Welcome to our daily transfer news roundup from across Europe. The big news today is Barcelona’'s pursuit of a super-striker, can the Blaugrana pull off this incredible deal?
Here are all the transfer news and rumours from 27th January 2017:
Bundesliga
Bayer Leverkusen beat Manchester United to the signing of winger
According to German daily Kicker, Bayer Leverkusen are about to complete the signing of Leon Bailey from Genk over the upcoming weekend. The Jamaican international had been linked with moves to Manchester United and Hull City but the Bundesliga outfit looks to be in pole position to secure his transfer.
Wolfsburg reject Juventus’ offer for Luiz Gustavo
According to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, struggling Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg have rejected a loan offer from Serie A giants Juventus for the services of the Brazilian international. The Old Lady want Gustavo on loan with an option to make the move permanent in the summer for €13m.
Premier League
Chelsea want Mattia Perin
According to Italian daily Calcio Mercato, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte wants Genoa shot-stopper Mattia Perin at Stamford Bridge. The Blues will wait until the summer to monitor his situation before lodging an official bid for his services. Asmir Begovic, the current second-choice shot-stopper, wants to leave the Premier League favourites in a bid for regular first-team football.
Crystal Palace agree £14m for Patrick van Aanholt
Crystal Palace have finalized a £14m fee with Sunderland for the transfer of full-back Patrick van Aanholt, if reports in Sky Sports are to be believed. The transfer will be completed subject to a medical, which the Dutch international is set to undergo in London. Van Aanholt had handed a transfer request to force his way out of The Stadium of Light.
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain said: “If a player openly states he does not want to play for our club, then it is clear that we have a decision to make. In this instance and in regard to this particular player, we have done what we feel is right for Sunderland, which will always be our priority."
Anthony Martial’s future uncertain
According to Sky Sources, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is unhappy with the progress made by Anthony Martial at Old Trafford and his future at the club is a huge doubt. The Red Devils have plenty of options on the wings and Martial has struggled to be among the goals this season. However, the Frenchman is understood to be happy at the club and wants to stay and fight for his place.
Serie A
Inter Milan chasing Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann
According to Italian daily PremiumSport, Serie A giants Inter Milan are willing to go all out in their attempt to sign Lionel Messi in the summer. However, should the San Siro outfit fail in their pursuit of the diminutive Argentine, they will shift their focus to Atletico Madrid superstar Antoine Griezmann and are willing to shell out up to £93.6m for his services.
Joao Mario wants Cristiano Ronaldo at Inter Milan
Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario is eager to convince national team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo to move to San Siro to play alongside him at the Serie A giants. The 24-year-old moved to Inter from Sporting Lisbon in the summer transfer window and wants the 4-time Ballon d’Or winner to also make the move.
Speaking in an interview with Inter Milan’s official website, Mario said: "Portugal have a lot of quality, but Cristiano Ronaldo is obviously our talisman, our most important player.
"I am trying to talk him into joining me at Inter! Let's just say it is difficult! He is not just a team-mate - he is also a friend, a good person and a born leader. He is a great guy who cares about everyone."
La Liga
Barcelona to battle with Real Madrid for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
According to Spanish daily Don Balon, Barcelona have entered the race for the signature of Borussia Dortmund superstar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and could be involved in a bidding war with arch-rivals Real Madrid for his services. Borussia Dortmund are willing to let go of their prized asset but only for offers above £68.5m, as was stated by their CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.
The report adds that the Signal Iduna Park outfit are willing to offer the player to the Catalan giants as they want to cash in on the huge interest in the Gabonese and drive his price up. It will be interesting to note which Spanish giants ends up with him but either ways he will be a huge addition to any team.
Real Madrid want Thibaut Courtois or David de Gea
According to reputed Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, Real Madrid are unhappy with the form of #1 goalkeeper Keylor Navas and will be targeting Thibaut Courtois or David De Gea to replace the Costa Rican international in the summer. Balague further adds that it is a huge possibility that Alvaro Morata might also leave the Santiago Bernabeu outfit in the summer.
Speaking in a Q&A with Sky Sports, Balague said: "Real Madrid are not impressed with Keylor Navas. They will approach both Thibaut Courtois and David de Gea, which doesn't mean they will get them, but the approach will arrive.
"Alvaro Morata wants to leave the Bernabeu as he feels he is not being treated properly. He knows there are teams in England and Italy that want him.”
Rest of the World
Wayne Rooney offered world-record wages to join China
According to the Sun, Manchester United captain and record goalscorer Wayne Rooney has been offered £600k-a-week by Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenhua to join Argentine international Carlos Tevez at the club. Tevez became the world’s highest-paid footballer when he completed the move from Boca Juniours to the Chinese side earlier in the month.
Branislav Ivanovic to join Zenit St Petersburg on a free
According to the Daily Star, Chelsea stalwart Branislav Ivanovic will join Russian Premier League outfit Zenit St Petersburg before the end of the ongoing transfer window on a free transfer. The Serbian international has only 6 months left on his contract with the Blues.
