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 Neymar.
Neymar’s agent rubbishes United link
Neymar’s representative has denied there has been any contact with Manchester United. According to The Sun, United were taking advantage of their pursuit of Pedro to ask Barcelona about Neymar.
The English newspaper say Barça would not consider any offer for the Brazilian unless the player himseld said he wanted to leave the club. One of the reasons United have been linked with Neymar is because they are desperate to sign a marquee player who can drive them towards titles and lead the team.
“Barcelona have never thought about selling Neymar and he is very happy at the club,” Wagner Ribeiro, the player’s representative, explained.
“He has three more years on his contract and the English newspapers are just speculating. There’s nothing.”
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AC Milan confirm Mario Balotelli loan talks with Liverpool
The Daily Mail today have a story reporting that AC Milan are poised to sign Mario Balotelli on loan from Liverpool. Milan CEO Adriano Galliani confirmed the clubs are in talks over a loan move for the striker.
The Italy striker was signed by Brendan Rodgers for £16million a year ago but only managed one goal in the Premier League last season. He has not featured for Liverpool so far in this campaign. Galliani said an agreement was still down to negotiations between the clubs but warned the 25-year-old to make the most of a potential return to the San Siro.
Milan’s proposal is a 50/50 split on wages with the option to buy him at the end of the loan.
‘There are negotiations with Liverpool for a loan, but we have not reached an agreement on wages,’ Galiani said to Mediaset Premium.
‘We want a loan with a portion of the wages paid by us and another portion by Liverpool.
‘We want Balo because we are convinced this lad realises that this is absolutely his last chance. I hope he understands that.’
Karim Benzema ready to join Arsenal
The Daily Star report that Karim Benzema is ready to join Arsenal this summer. While last week the French striker insisted he is not moving this window, that would reportedly change if the Gunners were to bid £50m.
That figure would meet Real’s valuation and, if accepted, set a new transfer record for Arsenal – eclipsing the £42m splashed on Mesut Özil two years ago. And, most importantly, it would prove beyond doubt to Benzema just how badly he is wanted at The Emirates.
Arsenal have been linked all summer with a big-money swoop for Real’s prolific hitman – 87 goals in 188 La Liga appearances. But so far there has been no formal approach – leaving Benzema with no option but to pledge his loyalty to the Spanish giants. Yet, according to a source close to the Bernabeu, the ex-Lyon star would seriously consider a move to north London.
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Anderson arises at United target
ESPNFC report that Lazio star Felipe Anderson is now a Manchester United target, since the Manchester club lost out on the signing of Pedro to Chelsea, last week. Louis van Gaal is keen to bolster his attacking options before the close of the transfer window and the club had lined up a move for Spain international Pedro before Chelsea swooped in to lure him Stamford Bridge.
As a result, United have been forced to look elsewhere to try and bring in a new face to their attack and Anderson figures highly on their wanted list. United have been credited with an interest in Southampton’s Sadio Mane, but the south coast club insist they will not sell the Senegal international, and Van Gaal is set to shift attention to Anderson.
The Lazio midfielder is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in Europe after impressing in Serie A last season with 10 goals and seven assists to help Lazio reach the Champions League. Despite playing in Lazio’s qualifying clash against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, Anderson could still be eligible to play for another club in the Champions League group stages if he moves during the transfer window.