Anzhi in €40 million bid for Jackson Martinez; Spurs and Newcastle join chase for Eriksen

Anzhi in €40 million bid for Jackson Martinez

Russian newspaper Izvestia has learned that Anzhi are preparing a mega offer for Porto star Jackson Martinez.

The striker, who has been scoring goals for fun since joining the club from Jaguares, has seen his name linked with some of Europe’s top clubs of late.

He is widely tipped to leave the Dragons for greener pastures in the summer, and it appears that Anzhi have joined the race as well.

According to Izvestia, the Russian club are even ready to match the player’s €40 million release clause in order to lure him to Dagestan.

Guus Hiddink’s side have been largely struggling in attack of late, having scored just one goal in last six matches, and the Dutch manager is, therefore, desperate to add some firepower up front.

It doesn’t get many better than Jackson Martinez, who has scored 23 goals in 25 league matches for Porto this season.

Spurs and Newcastle join chase for Eriksen

Premier League giants Tottenham and Newcastle have joined the race to sign Ajax playmaker Christian Eriksen, according to Algemeen Dagblad.

The Dane has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe thanks to some scintillating displays in Dutch Eredivisie and he is almost certain to leave the Amsterdammers for a big European club at the end of the current campaign.

Liverpool were believed to be leading the chase for the highly rated youngster, but the Reds could face a stiff competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham and Newcastle.

The two sides have been keeping a close eye on Eriksen for quite a while and they seem ready to step up their interest in the summer.

The 21-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most promising midfielders in Europe and it appears the time has come for him to look for a new challenge.

He is unlikely to be the only high-profile player to leave Ajax this summer, with Toby Alderweireld, Siem de Jong and Keneth Vermeer also in high demand.

Valencia star admits Monaco talks

Valencia full-back Jeremy Mathieu has moved to confirm reports linking him with a summer switch to Monaco.

The highly rated defender, who can also play in midfield, has been attracting interest from abroad this season, with AC Milan rumoured to be keen.

However, French giants Monaco are also in the race and the player has confessed to having contacts with the Ligue 2 side.

“I have heard the rumours related to Monaco,” the Frenchman said in an interview with BeIN Sport.

“Yes, indeed there have been some contacts with the club, but there is nothing more at the moment.”

Monaco are set to return to French top flight and with the backing of wealthy owners, the team are expected to immediately join the title race in Ligue 1.

There is every chance the current squad are going to be heavily reinforced in the summer and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Mathieu accepts the offer to return to France.

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