Playing for 90’s transfer gossip column brings you all the latest news and rumours of ins and outs from the Premier League and abroad, including news on the future of Edison Cavani.
Cavani could replace Van Persie
Guardian Football report that Manchester United have targeted Edison Cavani as a possible replacement for Robin Van Persie, which could see Angel Di Maria move the opposite way to PSG. Cavani is Louis van Gaal’s No1 choice to fill the vacancy left by Robin van Persie, who will complete his move from Manchester United to Fenerbahce on Monday.
In central midfield Bastian Schweinsteiger has been signed from Bayern Munich and he is expected to be followed by Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin on Monday. Each should be part of the United squad that flies to Seattle on Monday afternoon.
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The Italy right-back Matteo Darmian has already been signed and, along with Van Gaal’s first close-season acquisition Memphis Depay, will be on the plane for the four-match trip.
Chelsea sign Begovic
Chelsea have signed Asmir Begovic from Stoke City for a fee of £8m, report the BBC. Begovic will replace Petr Cech who left Chelsea recently to sign for Arsenal. he Bosnia-Hercegovina international joins Chelsea on a four-year deal.
Stoke had hoped to keep the 28-year-old, who had one year remaining on his contract at the Britannia Stadium.
“I have loved my time at Stoke but feel I had to take this opportunity to continue to develop and challenge myself as a player,” Begovic said.
Begovic, who joined the Potters from Portsmouth in 2010, is the champions’ second signing of the summer following the arrival of Radamel Falcao on a season-long loan.
“I am very happy to be joining Chelsea,” said Begovic.
Newcastle hopeful on Mitrovic capture
Newcastle United remain optimistic about adding Anderlecht striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to their summer recruitment drive after a final round of positive talks with his agent Pini Zahavi, who is pushing the Serbia striker to commit to a move to St James’ Park,, report the Chronicle.
United were expecting to hear from Mitrovic, who sat out of Anderlecht’s friendly against Istanbul on Sunday, imminently – with Roma and Porto both interested in the player. But Newcastle are so far the only team to match Anderlecht’s asking price and have made a sales pitch to Mitrovic’s agent and family that includes the 20-year-old more than doubling his Anderlecht wages as part of a five-year deal, that will see him spearhead Newcastle’s attack next season.
As they flew out to the US for the next part of their summer tour, United still had work to do on the deal – but sources suggested on Sunday they were “hopeful”. The player’s family were in Newcastle on Saturday while the striker watched his current club from the stands.
Saints make Clasie Bid
Southampton have made a £10million offer for Feyenoord midfielder Jordy Clasie, report the Daily Mail. The Saints are facing up to life without key midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who is set to join Manchester United.
And manager Ronald Koeman has moved to replace the France international with countryman Clasie. Southampton have held talks with Feyenoord over the weekend and have now lodged a bid.
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The offer comprises of £8million in cash plus a further £2million in performance-related add ons.
Southampton hope to have the deal tied up in the next 72 hours.
Tottenham midfielder Benjamin Stambouli to seal £4m Watford move
Watford will tie-up a £4million move for Tottenham midfielder Benjamin Stambouli this week, report the Daily Mirror. Stambouli has agreed terms and is due to undergo a medical before penning a three-year deal.
He will follow fellow Frenchman Etienne Capoue in quitting Spurs for Watford this summer. Watford plan to pair the duo in the engine room despite them flopping in their one-year stint at White Hart Lane.
Stambouli will become Watford’s seventh summer signing – and the Premier League new boys don’t plan on stopping there.