Manchester United transfer gossip abounds once more, Mikel Oyarzabal the latest striker in their sights. They had their people in Spain at the weekend watching Real Sociedad’s win over Barcelona, and though they were also there to check on Marcus Rashford – who they apparently want back in the summer – La Real’s Spain forward is reportedly very much on their radar. Oyarzabal, 28, has a €75m (£65m) release clause, mind, and a summer swoop might be more likely than a move now.
Another United target is Rúben Neves, though they may face stern competition for the midfielder from Real Madrid. Neves is in the final six months of his contract with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia and is thought to be keen on a move back to Europe. Meanwhile the latest rumoured contenders for the permanent manager’s gig at Old Trafford include Frank Lampard of Championship table-toppers Coventry, Getafe’s José Bordalás and the Rayo Vallecano manager, Iñigo Pérez.
David Moyes needs an attacking full-back and Sevilla’s Juanlo Sánchez could be just the man. The local outlet Vamos Mi Sevilla tells us that Everton are preparing a £10m offer, with the Spanish club likely to secure some add-ons. Also on the shopping list at Hill Dickinson Stadium is Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor, according to the Mirror.
Crystal Palace’s turbulent month is not getting any calmer as speculation continues to swirl around Jean-Philippe Mateta. The French striker is firmly in the sights of Juventus and Aston Villa in particular. Sky Sports reports that Juve are offering to stump up €30m (£26m), comprising an initial €2m loan fee ahead of a €28m obligation to buy that would be triggered in the summer. But they may be outbid by Aston Villa, who could also offload Evann Guessand in the opposite direction. Palace have expressed interest in the Côte d’Ivoire international.
Another player possibly heading for the Villa Park exit at the end of the season is Emiliano Martínez, and Inter are the likeliest suitors for the 33-year-old Argentina goalkeeper.
Tuesday’s Troy Parrott rumour had him in Leeds’s sights; Wednesday’s puts the Republic of Ireland striker in the competing visions of Fulham, Wolfsburg and Real Betis.
Cash-strapped Sheffield Wednesday could be about to offload their talented 17-year-old wing-back Yisa Alao to Chelsea for a greatly needed six-figure fee. Manchester United and Liverpool have also shown interest but Stamford Bridge is now Aloa’s likelier destination.
And Celtic fans’ thirst for signings may be partly slaked by the reported arrival of Tomas Cvancara from Borussia Mönchengladbach. The tall striker is set to sign on an initial loan with the Hoops having an option to buy in the summer.
