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As we soldier on into winter, the top European leagues are all settling down and taking shape. Some of the frontrunners are flying while some others are struggling to keep up. Therefore, the winter transfer window is quite crucial for any team that's looking for a shot in the arm.
If the rumours that are floating about are to be believed, we might witness a great deal of business in January. And we have compiled the top rumours that are doing the rounds as on 11th November 2018.
So, let's dive right in then.
Chelsea and Arsenal enter race to sign Daniel Rugani
Daniel Rugani had been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea over the summer. However, the move did not happen. But that does not mean that it won't in the future.
According to The Express, Chelsea have reignited their interest in signing the Italian centre-back. The 24-year-old has previously played under Maurizio Sarri during their time together at Empoli and reportedly, the Chelsea gaffer is keen on a reunion.
As per the report, Rugani has started learning English ahead of a possible move. The report further adds that the Italian whose contract does not expire till 2021 will cost in excess of £30 million.
Real Madrid secure the signing of Exequiel Palacios from River Plate
As per TeleMadrid as quoted by AS, Real Madrid have already secured the signature of midfielder Exequiel Palacios from River Plate. Real Madrid are going through a lean patch and want to bolster both their attack and midfield.
Palacios only recently turned 20 years old and is considered to be one of the brightest young talents to emerge from South America in recent years. He has already appeared for the Argentine National Team.
Palacios has been reported to be on the wishlist of Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan.
Manchester City to beat Manchester United in race for De Jong
Ajax midfielder Frenkie De Jong has attracted interest from a great number of top clubs in Europe. The 21-year-old has been tagged the new Iniesta and is showing signs of burgeoning into a world-beater.
Manchester United were one of his admirers and they were expected to splash the cash in January to bring him to Old Trafford. However, the latest reports coming from the Bristol Post suggests that Manchester City are now closer to signing the youngster.
Pep Guardiola who is looking for a replacement for the ageing Fernandinho has reportedly identified Frenkie De Jong as the club's potential enforcer.
Maurizio Sarri to convince Nabil Fekir to join Chelsea
Nabil Fekir was extensively linked with a move to Liverpool over the course of the summer with several outlets even reporting that a deal had been signed. However, Nabil Fekir ended up staying at Lyon. Chelsea were also reportedly in the race for the attacking midfielder.
According to L'Equipe, Bayern Munich are reportedly preparing to rival Chelsea to sign the Frenchman.
But now Sports Witness have reported that Maurizio Sarri has personally phoned Nabil Fekir to let him know that he wants him at Stamford Bridge. The report adds that Sarri has guaranteed a place for Fekir in his lineup as well.
Manchester United can choose from 3 players in Paul Pogba swap deal
There is a lot of noise and speculation regarding the future of Paul Pogba. The Frenchman who was reportedly disgruntled with the regime of Jose Mourinho has been tipped for a return to his old club Juventus.
According to Calcio Mercato, Paul Pogba stayed by the sidelines after United's victory over Juve and told the fans that he will come back. Now according to the Express via the Mirror, Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici is willing to offer three players to Manchester United from which they can choose one in exchange for Pogba.
The three players that Manchester United can choose from are Mehdi Benatia, Mario Mandzukic and Alex Sandro. United's interest in Alex Sandro has been well documented but given how stern Woodward has been in holding on to the team's key players, it is highly unlikely that the Red Devils will let go of Paul Pogba for any of those three players.
Real Madrid ready to spend €200m for Mauro Icardi
Los Blancos are going through one of their worst spells in history after having got off to a terrible start to the season. Following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, Real Madrid have found it difficult to score goals and Karim Benzema's form is not helping.
As a result, the Champions League winners have been on the lookout for a prolific goal scorer and have identified Inter Milan's Mauro Icardi as the ideal man for the job. According to SportMediaSet via Marca, Florentino Perez is prepared to set aside €200 m in order to rope in Mauro Icardi in January.
Icardi has been in fine form this season and has scored 6 goals from 8 appearances in the Serie A so far. But it remains to be seen whether Inter will sell their captain and most important player halfway through the season.
