Barca close on Aymeric Laporte
Spanish giants Barcelona are reportedly wrapping up the deal to sign French defender Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao, the Daily Mirror has suggested.
The talented footballer has a €50 million release clause in his current contract and it would appear as though the Catalans are ready to match the asking price.
Barcelona’s defensive problems are well documented and they believe that Laporte can become a rock at the back in Luis Enrique’s team.
Manchester United were also hoping to lure the France Under-21 stopper to Old Trafford, but it looks as though the Catalans are set to win the chase.
Laporte has been putting in some excellent performances in Spanish La Liga for a couple of years now, and he already has 89 league appearances to his name.
Being a cultured defender who is very comfortable with a ball, he would fit in perfectly with Barcelona’s style of play.
Adebayor in Watford link
Premier League newcomers Watford could be making a move on free agent Emmanuel Adebayor, according to London Evening Standard.
The veteran striker was released by Tottenham a month ago, and he hasn’t exactly been under pressure to find a new club.
However, having spent some time in Africa, Adebayor is ready to start the search for new employers and is now being linked with a move to Watford.
Namely, Hornets boss Quique Sanchez Flores is a big fan of the Togolese striker and he has invited the 31-year-old to train with his squad.
It remains to be seen whether Watford will be offering Adebayor a contract, with his high wage demands likely to prove an obstacle to any deal.
During his time at White Hart Lane, the Togolese forward scored 35 goals in 92 Premier League appearances.
Spartak to bid for Oleg Ivanov
Russian daily newspaper Izvestia has learned that Spartak Moscow are hot on the trail of Terek Grozny midfielder Oleg Ivanov.
The Otkrytie Arena outfit have been keeping close tabs on the Russia international and they have had a number of meetings with his employers.
According to Izvestia, Terek officials are ready to accept an offer in the region of €8 million, meaning the ball is now in Spartak’s court.
The interesting thing is that the Terek captain had begun his professional career at Spartak, but only made two league appearances before leaving for Khimki.
He also played for Kuban Krasnodar, Krylya Sovetov and Rostov, while spending last four years with his current employers.
Oleg Ivanov, 29, recently ended his international exile and he started the Euro 2016 qualifier vs Austria back in June.
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2015/16 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
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