United after Dani Alves
So it seems Louis van Gaal is finally thinking about playing a full-back at full-back.
Manchester United are hot on the tails of Brazilian right-back Dani Alves, the Daily Mirror report.
The 31-year-old has been offered a new contract at Barcelona but, after 13 seasons in La Liga, he could be lured to Old Trafford with the prospect of Champions Lea…wait, he already has that.
Nevertheless, if John O’Shea can nutmeg Luis Figo and Dani Alves can humiliate Cristiano Ronaldo, he’s the man to come in and maintain that long legacy of great Old Trafford full-backs.
Bidding war for Nathaniel Clyne
If United are like that kid in the toy store told he can only have one Action Man doll, then Chelsea are the strict parent coming along to lay down the law.
The Guardian are reporting that both Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho are chasing after Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne.
The 24-year-old England international’s reputation grows by the week and, let’s face it, even if United did go and get Dani Alves as well, it wouldn’t be the first time they pointlessly brought a Barcelona player in to watch their games.
Liverpool struggling to keep Sterling and Hendo
Finally, at long last, Stephane Henchoz has weighed into the debate.
The former Liverpool defender told TalkSPORT that the Anfield club cannot hang on to their big stars because they can’t compete financially with their rivals.
Yesterday, the Daily Mail linked vice-skipper Jordan Henderson with a move to Man City, whilst Fox Sports are the latest in a long line to suggest Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Raheem Sterling. One man isn’t happy though…
Barcelona after…Xavi
Someone at the Nou Camp has been hit with a dose of reality and woken up to realise they are about to let Xavi just walk away.
Marca have reported that the legendary midfielder has all but signed for Qatar club Al-Sadd but now Barca are throwing him a conundrum by opening up new contract talks.
The 35-year-old might only be reduced to warm-ups these days but, by God, they are the most magical warm-ups on the planet.
Best of the rest
*Arsenal are on the brink of agreeing a £33m bid for Porto star Yacine Brahimi (Express).
*Man City are going after Philippe Countinho again (Manchester Evening News).
*Dynamo Kiev forward Andriy Yarmolenko has reportedly snubbed Liverpool’s interest and favours Chelsea instead (Daily Star).
