The January transfer window is set to close and here we round up the top headlines circulating throughout Europe’s media on Wednesday.
CHELSEA WANT SPURS HITMAN LLORENTE
The blues are closing in on a deal to sign Tottenham forward Fernando Llorente, the Independent reports.
Antonio Conte’s charges have been searching for a powerful striker to help Alvaro Morata in attack and have moved for Llorente with doubts over whether their pursuit of main target Olivier Giroud will ever materialize.
It is thought the experienced Spaniard could be available on the cheap for a fee in the region of £25m although Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has claimed the 32-year-old still remains in his first-team plans.
Arsene Wenger to reveal update over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer on Wednesday
RATING: 6/10
VERDICT
A deal for Llorente would give Chelsea an extra option and physical presence in attack but the former Athletic Bilbao frontman hasn’t exactly found the back of the net often since moving to the Premier League, scoring just two goals.
The fact Llorente is also cup-tied for the Champions League makes this transfer very much a short-term option.
TOFFEES CLOSING IN ON MANGALA SIGNATURE
Everton are set to bolster their defence with the acquisition of Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala, according to reports in England.
The Toffees are seeking defensive reinforcements with both club captain Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams well into their 30s while Ramiro Funes Mori has not played since March of last year due to a knee ligament injury.
Pep Guardiola’s side are happy to shift Mangala following the arrival of young Frenchman Aymeric Laporte in the same position.
RATING: 8/10
VERDICT
The former Porto defender is likely to move to Goodison Park initially on loan for the remainder of the campaign, with a view to a permanent switch.
The transfer makes sense for both sides while Newcastle and Valencia, the club where the 26-year-old spent last season on loan, are also both in the mix for his signature.
Mangala cost City a hefty £31.8 million from Porto back in August 2014 but the towering centre-back has never really lit up the Etihad Stadium.
Eliaquim Mangala is set to join Sam Allardyce’s Everton.
