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 Monday.
Will any of the following deals happen?
Let us know your thoughts.
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DE GEA REMAINS MADRID’S NO. 1 TARGET
Real Madrid‘s long-standing interest in Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is set to continue. Cadena SER is reporting that although Madrid have been looking at sealing a deal for Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, but the United keeper is still Madrid’s preferred option.
RATING: 6/10
SPORT360 VERDICT:
This is the transfer saga that may never end. United manager Jose Mourinho will likely never countenance a sale of De Gea, and the club has become clever at retaining options to extend contracts so that they don’t get into the situation of a player being able to leave for free. But Madrid’s interest in De Gea will never go away, and they do have a habit of getting what they want. More importantly, the history between these two clubs regarding De Gea can jeopardise other transfers. It rumouredly happened this summer when Madrid played hardball over Alvaro Morata, and given United’s interest in Gareth Bale, that could happen again. There may be a point where missing out on players to retain De Gea isn’t worth it for United – even though he is now arguably the best goalkeeper in the world.
David de Gea’s long-running transfer saga with Real Madrid is back.
STURRIDGE LOOKING FOR MOVE AWAY TO REGAIN ENGLAND SPOT
The Daily Mirror says Daniel Sturridge is looking for a move away from Liverpool in search of more playing time as he bids to remain in contention for an England place with the World Cup coming up at the end of the season. Liverpool have refused to sell Sturridge in previous summers despite his stuttering form and numerous injuries, but they may be willing to let him go out on loan in January.
RATING: 6/10
SPORT360 VERDICT:
Sturridge will struggle to get into the England team in current circumstances – chief among them, the fact that he’s struggling to get into the Liverpool team. With a ‘fab four’ attack of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mane, there’s no place for Sturridge in the starting XI, and that’s assuming he’s fit to play. There are also other players who are higher up the England management’s list in the Liverpool squad, such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Dominic Solanke. So a move may be best for all parties concerned.
Daniel Sturridge is out of the England reckoning at the moment.
LUKE SHAW
According to the Irish Independent, Tottenham are considering making a bid for Luke Shaw. The Manchester United left-back has been left out in the cold at Old Trafford, rarely getting playing time this season despite ostensibly having recovered from an ankle injury, and a move to Spurs would reunite him with Mauricio Pochettino, who gave Shaw the chance to make an impression at Southampton.
RATING: 7/10
SPORT360 VERDICT:
We may never know what has happened between Mourinho and Shaw until the Englishman is famous enough to release an autobiography. But in any case, it’s becoming increasingly clear that he has no future at United, despite his obvious talent. Whether it’s because his work ethic is truly a problem or that he’s just struggling to adapt to Mourinho’s system and follow the manager’s instructions, Shaw is much further down the pecking order than he should be, and it would be no surprise to anyone if he leaves United soon. If he does, Spurs do look like the likeliest destination given Shaw’s relationship with Pochettino, and the fact that such a deal could see Danny Rose move in the opposite direction.
Luke Shaw could be reunited with old boss Mauricio Pochettino.
