Italian giants vying for Bressan; Ruffier nears St Etienne exit

Italian giants vying for Bressan

A number of Italy’s top sides are keeping close tabs on Gremio defender Bressan, according to A Bola.

The 20-year-old has built quite a reputation over the last year or so, having impressed since arriving from Juventude.

And with his current employers in serious financial problems, Bressan is being heavily linked with a January exit.

A Bola has learned that the youngster has a long list of suitors in Italian Serie A, with Juventus, Roma and Lazio among the clubs showing interest in his services.

Bressan has already made 44 league appearances for Gremio, and has scored one goal in the process.

The centre-back is reportedly valued at €4 million, although Italian sides would have to free up a non-EU spot in the squad in order to sign him.

Ruffier nears St Etienne exit

French daily newspaper Le 10 Sport understands that Saint Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier could quit les Verts in the January transfer window.

The 27-year-old has become a key member of the squad at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard shortly after arriving from Monaco, but it appears he is looking for a new challenge.

Ruffier reportedly wants to play Champions League football as well as become an important member of the national team and he feels the time has come for him to leave les Verts.

And while Saint Etienne are not looking to sell, the fact the goalkeeper has a contract until June 2015 means that his price will only continue to decrease.

According to Le 10 Sport, Roma, Milan, Valencia and former club Monaco are all casting admiring glances his way, and January exit could be on the cards.

Having climbed to fifth in the overall standings thanks to a run of four wins in last five matches, Saint Etienne are 6/4 to defeat Guingamp on the road in their next league game.

Schalke agrees Kirchhoff loan

Schalke have reached an agreement with Bayern Munich over a six-month loan for defender Jan Kirchhoff, reports Sky Sport News HD.

The Miners were looking to add a new defender to their ranks following injuries to Dennis Aogo and Marco Hoger, and they seem to have secured the first signing of the winter.

Sky Sport News HD has revealed via their official Twitter account that Schalke are set to sign Jan Kirchhoff from Bayern Munich on a six-month loan.

The 23-year-old only joined the Bavarians in the summer, having arrived on a free transfer from Mainz, but he has since made just 7 substitute appearances in Bundesliga.

A move to Schalke will be a perfect opportunity for the talented stopper to get much needed playing time in an attempt to prove his worth at Alianz Arena.

Meanwhile, the Miners have managed to reinforce their back line virtually at no cost as they plan to revive their top 4 bid.

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