Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez is reportedly interested in joining Bavarian giants Bayern Munich this summer, Sky Sports reports.
The 2011-12 UEFA Champions League runners-up have been linked with Martinez all summer long, but the Spaniard’s hefty £31.5 million buy-out clause seems to have halted negotiations between the two sides.
Los Leones are in no hurry to sell their prized asset, with Martinez tied to the Estadio San Mamés until 2016.
There is only one problem; Martinez wants to join Bayern Munich, according to his agent Ersin Akan.
“Javi wants to join Bayern,” Martinez’s representative Ersin Akan told Sport 1.
“It’s also a fact that Bayern still want him.”
In contrast, Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has revealed that the Bundesliga giants are not close to reaching an agreement for the Bilbao standout.
“The move for Javi Martinez is not a must-do situation,” insisted Sammer.
“It is more of a could-happen situation. We will have to see if the transfer happens.”
At the moment, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos and Luis Gustavo are the three bosses of Die Bayern’s midfield, but that could easily change should Martinez seal a move to the Allianz Arena this summer.
Niang interested in Milan
SM Caen ace M’Baye Niang has revealed that he is keen on taking his talents to Milan after visiting the club’s training ground, Sky Sports understands.
English Premier League clubs Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have all shown interest in the 17-year-old this summer, while Caen are seemingly in position to sell their starlet following their relegation from Ligue 1.
“I was so impressed, it’s magnificent,” revealed Niang after visiting Milan’s training ground.
“I am really interested in Milan.”
Over the past two seasons, Niang has netted five league goals in 30 appearances (18 starts) for SM Caen.
Lukaku set for Premier League loan
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is on the verge of finalising a season-long loan to a Premier League club that is not named Fulham.
Lukaku had been strongly linked with Werder Bremen and Fulham, but an unnamed Premier League side are currently finalising the loan details with the Belgian’s agent Christophe Henrotay.
“I can assure you that Romelu is not going to Fulham,” Henrotay told Sport/Foot. “I am currently finalising the details with another Premier League club.
“Romelu will go on loan. I cannot say which team he will join, or when it will happen, but things are progressing.”
Chelsea will kick-off their 2012-13 Premier League campaign against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on Sunday, 19 August. Don’t expect the Blues to feature the Belgium international against the Latics on Sunday.
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