Villarreal set to offer Everton flop Sandro Ramirez a lifeline

David Cooper - Writer 16:56 04/01/2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Sandro Ramirez has failed to make an impact at Goodison Park.

    The transfer window is now open!

    Here, we take a look at the biggest stories dominating the headlines on Thursday.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Let us know your thoughts.

    Get in touch via Twitter and Facebook.

    VILLARREAL SET TO END SANDRO RAMIREZ’S EVERTON NIGHTMARE

    La Liga outfit Villarreal are set to offer Everton flop Sandro Ramirez a lifeline to return to Spain.

    The former Malaga striker, who signed for the Toffees last summer for a £7m fee but has struggled to settle on Merseyside, is expected to leave the Goodison Park club during the transfer window.

    The Yellow Submarines want to tie-up a deal for the 22-year-old quickly given top goalscorer Cedric Bakambu is on the verge of joining Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan.

    Sevilla are also interested in former Barcelona forward Ramirez but Villarreal are likely to win the race to sign him.

    RATING: 9/10

    VERDICT

    According to Marca, this transfer is very much on the cards and given Everton have agreed to sign Turkish forward Cenk Tosun, Ramirez’s exit from Goodison is only a matter of time.

    LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 23: Sandro Ramirez of Everton runs with the ball during the UEFA Europa League group E match between Everton FC and Atalanta at Goodison Park on November 23, 2017 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

    Ramirez has netted just once for the Blues.

    RAFINHA LINKED WITH SAN SIRO SWITCH

    Barcelona misfit Rafinha is expected to leave the Camp Nou club during the January transfer window, according to Tuttosport.

    The Brazilian midfielder is surplus to requirements at the La Liga giants, with both AC Milan and Valencia vying for his signature.

    Despite rising up through the La Masia ranks as a teenager, Rafinha, now 24, has struggled to command regular first-team football and has not played a single minute of action this term.

    Blaugrana are hoping to free-up their wage bill and he is expected to join the likes of Arda Turan in leaving Barca.

    RATING: 9/10

    VERDICT

    Barcelona are looking to trim their squad, and with competition in midfield being high, Rafinha will be sold to the highest bidder this month for a fee, likely to be in the region of €10m.

    GRANADA, SPAIN - APRIL 02: Rafinha Alcantara of FC Barcelona leaves the field injured during the La Liga match between Granada CF v FC Barcelona at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes on April 02, 2017 in Granada, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

    Rafinha has not featured for Blaugrana this term.

    SAMUEL UMTITI SUBJECT TO INTENSE INTEREST FROM MAN CITY

    Another Barcelona man who could leave Catalonia this month is towering defender Samuel Umtiti.

    It is reported by L’Equipe that Manchester City are preparing a big-money raid for the France star, who has a been a rock at the back for Ernesto Valverde’s men this term.

    The 24-year-old is valued at around €60m and City boss Pep Guardiola is keen to add the ball-playing centre-back to his table-topping squad.

    Barcelona will be reluctant to sell the former Lyon star in the winter window, but expect the Premier League club to come in with a tempting offer.

    RATING: 5/10

    VERDICT

    It’s no secret that the Sky Blues view Umtiti as a long-term replacement for club captain Vincent Kompany but Guardiola’s men would have to work wonders to clinch a deal to sign the centre-back in January.

    Barcelona want to keep the defender and they risk loosening their grip on the La Liga title if they offload him.

    VALENCIA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 26: Simone Zaza (L) of Valencia competes for the ball with Samuel Umtiti of Barcelona during the La Liga match between Valencia and Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on November 26, 2017 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Fotopress/Getty Images)

    Presence at the back: Samuel Umtiti.

    Recommended