As the World Cup ends, expect things to start heating up significantly in our glorious transfer bubble.
Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal says he would love to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, with reports suggesting that that club could very well turn out to be Manchester United.
Amid reports that Louis van Gaal is a huge fan, Vidal said:
Vidal said: “I’ve heard about the rumours, but I haven’t spoken more about this subject. I’m enjoying my holidays, and when I return to Italy I’ll see what happens.
“I’m very calm, but anyone would love to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
If this comes off, United fans will be hoping he’s far more Keane than Veron.
Liverpool set to keep spending and hope that Benzema loves them back
As good as Rickie Lambert may well turn out to be, Liverpool fans still want someone a lot younger and a lot shinier to replace Luis Suarez.
Arguably top of that list would be Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who could cost a fairly reasonable £40m if he chooses to swap the Spanish capital for Merseyside. Other names that have been mentioned include Divock Origi, Wilfried Bony and even Mario Balotelli, none of whom would provide the wow factor that Benzema would bring to Anfield.
OK, maybe Super Mario would, but you get our meaning.
The thinking behind this is that Real Madrid need to release funds to sign James Rodriguez, and Brendan Rodgers has a very keen ear.
Eliaquim Mangala. Manchester City. Finally.
Having already confused us by signing up Fernando to play alongside Fernandinho, Manchester City now want to raid Porto once again for young French defender Eliaquim Mangala.
This was tipped to happen last January but Porto didn’t want to sell halfway through the season. Expect this one to go through within the week.
Paulinho for Juventus
He was rotten in the World Cup and hardly set Tottenham alight last season, but that hasn’t stopped Juventus trying to sign Paulinho as a replacement for Vidal. Spurs should sell up.
**Beep beep. This just in.**
Liverpool are preparing a £26m move for Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku, according to Caught Offside. There is the distinct whiff of ‘never gonna happen’ around this one, unless…
…no. It’s never gonna happen.
