Manchester United to swoop for Real Madrid star; Barcelona hotshot could leave Camp Nou

Manchester United to swoop for Real Madrid star

Sir Alex Ferguson is set to offer Lassana Diarra an escape route from Real Madrid as the United boss looks to reinforce his troublesome midfield area.

Ferguson has already come to terms with the fact Owen Hargreaves is unlikely to feature again for United this season and since Paul Scholes is in the dying stages of his career, the Scotsman is desperate for midfield reinforcements.

Fergie believes Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra could be the solution to his problems and he is ready to bid for the Frenchman in January.

Diarra has found himself on the fringes at Santiago Bernabeu and it is believed Jose Mourinho is prepared to let him go, meaning United should be able to close the deal without too many problems.

Sir Alex Ferguson rates Diarra highly following the Frenchman’s successful spells at Arsenal and Chelsea, and he isn’t concerned by the fact that the France international would not be able to help United in this year’s Champions League.

Let’s not forget that Diarra only lost his starting place at Real after clashing with Jose Mourinho, before which he was considered a key player for los Merengues and it is my opinion that Fergie should pursue this transfer as he would get a magnificent player at a cut-back price.

[Source: The Sun]

Barcelona hotshot could leave Camp Nou

Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara could leave Camp Nou next summer with the Catalans yet to offer him an extension to his current deal that expires at the end of the season.

Despite being regarded as one of the hottest prospects in the squad, the 19-year-old midfielder is still waiting for Barca to offer him a new deal as the time is slowly running out on the Catalans.

A number of Premiership clubs is thought to be monitoring the situation as they are keen on the promising midfielder but even they cannot believe that Barcelona would be prepared to lose such a good player.

Thiago will be free to speak to other clubs at the end of January, meaning Barcelona officials have got a month to try and persuade the youngster his future lies at Camp Nou or risk losing him at the end of the season.

The Italian-born midfielder featured in four La Liga games this season, which shows Pep Guardiola has recognized his enormous potential.

[Source: AS]

Juve readying bid for Bologna defender

Juventus are close to making a bid for Bologna defender Miguel Angel Britos as the Bianconeri look to add more steel to their back line.

Luigi Del Neri is satisfied with his centre-back partnership of Chiellini and Bonucci but he lacks a good cover for the Italy internationals and is eager to sign another central defender.

Juventus sporting director Beppe Marotta believes Bologna centre back Miguel Angel Britos is the right man for the job with the Bianconeri already preparing a bid for the Uruguayan.

Britos will reportedly cost around €6 million, although Juventus hope to lower the asking price by handing Bologna the remaining half of Albin Ekdal’s contract, as the Swede is now co-owned by the two clubs.

The 25-year-old Britos has been in impressive form this season, having scored three Serie A goals to add to his impeccable defensive performances and he looks ready to make a new step in his career.

[Source: Tuttosport]

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