Transfer Gossip: Bale, Vardy, Sanchez, Zabaleta and Barkley

Sport360 staff 15:09 12/05/2017
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  • Every day we will be keeping you updated with the latest transfer rumours as the season draws to a close and the window opens up…

    GARETH BALE

    Here we go, a transfer story which normally rears its head around this time but according to The Independent a move to Old Trafford for the Wales international is “much likelier” than it ever has been before.

    The Real Madrid winger has once again his season punctuated by injuries and Isco has starred in his latest absence from the first team.

    It’s led to speculation that the 27-year-old could be heading for the Bernabeu exit with Manchester United his preferred destination should Real decide to sell him.

    RATING: 6/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: The rumour does appear to be gathering some momentum and considering the strength in depth of Real it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that they could decide to cash in on Bale – especially given his injury record.

    However, the stumbling block may actually be Jose Mourinho with The Independent also saying he is unsure on the Welshman with Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann his top target this summer.

    Expect this one to rumble on if Madrid are to sell, now would be as good a time as any.

    JAMIE VARDY AND ALEXIS SANCHEZ

    The Griezmann to United tidbit leads us nicely onto this next rumour as Atletico Madrid are being linked with moves for Leicester City frontman Jamie Vardy and Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez.

    Funny how Vardy is being linked with a move to Atleti after impressing against them in the Champions League but anyway it’s The Independent who are again behind this one.

    They do point out, however, that any move to bolster their attack is dependent on two factors: Diego Simeone remaining at the club and having a FIFA transfer ban overturned in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

    RATING: 5/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: The thing with this rumour is that Atletico could very well be interested in signing the duo but it seems like a lot of things have to fall into place for either to happen.

    First, there’s Griezmann’s situation and if he does decide to stay then you would imagine any move for Sanchez or even Vardy is a little unlikelier.

    Then there is the targets themselves. Arsenal will be desperate to keep a hold of the Chilean while at 30 years of age, is Vardy really the man to revitalise Simeone’s attack? Not quite sure on that but we’ll keep an eye out nonetheless.

    Leicester City v Arsenal - Premier League

    PABLO ZABALETA

    West Ham are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta.

    The London Evening Standard says the Hammers face competition for his signature but with the 32-year-old out of contract in the summer it looks certain he will leave the Etihad Stadium.

    The Argentine spoke of his love for the club in an interview with us as signs suggest he will indeed end his nine-year association with the club.

    RATING: 8/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: Yep, we can believe this rumour. In his interview with us, Zabaleta spoke like a man who knows his career at City is coming to an end.

    But while he doesn’t quite have the same spring in his step since arriving from Espanyol in 2008, his vast experience will be a big asset for the Hammers.

    He’ll be a wanted man, no doubt, but the appeal of staying in the Premier League should see him make the move to London.

    ROSS BARKLEY

    Everton boss Ronald Koeman is not messing around. The Dutchman has given Ross Barkley until next weekend to sign a new contract or he will be sold.

    This comes on the back of last month’s warning to the 23-year-old, who has a year on his deal, that he could sold but Koeman has gone a step further saying: “We don’t wait till August – next weekend we need an answer.”

    The desire to play Champions League football appears to behind Barkley’s stalling so Tottenham would appear the most likely candidates to sign him on that basis.

    RATING: 4/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: It’s a bold tactic by Koeman but we believe it will pay off and Barkley will put pen to paper on a new deal.

    He’s getting regular first-team football at Goodison Park and the club is heading in the right direction with Europa League football on the cards for next season.

    It’s difficult to see him getting the same at Spurs given their plethora of midfield talents.

    WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON…

    Pochettino looks delighted doesn’t he?

    Son, meanwhile, looks like a ray of Son shine

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