Transfer Gossip: Costa, Mahrez, Rafinha and Mascherano

Sport360 staff 15:38 05/05/2017
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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…

    DIEGO COSTA

    A number of newspapers are reporting that the Chelsea striker’s potential move to China is now imminent.

    Tianjin Quanjian is his apparent destination, with the Daily Express reporting a £76million (Dh361m) fee has been agreed, the Daily Record saying a £650,000-per-week deal (Dh3.8m) has been sorted and the Independent claiming the club have secured a pre-contract agreement.

    Rating: 8/10

    Sport360 Verdict: The Chinese club have since denied they have had any communication with Costa about the money-spinning move but this is a rumour which just does not want to go away.

    Given the downturn in form he suffered after the stories regarding a switch in January, Chelsea may well feel the persistent media attention is not worth the hassle.

    We’ll see how this develops but at this point it does seem likely the 28-year-old will be making the move away from Stamford Bridge.

    RIYAD MAHREZ

    Leicester are bracing themselves to lose the Algeria international in the summer, according to the Guardian.

    Mahrez, a key player in the Foxes’ Premier League title win last season, will search for Champions League football and now sees his future away from the King Power Stadium.

    Highly-rated winger Demarai Gray is also considering his future at the club after a season of limited first-team football.

    Rating: 7/10

    Sport360 Verdict: Leicester will be desperate to cling onto one of their key players but with Mahrez having had a taste of dining at Europe’s top table this season, a transfer elsewhere is his only option to satisfy his appetite for Champions League football.

    Mahrez was of course previously linked with a switch to Arsenal but with their hopes of clinching a top-four spot dwindling, a move to the Emirates Stadium may not prove as straightforward.

    It remains to be seen which clubs would be willing to take the 26-year-old and perhaps a move away from the Premier League might be on the cards.

    RAFINHA

    The Bayern Munich full-back is angling for a move to the Premier League after voicing his frustrations at only starting nine Bundesliga games this season.

    The 31-year-old gave an exclusive interview to Four Four Two and the 31-year-old says he has had offers from the Premier League with Serie A giants Juventus also linked with a move.

    “I don’t like to talk about offers – I have managers for that. But it’s true, those offers are real,” he told Four Four Two in an exclusive interview. “I have a few offers from Premier League clubs.”

    Rating: 7/10

    Sport360 Verdict: Reading between the lines it seems like more of a nudge for Bayern Munich rather than prospective suitors with his contract coming to an end.

    But Liverpool and Arsenal are said to be circling and the former in particular will be in the market for a full-back in the summer.

    Keep an eye on this one but so often players have stated they have offers elsewhere and end up putting pen to paper on a new deal.

    JAVIER MASCHERANO

    The Barcelona midfielder is apparently planning on making a move to China before returning home to Argentina to end his career at River Plate, according to Don Balon.

    With Mascherano nearing in on his 33rd birthday, the Argentine is considering leaving Camp Nou in the summer with his representatives receiving offers from the Chinese Super League.

    However, the 32-year-old only renewed his current deal last October and it will run until 2019.

    Rating: 4/10

    Sport360 Verdict: It’s difficult to see Barcelona being willing to let him leave as Mascherano is still a crucial member of the side.

    Whoever the new manager is, his versatility will be of significant worth and ultimately, why would he want to leave one of the biggest clubs in world football when he still has so much to offer?

    Still, stranger things have happened.

    What else is going on…

    Everton defender Seamus Coleman has signed a new five-year deal…

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