Monaco in talks for Otamendi
Monaco are stepping up their efforts to sign Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi from FC Porto, reports O Jogo.
The 25-year-old continues to be linked with a big club move and the French giants appear to be leading the chase for his signature.
With both Ricardo Carvalho and Eric Abidal nearing the closing stage of their careers, the Principality club are looking to add some fresh blood to the back four and they appear to have made Nicolas Otamendi their number one target.
O Jogo has learned that Monaco are already negotiating a transfer fee with Porto, hoping to sign the player in the January transfer window.
Nicolas Otamendi has spent last three and a half years at Estadio do Dragao and this could be the right time to embark on a new challenge.
FC Porto have seriously damaged their title bid with a three-match winless run in Primeira Liga, but they are priced at 6/4 to defend the league trophy after all.
Kurt Zouma nears St Etienne exit
French defender Kurt Zouma could be leaving Saint Etienne in the January transfer window, according to Le 10 Sport.
The 19-year-old is widely regarded as one of the hottest prospects in French Ligue 1 and he has so far been linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs.
Le 10 Sport has suggested that Monaco and Manchester City are readying January bids for the talented footballer, thought to be in excess of €10 million.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, Liverpool and Napoli are also closely monitoring the player’s progress.
Despite his fragile age, Zouma has already made 50 Ligue 1 appearances for les Verts, but he was recently slapped with a ten-match ban after breaking the leg of Sochaux midfielder Thomas Guerbert.
Saint Etienne are reportedly not keen on selling their prized asset, but it is believed they would not be able to resist a big money offer.
Fabian Giefer agrees Schalke switch
German magazine Kicker understands that Schalke have agreed a deal to sign goalkeeper Fabian Giefer from Fortuna Dusseldorf.
The Miners have been searching for a new number one ever since Manuel Neuer left for Bayern Munich and they seem to have found their man.
According to Kicker, Fortuna Dusseldorf shot-stopper Fabian Giefer will sign a long-term contract with Schalke next summer.
Namely, the 23-year-old’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season and he has decided to accept an offer from the Miners.
Fabian Giefer came through the youth ranks at Bayer Leverkusen, but left the club for Fortuna after making just six league appearances for die Werkself.
He has since largely impressed in 49 matches for the club from Dusseldorf and seems to have earned himself a big club move.
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2013/14 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
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