Man City set to complete move for Aymeric Laporte, Roma in talks with Barcelona star Aleix Vidal

David Cooper - Writer 10:45 24/01/2018
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  • The transfer window is well and truly in full swing!

    Here, we take a look at the biggest stories dominating the headlines on Wednesday.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Let us know your thoughts.

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    AYMERIC LAPORTE 

    Manchester City are on the verge of completing a deal for Athletic centre-back Aymeric Laporte, according to the Daily Mail.

    Although Pep Guardiola’s side are 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League, he remains concerned about his defensive options for the second half of the season.

    City had previously been linked with a move for Jonny Evans, but it now looks likely they will sign French international Laporte.

    RATING: 8/10

    VERDICT

    The Frenchman is a man in demand, and City will have to launch a mammoth offer is they are to land the star defender.

    With John Stones still very much learning on the job at the heart of the City backline and add to that Vincent Kompany’s constant injury problems, Laporte’s leadership qualities would make him a fearsome addition at the Etihad Stadium.

    A move to the Sky Blues would guarantee the potential to win trophies, but it is unlikely he will see first team action on a regular basis if both men are fit.

    ALEIX VIDAL

    Barcelona star Aleix Vidal could be on his way to Roma, according to Mundo Deportivo .

    The Spaniard has fallen out of favour under Ernesto Valverde with just 10 La Liga appearances this campaign – seven of which have come from the bench.

    With Sergi Roberto and Nelson Semedo in sterling from, it looks an even tougher task for him to force a way into the starting XI.

    Liverpool and Manchester United have all raised interest in Vidal who can play anywhere down the right flank.

    RATING: 7/10

    VERDICT

    At 28, it would be a good move to leave the Camp Nou in order to get his career back on track.

    Of the current players looking to leave Barcelona, the club would raise the most money from the sale of Vidal – who was bought for €18 million back in 2015.

    A fee of €10 million would be enough get the deal over the line this month – and the prospect of saving his salary for the next two-and-half years would also reduce Barcelona’s wage expenditure.

    MICHY BATSHUAYI

    Michy Batshuayi’s move away from Stamford Bridge this month depends on the club signing Eden Dzeko from Roma, according to the Daily Mail.

    Antonio Conte is in talks with Roma over a deal for striker Dzeko and left wing-back Emerson Palmieri.

    The Italian is currently undergoing a scoring crisis and is planning a shock move for the Bosnian international.

    Ace attackers Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard have struggled in recent games, and the Blues are still bidding for their first win of the new calendar year.

    Marseille and Monaco are also both reportedly interested in taking Batshuayi back to France – with the 24-year-old not trusted by Conte.

    RATING: 8/10

    VERDICT

    Conte is keen to bring in back-up for striker Morata and doesn’t see Batshuayi as the right man to lead the side when introduced off the bench.

    The Italian needs to either fork out for a big name striker or take a gamble to relieve the pressure on Morata and Hazard.

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