Celtic aiming to fend off Burnley interest in Bitton
Celtic are keen to extend Nir Bitton’s stay at the club in the hope of
fending off any interest from Premier League side Burnley.
The Israel midfielder was signed by current boss Neil Lennon in 2013,
but is out of contract at the end of the season.
The Glasgow Evening Times are reporting that Sean Dyche has been
keeping tabs on the 28-year-old, but Lennon believes he remains a
valuable member of his squad.
Guardiola wants Soyuncu in January
According to the Sunday Times, Manchester City have made Leicester
defender Caglar Soyuncu their number one target to replace former
captain Vincent Kompany.
The Turkish international has made a phenomenal start to his Premier
League career, helping the Foxes to a league best of six clean sheets
this season.
City manager Pep Guardiola is looking for a centre-back in the January
transfer window, with Soyuncu the ideal fit as the club chase top of
the table Liverpool.
Hughton close to taking over at Watford
Chris Hughton has emerged as the top contender to take over from
Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores, should the Spaniard be removed
from his post.
The Daily Mail claim that the former Brightonmanager is close to
becoming Watford’s new boss, with Flores under increasing pressure
after losing 2-1 at Southampton on Saturday.
Liverpool and Spurs eyeing Depay
Liverpool and Tottenham are keeping a close eye on Lyon forward
Memphis Depay, reports the Sunday Express.
The former Manchester United attacker has 11 goals in all competitions
for the French club, as well as playing a key role in helping the
Netherlands qualify for Euro 2020 next summer.
And that form has seen both Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho take an
interest in the 25-year-old, who failed to make a lasting impression
in his spell at Old Trafford.
Sheffield United keeping tabs on Foster
Sheffield United will make a move for goalkeeper Ben Foster if Watford
get relegated from the Premier League this season, claims the Sun.
Current number one Dean Henderson is on loan from Manchester United,
and so the Blades will turn to the 36-year-old former England
international should they fail to land Henderson on a permanent basis.
Henderson has five clean sheets for the campaign, one behind leader
Kasper Schmeichel.
Real Madrid planning Aubameyang bid
Real Madrid are planning a summer move for Arsenal forward
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, reports Eldesmarque.
The Spanish giants are reportedly looking to strengthen their attack
for next season, and could include midfielder James Rodriguez as part
of a deal to bring the Gabon striker to the capital.
Arsenal have fears over Aubameyang leaving the club over a lack of
Champions Leaguefootball, with Madrid his ideal destination.
PSG yet to open contract talks with Mbappe
Paris Saint-Germain have yet to open talks with Kylian Mbappe over a
new contract, reports Le10Sport.
Mbappe’s future has been a constant topic of speculation, with Real
Madrid a long-term admirer of the superstar forward.
The 20-year-old’s current deal with PSG expires at the end of the
2021-22 season.
Pochettino advised not to take Arsenal job
Mauricio Pochettino has been advised by his friends not to take the
Arsenal job, according to The Telegraph.
After Pochettino was sacked by Tottenham, the Gunners job quickly
opened when Unai Emery was sacked at the other end of north London.
But Pochettino has been advised to wait for a more prestigious job,
such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Manchester United.
Ferguson could take charge of Everton for derby
Everton club legend Duncan Ferguson could take charge of the team for
Wednesday’s Merseyside derby against Liverpool, reports the Daily
Mail.
Current manager Marco Silva is under major pressure and could be
sacked with a poor result against Leicester on Sunday.
Ferguson, who is currently an assistant at Goodison Park, would then
be in line to take over on an interim basis.
Chicharito considering MLS move
Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez is considering a move to Major League
Soccer, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The 31-year-old is currently playing for Sevilla but has always been a
target for MLSteams looking to bring in one of the most popular
Mexican players of his generation.
“Yes. Definitely,” Hernandez told the Times when asked if he was
interested in a MLS move. “Look, I am always thinking about my future.
I want to be as open as I can to any opportunity.
“MLS is a league that is improving. It is an opportunity. Every league
is an opportunity.”
Watford to sack Sanchez Flores
Watford are set to dispense with the services of manager Quique
Sanchez Flores, according to the Athletic.
Sanchez Flores has been in the job for less than three months after
taking over from Javi Gracia, who was sacked in September.
But Sanchez Flores has overseen a disastrous run of one win in 10
games that has left the Hornets rooted to the bottom of the table.
Hodgson expects Zaha transfer battle
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson is gearing up for another fraught
transfer window in January as he bids once more to keep hold of
Wilfried Zaha.
“We’ve never wanted to lose him. But, when you’re Crystal Palace, and
I think Burnley would regard themselves in the same situation, when a
player does exceptionally well and there’s lots of clubs after them
and prepared to pay big money, it’s not always that easy to keep hold
of them,” Hodgson said.
“We can’t say to Wilf: ‘You’ve got to stay with us because we’ll be
Champions League next year.
“I’m happy that it didn’t materialise, I think he’s done exceptionally
well to get over that and accept it and make certain he’s once again
doing his level best for this club.
