Atletico to bid for Axel Witsel; Stuttgart challenge Liverpool for Grujic

Atletico to bid for Axel Witsel

Atletico Madrid could be making a January bid for Zenit hotshot Axel Witsel, the Daily Mail has suggested.

Los Colchoneros have enjoyed another impressive start to the season and after closing the gap behind leaders Barcelona, they can be backed at 9/1 to win the La Liga trophy.

Diego Simeone, however, faces problems in the middle of the park as Tiago Mendes has been ruled out for the season and he needs to sign a quality replacement in January.

According to the Daily Mail, the Argentine coach hopes to lure Axel Witsel to Vicente Calderon, which is not going to be an easy task.

Despite the fact that the Belgium star wants to leave Zenit, he will not be available on the cheap, so it remains to be seen whether the two clubs can agree on the transfer fee.

Axel Witsel is also on the radar of AC Milan, while he was linked with a move to Juventus in the past as well.

Stuttgart challenge Liverpool for Grujic

Bundesliga side Stuttgart are looking to hijack Liverpool’s bid for Red Star midfielder Marko Grujic, the Daily Mail can reveal.

The Reds are believed to be leading the chase for the Under-20 World Cup winner, having submitted a £4.3 million offer that would allow the player to remain on loan with his current club until the end of the season.

But, the latest reports suggest that Stuttgart have made a lucrative proposal worth £5 million plus bonuses, with Inter Milan also looking to join the race.

Due to the huge debt, Red Star have no option but to cash in on their prized asset in January, but they want the money paid in a single installment, while also requiring for Grujic to remain until the end of August.

For the first time after quite a while, Serbia’s most decorated club have a realistic chance of reaching the Champions League group stages, and they want the 19-year-old present for the qualifying rounds.

Likened by many to Chelsea star Nemanja Matic, Grujic has shown massive potential this season, impressing in both holding midfield and attacking midfield positions.

Watford close on Juan Iturbe

Sky Sport Italia is reporting that Premier League newcomers Watford are closing in on AS Roma winger Juan Manuel Iturbe.

The Giallorossi seem prepared to cash in on the Argentine footballer so as to make way for new signings, with recent reports suggesting that Hellas Verona and Genoa are keen on his services.

However, Sky Sport Italia claims that Watford have moved to the front of the queue of late, as they believe Iturbe can help the team continue the great start to the season.

According to the same source, the two clubs are in advanced talks over a January transfer, meaning that a deal could be wrapped up even before the transfer window officially opens.

After impressing during a loan spell with Hellas Verona, Iturbe moved to AS Roma in July 2014, but he was unable to prove his worth at Stadio Olimpico.

The 22-year-old now looks set to be given a new chance to shine, this time in English Premier League.

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