European Football Transfer Gossip – Lucas Leiva wanted by Besiktas
By Lee Kilby
Playing for 90’s transfer gossip column brings you all the latest news and rumours of ins and outs from the leagues across Europe, including news on the future of Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva.
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva wanted by Turkish giants Besiktas on loan
The Daily Mail report Besiktas are trying to sign Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva on loan with view to a permanent deal. Lucas has two years left on his contract and has also attracted enquiries from Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan. The 28-year-old is now Liverpool’s fifth-choice central midfielder behind Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Emre Can and Joe Allen.
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Lucas hasn’t featured in either of their opening Premier League wins against Stoke City or Bournemouth with his future seemingly destined for an Anfield exit. Signed from Gremio for £5m in 2007, he made just 16 Premier League starts last season with Brendan Rodgers willing to sell the Brazilian before the transfer window closes.
Lucas is one of Liverpool’s longest-serving players and is just four games short of making 200 Premier League appearances for the club.
Bologna target Sunderland winger Emanuele Giaccherini
The Daily Mail also report Sunderland winger Emanuele Giaccherini is a target for Bologna.
The 30-year-old, who joined for £6.5million two years ago, is set to decide his future in the next 48 hours with Sunderland willing to sell to fund other moves. His agent, Furio Valcareggi said: ‘We had a rethink on the situation that has been created in England. He is certainly not lacking for offers. He could decide his future within two days.’
Giaccherini signed a four-year contract when he arrived at the Stadium of Light as a summer signing by Paolo Di Canio from Juventus in the summer of 2013.
After an inconsistent first campaign, his second season was ravaged by injury. He is fit now but Dick Advocaat left him on the bench for the opening day defeat by Leicester City, and he was left out of the squad for Saturday’s loss against Norwich City.
The former Italy international has made just 18 starts in the Barclays Premier League with a further 14 appearances coming from the substitutes’ bench. His agent added: ‘He lost all of last year and now cannot afford to lose another chance. This is the year leading up to Euro 2016 and he really wants to be there.’
Juventus sign Brazil left back Alex Sandro from Porto
Juventus have signed Brazil left back Alex Sandro from Porto for £18.5million (€26m).
Porto confirmed the deal after Sandro completed a medical at Juve on Thursday morning, after flying to Turin on Wednesday night. Sandro joined Porto in 2011 and scored three goals in 137 appearances; his contract was due to expire next June. The 24-year-old, who has reportedly signed a five-year contract, has made six appearances for Brazil.
Juve are bidding for a record-equalling fifth successive league title when the Serie A starts again this weekend; Massimiliano Allegri’s side begin their campaign at home to Udinese on Sunday. The Old Lady narrowly missed out on a treble last season, winning the Italian league and cup but losing in the Champions League final to Barcelona.
Sampdoria interested in Balotelli
Sky Italia report Sampdoria are interested in signing out-of-favour Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli.
They also believe a potentially more attractive move for the Italian may be to Lazio, who are also on the lookout for a striker.