January 3, 2018 - Matchplug Blog

Manchester United in desperate bid to sign out-of-favour PSG star

Manchester United are looking to bring PSG star Lucas Moura to Old Trafford this month.

The Red Devils are looking to sign the Brazilian on loan, but PSG would only allow a temporary agreement if it would lead to a permanent deal of around £40 million at the end of this season.

United tried to sign the winger in 2012 while he was still with Sao Paolo in the Brazilian league, but he joined PSG instead for £38 million.

He was instrumental as PSG won the French league cup last season and finished runners up to AS Monaco in the Ligue 1.

He featured 52 times scoring 19 goals last season, but he has been limited to just 6 substitute appearances this season, mainly due to the arrival of Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe.

The Sun reports that he has already begun talks with Chinees teams, but would prefer a move to the EPL is The Red Devils can strike a deal with PSG.

Meanwhile, Matteo Darmian is looking to seal a move away from Old Trafford this month.

The Italian has fallen out of favour with Jose Mourinho and wants to leave to save his career.

Chelsea prepared to sign their long term target for £50 million this month

Chelsea are set to make Juventus’ Alex Sandro their first signing of this winter transfer window.

The Blues have been long term admirers of the Brazilian and Antonio Conte is ready to get his man, for a reported £50 million deal.

The Brazilian has been in outstanding form for Juve since he moved to Turin in the summer of 2015.

His form has attracted the interest of several top European sides including Manchester United and Manchester City, but Chelsea remain the most serious of them all and the most likely to get the Brazilian’s signature.

According to Sun Sport, the Brazilian is currently unhappy at the Old Ladies and he has been old he can leave if he wishes to.

Juve have identified Bayer Leverkusen’s Wendel as a replacement and have relaxed their stance on his sale after saying he was not for sale last summer.

Antonio Conte is looking for competition for Marcos Alonso who has had to play all 21 games already this season, and he believes Sandro would provide enough competition for the Spaniard.

The Blues are also interested in signing AS Monaco’s Thomas Lemar and Richmond Boakye from Red Star Belgrade.

Liverpool ask Barcelona to pay £100 million up front for Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool are prepared to listen to Barcelona’s offer for Philippe Coutinho this month, however, the Catalans would have to pay at least £100 million up front to get their man.

According to The Sun, the Reds have set a total asking price of £132 million for the Brazilian’s signature.

Coutinho is also keen on a move to the Catalans and several reports have been surfacing of him trying to force the move through this month, with some even suggesting he has already begun house hunting in Catalonia.

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp would love him to stay until the summer at least when he would have sorted out a replacement, with Schalke’s Leon Goretzka his number one target.

Barcelona are not the only side interested in signing Coutinho, PSG are also monitoring his situation as his best friend, Neymar would love to have him at the Parc des Princess.

However, Coutinho has his heart set on moving to Spain to play alongside his former team mate, Luis Suarez.

He has reportedly already agreed a five years deal with the Catalans that would see him at least double his current earnings.