European Paper Talk: Thibaut Courtois wants Eden Hazard at Real Madrid instead of Neymar
Sunday 3 February 2019 11:52, UK
The transfer window may now be closed until the summer, but that doesn't mean the rumour mill has stopped turning.
So we asked our friends at Football Whispers to scour the European media to bring you the latest news and gossip from the Continent.
Belgium
Thibaut Courtois believes Real Madrid should sign former Chelsea teammate Eden Hazard instead of Neymar. Los Blancos have been heavily linked with both players over the past 12 months but the goalkeeper says his choice would be the Belgian star. "I would choose Eden, of course. I really like him, but the choice is up to the board." (Het Nieuwsblad)
Italy
Napoli's all-time leading goalscorer Marek Hamsik has told his teammates he will leave this week and join Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang. The Slovakian midfielder joined Gli Azzurri in 2007 and has made over 500 appearances for the club. (Il Mattino)
Patrice Evra, who has been without a club since leaving West Ham last May, has offered to rejoin Juventus to ease the club's injury crisis. With Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli all out, Juve have conceded six goals in their last two games. (Corriere di Torino)
Under-pressure Inter boss Luciano Spalletti claims he isn't concerned with reports sporting director Giuseppe Marotta met with Antonio Conte this week. "Antonio Conte can go where he wants; it is only right Marotta tries to secure what is best for Inter's future." (La Gazzetta dello Sport)
Spain
Real Madrid have no plans to loan out Brahim Diaz despite his limited involvement since joining the club from Manchester City. The club believe training regularly with the first team is more beneficial than joining a 'weaker' side. (AS)
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde doesn't believe the thigh injury Leo Messi suffered against Valencia is serious but the Argentine could miss the midweek Copa del Rey Clasico against Real Madrid. (Marca)
Barcelona transfer target Cristhian Stuani has signed a new contract with Girona, keeping him at the club until 2022. The Uruguayan has scored 33 La Liga goals since joining the club from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2017. (Various)
Germany
Benjamin Pavard says it was easy to reject other clubs in favour of signing a deal with Bayern Munich. The Stuttgart defender will join the Bundesliga giants in the summer. "When the offer of Bayern came, I didn't have to think for a second. Bayern is the best club in the world for me." (Bild)
France
DC United forward Luciano Acosta admits he is disappointed his deadline day move to Paris Saint-Germain fell through. "I still have a bitter taste of this episode… I'm a little sad to have not been able to sign in a club like PSG." (L'Equipe)
