Transfer News Review - Monday to Friday

Transfer News Review - Monday to Friday Transfer News Review - Monday to Friday

Arsenal plot Llorente loan:

Fernando Llorente joined Juventus in the summer. Arsenal are understood to be lining up a January loan move for Juventus striker Fernando Llorente.
The Daily Mail and Mirror report that Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has stepped up his pursuit of a striker during the international break, creating a shortlist of targets to approach when the transfer window re-opens in January. Llorente has emerged at the top of that list as the Spaniard is seeking more game time heading into next year's World Cup. A loan deal appears to be the most likely form of transfer to the Emirates, with some reports claiming talks have begun with regard to the striker moving to the Premier League for the remainder of the season.

David De Gea may be set for a long-term stay at Old Trafford, with The Sun stating the Manchester United goalkeeper is set to sign a new £75,000-a-week contract. The 22-year-old's agent, Jorge Mendes, is said to be flying in to Manchester this week to conclude negotiations with the club. The goalkeeper's current deal expires in 2016, and this extension would see him remain at United for a further two years.

Finally, Newcastle United are pondering a January swoop for Manchester City defender Micah Richards, according to a report in The Sun. City -- who offered Richards an improved four-year deal last summer -- are keen to keep hold of the defender, but the 25-year-old is said to be more interested in picking up game time than more money. If Richards is not given assurances by manager Manuel Pellegrini, Newcastle are set to pounce as soon as the transfer window re-opens.
Real join Juve in Vidic hunt:

Nemanja Vidic is expected to be a target for many European clubs next summer. Real Madrid have joined Juventus in the chase for Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic. Tuttosport reports Real Madrid are keen to secure a new central defender next season and could offer the Serbian a pre-contract in January. The Sun reported on Wednesday that Juventus and Barcelona have their eye on Vidic, but Real Madrid could be the most aggressive in their pursuit of the 31-year-old as they look to bolster their defence. Vidic's contract ends next June and he would be allowed to begin talks with European clubs in January.

Zenit St Petersburg are going back for seconds, with former player Martin Skrtel their number one target for the January transfer window, the Mirror reports. Skrtel joined Liverpool from Zenit in 2008 and has found success at Anfield, but an increased amount of competition could force the Solvakian to pursue options elsewhere. Zenit were keen to sign Skrtel in the summer but will be hoping they have more luck second time around, particularly if the 28-year-old becomes unsettled in the next three months.

Manchester United are the latest club to keep an eye on highly-rated Derby County midfielder Will Hughes, with David Moyes reportedly keen to snap up the youngster in January. According to the Daily Mail, Moyes is not too keen on buying players in January but wants to sign Hughes before he attracts significant attention next summer. It's likely United will look to do something similar to last year's move for Wilfried Zaha, with Sir Alex Ferguson buying the winger then loaning him out to Crystal Palace for the remainder of the season.
Barca Court Thibaut:

Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are expected to fight over Thibaut Courtois next summer. Barcelona will move to make Thibaut Courtois the first-choice goalkeeper at Camp Nou next season if they are unable to hold onto Victor Valdes. According to the Daily Star, Barca are keen to make an early play for the Chelsea 'keeper, who is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid. Although the Belgian is likely to return to Stamford Bridge next season and compete with Petr Cech for first-team football, Gerardo Martino's side believe they can persuade Courtois to remain in Spain by offering him a permanent deal. Barca president Sandro Rosell confirmed on Tuesday that his desire is to see Valdes extend his contract, but insists Courtois is a viable option otherwise.

Crystal Palace midfielder Mile Jedinak could be rewarded for his early season form with the Premier League newcomers as the club have re-opened negotiations with the Australian, the Star reports. The 29-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has attracted interest from Fulham, Stoke and Aston Villa. Palace are fearful Jedinak could leave on a free if they fail to secure his long-term future or allow him to exit in January.

AC Milan are close to securing a deal for Valencia defender Adil Rami, according to Sportmediaset. Agent Enzo Bronzetti is believed to be working on the move, with Milan hopeful Rami will opt for a switch to the San Siro in January. The Frenchman's time at the Mestalla appears to be limited after he publicly criticised coach Miroslav Djukic last week and Valencia would have little problem in letting him go. Rami could join Valencia on a six-month loan before sealing a permanent deal next summer.
Barca ready to swoop for Januzaj:

Adnan Januzaj has been targeted by several European clubs. Barcelona are waiting in the wings to snap up talented Manchester United midfielder Adnan Januzaj if the youngster refuses to extend his contract in the Premier League. The Daily Mail says Barca have had their eye on Januzaj since his time at Belgium side Anderlecht and are keen to secure his services at the end of his United deal next June. The 18-year-old's brace in Saturday's win over Sunderland has made him a target for a number of European clubs and United are likely to have a fight on their hands to keep hold of him during January and next summer's transfer window. Januzaj's agent last week confirmed there are "several European clubs" who have already approached him.

Arsenal forward Park Chu-Young looks set to join Wigan on loan until January as he continues to struggle to make an impression at the Emirates. The Mirror says Chu-Young has been targeted by Latics boss Owen Coyle following injuries to Grant Holt and Marc-Antoine Fortune. The South Korean, who was on loan at Celta Vigo last season, has only played a couple of minutes for Arsenal and is looking for regular time ahead of the Brazil World Cup.