Houllier hints at Ashley Young sale; Roma to make shock swoop for Premier League keeper

Houllier hints at Ashley Young sale

Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier admits he could sell Ashley Young if a club were to bid ‘crazy money’ in January.

Young has recently rejected a new deal and with only 18 months left on his current contract, Aston Villa could be tempted to cash in on the England international.

“In January the best clubs keep their best players but you never know if someone comes with crazy money.

“We hope to keep him and he knows that the club’s will is to keep him.

“We could keep him until the end of his contract – with him we would finish in a better position.

“In the meantime I don’t think he will leave in January.”

Manchester United and Liverpool have emerged as favourites to sign Young, with the Premiership rivals likely to start a real bidding war in January.

[Source: Daily Mirror]

Roma to make shock swoop for Premier League keeper

Roma have rekindled their interest in Manchester City keeper Shay Given and they are ready to offer the Irishman an escape route from Eastlands in January.

The Republic of Ireland number one is eager to leave City after falling behind Joe Hart in the pecking order and he is likely to move in January.

Several Premier League clubs have shown interest in the 34-year-old but it seems City don’t want to sell Given to one of the Premiership rivals and that is where Roma come into the picture.

Roma boss Claudio Ranieri admitted interest in Given last summer and he is now reportedly ready to make a bid for the Irishman as soon as the transfer window opens.

The experienced keeper would come across a stiff competition for the number one place at Olimpico with Brazilians Julio Sergio and Doni already at the club, but the mere fact Roma are looking for a new keeper proves Ranieri is not satisfied with his current options.

[Source: Daily Mail]

Atletico Madrid finds Simao replacement

Atletico Madrid are on the verge of signing Osasuna winger Juanfran, as los Colchoneros look to find a replacement for Simao Sabrosa.

Atletico have already reached an agreement with the 25-year-old winger and all that’s left is for the two clubs to sort out minor discrepancies.

Los Colchoneros are prepared to offer €5 million for Juanfran, which is close to Osasuna’s valuation of the player, meaning the deal is likely be completed within next few days.

Should unexpected problems arise, Atletico would offer Osasuna a first choice option on one or two youth squad players and Los Rojillos seem happy with this kind of arrangement.

Juanfran, who’s been an ever present for Osasuna during the past few years, is a product of Real Madrid youth school and he’s featured in more than 30 youth international games for Spain, even winning the Golden Player award at the Under-19 European Championship.

The 25-year-old winger is expected to replace Simao Sabrosa in the starting line-up and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to realize his full potential at Vicente Calderon.

[Source: AS]

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