Barcelona close in on Hummels; Juventus eyeing Janmaat

Barcelona close in on Hummels

German daily Bild has learned that Barcelona are on the verge of reaching an agreement for Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels.

The Catalans have been looking at a number of players as they aim to sign a long-term replacement for captain Carles Puyol, and they seem to have finally made their choice.

According to Bild, Barcelona are wrapping up a €35 million deal for Mats Hummels, who is expected to arrive at Camp Nou at the end of the current campaign.

The Millionaires have refused to comment on the latest transfer speculation, but the well-informed German newspaper understands that the deal is close to fruition.

Hummels, who had come through the youth ranks at Bayern Munich, has developed into one of Europe’s best centre-backs during his time at Signal-Iduna Park, winning two Bundesliga titles in the process.

Following the bright start to the new league campaign, BVB are 4/1 to pip arch rivals Bayern to what would be their third league title in four years.

Juventus eyeing Janmaat

Juventus are being linked with a January move for Feyenoord full-back Daryl Janmaat, reports Tuttosport.

Chances are that Mauricio Isla will be offloaded in the winter after failing to impress in Turin, meaning that the Bianconeri are in the market for a new right-sided defender.

And with long-term target Camilo Zuniga signing a new deal at Stadio San Paolo, the Old Lady are set to turn their attention to Daryl Janmaat.

Juventus scouts have been watching the defender on regular basis this term and having been impressed by the Netherlands international, they have advised Antonio Conte to sign the player at the earliest opportunity.

The Bianconeri are, therefore, preparing an €8 million offer for the January transfer window with a view of luring Janmaat to Turin.

The 24-year-old has been in scintillating form since joining Feyenoord from Heerenveen in the summer of 2012, and has even nailed down a regular berth in the Netherlands team, starting eight of ten 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

Monaco keen on Kurt Zouma

French giants Monaco are stepping up their efforts to sign Saint Etienne starlet Kurt Zouma, according to Le 10 Sport.

The Principality club did well to sign Ricardo Carvalho and Eric Abidal this summer, but with the two players nearing the end of their careers, the club officials are keen to rejuvenate their back line.

As a result, Monaco are expected to step up their interest in long-term target Kurt Zouma, who has become one of Europe’s most sought-after footballers.

Inter Milan, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are all believed to be keeping close tabs on the 18-year-old defender.

Saint Etienne are so far refusing to sell their prized asset, but it is clear les Verts would not be able to resist a big money offer for the talented centre-back.

Despite his fragile age, Kurt Zouma has already made 47 league appearances for Saint Etienne, scoring 4 goals, and he is widely tipped to earn his first France cap in the near future.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2013/14 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.