Napoli in talks for Benfica star duo
Italian newspaper Tuttosport has revealed that Napoli have launched an assault on Benfica stars Ezequiel Garay and Oscar Cardozo.
In spite of the heavy summer spending the Azzurri still want to sign another central defender and forward, and they seem to have set their sights on the Benfica duo.
According to Tuttosport, Napoli officials have launched an official inquiry into the availability of the two players.
The Azzurri had already been showing interest in Cardozo and they have returned for the Paraguayan after his move to Fenerbahce fell through.
Meanwhile, this is the first time they have been linked to Ezequiel Garay, who is available for sale, but only if a club meet his €20 million release clause.
Namely, with Real Madrid set to earn 50% of the future transfer, Benfica chiefs are not prepared to sell their star player on the cheap.
Monaco and Liverpool battle for Sakho
Monaco and Liverpool are showing interest in PSG defender Mamadou Sakho as he looks to leave Parc des Princes this summer, reports Le Parisien.
The 23-year-old has long ago expressed his desire to leave in search of first team football, but he has been given assurances from new coach Laurent Blanc that he will be given a chance to earn a regular starting berth.
However, after Thiago Silva and Alex started the first two competitive matches this season, Sakho understands that he will be a second choice this term and wants out.
One of the reasons why the talented defender wants to quit PSG is because he is eager to keep his place in the national team, and Didier Deschamps’ decision to leave him out of the squad to face Belgium should push him closer towards the exit door.
Sakho, who has just one year left on his deal, has asked the club officials to name their asking price so as to make the job easier for interested clubs.
He is hoping long-term admirers Monaco and Liverpool will reignite their interest in his services, but Sakho is even prepared to remain at Parc des Princes in case there are no serious offers.
Marseille in new bid for Thauvin
Marseille are stepping up their efforts to sign Lille midfielder Florian Thauvin, according to L’Equipe.
After having a €5.5 million bid rejected in June, the French giants are reportedly prepared to increase their proposal to €7.5 million.
The talented footballer appears to be keen on a switch to Stade Velodrome and the fact he was not in the squad for Lille’s opening game against Lorient could suggest he is nearing summer exit.
Thauvin snubbed interest from Marseille to sign for les Dogues back in January, but he was immediately loaned back to Bastia.
With the 20-year-old having largely impressed in the second part of the league campaign, OM launched a second attempt to secure his services, but they have so far failed to reach an agreement with their Ligue 1 rivals.
Thauvin has been in scintillating form last season, scoring no less than 10 goals in 32 Ligue 1 appearances.
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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