Leverkusen confirm Chelsea talks for Schurrle
Bayer Leverkusen have moved to confirm reports linking star striker Andre Schurrle with a summer switch to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have been following the Germany international for a while now and they even had several bids rejected last summer.
They have recently been linked with a fresh assault on Schurrle, and the German club have now confirmed that talks are ongoing.
“I can confirm that our spokesmen are in London and will then continue to Brussels. However at this moment there is no foundation for a decision,” communications director Meinolf Sprink told German news agency SID.
It is believed that the transfer fee is in excess of €20 million and the deal could also include Chelsea midfielder Kevin de Bruyne moving in the other direction.
Andre Schurrle, 22, arrived at Bay Arena from Mainz in the summer of 2011 and has since scored 16 goals in 60 Bundesliga appearances for die Werkself.
Dortmund’s Santana set for Schalke switch
Schalke have agreed to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Felipe Santana, according to German newspaper Bild.
The Brazilian stopper became a hero at Signal-Iduna Park when he scored the decisive goal against Malaga to help his side reach the Champions League semi-finals.
However, he could soon feel the wrath of Borussia Dortmund fans having reportedly agreed to join the Millionaires’ fierce rivals Schalke.
Bild reports that the player has already agreed personal terms with the Miners after they matched his €1 million release clause.
Santana was eager to leave Signal-Iduna Park due to the lack of playing time and not even the latest run in the side seems to have changed his mind.
The 27-year-old is hoping to break into the Brazil squad ahead of the 2014 World Cup and that is the main reason why he has opted to leave his current employers.
Benfica keen on Egyptian starlet
Portuguese newspaper A Bola has learned that Benfica are keeping close tabs on Egyptian midfielder Saleh Gomaa.
The 19-year-old first caught the Eagles’ attention at the 2012 Summer Olympics, but it was his scintillating displays at the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations that have seen top European clubs take notice.
Gomaa earned rave reviews for his showings in Algeria and was later voted the Player of the Tournament.
Benfica officials seem to be convinced the player has what it takes to succeed at Estadio da Luz, and are readying summer bid for his services.
Gomaa’s current employers ENPPI value him at mere €1.3 million, which is well within the price range of the Portuguese giants.
Despite his fragile age, the midfielder has already earned 3 Egypt caps, while also making three appearances for the Under-23 side at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2012/13 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
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