Barcelona tracking CSKA Moscow talent Aleksandr Golovin, Blaugrana forced to wait over Yerry Mina

David Cooper - Writer 18:16 04/11/2017
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  • Man in the middle: Golovin.

    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.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Let us know your thoughts.

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    SPANISH GIANTS KEEN ON GOLOVIN

    Barcelona are tracking the progress of CSKA Moscow talent Aleksandr Golovin, with a view to launching a summer raid for his services.

    The 21-year-old was reportedly scouted by Blaugrana technical secretary Robert Fernandez during the club’s Champions League clash with Basel last week – while Barca apparently also ran the rule over the Swiss side’s Manuel Akanji.

    According to Marca, Golovin has previously been linked with Arsenal, with CSKA valuing the Russian at €20m.

    RATING: 7/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    With two goals in 22 appearances in all competitions this term, Golovin has been at the heart of everything good about CSKA.

    Having spent his entire career so far with the Russian side, only a big bid will convince the club to cash in – but at some stage the player himself will surely be keen to move to a top European league.

    With Barca looking for fresh talent in midfield areas, expect the club to rev up their attempts to sign him at the end of the campaign.

    MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 21: Aleksandr Golovin of Russia in action during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Group A match between Russia and Portugal at Spartak Stadium on June 21, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

    Star for Russia: Golovin.

    BARCA WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR MINA

    Yerry Mina will not sign for Barcelona during the January transfer window, according to Marca.

    The Palmeiras defender, who has already penned a pre-contract at the Catalan giants for a summer move to be completed in July 2018, was rumoured to be heading to the Camp Nou earlier than expected.

    But, the Colombian now seems set to sign as originally planned in the summer – despite Barca being in need of centre-back reinforcements to back-up Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti.

    The deal in place consists of a fee around €9m.

    RATING: 7/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    The 23-year-old’s signature will be a welcome boost to Barca given how highly rated he is, but the La Liga side are likely to resist the temptation to renegotiate the deal to bring him to the club early.

    Ernesto Valverde’s side are light of defensive options, with out-of-favour Thomas Vermaelen, who is likely to leave the club in the winter, and the versatile Javier Mascherano the only alternatives in that area.

    It remains to be seen whether Blaugrana will dip into the market for other options, prior to Mina’s arrival.

    Brazil's Palmeiras player Yerry Mina celebrates after scoring a goal against Uruguay's Penarol during their Libertadores Cup football match at the Campeones del Siglo Stadium in Montevideo on April 26, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL ROJO (Photo credit should read MIGUEL ROJO/AFP/Getty Images)

    Powerhouse: 6 ft 5 in Mina.

    UNITED MUST PAY BIG FOR DEFENDER

    Manchester United will have to shell out £89m to meet RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano’s release clause.

    The Red Devils have been monitoring the highly-rated 19-year-old closely following his rapid rise to stardom in the Bundesliga, having initially broke through at Red Bull Salzburg over two seasons ago.

    And now, according to reports in the German media, the Bulls will command a huge price or at least their release clause having been matched.

    RATING: 8/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    The Frenchman is attracting attention from Europe’s big clubs but United seem to be at the front of the queue.

    A summer bid is more likely though it is unclear how much Jose Mourinho’s side may have been put off given his hefty release clause (and anticipated lofty price tag).

    PORTO, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 01: Vincent Aboubakar of FC Porto competes for the ball with Dayot Upamecano of RB Leipzig during the UEFA Champions League group G match between FC Porto and RB Leipzig at Estadio do Dragao on November 1, 2017 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

    Solid at the back: Upamecano.

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