Isco in Man United's sights
It hasn't been a good week for Manchester United. First came defeat
in the Manchester derby, then the Europa League defeat to Feyenoord,
then a dismal day out at Watford.
But here's something that might lift the spirits of United fans a
bit: The Red Devils are "weighing up a January swoop for Real Madrid
midfielder Isco," according to the Mirror.
It reports that the Spain international is on boss Jose Mourinho's
list of targets for the next transfer window as he looks to address his
side's creative struggles. Isco would cost around £25 million and, the
Mirror reports, is a realistic target, despite being under contract
until 2018, because he "has fallen down the pecking order at Madrid
under boss Zinedine Zidane"
The 24-year-old has made only two substitute appearances in La Liga
this season, but United could face competition from Manchester City,
Arsenal and Tottenham, all of whom have been interested in the recent
past, if United are to sign him.
Arsenal, Liverpool want to keep up with the Jones
It seems to be the end of the line for England defender Phil Jones at Man United, with the Sun
reporting that the club "are looking to get him off their books." And
that has alerted Liverpool and the Gunners, with both prepared to swoop
for the 24-year-old, who is currently on the sidelines with a ligament
problem.
The Sun quotes an Old Trafford "insider" as saying: "Jose Mourinho is
looking to offload Jones. They have reached the end of the line with
him." He would cost in the region of £10m.
Barca to resume Bellerin chase
Shades of earlier in the summer all over again for Arsenal: Before
the window closed, they were reported to have knocked back Barcelona
approaches for right-back Hector Bellerin.
The one-time Camp Nou youngster -- under contract at Arsenal until
2019 -- is reported to be happy with life in North London, but the Mirror doesn't think that will stop the Catalans from making another effort to bring him back.
It quotes Barca vice president Jordi Mestre describing Spain
international Bellerin as "a great player, there's no doubt about that,"
but it adds that the Liga champions would have to pay around £40m to
land him.
If a move for the Gunners defender falls through, Barca could also consider Valencia's Joao Cancelo -- also reported to be interesting Arsenal -- or Shakhtar Donetsk's Darijo Srna.
Reds watch striker with a touch of Sass
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp wants to add another striker to his ranks, but who might that be? None other than Sassuolo star Gregoire Defrel, reports the Sun.
The Anfield manager sent a scout to watch the French forward play,
and score, in his side's 2-0 win over Genoa on Sunday, as Klopp looks to
introduce extra competition for Daniel Sturridge. Defrel, 25,
has scored five goals in six games for the Italian club this season, and
Liverpool reportedly could be ready to make a January offer for him.