United and Valencia vying for Garay; Hamburg complete double swoop

United and Valencia vying for Garay

Portuguese newspaper O Jogo understands that Manchester United and Valencia lead the chase for Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay.

The Eagles seem to have decided to cash in on the Argentine stopper, and they are obviously looking to sell him to the highest bidder, especially since Real Madrid are entitled to 50% of the transfer fee.

O Jogo has learned that Manchester United and Valencia are locked in the battle for the 27-year-old footballer, whilst Zenit are also keen.

And while the Red Devils see Garay as a perfect long-term replacement for Rio Ferdinand, los Che are looking for defensive reinforcements following the departure of Adil Rami.

Ezequiel Garay has developed into one of world’s top centre-backs during his time at Estadio da Luz and he looks set to leave his current employers for greener pastures.

The experienced defender has been in fine form this season, scoring 3 goals in 15 Primeira Liga outings for the Eagles.

Hamburg complete double swoop

Hamburg have confirmed they have completed the signings of Ola John from Benfica and Ouasim Bouy from Juventus.

The Red Shorts were desperate for winter reinforcements in an attempt to avoid the relegation tussle and they have signed two talented footballers on loan until the end of the season.

After agreeing to sign Benfica winger Ola John, Hamburg have also wrapped up a deal to loan Ouasim Bouy from Juventus.

“I am happy that we have two new players,” Hamburg coach Bert van Marwijk confessed to Hamburger Morgenpost.

“He (Bouy) was a super talent at Ajax. I have not seen him live yet, but I know him, of course. He can help us in midfield.”

Ola John decided to leave Benfica after making just five substitute appearances in the league this season, and he was also on the radar of quite a few Dutch Eredivisie sides.

Meanwhile, Ouasim Bouy has failed to make a single appearance for Juventus after recovering from a serious injury and he is hoping to kick-start his season in Germany.

Rennes eyeing Andre Carrillo

French giants Rennes are considering a January bid for Sporting Lisbon winger Andre Carrillo, reports A Bola.

Les Bretons are bracing themselves for life without Romain Alessandrini and they see the Peruvian attacker as a decent long-term replacement.

According to A Bola, the Ligue 1 side have already inquired about the possibility of signing Carrillo, and is set to make their interest concrete in the coming days.

The 22-year-old joined Sporting from Alianza Lima in the summer of 2011 and has all but nailed down a regular starting berth.

Carrillo went on to start 12 league fixtures this term, while making another 3 substitute appearances, scoring 2 goals in the process.

For the first time after quite a while, the Lions seem ready to mount a serious title challenge, and they are 9/2 for the league trophy.

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