TREK CONTINUES
Pedro Rodriguez
What you need to know:
ON THE MOVE. The world’s top players continue to be pursued as insatiable European elite clubs beef up ahead of what will be a monster season
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has paved the way for Man United to sign Pedro Rodriguez by admitting the European champions are powerless to stop the forward leaving the Nou Camp if his £22m release clause is activated.
United manager Louis van Gaal has identified Pedro as a priority target to bolster his attacking options at Old Trafford, with the 27-year-old able to play in a central role or on the right flank.
The Spain international has told friends that he is keen to move to United in order to play regular football after accepting defeat in his attempt to break up the Lionel Messi-Neymar-Luis Suarez front line at Barcelona.
Undecided Ibra
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has also reportedly been offered a three-year contract worth in excess of £7million by United. The Swede is understood to be open to leaving the Parc des Princes, and has been heavily linked with a move to Utd. Media reports say the 33-year-old was offered a three-year deal to join United, with Galatasaray also tabling an offer.
Ibrahimovic is understood to have turned Utd’s offer down in favour of a return to AC Milan, where he is set to earn £4.2m a season. The mercurial striker’s departure frees PSG to make a marquee signing, with Angel di Maria and Alexandre Lacazette strongly linked with the reigning Ligue 1 champions.
Desperate Sakho
Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho is reportedly desperate to leave Anfield and has asked his agent to find him a new club, with Lazio lining up a transfer offer.
The France international is said to be willing to take a pay-cut in order to push the transfer through and it is believed Lazio are keen to secure his services.
Breaking a barrier
Jose Mourinho has publicly confirmed Chelsea’s interest in Everton defender John Stones and has implied that an improved offer will be made for the 21-year-old after already having a £20million bid rejected. The Blues have been quiet in the transfer market so far, with the modest signing of Asmir Begovic and bringing in Radamel Falcao.
But will Stones end a 37-year-old Everton to Chelsea transfer embargo?
