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Facing the sack?The winter window gets closer with each passing day and the transfer rumour mill is starting to pick up steam. The new campaign is underway and clubs are eyeing players across Europe.There has been a buzz around many players and clubs, some needing reinforcements, others seeking moves away from their respective clubs for more than a single reason. Nonetheless, the January window is poised to give us some interesting transfers.Here are the top transfer news and rumours of the day from the top European leagues.
#1 Serie A
Back to Arsenal?
- Bologna have rejected the advancements of Chelsea and Manchester City for Amadou Diawara, Sky Sports reports.
According to news published in Italian daily, Corriere di Bologna, the 18-year-old has had a brilliant first season with the Serie A outfit and might put pen to paper on a new deal in near future.
- Roma might cut short the loan spell of Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, Daily Mirror reports.
The Italian club is looking to lure the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper, Salvatore Sirigu, who has lost his starting place to Kevin Trapp as their first choice goalkeeper this season. The Rome-based club might have to pay a fine as a result of cutting short the loan-deal for the Polish shot-stopper.
- Chievo Verona have made an enquiry about Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone and on the other hand, Jordi Gomez is being tracked by Bologna, Sunderland Echo reports.
Both the Sunderland players have 18 months to go on their contract with the Tyneside club and might move to greener pastures.
#2 La Liga
- Cristiano Ronaldo has finally broken his silence on his future and said that he is going to stay with the Los Blancos as long as his contract doesn’t run out.
“It is speculation. Every year, the same thing," the 30-year-old told Spanish TV station Antena 3 when asked if he was looking to leave Real. I am calm, I feel good, and I am happy here. I have two years of contract and I am going to stay here.”
The Portugal captain has been continuously linked with a move to Manchester United and PSG.
- Barcelona forward Neymar’s father has said that he will not push his son to move to the arch-rivals Real Madrid after reports emerged that Florentino Perez is trying to lure the 23-year old to the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Neymar has his own life—I can’t force him to go to Real Madrid. He’s creating his own history and he’s happy with his life. I can’t put that at risk, he is my son and my client. I have to think about his happiness and not just money. …His future is here, where he has three more years on his contract. The only offer [to sign him] was rejected by Barca—that was from Manchester United, but [Neymar] wants to stay,” he said.
#3 English Premier League
- Liverpool have agreed to a deal to sign Galatasaray player Kevin Grosskreutz, Turkish news agency Takvim reports.
Grosskreutz has previously played under Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, where he was a vital cog for the Bundesliga winning Dortmund team from 2011 and 2012 season. The player has reportedly accepted a three-year contract with Liverpool, but the Reds still need to finalise a transfer fee with Galatasaray.
- Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal could be sacked from the job if he fails to guide the team to a top-three finish in the English Premier League, Daily Express reports.
The Red Devils recently bowed out of the Champions League and their performances in the Premier League have been less than satisfactory, though, the team currently lies on the fourth position. United have played five goalless draws in their last ten matches in all competitions and the pressure on LVG is high to turn the tides around for the club or else face a sack.
- Manchester City are ready to submit a bid for Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, Gazzetta World reports.
The Citizens are ready to spend up to €40m for the Argentine, however, neither the player wants to make the move nor Inter want to let their striker leave in the January transfer window.
- Everton manager Roberto Martinez has expressed his views on Steven Naismith’s future at the club.
The club is set to hold talks with Naismith and Martinez reiterated the club’s views saying, “That's something we need to look into whenever that situation arises. It happened in August, it wasn't the right time. We're going to see how the next three or four weeks go.
"Steven is a very intelligent man, intelligent footballer, and I think he's got an incredible degree of confidence. It is true it's been very frustrating for certain players in those attacking positions due to the fact some of the players that are playing in those roles have reached an incredible level of form. I think as a player you understand that."
#4 Rest of Europe
- Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has had his say on the rumours linking him with a supposed move to Real Madrid.
“It's the same thing that happens every year. I don't want to speculate on the matter. There has been no contact with Real Madrid.
“People talk a lot and I don't keep up to date with everything that's said. I don't know what will happen next summer. When this season is over we'll talk. Right now I'm happy in Munich,” he said.
- Nicolas Gaitan has signed a new deal with Benfica which will keep him at the club till 2019.
The long-term Manchester United target extended his contract with the Portuguese club just before the January transfer window, and the fact that his release clause has been increased to €45m can ward off quite a few potential suitors.
