Time is running out for clubs to conclude their business for the
month, but now is the time where things start to become interesting.
With deals flying in thick and fast, here is a roundup of the latest news and rumours from around the Premier League.
Arsenal
are lining up a potential alternative to Julian Draxler in case they
cannot agree a deal to sign the 20-year-old before the window closes
this Friday.
The Daily Mail claims that the alternative is Lyon playmaker Yohan Gourcuff. Arsene Wenger has always been a big fan of the former Bordeaux man and has tried to sign him on numerous occasions.
Gourcuff could be a more attainable target than Draxler with time running out to complete the reported £35m deal.
Although, reports were claiming that Wenger wanted to turn Draxler from an attacking midfielder/winger into a central forward like he did with Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie, it is unlikely that Wenger believes Gourcuff possess the same qualities as Draxler for that role.
With deals flying in thick and fast, here is a roundup of the latest news and rumours from around the Premier League.
1. Arsenal Line Up Gourcuff as Draxler Alternative
The Daily Mail claims that the alternative is Lyon playmaker Yohan Gourcuff. Arsene Wenger has always been a big fan of the former Bordeaux man and has tried to sign him on numerous occasions.
Gourcuff could be a more attainable target than Draxler with time running out to complete the reported £35m deal.
Although, reports were claiming that Wenger wanted to turn Draxler from an attacking midfielder/winger into a central forward like he did with Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie, it is unlikely that Wenger believes Gourcuff possess the same qualities as Draxler for that role.
2. Chelsea Agree to Courtois/Costa Swap Deal
Courtois has spent the last two seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid, as Chelsea sought to further his development whilst Petr Cech is still between the sticks at Stamford Bridge.
However, Courtois's stay in the Spanish capital has been so successful that he is now regarded as one of the best keepers in the world and Atletico boss Diego Simeone is desperate to keep him. David Moyes was hoping he would be able to land Costa in the summer, but with the future of Courtois mixed in, Jose Mourinho might beat his adversary to the summer deal.
Chelsea need a world class striker, not another goalkeeper, so it seems the two clubs have been discussing a deal that could suit both parties.
3. Fulham Turn to Canales After Missing Out on Defour
Fulham
and Aston Villa have failed in their attempts to lure Belgian
midfielder Steven Defour from FC Porto, after his agent announced that
he will not be leaving the Portuguese champions after all."Now Lucho's gone, Steven has to grab his chance as Lucho was the one blocking him.
"Steven was keen on joining Fulham. A few days ago, he even called Rene Meulensteen to discuss a transfer.
"He really wanted to move to Craven Cottage, where he could have signed for three-and-a-half years with an option."
Now, The Mirror thinks that Rene Meulensteen will move for secondary target Sergio Canales. The Spanish playmaker is seemingly unwanted at the Mestalla and is free to leave the La Liga side on loan.
4. Alan Pardew Cannot Guarantee Cabaye Will Stay
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has conceded that he can give no guarantees as to the future of Yohan Cabaye.Cabaye was said to be the subject of a £14m bid from mega-rich French champions Paris Saint Germain, which the club swiftly rejected according to reports.
Newcastle held onto Cabaye in the summer when Arsenal held a strong interest in submitting a £10m bid, with the Frenchman keen to join them as well. However, Cabaye stayed and has become arguably Newcastle's most important player this season.
Despite rejecting the initial approach, Pardew is still worried he could lose him man before the window closes on Friday.
"You are talking to someone who lost Andy Carroll with eight hours to go, so am I confident? No, I'm not confident, and I don't think any team not in a Champions League position or fighting for a Champions League position could be."
5. Liverpool Enter the Race for Ince
The winger has already met with Swansea and will meet with Crystal Palace on Tuesday, but the 21-year-old is also being tracked by Stoke, Hull, Sunderland.
However, Sky Sports understands that Liverpool have renewed their interest in the highly-rated youngster after being spurned by Mohamed Salah, who opted for a move to Chelsea instead.
It is understood that Liverpool's interest has led them to emerge as the favourites to land his signature as he began his career Merseyside and could be keen to link with a club battling for a Champions League place, not relegation.
6. Hammers to Make Improved Bid for Championship Top Scorer
Although
Sam Allardyce has revealed that West Ham are content with their
transfer dealings thus far and likely will not bring any other new
players into the squad, the rumours persist as the Daily Mail claims the
Hammers will improve their bid for Leeds striker Ross McCormack.The Scottish international has impressed this season as he is currently sitting atop the Championship's scorers table with 17 goals.
With a lack of striker options so severe that the club gave Carlton Cole, a striker who they released this past summer, a new 18-month deal, Big Sam could be looking for one last goalscoring threat as his side look to stave off relegation.
However, Leeds have put a lot of faith in their 27-year-old striker as they recently signed him on a new deal to help fend of potential suitors. The Championship club rejected West Ham's initial reported £4m bid for the striker, but it is now understood the club could be looking to in a bid believed to be £5m.
7. Top Premier League Sides Vie for Italian Striker
The Express understands a host of Premier League clubs are eyeing a swoop for highly-rated Juventus starlet Domenico Berardi.The 19-year-old is currently involved in a complex ownership agreement where he is on loan at Serie A strugglers Sassuolo, who own half of his rights, with Juventus owning the other half of his rights.
Despite Sassuolo's torrid form in the league, Beradi has remained a bright spot in their season and has attracted interest from top European sides.
It is believed Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are all eyeing a move for the striker, but Spurs are ready to challenge them with a January move for the youngster.
Juventus are contemplating letting him go for a fee £15m, but his recent form has left them pondering whether to sell or not. Spurs could be lining up a swap deal that would send Etienne Capoue to Juventus to help soften the financial blow.
8. Pochettino Not Ruling Out Late Deals
Pochettino has been rocked by an injury to Dejan Lovren which will keep him out of action for 6-8 weeks and Gaston Ramirez has also been ruled out for a similar amount of time.
When asked if he will be doing any late business, the Argentinian answered,
“We are assessing the balance of the squad. Maybe we will be able to do something in the next few days.”
(On potential transfers) “As the manager, I am fully focused on tomorrow’s match. We have other people to look after them.”
9. Palace Tracking Danish Duo
Recent
reports in the Mirror have suggested that Tony Pulis is growing
increasingly frustrated with Steve Parrish and the club's transfer
policy, but it appears the former Stoke manager is still hopeful of
players coming in yet.Pulis is said to be chasing a pair of Danish internationals as the Sun believes he is eyeing a move for FC Twente defender Andreas Bjelland and Brondby striker Simon Makienok.
23-year-old Makienok has proven himself a credible goalscorer in the Danish Superliga, netting 28 goals in 60 appearances for Brondby. The £3m rated striker would help ease the pressure on Pulis's striker force, as they have been inconsistent in front of net this year.
Bjelland is a centre-back known for his hardman style of play and Pulis is said the be weighing up a £2m bid for him to help sure up his defence.
10. Everton Move for Robertson or Indi
The
recent horror injury to the versatile Bryan Oviedo has sounded the
alarm at Goodison Park, as several media outlets believe Roberto
Martinez will immediately look to bring in a player to fill the void
left by the Costa Rican international's prolonged absence from the side.The Spaniard has been keeping tabs on three Dundee United players this season and the Mirror believes he could be prepared to move for left-back Andrew Robertson as a possible replacement for Oviedo.
The young Scottish starlet was thought to be a long-term target for Martinez, but after watching the 19-year-old recently, the Toffees could be ready to make a move for him as Martinez enquired about his availability.
Meanwhile, the Sun believes Martinez is eyeing up a move for £8m rated Feyenoord defender Bruno Martins Indi. The Holland international was thought to be a target of Newcastle, but Martinez could be planning a swoop for the 21-year-old as he looks to boost his squad and challenge for European places.
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