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With the transfer window entering its second half in a couple of days, and few big moves to show for all the effort, the rumors have started to pick up. Here’s a look at some of today’s choicest ones.
Adam Johnson to Liverpool
According to an exclusive report in CaughtOffside, Liverpool are making a move for the England international. The report suggests that Liverpool are looking to pay £2 million loan fee to take the 26-year old on loan till the end of the season, with an intention of making the move permeanent in the summer for £14 million. Johnson is supposed to fit the profile of a wide attacker that Liverpool are looking for while Johnson himself is looking for a fresh challenge, making the move suitable to both parties, but Sunderland are unlikely to let him go.
Likelihood: 20%
Sebastian Giovinco to Arsenal
According to a report in the Metro, Italian international Sebastian Giovinco’s agents has confirmed ongoing talks between Arsenal and him. With a place in the squad doubtful due to his prolonged spell on the bench at Juventus, Giovinco is keen to secure a move away from Turin, Arsenal are interested to sign him on loan in order to fill a Theo Walcott shaped hole in the team.
Likelihood: 60%
Juan Mata to Manchester United
Manchester United manager David Moyes is willing to pay £27 million for unhappy Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata according to Daily Star. The 25-year old Spaniard is now not seen as a crucial member of Jose Mourinho’s Blues squad, and United could benefit from his creativity and vision in the middle of the park. However, the move seems unlikely considering the fact that Chelsea would likely not sell to a domestic rival. (A familiar situation when Mourinho blocked Demba Ba’s move to Arsenal during the summer window)
Likelihood: 0%
Heranes to Inter Milan
According to reports in Sports Direct News, Arsenal target Heranes is close to signing for Inter Milan. The Lazio midfielder has been one of Serie A’s most consistent performers over the last couple of seasons, and has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Paris St. Germain. His reluctance to sign a new deal means that he will be sold this January and Inter have reportedly agreed a contract with him with only the transfer fee yet to be decided.
Likelihood: 80%
Jefferson Farfan to Liverpool
According to a report in Sports Direct News, Liverpool have emerged as the likely destination for Schalke winger Jefferson Farfan. The Peruvian is said to be interesting Liverpool as they look to sign an experienced winger to add depth to their squad. The 29-year old could be a better alternative to on-loan Chelsea winger Victor Moses and Farfan’s Champions League experience may be an added bonus.
Likelihood: 30%
Nemanja Matic to Chelsea
Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic is set to sign for Chelsea in a deal believed to be worth £22 million according to The Guardian. This will signal a very bad decision on the part of the club to let the youngster leave as a part of the deal to sign defender David Luiz three seasons ago. With reports claiming that Matic has stated that he has played his last game for Benfica, gives us a clear idea that the midfielder’s move is all but done except the paper work.
Eliaquim Mangala to Manchester City
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Manchester City are eyeing a move for Porto’s central defender Eliaquim Mangala after being denied last summer. Porto have reportedly demanded 50 million euros to let go of this young central defender, who is also interesting Manchester United. David Moyes was supposed to have sent a scout to last weekend’s defeat against Benfica.
Likelihood: 15%
Fernando to Juventus
According to Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, Juventus have joined the chase for FC Porto starFernando and they had their scouts present at weekend’s Primeira Liga derby between Benfica and FC Porto. AC Milan recently admitted their interest in the Brazilian, but now it appears they face competition from the Turin giants. Juventus hope to sign the midfielder on a pre-contract that would see him move to Turin on a free transfer at the end of the season as his contract has less than six months to run.
Likelihood: 60%
Lewis Holtby to Schalke
According to a report in Bild, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lewis Holtby could be moving back to Schalke this January on a loan deal with an option to buy. The 23-year-old has found the going tough at White Hart Lane since joining the club from Schalke in January 2013, he could be returning to Veltins Arena just a year later. Schalke are expected to move for Holtby after missing out on Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne who joined Wolfsburg.
Likelihood: 25%
