Barcelona to sign new centre forward
Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino is on the lookout for a new number 9, according to El Mundo Deportivo.
While the Argentine coach is completely satisfied with his starting attackers Messi, Neymar and Sanchez, he is eager to sign a true centre forward that would ensure the team also have a plan B when things are not going according to plan.
El Mundo Deportivo claims that the Catalans are looking for someone who would have a similar role to that which Henrik Larsson had during his time at Camp Nou.
Besides the obvious footballing qualities, the player in question needs to be able to give his best whenever called upon rather than sulking when he is left on the bench.
This is the reason why Barcelona officials are currently not looking at world-class forwards, even if there are six quality players on their hit-list.
These include Nelson Valdez, Miroslav Klose, Georgios Samaras, Roque Santa Cruz, David Trezeguet and Oscar Cardozo.
Valencia keen on Marcos Rojo
Portuguese newspaper A Bola is reporting that Valencia are keeping close tabs on Sporting Lisbon defender Marcos Rojo.
Having allowed Aly Cissokho to join Liverpool this summer, los Che now have only winger Andres Guardado and inexperienced Juan Bernat vying for the left-back position.
According to A Bola, sporting director Braulio Vasquez is eager to sign a new left-sided defender in January, with Marcos Rojo his number one target.
The problem is Sporting are not interested in selling their prized asset in the winter given that his value is likely to increase after the 2014 World Cup.
Namely, Rojo is a first choice left-back in Argentina national team and chances are that he will keep his place in the side ahead of the tournament finals.
The 23-year-old, who has kick-started his career in Portugal following a disappointing spell at Spartak Moscow, has three years left on his current deal, but a 25% of his contract can be purchased for mere €2 million.
Isla nears Juventus exit
Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport understands that Chilean full-back Mauricio Isla is expected to leave Juventus in January.
The 25-year-old has utterly failed to prove his worth since arriving from Udinese last summer, and it appears the Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte has lost patience with the player.
He is reportedly looking to sign a new right-sided full-back in January, while hoping to offload the Chile international.
Long-term admirers Inter are unlikely to make a move seeing that Jonathan has been producing very good performances since the arrival of Walter Mazzarri.
However, Roma and Wolfsburg are still interested and they are unlikely to be put off by the €7 million asking price.
Despite sitting in third place at the moment, Juventus seem determined to win the third Serie A title on the bounce, with the Old Lady 2/3 to succeed in their quest.
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
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
