Tottenham eyeing ‘next Gheorghe Hagi’; Valencia join chase for Rodrigo

Tottenham eyeing ‘next Gheorghe Hagi’

Tottenham are keeping close tabs on Steaua Bucuresti midfielder Gabriel Iancu, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola.

Spurs have already done business with the Romanian giants, having recruited centre-back Vlad Chiriches in the summer, and they are now being linked with his former teammate.

Gabriel Iancu is widely regarded as one of the hottest prospects in Romania and has even earned comparisons with legendary player Gheorghe Hagi.

The attacking midfielder had come through the youth ranks at Vitorul Constanta, but was then snatched by Steaua after scoring 11 goals in 30 top flight appearances.

He has since featured in 20 league matches for the Romanian giants and scored a total of 2 goals, while adding as many in eight Champions League appearances.

The mere fact the player has a €25 million release clause in his contract is enough to suggest that Steaua chiefs see him as a future world-class player.

Valencia join chase for Rodrigo

Valencia are the latest high-profile club to have joined the race for Benfica forward Rodrigo Moreno, reports Record.

The Eagles are believed to have opened talks with Zenit over the winger’s proposed move to St Petersburg, but the latest reports suggest los Che are looking to snatch the player in front of their noses.

Valencia desperately search for attacking reinforcements and they have made Rodrigo one of their primary targets.

Singaporean businessman Peter Lim has promised he will make €50 million available for new signings if his offer to complete the club takeover is accepted, which would allow the La Liga side to try and lure the Spaniard to Mestalla.

Rodrigo has a contract until June 2019 at Estadio da Luz and a release clause of €45 million, meaning it would take a substantial offer for the Eagles to even consider selling their prized asset.

Benfica have emerged as 8/11 favourites for the Primeira Liga title following a 2-0 derby victory over FC Porto, where the 22-year-old scored the opening goal.

Roma step up interest in Ghoulam

Serie A high-flyers AS Roma are stepping up their efforts to sign French full-back Faouzi Ghoulam from Saint Etienne, L’Equipe has revealed.

The Giallorossi plan to add a left-sided defender to their ranks in the January window and they have long ago made the 22-year-old their number one target.

And according to L’Equipe, Roma have finally decided to make their interest concrete, having proposed to sign the youngster on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy.

While boss Rudi Garcia believes Ghoulam has what it takes to succeed at Stadio Olimpico, he first wants to make sure that the player can adapt to Serie A before deciding to make a considerable investment in his services.

Faouzi Ghoulam is one of the best players to have come out of Saint Etienne’s youth academy in recent years and he has already amassed 86 Ligue 1 appearances for les Verts.

The Algerian has been in fine form this season, having managed 1 goal and 3 assists in 16 league outings for the club.

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