Real Madrid track Real Sociedad star Alvaro Odriozola, Andres Iniesta a keen admirer of Spurs talent Harry Winks

David Cooper - Writer 14:56 05/11/2017
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  • Odriozola impressed against Madrid earlier this season.

    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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    REAL CHASING SOCIEDAD FULL-BACK ORDRIOZOLA

    Real Madrid will have to wait until at least the summer if they want to sign Real Sociedad defender Alvaro Odriozola, according to Marca.

    The fledgling 21-year-old right-back is very highly-rated and was capped by Spain during last month’s World Cup qualifier Albania.

    A home grown product, the defender broke into the first-team San Sebastian ranks last term and has produced a string of solid performances – attracting Los Blancos’ interest.

    Madrid have scouted Odriozola and are looking to increase their options at full-back, but the youngster has revealed he has no plans just yet to leave his boyhood club.

    He told Noticias de Gipuzkoa: “It bothers me that people continue talking about Real Madrid because it is written by people who don’t know me.

    “You can have your preferences but I’m 100 percent Real.

    “So yes, the other speculation does bother me sometimes because the interest of some of those clubs crops up and people then think you may be a fan of that team but that isn’t the case.”

    “I know I was on the cover of Marca but I don’t think that’s good. It may show that I’m working hard but I can only be focused on La Real, which is my club, where I’m very happy, where I feel very, very loved and am focused on having a great season.”

    RATING: 6/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    There is no chance Odriozola will leave Sociedad during the January transfer window but Real are expected to launch a mega bid for his services come the summer, especially if the talent stars at the World Cup in Russia.

    The Whites will be in no mood to miss out on one of Spanish football’s hottest properties.

    Real Madrid's forward from Spain Borja Mayoral (R) vies with Real Sociedad's defender from Spain Alvaro Odriozola during the Spanish league football match Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid CF at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on September 17, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / ANDER GILLENEA (Photo credit should read ANDER GILLENEA/AFP/Getty Images)

    Odriozola pictured in action against Real earlier this campaign.

    INIESTA KEEPING EYE ON WINKS PROGRESS

    Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has revealed his admiration for rising Tottenham star Harry Winks, while the club’s sporting director Robert Fernandez has apparently been monitoring the young Englishman.

    According to Marca, the 21-year-old – who has been dubbed the “Little Iniesta” – has impressed the veteran Camp Nou playmaker with his composed performances this term, especially against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

    While Iniesta recently penned lifetime terms at Blaugrana, at 33, the iconic player cannot go on forever in the battleground of the midfield.

    It has led some to believe that Winks could be the heir to his throne in the coming years, though there’s no suggestion the boyhood Spurs star will leave the club he is contracted to until 2022.

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    Winks is one of English football’s brightest prospects and that comes with it bucket loads of expectation, but the starlet has shown so far he is able to deal with the spotlight.

    While he is set to be a Spurs player for years to come, it is interesting Barcelona have already made sure he is well and truly on their radar.

    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Harry Winks of Spurs in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on October 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

    Winks has emerged as a star in the making.

    TOON FACE FIGHT FOR BAMBA

    Newcastle target Jonathan Bamba is set to sign a new deal at Saint-Etienne, according to L’Équipe.

    The highly-rated French star was chased by the Toon Army in the summer – and has made an impressive start to the season, scoring four goals in nine Ligue 1 outings.

    Bamba’s versatility has won the pladuits of many, given the attacker can operate on both wings and as out-and-out front man.

    But, now, it seems the French side will offer him new terms given his existing deal is set to expire next summer.

    RATING: 6/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    Saint-Etienne can simply not afford to lose their star talent on a free next summer and have pinned their hopes on the 21-year-old agreeing those new terms.

    Newcastle will be watching closely to see if he does just that, while there is sure to be no shortage of other admirers for his signature.

    Strasbourg's French midfielder Jeremy Grimm (L) vies with Saint-Etienne's French forward Jonathan Bamba during the French League Cup round of 16 football match between Strasbourg (RCSA) and Saint-Etienne (ASSE) on October 25, 2017 at the Meinau stadium in Strasbourg, eastern France. / AFP PHOTO / PATRICK HERTZOG (Photo credit should read PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/Getty Images)

    Bamba has been capped at under-21 level.

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