Inter close in on Paulinho; Agent reveals Atletico bid for Gourcuff

Inter close in on Paulinho

Inter Milan could finally secure the signature of Corinthians midfielder Paulinho, Il Corriere dello Sport has revealed.

The Neroazzurri have already come to terms with the fact they will have to match the player’s release clause, thought to be around €20 million, if they want to lure him to Giuseppe Meazza.

With the player also keen on a move to Inter, all the Neroazzurri needed to do was raise enough money to fund the transfer taking the Brazilian to Italy.

While succeeding in cashing in on Wesley Sneijder, one of the highest earners at the club, they also needed to make another big sale in order to reach their goal.

Il Corriere dello Sport understands that the second part of their plan is set to come to fruition, given that both Liverpool and Southampton have made official bids for Philippe Coutinho.

With both of the proposals in excess of €10 million, it appears that Inter have succeeded in their quest, meaning that long-term target Paulinho could be signed before the January transfer window closes.

Agent reveals Atletico bid for Gourcuff

Atletico Madrid have submitted an official proposal for midfielder Yoann Gourcuff, according to the player’s agent.

Gourcuff, 26, is widely tipped to leave Stade Gerland in the January transfer window, and has recently been linked with Arsenal and Fenerbahce.

The player’s representative, however, claims that Atletico Madrid are the latest club to have shown interest in the experienced midfielder.

“Atletico are actually interested in Yoann Gourcuff,” agent Nikola Franco explained to L’Equipe. “But, the (Spanish) club will not discuss a loan fee with Lyon.

”The only solution proposed by Madrid is a free loan with a purchase option at the end of the season.”

Lyon would prefer los Colchoneros paid €3 million for a six-month loan, while the amount of the buy-out clause has yet to be discussed.

The two parties may not be close to reaching an agreement at the moment, but there is a chance the deal will be wrapped up before the transfer window closes next Thursday.

Norwich plan Van Wolfswinkel swoop

Sky Sports has learnt that Norwich are weighing up move for Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

The Dutch forward was believed to be on Newcastle radar, but it appears the Magpies have dropped their interest after signing Yoan Gourcuff from Bordeaux.

According to Sky Sports, Norwich have moved in front of the queue to sign the 23-year-old attacker.

A Bola has revealed that the Canaries are prepared to offer €7.5 million up front, plus another €3 million depending on performance related bonuses.

Sporting Lisbon have rejected the initial bid, but with the club in difficult financial situation, an increased offer might just do the trick.

Van Wolfswinkel has made a total of 40 Primeira Liga appearances for the Lions, scoring 19 goals in the process.

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