Thibaut Courtois keen on move to Real Madrid, AC Milan target loan signing of Barcelona star Gerard Deulofeu

David Cooper - Writer 14:00 07/10/2017
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  • The transfer window may not open again until January 1 2018 but that hasn’t put an end to plenty of speculation throughout Europe.

    Here, we take a look at three big stories dominating the headlines on Saturday.

    Could Courtois become a Real player in the future?

    Let us know your thoughts.

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    MADRID EYE MOVE FOR CHELSEA KEEPER COURTOIS

    Real Madrid are monitoring Thibaut Courtois after it has emerged the Chelsea shot-stopper has still not penned new contractual terms at Stamford Bridge.

    Los Blancos could potentially be in the market for a new goalkeeper next summer, with doubts over the long-term Bernabeu plight of Keylor Navas.

    Courtois, who previously played for city rivals Atletico, would certainly fit the bill for the Whites and Real could make a move in January.

    The Belgian is contracted to the west London giants until June 2019 but so far the two parties have yet to agree an extension.

    It has been reported by Marca that the 25-year-old is keen to return to the Spanish capital and Real feel he is a more attainable target than Manchester United’s David de Gea.

    RATING: 7/10

    VERDICT: Whilst Courtois is a key part of Antonio Conte’s side at the Bridge, the man between the sticks is likely to find a switch to Real hard to turn down in the future – especially if there is no concrete update on his contractual renewal.

    LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Thibaut Courtois of Chelsea and Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea celebrate victory together after the UEFA Champions League Group C match between Chelsea FC and Qarabag FK at Stamford Bridge on September 12, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

    Strong bond: Courtois and Conte.

    MILAN WANT TO RENEW ACQUAINTANCES WITH DEULOFEU

    Italian giants AC Milan want to re-sign Gerard Deulofeu on loan in January, according to Sport.

    The Spanish winger, who returned ‘home’ to boyhood club Barcelona in the summer on a permanent deal from Everton, spent a successful second-half to last season on loan at the San Siro.

    However, the 23-year-old has struggled to nail down a first-team spot with Ernesto Valverde’s side and that has prompted speculation he may be sent out on loan.

    It remains to be seen whether Barca will allow the talent to obtain more minutes elsewhere after working hard to re-sign their own academy product just a couple of months ago.

    The long-term injury to Ousmane Dembele has also left Blaugrana short of genuine attacking options.

    RATING: 7/10

    VERDICT: It has been a dream year or so for Deulofeu in the sense he managed to secure a move back to Barcelona and win full international recognition with Spain, but by returning to Catalonia he always ran the risk of not playing regularly. As a result, there’s a good chance he could be sent out on a short-term basis.

    BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 20: Gerard Deulofeu of FC Barcelona gestures during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompie at Camp Nou stadium on August 20, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

    Deulofeu has been in and out of the Barca team this term.

    RED DEVILS TRACK HIGHLY-RATED TEEN MIDFIELDER

    Manchester United are tracking the progress of promising Senegalese midfielder Krepin Diatta.

    The Red Devils are closely following the 18-year-old talent, who is currently plying his trade with Norwegian club Sarpsborg 08.

    Indeed, United scouts watched the central midfield man in action last week, according to ESPN.

    RATING: 8/10

    VERDICT: Yet another indication United are building for the future, with the Senegal under-20 star being touted as a rising star of the game. It could well be a good ploy by Jose Mourinho’s men to tie-up a deal early for Diatta, given he is attracting attention from a host of clubs.

    Wanted man: Diatta (L).

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