Barcelona preparing to clinch Mina deal in January, Man Utd chase Inter star

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BARCA LOOK TO SIGN MINA EARLIER THAN PLANNED

Barcelona are hoping to complete a deal to sign Palmeiras defender Yerry Mina in January, as opposed to the summer – the timeframe where both clubs had initially agreed the transfer.

The highly-rated Colombian is all set to join the Nou Camp club in the close season but Barca remain confident they can bring the 23-year-old to La Liga earlier than planned, during the current window.

According to Sport, it remains to be seen whether Ernesto Valverde’s men will be able to break an existing gentlemen’s agreement between the two clubs.

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With Javier Mascherano set to exit the Camp Nou this month, Barcelona need defensive reinforcements as they look to tie-up the La Liga title and go far in the Champions League.

While a fee of around €9m had already been confirmed for Mina ahead of his transfer next summer, expect Barca to seal the deal on his signature earlier if they are prepared to add a few million euros onto that price-tag.

RED DEVILS TARGET INTER MILAN MIDFIELDER

Manchester United are set to launch a window offer for Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan nears the Old Trafford exit door.

After a difficult December and a barrage of injuries to contend with, Jose Mourinho’s men are set to strengthen this month with urgent reinforcements.

Mario, the 24-year-old Portuguese playmaker, is a player Mourinho knows well and feels he could be the man to provide a timely creative spark for the Reds.

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The former Sporting star is a key man for the Nerazzurri and the Black and Blues have offered no indication they would be willing to move the midfielder on.

However, if a big-money offer came in from United, it could well prove too good to resist.

WALCOTT HEADING HOME?

Arsenal star Theo Walcott could be heading back to former club Southampton, initially on loan, according to the Daily Mail.

The 28-year-old broke through the south coast side’s ranks back in 2005 before joining the Gunners in January 2006.

But, after a difficult campaign at the Emirates, Walcott is looking for more game time – especially with the World Cup on the horizon.

SPORT360 RATING: 6/10

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Given that Arsenal potentially face losing both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, although unlikely, in the window – Arsene Wenger will be keen to keep hold of Walcott’s experience.