Dortmund eyeing Edin Dzeko; Roma in January bid for Iturbe

Dortmund eyeing Edin Dzeko

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko could be the subject of a January bid from Borussia Dortmund, reports the Daily Mail.

It is no secret the Millionaires are in the market for a new striker with Robert Lewandowski set to quit Signal-Iduna Park at the end of the current campaign.

And the Daily Mail understands that the Bundesliga giants have made Edin Dzeko their primary target.

However, the problem is that Borussia are not prepared to spend more than £15 million, which is way below City’s valuation of the player.

At the same time, a number of Serie A sides are keeping close tabs on the Bosnian forward, with Inter Milan reportedly leading the chase.

After initially praising new boss Manuel Pellegrini, Dzeko has admitted he could leave Etihad in search of first team football, which has added fuel to speculations linking him with a move away from the club.

Manchester City slipped to eighth in the Premier League standings after the shock defeat to Sunderland, but they surprisingly remain 11/4 favourites for the league title.

Roma in January bid for Iturbe

Portuguese daily newspaper A Bola has learned that AS Roma are exploring the possibility of signing Argentine attacker Juan Manuel Iturbe from FC Porto.

The 20-year-old attacker has been in fine form since joining Hellas Verona on loan this summer, with the likes of Inter Milan and Liverpool reportedly showing interest.

Meanwhile, A Bola has suggested that AS Roma are also considering a move for the Argentine forward.

The Giallorossi are short of options up front after both Francesco Totti and Gervinho picked up injuries, and they are looking to make a January assault on Iturbe.

Sporting director Walter Sabbatini has reportedly met with Hellas Verona chiefs to learn more about the player’s contractual situation.

Even if the forward is currently owned by Porto, the Gialloblu have the option to purchase his contract for €15 million, meaning Roma could help their Serie A rivals meet the release clause before negotiating his switch to Stadio Olimpico.

Ajax keen on Ola John

Ajax are considering a six-month loan for Benfica winger Ola John, Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf has revealed.

The highly rated footballer has struggled for playing time following the heavy summer recruitment, having only made four substitute appearances in the league this season.

As a result, the 21-year-old is hoping to leave Estadio da Luz in search of first team football, with Ajax reportedly ready to offer him an escape route from Portugal.

The Amsterdammers missed out on John when he left Twente for Benfica in the summer of 2012, but they aim to make things right this January.

According to De Telegraaf, Ajax are looking to bring the Netherlands Under-21 international on a six-month loan.

And while Benfica are likely to be interested in such an arrangement, injuries to Eduardo Salvio and Nicolas Gaitan could prevent the deal from happening.

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