Premiership sides keen on Napoli star duo; Bayern leading the race for Fabio Coentrao

Premiership sides keen on Napoli star duo

A host of Premiership sides have shown interest in Napoli stars Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Lavezzi and Hamsik have been instrumental in Napol’s push for the Serie A title, attracting admiring glances from a number of Premier League clubs.

Manchester City scouts have reportedly watched Lavezzi in action several times this season, with the Citizens preparing a summer bid for the Argentine.

Marek Hamsik, on the other side, is a target for Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, and he is set to spark a real bidding war in the summer.

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis values Hamsik at €30 million, and this should make Chelsea favourites to sign the Slovakia international.

For the time being, De Laurentiis is keen to keep hold of his star duo, although a hefty offer could make him change his opinion.

Both Hamsik and Lavezzi have consistently performed at the highest level for a couple of years now and it is little wonder that big European clubs are interested in their services.

Bayern leading the race for Fabio Coentrao

Bayern are prepared to rekindle their interest in Benfica full-back Fabio Coentrao, A Bola reports.

The Bavarians are determined to reinforce the squad in the summer following what will be a very disappointing season and Benfica’s Fabio Coentrao remains the priority for the left-back position.

Considering the number of interested clubs, Bayern chiefs are aware they face a difficult job and they will, therefore, try to reach an agreement with Benfica as soon as possible.

The Bavarians had a €20 million bid rejected for the Portugal international last summer, while they also offered Edson Braafheid as part of the deal, but they are now ready to up the ante.

With Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona also in the race, the Bavarians will have to make an offer close to the player’s €30 million release clause, especially as Benfica are not willing to do business for anything less.

In order to try and pip the rivals to Coentrao’s signature, Bayern are expected to submit an official proposal in the coming days and open negotiations with Benfica.

A Bola believes that the Germans have a good chance of being successful with their bid for Coentrao.

Brandao loaned to Cruzeiro

Marseille striker Brandao has been loaned to Cruzeiro until December 2011, the Brazilian club have announced.

The Brazilian striker yesterday completed a loan deal to Cruzeiro, with an option to make the transfer permanent, and was unveiled at a press conference.

Brandao thus returned to Brazil for the first time after leaving his native country in 2002.

“The team are evolving at a rapid pace and I want to adapt quickly and score goals,” Brandao said.

The striker is ineligible for the Minas Gerais State Championship, but he will be available for the Copa Libertadores second round.

The 31-year-old was allowed to spend few days in Brazil after he was charged with rape on 9th March, and he eventually decided not to return to Marseille.

Cruzeiro spokesman warned reporters that Brandao would not answer any questions on this matter.

The Brazilian largely struggled for form this season, having scored just one goal in nineteen league games but he has been given a chance to kick-start his career.

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