Gossip: Mane, Ibrahimovic, Carvalho, Oxford

BAYERN JOIN UNITED IN MANE RACE
First to the Daily Telegraph, whose reporter Jeremy Wilson believes that Bayern Munich have joined the race for Sadio Mane. They join Manchester United in holding a serious interest in the Southampton winger.

Wilson writes that serious injuries to Arjen Robben this year mean that Mane is on Bayern’s wanted list. It’s worth pointing out that both Robben and Ribery are nearing full fitness, and Bayern do also have Kingsley Coman and Douglas Costa in those areas. Both were bought this year.

One thing is for sure; if Mane is to leave Southampton, it will take a whacking great fee. His contract does not expire until 2018, and has performed brilliantly since midway through last season. We’re talking £30m plus.

CHELSEA WANT ZLATAN
Well thank goodness for that, because it’s been a week or so since Zlatan Ibrahimovic was linked with a move to the Premier League. Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City have all been mentioned before. As have Chelsea, to be honest.

The story comes from ESPN Deportes (nope, us neither) via the Metro, who claim that Ibrahimovic will sign a pre-contract agreement at Chelsea in January, with a view to moving on a free transfer next summer when his contract expires at Paris St Germain.

Ibrahimovic having played for Jose Mourinho before is basically the only evidence for the move, so it’s worth pointing out that he’s played for quite a few coaches.

Still, the striker did say this in March: “’We worked together for one year at Inter. The feeling was great between us and my only regret is that we were together for only one year.”

Ibrahimovic turns 35 next year.

ARSENAL TURN TO CARVALHO. AGAIN?
It’s like seeing an old friend’s train enter the station while you wait for them on the platform, itching to catch up and find out how they’ve been. ‘William Carvalho to Arsenal,’ it’s been too long. Come and give us a hug.

This one is actually a Daily Telegraph ‘exclusive’ from Jeremy Wilson; somebody has been busy

‘Arsenal are again interested in Portugal international William Carvalho as they try to solve their central midfield injury crisis but the difficulty of making a major signing in January means they are also focussed on the available loan options,’ the piece reads. Hmmm, which bit is the exclusive here, the loan players or Carvalho?

The Telegraph also say that Carvalho could be available for a fee of around £25m, but that Sporting would be reluctant to sell. If that’s the case, they don’t really have to. Carvalho has a minimum fee release clause of £35m.

To be honest, Ruben Neves feels like a more likely option. Carvalho is set to become the next Leandro Damaio, in that he doesn’t really exist.

UNITED TO BID FOR REECE OXFORD
Well well, this is a very interesting line in The Times (#WinterIsComing). They have an ‘exclusive’ that Manchester United are preparing a £8m bid for West Ham’s Reece Oxford.

Oxford, still 16, was part of the West Ham side that beat Arsenal on the opening day, gaining significant plaudits for his performance. He’s since found his playing time limited.

The Times say that Oxford will sign a two-and-a-half year contract with West Ham imminently, but that United will still make their move. They also claim Oxford is frustrated at his lack of minutes since the start of the season. That’s unlikely to change at Old Trafford, big horse.

Predictably, the Express also throw in that Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are also interested. Standard.