Barcelona eye Meyer, Brandt if Coutinho bid fails, Mata turns down massive payday in China to stay at Man United

David Cooper - Writer 09:08 18/10/2017
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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 Wednesday.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Let us know your thoughts.

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    JULIAN BRANDT AND MAX MEYER

    Barcelona are lining up Bayer Leverkusen’s Julian Brandt and Schalke’s Max Meyer as secondary options to Philippe Coutinho next summer.

    According to Sport, Barcelona are keen to strengthen their attacking options, but believe they are wasting their time pursuing a deal for the Brazilian.

    The Reds rejected three mammoth bids from Barcelona for Coutinho during the summer transfer window and Sport believe the Catalan giants will target one of Brandt or Meyer as alternatives in January.

    RATING: 6/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    Although Meyer and Brandt are back up options if Barcelona fail to land Coutinho, either German target would be much easier to sign compared to the Brazilian.

    Meyer is a more like-for-like alternative to Coutinho, as he’s an attacking midfielder who plays behind the front line, although he can also perform well out wide.

    Brandt is also believed to be seeking a move away from the BayArena as he enters the final 18 months of his contract.

    JUAN MATA

    Juan Mata has rejected a mammoth offer from China that would have seen him bank nearly 400,000 per week after tax in a bid to stay at Manchester United, according to The Sun.

    The 29-year-old’s contract at Old Trafford runs out at the end of the season and has no interest in following a big money move away from the Premier League.

    RATING: 3/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    Mata has started six of the first seven Premier League games this season and his family are also happy with life in Manchester so it looks unlikely he would want to leave.

    With Jose Mourinho expected to take up the option of a further year on his contract, it gives the Spaniard more time to enjoy his football in England’s north-west and showcase his remarkable talents.

    Juan Mata.

    Juan Mata.

    AARON MARTIN

    Manchester United are monitoring Espanyol defender Aaron Martin, reports ESPN.

    United scouts watched the Spain under-21 star against Levante on Friday and are keen to keep tabs on his developments for the rest of the season.

    Real Madrid had previously expressed an interest in Martin, but their signing of Theo Hernandez has reduced their need to draft in another left-back.

    Barcelona and Manchester City have also been linked with the 20-year-old in the past and it is likely Espanyol will demand his full €40 million buyout clause before letting him leave the RCDE Stadium.

    RATING: 4/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    Mourinho has struggled to settle on a regular left back since arriving at the club in 2016 and is keen to bolster his options in this position with Luke Shaw still curtailed with injuries.

    The young Spaniard is a good option for the Reds Devils after a series of impressive displays for the Catalan side.

    Aaron Martin.

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