Transfer gossip: Man Utd given surprise January boost, Liverpool hatch ambitious midfield plan
After rejecting Arsenal almost 12 months ago, Dusan Vlahovic could be the subject of another January transfer as Man Utd start to sniff around the striker.
VLA VLA LAND
With Man Utd ‘aroused’ by Dusan Vlahovic – they are also said to be interested in Goncalo Ramos but after recent videoed developments, let’s not use that word in relation to the Portuguese forward – some may be interested to hear the latest revelations.
It is said that Vlahovic leaving Juventus is ‘a very real possibility’ amid their current turmoil and his inability to settle in Turin. He swapped Fiorentina for Juventus just a year ago, turning down Arsenal in the process, and none of that decision seems particularly prescient almost 12 months on.
Another January transfer is feasible and numerous clubs are interested, but Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports says nothing is close as of now. Those teams who are looking at Vlahovic want to first figure out where he stands and whether his injury record is worth the risk.
Chelsea and PSG are mentioned by name, while Arsenal are not ruled out despite there being ‘nothing significant’ in terms of interest from their side, even with Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines.
HEY, JUDE
A winter transfer for Jude Bellingham also remains a theoretical possibility, but the reported finances involved make a summer deal far more likely. Borussia Dortmund won’t be blinded by his World Cup brilliance; they can wait a few more months to squeeze plenty more out of this.
Real Madrid have powered up the Marca machine to suggest that ‘a clear path’ to the Bernabeu has emerged for Bellingham. It is said that ‘the number one enemy’ of Los Blancos, Liverpool, are focusing on the more ‘accessible’ Enzo Fernandez instead.
While Real were ambivalent towards signing Bellingham before the World Cup – they knew he was a phenomenal talent but could not make sense of the money – a standout tournament ‘has convinced everyone’ and ‘now they think that the effort could be worth it’.
Way to make a guy feel special.
MIDFIELD LIFE CRISIS
The idea that Liverpool will drop out of the Bellingham race is not exactly echoed elsewhere. Football Insider double down more than anything, saying the Reds ‘are laying the groundwork for two new signings’ in the coming months.
Midfielders are indeed their priority, particularly with the expiring contracts of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner. So at least two new players will be targeted in that position.
But they won’t be of the same standard. ‘One is expected to be a big name who can slot straight into, and instantly improve, the first team,’ it says here. ‘The other is likely to be a cheaper midfielder who can be developed by Klopp and his coaching staff.’
Bellingham is the only player referenced by name, described as ‘a top target’, the representatives of whom Liverpool are ‘in regular contact’ with. Things should progress on that front in the summer but in the meantime, ‘one January arrival could be a lower profile midfielder’ based on potential.
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