Favre reveals Wenger inquired about Marco Reus; Real ready to listen to offers for Altintop

Favre reveals Wenger inquired about Marco Reus

Borussia Moenchengladbach boss Lucien Favre says that Arsene Wenger inquired about attacking midfielder Marco Reus.

The 22-year-old has been in scintillating form this season, scoring 7 goals in 12 Bundesliga appearances.

He has been attracting interest from big European sides, with Bayern Munich chiefs admitting they are keen on the young midfielder.

Borussia Moenchengladbach coach Lucien Favre has now revealed that even Arsene Wenger asked about Marco Reus.

“Yes! Jens Lehmann gave him a tip to watch Marco. Then Arsene called me,” Favre told Bild.

“I know Arsene very well and told him the truth: Marco is a very, very interesting player. But I am coach of Borussia and want to keep him.”

Favre admits that he will do everything he can to keep hold of the player for as long as possible.

“I think that it might be too early for a change. It would be good for Marco if he stays here for a year or two – and who knows, maybe he will also play at the top?

“Marco has incredible qualities, but he can also improve in some ways. We are working every day. He needs a foundation to improve his game and he has it here with Borussia.”

Real ready to listen to offers for Altintop

Real Madrid are prepared to sell Hamit Altintop in January, Spanish daily AS reveals.

The Turkish midfielder is unhappy with his status at Santiago Bernabeu and he has already told his international teammates that he wants to leave.

The Turkey international arrived on a free transfer in the summer, but has played just 13 minutes in La Liga this season.

Considering the circumstances, Real Madrid are prepared to listen to offers for Altintop, with their asking price somewhere between €3m and €5m.

The only problem is that the player would prefer to be farmed out on loan, whereas Real Madrid are only interested in outright transfer.

Altintop arrived to Santiago Bernabeu injured, with his inability to take part in any pre-season training hindering his progress in the new club.

The Turkey international has since recovered from injury, but was unable to break into the first team set up, having made just two substitute appearances this season.

Nico Gaitan cools off transfer talk

Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan says that he is happy to remain at Benfica despite interest from several big European clubs.

The 23-year-old has been an instant hit at La Luz after arriving from Boca Juniors in the summer of 2010 and he managed to further raise his game this season.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson publicly praised the player for his showing in the Champions League clash with Red Devils, and the latest reports suggest that the Scottish manager is keen on the Benfica forward.

However, the player believes there is no truth in rumours linking him with a move to Old Trafford.

“The closest I am to Manchester United is going there to face them in the Champions League,” Gaitan told A Bola.

Valencia are also being mentioned as one of the interested clubs, but Gaitan says he is perfectly happy at Benfica.

“I feel good at Benfica. I would like to fulfill my contract until the end (2016), because I am at a great club, in which people treat us well.

”I feel very well. I just have to keep doing what I have done on the pitch and then we’ll see.”

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2011/12 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.