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Hello and welcome to the Serie A news and rumours of the day! As usual, there are many exciting stories from the rumour mill to read. So, let's take a look at the top stories of the day surrounding the Italian top flight.
Real Madrid ready to sell Napoli target James on cut-price to land Paul Pogba
Real Madrid are surprisingly willing to land another big name, although the club have splashed more than €300 million on players. The Los Blancos have signed prominent stars such as Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and Ferland Mendy, just a year after Cristiano Ronaldo left the club.
However, Spanish newspaper Marca revealed that the La Liga outfit are still keen on Manchester United's Paul Pogba. Madrid's Pogba interest could be good news for Napoli. The report further states that Real Madrid are set to sell Napoli target James Rodriguez for a cut-price of €40 million to fund Pogba transfer.
SSC Napoli President Aurelio de Laurentiis previously expressed his frustration with James transfer after Real Madrid asked €42 million for the midfielder. Now, the slight discount might speed up the negotiation between interested parties.
Carlo Ancelotti has recently confirmed that Napoli are yet to give up on the transfer. The Italian manager also admitted that he is very interested in the Colombian.
“I’m not aware of a deal with Atletico,” the Napoli boss said.
“We’re still talking for James, a player that I really like. I’m very attached to James, I rate him very highly, and he can certainly improve our team."
“He doesn't need to re-announce himself; he’s a great player. But he’s not the only player we’re openly negotiating. We’re assessing many players."
James is yet to decide on his future after Bayern Munich refused to trigger his €42 million buyout option. Paul Pogba, on the other hand, would cost Real Madrid more than €150 million. Hence, the Los Blancos will need to sell more players in addition to James.
President hints at €80 million sale of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic amid Manchester United interest
The Red Devils have been linked with the Serbian midfielder for some time now. Paul Pogba has openly expressed his desire to leave Old Trafford, and Milinkovic would be an excellent alternative to the Frenchman at United.
Lazio President Claudio Lotito recently revealed that the club could sell the 24-year-old if a right offer comes. Lazio are said to demand at least €80 million for the midfielder. Milinkovic was impressive last season, making 29 appearances as a starter and was crowned as Serie A's best midfielder.
“Last year, I fought hard to ensure Milinkovic-Savic didn’t leave. This season, I certainly have fewer weapons to call upon if the situation should arise again."
“That doesn’t mean the club is working actively to sell him. Certainly, Milinkovic-Savic on a personal level has other ambitions and that seems fair, so we won’t clip his wings," Lotito said.
Paolo Maldini reveals AC Milan's stance on Luka Modric
AC Milan have recently been linked with Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric. Milan director Zvonimir Boban is said to have a close connection with the Ballon d'Or winner. Boban was reduced to tears when the player praised him during the inaugural Best FIFA Men's Footballer of the Year in 2018.
AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has confirmed that the Rossoneri would be happy to have Modric. Despite his interest in Modric, Maldini insists that AC Milan have never opened negotiations for the 33-year-old.
"We have never negotiated for Modric, although we have always said that we are looking for both young and experienced players. Modric's profile would be perfect for the growth of our young players, but we have never negotiated for him," said Maldini.
Modric had a somewhat mixed spell at Real Madrid last season as the then Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui even benched him several times. However, the Croatian is now looking set to stay at Real Madrid for another season.
Maurizio Sarri expects more incomings at Juventus
Juventus have been very active in the transfer market lately. The club have spent a total of €85 million for Matthijs de Ligt and will have to splash a large chunk of money on Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot's wage.
Despite his side's lavish spending, new Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri has expected the club to buy more players in the current window. The former Chelsea boss has also revealed that Juventus have endured a tough situation due to player's injuries.
“We have lots of players in certain positions and less in others, but we’re talking about a situation where I have seven players in Turin carrying injuries and five who have yet to return from international commitments.
“I think the club, between now and the end of the transfer window, will do something in terms of incomings, but we’ll also have to do something in terms of outgoings," he said.
It is understandable that the Serie A champion will look for Champions League title next season. However, the Old Lady recently lost 3-2 to Tottenham Hotspur in the International Champions Cup. Thus, Sarri will need to asses his players this time.
Amadou Diawara happy to be at AS Roma
The former Napoli player has recently joined his AS Roma teammate after playing for Guinea in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Roma signed the 22-year-old on a part-exchange deal, with Kostas Manolas moving to Napoli. Diawara struggled at Napoli last season, making just 13 appearances. However, he was able to impress in AFCON, despite Guinea failing to qualify for the knockout stage.
Diawara revealed that he sacrificed a part of his holidays to come to Naples early.
“I gave up few of my holidays before I came here. I couldn’t wait to meet the coach and my new teammates."
“I talked to Fonseca over the phone before my arrival. I can’t wait to work with him. It’s an honour to be at his disposal."
“It was my first time at a full and important stadium. It really fired me up. I promise to give 100 percent in training and help the team during matches,” he said.
