Gareth Bale could be set for a Premier League return, whilst Real Madrid target a Chelsea star as his replacement. That and the rest of today's gossip from the newspapers.
Manchester United want Gareth Bale: Real Madrid are willing to sell the world’s most expensive player, Gareth Bale, to Manchester United in the hope of signing Eden Hazard and Raheem Sterling, according to a report in the Daily Star. In recent weeks, speculation has surrounded Bale, linking him with a move back to the Premier League amid suggestions that Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is unhappy with the former Tottenham star. The reigning European champions have ruled out selling Bale in weeks gone by, but, according to the Star, sources in Spain suggest that is no longer the case and that Louis van Gaal’s side will offer Real a staggering £90 million to acquire his services. Paper round’s view: So, according to the Star, Real Madrid want Eden Hazard AND Raheem Sterling? And to turf out Gareth Bale? Bold claims, unsupported by anything more concrete than "sources in Spain". Transfer stories don't always need a quote or named source to be credible - in fact, some of the most reliable tips come from an unnamed mole at a club. But this just seems fanciful. While it is true that Real Madrid do like Hazard and Sterling, that doesn't mean they'll definitely sign both. Hazard still has two and a half years to run on his contract at Chelsea, and is closing in on a new deal worth £200,000-a-week. Sterling's future does genuinely seem to be more in the balance - though let's hope Real didn't see his wasteful finishing against Manchester United on Sunday. As for Bale, he is a key part of a team that has won 20 consecutive matches, and scored the winning goal in the Champions League final. So there doesn't seem like much to recommend this story.
Gerard Houllier hoping to take Steven Gerrard to New York Red Bulls: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will be offered a contract with MLS club New York Red Bulls should he opt not to sign a new deal with the Reds, according to the Mirror. “Gerrard has been at the centre of much speculation about his future, as Brendan Rodgers has opted to leave him out of the Reds' starting eleven in numerous occasions this season. And now the MLS club, who are now competing against city rivals New York City FC, have included the former England captain on their 'discovery list',” says the report.
Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier is currently the sporting director at New York Red Bulls and will be hoping to take advantage of his strong relationship with Gerrard to lure the former England skipper to America. Paper round’s view: It remains to be seen whether Gerrard will sign a new deal with Liverpool, but, even though he has been dropped in recent weeks, we think that the skipper will be playing for the Reds for at least one more season. However, if the 34-year-old opted not to extend his stay at his boyhood club, then it’s hard to see him playing for another Premier League side. A move to the MLS would surely be lucrative, but Gerrard may feel he has a little more to offer…
Man City to swoop for Mats Hummels: Manchester City are set to poach Manchester United and Arsenal target Mats Hummels, and will hope to sign the German in the January transfer window, so says the Express. Following another injury to captain Vincent Kompany and rumours linking Matija Nastasic with a move to Inter Milan, manager Manuel Pellegrini will look to Hummels to shore up the Premier League champions’ defence. The Express report that City will offer Borussia Dortmund £47 million to secure his signature. Paper round’s view: It seems that every top club in Europe has been linked with Mats Hummels at some point in the last couple of seasons. But, as of yet, the highly-rated defender has failed to be persuaded to leave Dortmund. However, with Juergen Klopp’s side enduring a torrid time in the Bundesliga this season – currently sitting in the bottom three – the 25-year-old may finally look to continue his career elsewhere.
Man United set for battle to keep Adnan Januzaj: Inter Milan and Real Sociedad are reportedly both vying for the signature of Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj, according to the Daily Star. “The midfield ace is set to leave Old Trafford in January, as boss Louis van Gaal attempts to secure more first-team action for the talented 19-year-old. New Inter boss Roberto Mancini is thought to be in the market for a wide attacker as he seeks to freshen up his squad at the San Siro. Real chief David Moyes handed the Belgium international his debut during his brief spell in charge at United, and is understood to be keen on a reunion in January,” claims the report in the British newspaper. Paper round’s view: Adnan Januzaj will certainly leave United on a loan deal in January. Van Gaal is reportedly very keen on the Belgian getting more playing time, seeing the 19-year-old as one for the future. Quite where he will end up is so far unclear. But the winger may be keen on playing for David Moyes, whom he built a strong relationship with during the Scot’s ill-fated 10 months in charge at Old Trafford.
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