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Will Harry Kane make a Premier League switch?We are gradually approaching that time of the year when players, who have been consistently giving out stand-out performances on the pitch are being awarded contract extension by their respective clubs. Meanwhile, players who have failed to meet the demands are facing the axe and their position at the club is under threat. Subsequently, replacements are being lined up for these players in the January transfer window and clubs all over Europe are doing their homework. The air is already thick with talks about the latest transfer rumor. Here is a round-up of all the transfer news and rumors around Europe on 26 November.
#1 La Liga
- FC Barcelona are reportedly hoping to secure Sergi Roberto’s long-term future with an improved contract, according to Sport. The Spanish midfielder has been impressive for the Blaugrana side this season after making 10 league appearances. Roberto’s performances have also attracted the attention of Arsenal and Bayern Munich, with both clubs keeping a close tab on the youngster’s progress.
The Spanish champions are now ready to award the 23-year-old with a new, improved contract and he has been seen as Xavi’s long-term successor. Roberto’s current contract runs until 2019, with a release clause of £30 million.
- Luis Enrique is looking to bolster his midfielder in the form of AS Roma playmaker Miralem Pjanic but his €50 million valuation is too high for Barcelona, as per the report on Calciomercato. However, Barca face a stiff competition from rivals Real Madrid and Bayern Munich who are reportedly interested in acquiring the services of 25-year-old as well.
- According to Tuttosport, Serie A’s Juventus are poised to make a January swoop for Arsenal target and Real Madrid midfielder Isco. Reports in Spain have suggested that the Spaniard has fallen out with under-fire boss Rafa Benitez after he was left out of the starting lineup for El Clasico. His frustration was clear after he was sent off in the second half of the 4-0 defeat to Barcelona.
The Old Lady are looking to pounce on this situation and are readying a bid of £28 million for the 23-year-old.
- Paris Saint-Germain are ready to offer Cristiano Ronaldo £250,000-a-week after tax in an effort to lure him to the French capital, as per reports on Mirror. Ronaldo’s future has been the talk of the town in recent weeks and the Portugal captain has constantly refused to rule out on a return to his former club Manchester United.
But if French champions are ready to break the bank to sign the three-time Ballon d’Or winner, the offer would be the equivalent of £500,000-a-week in England pre-tax, and almost certainly blows Manchester United out of the contention.
- Reports in Spain have suggested, Sevilla are keen on bringing Tottenham Hotspur defender Frederico Fazio back to Spain for his second spell. It has been understood by the Spanish daily Estadio Deportivo that the La Liga side are keen on getting the Argentinian back on track after the limited game time he has received at White Hart Lane since he made the switch in 2014.
#2 Premier League
- Following their poor start to the season, Chelsea will look to Tottenham’s Harry Kane to solve their striker issues. But the English champions are willing to wait until summer to seal his signature, according to Daily Mail.
Questions have been raised on Diego Costa’s long-term future at the club and it had been reported last week that the West London are willing to offload the Brazillian born-Spanish striker in the summer due to his on-pitch behaviour. On top of that, Costa has been struggling to score goals this term, unlike last season, when he inspired the Blues to Premier League title with 20 league goals.
Kane is being watched as the able replacement and the scouts will observe the young England international on the weekend during the London derby clash between Chelsea and Spurs.
- Manchester City are reluctant to lose midfielder Samir Nasri and have rejected a £10 million approach from Juventus, as per a report on Mirror. The Premier League side have insisted that the 28-year-old is not for sale, despite Juventus making their intentions known and the midfielder seems to have a future in Manchester.
The Frenchman has been sent down the pecking order ever since the arrival of Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne, who were both signed during summer. Despite playing an integral role in the club’s Premier League title-winning season in 2014, Nasri has spent most of his time this season, watching the team from the sidelines. He is currently sidelined with a leg injury.
- Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels's future has been the subject of much speculation for the past few season and in recent report by Bild has suggested that the German centre-back's relationship with new coach Thomas Tuchel is "not the best," despite Hummels crediting Jurgen Klopp's replacement with helping him lose weight to find form and fitness earlier this season.
This has alerted the 20-time English Champions Manchester United, who have been targeting the German international for years. United are looking to partner Chris Smalling with Hummels next season.
#3 Rest of Europe
- Real Sociedad forward Carlos Vela is reportedly on the verge of joining Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids, according to Spanish newspaper AS. Vela scored 10 goals for the La Liga outfit under David Moyes last season but he has struggled to find the target this term.
The Sporting director at the Rapids Claudio Lopez, has confirmed talks are underway to take Vela to Colorado. “We’re already negotiating with and the player.” Lopez told AS.
- It has been understood by Gazzetta World that AS Roma are eyeing a double swoop for Bayern Munich’s Mehdi Benatia and Udinese’s Thomas Heurtaux to strengthen their defence. The capital club have conceded 31 goals in 18 games this season and are looking for reinforcements.
Benatia has been linked with a move to Roma in the past and it is thought a loan deal could be in the offing.
- Inter Milan could be tempted to accept bids from Arsenal for their star striker Mauro Icardi in January, as per a report on Football Italia. The Argentinian was reportedly close to joining the Gunners last summer before the Serie A side rejected a £32 million bid.
Wenger is keen to add another striker to his squad in January with the likes of Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott still sidelined with injuries.
