Real in mega money bid for James Rodriguez
Spanish daily newspaper AS understands that Real Madrid have made Monaco star James Rodriguez their number one priority in the summer transfer window.
Los Blancos have been impressed by the midfielder’s performances at the 2014 World Cup and they are eager to lure the 22-year-old to Santiago Bernabeu at the earliest opportunity.
With Rodriguez’s stock rising a great deal during the tournament in Brazil, Monaco are believed to be holding out for €80 million, although they might agree to sell their prized asset for €70 million eventually.
Real Madrid officials plan to further lower the asking price by including one or two players in the deal, with the Principality Club showing interest in Fabio Coentrao, Alvaro Morata, Diego Lopez and Casemiro.
James Rodriguez has been in stunning form at the 2014 World Cup, bagging 6 goals in 5 games as Colombia reached the quarter-finals.
And even with Los Cafeteros out of the tournament, the talented footballer remains 4/6 favourite to win the Golden Boot.
Saints line up Lovren replacement
Premier League outfit Southampton are readying bid for Lorient defender Bruno Ecuele Manga, according to L’Equipe.
The Saints are on the lookout for a new centre-back as Dejan Lovren has requested to leave the club and they have set their sights on the Ligue 1 star.
L’Equipe understands that Southampton are ready to submit an official proposal for the player who is also on the radar of Lazio, Borussia M’gladbach and several Ligue 1 sides.
Ecuele Manga has just a year left on his deal with les Merlus, meaning he is likely to be sold in the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old has largely impressed since joining Lorient from Angers in the summer of 2010, going on to make 105 Ligue 1 appearances.
Ecuele Manga has so far earned 25 caps for Gabon, scoring a total of 3 goals in the process and playing at two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Atletico told to pay up for Oblak
Atletico Madrid have been informed they will have to delve deep into their pockets if they plan to sign Benfica goalkeeper Jan Oblak, A Bola has learned.
Los Colchoneros seem to have decided to make a move on the Slovenian starlet as they look to sign a replacement for Thibaut Courtois, but they clearly won’t be allowed to sign their target on the cheap.
According to A Bola, Benfica have told the La Liga side they need to match the player’s €20 million release clause if they want to wrap up the deal.
For the time being, los Colchoneros do not seem prepared to meet the asking price, but they could still try and agree a lower transfer fee.
Despite making just 16 league appearances for Benfica, the 21-year-old has become one of Europe’s most sought-after goalkeepers, with few more top clubs keen on his services.
However, the Eagles are under no pressure to sell and they will only allow Oblak to leave if the price is right.
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