursuit of Swansea’s Alfie Mawson has already been in the air for a while, but Mawson’s Swansea team-mate is also on the radar now as Moyes is looking to acquire Ki Sung-Yueng as well.
According to the Mail, Ki is out of contract by the end of the season and West Ham are looking to cash in on the midfielder who could much-needed depth on the Hammers’ midfield.
West Ham are also interested in signing John McGinn from Hibernian, say The Sun, with the fee quoted around £4 million.
#3 A former Real Madrid player in the Premier League?
While Real Madrid might not be able to keep all the talented players that they possess, the said players always find a way to rise to stardom outside the Bernabeu. One such talent is Daniel Opare. After playing extensively for the B team of Blancos, he is now on his way to becoming a Premier League star.
According to the Daily Mail, no less than four clubs—Stoke City, Everton, West Ham and Swansea—after interested in bringing the defender to their respective clubs. The Ghanaian, who spent two years at the Spanish capital, is said to be keen on a January move and a fee of a mere £3 million will be enough to price him in.
The fact that his contract at Augsburg ends by the season’s conclusion means that Augsburg would be willing to sell him and not miss out on getting a little bit of cash with his departure.
#2 Manchester clubs
Manchester City are well and truly the champions of England, barring any miraculous screw-up, as they are leading the table by a mammoth 13 points with half a season to go. One would think that Guardiola would be content with his squad, but the reports say that he isn’t—he wants more.
According to The Daily Star, the former Barcelona boss wants to spend another £160 million in January on three players: Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Sanchez and Sergio Busquets.
He is not the only one in Manchester that wants a refurbishment of his team as Jose Mourinho is also looking to add some quality players to his team. The Mail claims that the Red Devils are looking to get rid of out-of-favour Henrikh Mkhitaryan and sign Willian from Chelsea.
It is also being reported that Mesut Ozil has been offered to the Theatre of Dreams on a free transfer in the summer.
But the biggest rumour of them all comes from Don Balon, who claim that Gareth Bale has decided to leave Madrid and join Manchester United—who have been eyeing him for quite a while now.
#1 Others
Alfie Mawson is a player in demand. After being targeted by former Everton boss, David Moyes, for West Ham United, Crystal Palace are also interested in the youngster and are one of the favourites to sign him, claim bookmarkers Ladbrokes.
Meanwhile, The Daily Mirror believe that Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in Bayer starlet Leon Bailey with the Gunners being in pole position to sign him. It is being reported that Wenger is willing to spend £30 million for the talented 20-year-old.
Speaking of Arsenal, the Londoners also being linked with a cut-price move for Thomas Lemar in January. Wenger relentlessly pursued Lemar, but couldn’t match Monaco’s valuation. However, the Mail understand that Wenger could finally bring him in should Alexis Sanchez leave the club.
