Real Madrid plotting sensational Neymar move while Man City look to trump Juventus in pursuit of Can

David Cooper - Writer 17:54 12/11/2017
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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 Sunday.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Let us know your thoughts.

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    REAL MADRID PLOT SENSATIONAL NEYMAR DEAL

    Real Madrid have set aside €200 million to bring Neymar back to Spain next summer, according to Marca.

    The Brazilian is struggling to adjust to life at PSG after his record-breaking €222 million transfer from Barcelona, having reportedly fell out with several teammates and manager Unai Emery.

    RATING: 3/10

    VERDICT

    It would be one of the most acrimonious moves in the Madrid-Barcelona rivalry since Luis Figo went from Barcelona to Madrid in 2000.

    Barcelona fans, already stung by Neymar’s betrayal in leaving their club in August, will be infuriated at the prospect of their former star in Madrid colours – although this is a move that is unlikely to happen.

    Even if the Brazilian is having his struggles at adjusting to his new club, there’s no way PSG will let go of their prized asset after just one season.

    Neymar hasn't had it all his own way at PSG.

    Neymar hasn’t had it all his own way at PSG.

    CITY LOOKING TO TRUMP JUVE IN CAN PURSUIT

    Liverpool midfielder Emre Can is ready to snub Juventus and sign for Manchester City.

    Star on Sunday is reporting that Pep Guardiola‘s side has stepped up its interest in the German, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

    The 23-year-old had been strongly linked with a move to Juventus, but now both the Serie A champions and Liverpool are worried that Can has been piqued by City’s interest.

    RATING: 5/10

    VERDICT

    If it’s a question of money, there’s only going to be one winner. City can afford to pay Can more than either Juventus or Liverpool, and every party involved in this transfer knows it.

    However, this could simply be a game from Can’s agents to get a better deal from either Liverpool or Juventus, or to ensure the Serie A giants speed up their efforts to sign the player.

    Juventus have had a long-standing interested in Can, having bid for him in the summer and reportedly instructing midfielder Sami Khedira to put on a charm offensive on behalf of the club during the ongoing international break, as the two players link up for Germany duty.

    The one thing that does seem certain is that Can’s future lies away from Anfield.

    Emre Can could be the subject of a transfer tussle next summer.

    Emre Can could be the subject of a transfer tussle next summer.

    BARCELONA TURNED DOWN AUBAMEYANG MOVE

    Barcelona were offered Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo, but chose to turn down any deal for the Gabon striker.

    With Luis Suarez already in place as the club’s No. 9, a move for Aubameyang was deemed unnecessary.

    RATING: 5/10

    VERDICT

    If this move was in the offing, it seems remarkable that Barcelona decided against it. Suarez may be one of the world’s pre-eminent forwards, but why settle for one of those when you can have two?

    Aubameyang could have played alongside Suarez and Lionel Messi, or on the left side of a front three – a position he’s not particularly uncomfortable with, even if he prefers playing more centrally.

    It doesn’t look good from a Barcelona perspective that they paid Dortmund €105 million for 19-year-old Ousmane Dembele – a fee that could still rise – when they could have paid less money for Aubameyang – a player in his prime and one of the best in the world at his position.

    With the benefit of hindsight, as Suarez endures injury and form struggles and Dembele has been sidelined by a long-term injury, the decision not to buy Aubameyang seems ridiculous.

    Aubameyang, alongside Suarez and Messi...it nearly happened.

    Aubameyang, alongside Suarez and Messi…it nearly happened.

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