Moyes turns his attention to Germany, while Hull confirm a fee for Nikica Jelavic and may not pursue their interest in Shane Long
Manchester United are looking to avoid ending up on their worst run in 53 years by avoiding a fourth successive loss, and while that is undoubtedly their most immediate source of concern, they also have plenty to do in this transfer window, which has meant that they are linked with a host of names. Chief among them is Ilkay Gundogan of Borussia Dormtund, and United are ready to part with £24 million to bring him to Old Trafford. Word is that they’ve also sealed the deal on Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay, but they will have to wait until the summer for that to officially go through.
Steve Bruce and Hull have confirmed a price for Everton striker Nikica Jelavic in an effort to get more goals, as the Croatian has found it difficult to get minutes on the pitch under new boss Roberto Martínez. However, this may have implications on their long-running interest in West Brom and Ireland’s Shane Long. There is a new man in charge at the Hawthorns, former Real Betis manager Pepe Mel, and Bruce has already stated that he’ll wait and give Mel a chance to settle in before approaching him about the Irishman. Who knows, the new boss could take to him and Long could flourish, but there are certainly a few clubs who would want the striker were he to become available.
Arsenal have a few injury worries at the moment, and have decided that they need to strengthen a little bit further in the midfield area. One of the names they have been linked with is Yoann Gourcuff of Lyon, who JOE is a big fan of, namely because we know he has it in his locker to score goals like this:
Or this
Woof. They have also been linked with Sebastian Giovinco of Juventus, according to the Daily Express who would add some options up front too. We’re not sure if any of those names appeared on that list that the guy in the crowd had for Arsene a few weeks back though… Meanwhile, heading towards the exit door may be Bacary Sagna, who is looking likely to join up with Roberto Mancini (he seems to have a thing for Arsenal players) at Galatasaray.
Fulham are looking like a team that really need an injection of life, or new blood, or basically anything to stop what is beginning to look like an inevitable slide, so they’ve looked around the league for the teams that have been involved in the highest scoring games, and found themselves looking at West Ham’s squad. Not sure if anyone told them who scored the five and then six goals in their last two games though… Anyway, the Daily Express claim that Renee is hoping to bring in both Ravel Morrison and Mohamed Diame in this window to bolster their squad and add to Sam’s woes.
In other news, Norwich don’t want to part with Wes Hoolahan and are not letting him move to Aston Villa, Michael Essien could be getting out of Stamford Bridge during this window and AC Milan look to be the side offering him a lifeline, Jose Mourinho has stated that no amount of money would tempt him to sell Eden Hazard to PSG, Yohan Cabaye has stated that there is no truth to the rumours he’ll be leaving St. James’ Park, while Sunderland’s manager Gus Poyet has stated that the club are close to a deal for Newell’s Old Boys’ defender Santiago Vergini.
