European Paper Talk: Javier Mascherano set to leave Barcelona
Sunday 3 December 2017 12:03, UK
Clubs across Europe will be stepping up their transfer plans over the next three weeks in preparation for the January window opening.
It means the rumour mill is cranking up significantly, so we asked our friends at Football Whispers to scour the European newspapers to bring you the latest transfer gossip and news from the continent.
Italy
Barcelona are the latest club to show interest in Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegal international has been subject to strong Chelsea transfer rumours in the past but has also been linked with Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool. Napoli would demand at least €60m (£52.9m) for Koulibaly. (Il Mattino)
Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning are unhappy with Ramires' upcoming loan move to Inter Milan. The Brazilian will join the Nerazzurri in January until the end of the season but Jiangsu, who are also owned by Inter chief Zhang Jindong, would prefer he leave permanently instead of being forced into a loan deal. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Inter are eyeing up a January move for Real Madrid defender Jesus Vallejo. The Spaniard is expected to leave Los Blancos after making just three appearances this season. (Calciomercato)
Fiorentina are considering a January move for Chelsea full-back Baba Rahman. The 23-year-old hasn't featured for the Blues this season as he recovers from a knee injury and could be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge on loan to aid his recovery. (La Nazione)
Giuseppe Rossi will undergo several medical tests at Genoa in the coming days before an expected move to the Serie A club. The Italian, who has suffered four cruciate knee injuries during his career, has been without a club following his release from Celta Vigo in the summer. (Tuttosport)
Former Juventus left-back Paolo De Ceglie will undergo a trial with relegation-bound Serie A side Benevento. The club have lost all 14 league games this season and have only scored six goals. However, they will assess De Ceglie this week and may consider offering him a contract. (Sportitalia)
Spain
Out-of-favour Barcelona star Arda Turan has fuelled speculation about a January switch to the Premier League after being pictured in London. The Arsenal transfer target hasn't featured for the Catalans this season and is expected to leave permanently when the window opens. (Marca)
Brazilian midfielder Arthur says he won't leave Gremio "through the back door" after he was pictured wearing a Barcelona shirt. The 21-year-old has also been scouted by Real Madrid and could make a switch to La Liga in January (Marca)
Juventus will attempt to sign Everton transfer target Steven N'Zonzi in January amid reports he is ready to quit Sevilla. Several clubs were interested in the 28-year-old this summer but the La Liga side's €40m (£35.3m) asking price put many off. However, the Frenchman reportedly missed Sevilla's win over Villarreal due to disciplinary reasons and Los Rojiblancos will consider cashing in. (Marca)
Javier Mascherano has told Barcelona he will leave the club at the end of the season, but could even decide to quit the Camp Nou in January. The Argentine has struggled for first-team football this term and wants to ensure he is fit for the World Cup next summer (Mundo Deportivo)
Germany
Schalke are ready to make Leon Goretzka the best-paid player in the club's history as they try to avoid losing the midfielder on a free next summer. The Germany international is being chased by a number of clubs - including Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City - but Schalke will offer Goretzka a deal worth £206,000-a-week in the hope it will keep him at the Veltins-Arena, or at least ensure they receive a fee when he departs. (Bild)
Ralph Hasenhuttl has distanced himself from reports that he could become manager of Bayern Munich next season. Jupp Heynckes stepped in to take charge of the German giants after Carlo Ancelotti's sacking but he only has a contract until the end of the season.It allows Bayern time to carefully choose their next full-time manager and RB Leipzig boss Hasenhuttl is reportedly under consideration. However, he says he is not thinking about a switch to the Allianz Arena. "I cannot be a candidate for Bayern Munich," Hasenhüttl said in an interview. (Sport Bild)
France
Tottenham Hotspur and Valencia are the latest clubs to show interest in out-of-favour PSG winger Lucas Moura. The Brazilian has struggled for game time following the arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar and could be allowed to leave on loan in January to boost his World Cup hopes (Le Parisien)
