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 Fernando Llorente
Man United ‘mystery striker’ revealed
According t the Daily Mirror the ‘mystery striker’ which Manchester United are tracking is Fernando Llorente. Llorente (30), who spent last season playing for Juventus, has struggled since joining Juventus from Athletic Bilbao two years ago, managing just 27 goals in 90 appearances.
He was restricted to five minutes as a late sub as Juve lost 3-1 to Barcelona in the Champions League final and is looking to move this summer. United, however, will face competition for Llorente from Real Madrid, who are said to be ready to bid for the 6ft 5in front-man.
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Van Gaal bemoaned United’s lack of height last season, and the arrival of Llorente would certainly help to address that issue. But the Dutchman has been coy on the identity of the forward he is after, saying: “It’s not the striker the media has written. But you have to wait and see.”
Hornets are set to announce the signing of defender Miguel Britos
According to the Watford Observer Watford are to announce the signing of defender Miguel Britos imminently. It was initially believed the 30-year-old centre-back would join fellow Pozzo-owned club Udinese from Napoli before being sent on loan to Vicarage Road for the forthcoming campaign.
Britos’ departure from Napoli was dependant on the southern Italian club sealing the signing of midfielder Allan from the Little Zebras. That deal went through this morning and the Hornets are now poised to announce the Uruguayan has become their eighth summer signing.
Britos began his career in his native Uruguay before moving to Bologna from Wanderers in 2008 of €4m. He then joined Napoli in 2011 for a fee of €9m, helping them to two Coppa Italia triumphs in 2012 and 2014 and finish Serie A runners-up in 2013.
Thauvin on Barcodes radar
The Chronicle claim that Newcastle United are aiming to keep up their momentum in the summer transfer window after landing £13million man Aleksandar Mitrovic from Anderlecht. With Georginio Wijnaldum and the Serbian striker already in the bag, Newcastle hope to bring in Mitrovic’s former team-mate Chancel Mbemba – and another midfielder is also a priority.
United chiefs still have admiration for Thauvin and have remained in dialogue over the midfielder. However, it is believed that interest in West Brom ace Saido Berahino has cooled after the player ditched his agent Aidy Ward.
Mitrovic said he was already counting the days down until his first game at St James’ Park, which could be the home friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach.
He said: “I can’t wait to have my first game there. I know the fans are very passionate.
“It’s a club with a very big history, the club and fans are really, really close. I like that, I had that in my last two clubs as well.
Bilic set to sign Manuel Lanzini on loan
According to the London Evening Standard Midfielder Manuel Lanzini is set to join West Ham on a season’s loan within the next 48 hours and become the club’s seventh signing of the summer.
The Argentine began his career with River Plate and spent a season on loan at Brazilian side Fluminese before moving to Al Jazira in the UAE. An attacking midfielder, Lanzini is known as The Jewel. He has four caps for Argentina at Under-20 level and holds an Italian passport.
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The 22-year-old’s arrival will strengthen the Hammers midfield already boosted by the additions of Pedro Obiang from Sampdoria and Dimitri Payet from Marseille. Slaven Bilic’s priority now is to sign a striker and he is also looking for a winger after Stewart Downing was sold to Middlesbrough.
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny in talks with Roma
Talksport claim that Roma are reportedly in talks with Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny over a protracted one-year loan move, with a view to a permanent deal.
The Polish shot-stopper has found himself down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium after losing his place to David Ospina halfway through last season and the summer arrival of Petr Cech from Chelsea.
While Ospina was tipped to be the one to make way after Cech – who will be the Gunners’ no.1 this season – made the short journey across London, it now appears Szczesny is the most likely custodian to depart.
The 25-year-old has made 132 Premier League appearances for the north London club, but his reputation was damaged after being caught smoking in the showers following a 2-0 defeat at Southampton on New Year’s Day – a game in which he was at fault for both goals.