Gossip: Neymar, Anderson, Januzaj, Ighalo
GROUNDHOG DAY
Manchester United are set to bid for Lazio’s attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson.
The above line could be taken from any given month over the past two years, in truth. It has re-emerged thanks to the Daily Star, who give thanks to Forza Italian Football, who in turn credit ‘sources from’ La Republicca. The latter two are Italian outlets, and their take is that United are finally preparing a bid for long-term target Anderson. The price will be £33million.
After watching Manchester United held to their 427th goalless draw of the season against Chelsea, hands up who thinks Louis van Gaal’s side needs another No 10? Ander Herrera, Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, Adnan Januzaj, Marouane Fellaini and Memphis Depay have all been handed opportunities behind the striker this season, and would Anderson provide a significant upgrade? 17 goals and nine assists in 79 appearances in Italy suggests not.
NEYMAR REVELATIONS
‘Barcelona forward Neymar has revealed that Manchester City are interested in him, and has refused to rule out a move to the Premier League in the future should he decide to leave the Spanish club,’ is the first paragraph from the Independent on Tuesday morning. Pretty big news, we’re sure you’ll agree.
The news stems from comments Neymar gave to the press while trying to escape them at an airport over the Christmas break. When asked whether he was aware of Manchester City’s interest in him, the Brazilian replied: “Yes, yes.”
Here is issue No 1. One dictionary definition of the word ‘reveal’ is as follows: ‘make (previously unknown or secret information) known to others’. How can Neymar ‘reveal’ Manchester City’s interest if he’s being asked whether he’s aware of it? City have been linked – tenuously or otherwise – to Neymar since before he joined Barcelona. File ‘reveal’ alongside ‘insist’ in the folder of words that the English press continue to struggle with.
But back to the Neymar stuff. In the same conversation at the airport, Neymar was asked whether he would ever consider leaving Barcelona. His response? “I don’t know, life is long.” Which becomes: ‘and has refused to rule out a move to the Premier League in the future should he decide to leave the Spanish club’.
He has also refused to rule out a move to the League of Ireland Premier Division, the National Conference, and the Norwegian Tippeligaen.
BELGIAN WAFFLE
Adnan Januzaj could return to Manchester United from his loan at Borussia Dortmund early, claim The Sun.
The story is based on the fact that Januzaj was in the Old Trafford crowd for United’s draw with Chelsea on Monday. Considering the Bundesliga is in the midst of its regular Christmas fixture break, it’s hardly groundbreaking that the Belgian would pop by his parent club to watch a game.
But no, Januzaj might be ‘making a shock return’ to ‘salvage Louis van Gaal’s season’, as per the headline. A couple of points:
* Why would they even want to? Januzaj has played just six Bundesliga games for Dortmund since joining in August, and has started zero. He has played 160 minutes of league football this season.
BEST OF THE REST
Aston Villa manager Remi Garde is hoping he can convince Chelsea striker Loic Remy to join his Premier League strugglers on loan in January…Aston Villa, Newcastle, Sunderland and Norwich are interested in Everton forward Steven Naismith but are unwilling to meet the Toffees’ £10million asking price…Ligue 1 side Mocaco want to sign out-of-favour Everton winger Kevin Mirallas…Atletico Madrid are weighing up a £12million move for Watford striker Odion Ighalo…Ashley Cole will meet with LA Galaxy chiefs this week as he eyes a move to MLS…West Ham are set to make Manuel Lanzini’s loan move from Al Jazira permanent…Watford will beat Norwich in the race to sign Peterborough starlet Jonathan Edwards.
