Transfer gossip – Honda eyed by Everton

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 Keisuke Honda.

Everton swoop for Milan flop

Everton are exploring an option to sign Keisuke Honda from Milan, according to reports. Roberto Martinez is said to be keen on strengthening his squad before the transfer deadline shuts.

And Honda has emerged as a possible target after reports in Italy claimed Milan are open to selling the midfielder. Japan international Honda, 29, is also wanted by Tottenham, Italian newspaper Tuttosport suggest.

The dynamic player only arrived at the San Siro two years ago but has been given no assurances of his place in the side for the coming season. It is claimed his arrival at Milan was in fact no more than a marketing scheme to attract supporters from the Far East.

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Tuttosport outline that the player has not taken kindly to new manager Sinisa Mihajlovic pre-season training regime and is seeking a move way from Italy. Spurs, who are yet to add to their midfield this summer, are understood to be eyeing up a bid to rival Everton’s if the player did become available.

Arsenal remain in chase for Benzema

Despite Arsene Wenger rubbishing Arsenal’s interest, StarSport report the Gunners are confident of striking a deal for the £35m-rated Frenchman. With Gareth Bale being handed a new attacking role next season, Benzema could find opportunities limited under new boss Rafa Benitez.

And the Spanish giants have now let it be known they are now ready to talk about selling Benzema. Wenger’s claim he in not chasing Benzema’s signature is believed to be out of respect to Real.

Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere’s injury-jinx has struck again and he will be sidelined for at least six weeks with a fractured ankle. The England midfielder’s latest blow is a hairline crack of his left fibula sustained in training.

Watford to sign Rafael Romo on short-term loan deal
The Daily Mail report that Watford are to sign Udinese goalkeeper Rafael Romo on a short-term loan as cover. Lithuanian reserve keeper Giedrius Arlauskis is suspended for two games and Quique Sanchez Flores wants the 25-year-old Venezuela international Romo as back-up for Heurelho Gomes against Everton and West Bromwich Albion.

Watford, meanwhile, are in discussions over a deal for former West Ham winger Alessandro Diamanti. The 32-year-old is looking to return to Europe from Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande.

The newly-promoted Hornets have already made 10 signings this summer. Arlauskis, Valon Behrami, Steven Berghuis, Miguel Britos, Etienne Capoue, Jose Holebas, Jose Manuel Jurado, Marco Motta, Allan Nyom and Sebastian Prodl have all sealed moves to Vicarage Road during the course of the summer transfer window.

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Inter Milan defender Danilo D’Ambrosio turns down £9m West Ham move

Talksport report that West Ham have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Inter Milan full-back Danilo D’Ambrosio. According to Tuttomercatoweb, Inter and West Ham agreed a fee of around £9m for the defender, but the Irons have failed to agree personal terms with the player.

The former Torino man is still expected to leave the San Siro this summer and may opt to join Schalke, who retain a strong interest in him. D’Ambrosio made 32 appearances in all competitions last campaign, scoring three goals and laying on a further three assists.