In our weekly talk cock sessions, we look at the latest transfer news, gossips, and highlights that have football fans all over the world buzzing with excitement.
Anthony Martial hits back at Ralf Rangnick
Anthony Martial has denied Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick’s claim he refused to be included in their matchday squad for the Premier League draw with Aston Villa. Rangnick said after United’s 2-2 draw Martial, 26, had declined the opportunity to be named in the squad in the absence of injured duo Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo. Just before midnight on Saturday, Martial posted on his Instagram Story: “I will never refuse to play a match for Man United. “I’ve been here for 7 years and I never disrespected and never will disrespect the club and the Fans.” Martial has not played since the 3-2 win over Arsenal on December 2 as he expressed his desire to leave on loan this month, with Sevilla already having had an offer rejected. The France international has not been selected in the last five United games since he informed Rangnick of his wish to leave before the winter transfer deadline on January 31.
Sven Botman unlikely to join Newcastle United
Sven Botman is unlikely to solve Newcastle United’s centre-back transfer hunt, as LOSC Lille President Olivier Letang has ruled out the Dutchman leaving his Ligue 1 side in January. The Magpies and AC Milan have examined Botman for switches to the Premier League and Serie A this month. But Letang has today stated Les Dogues will not cash in as they look to challenge Chelsea in the Champions League round of 16, via quotes by TuttoMercatoWEB. Lille visit Stamford Bridge on February 22 before hosting Thomas Tuchel’s side at the Stade Pierre Mauroy on March 16. They booked a knockout phase spot after finishing as Group G winners, while Chelsea trailed Juventus in Group H. Botman has impressed Newcastle with his Lille displays to convince Eddie Howe to target a January transfer. Sky Sports report the Toon have lodged two bids, with the second worth £29m. But Les Dogues rebuffed the Magpies’ advances after setting a £35m asking price.
Mo Salah’s Spurs offer
Mohamed Salah has been cheekily offered the chance to sign for Tottenham Hotspur if he rejects a new deal at Liverpool. Spurs legend Teddy Sheringham says the Anfield star would be welcome in north London amid his contract saga on Merseyside. Salah, whose current deal expires in 18 months’ time, has been in negotiations with Liverpool for months but the Reds have not yet given in to his demands. The 29-year-old has insisted he is not asking for “crazy” fresh terms, but reports have indicated that Salah’s party are demanding a salary worth more than £300,000-a-week. With nothing decided, Sheringham – who also played for Manchester United – has weighed on the debate, joking that Tottenham would be able to produce an unlikely swoop.
Tottenham & Barcelona interest in Paulo Dybala
Tottenham transfer target Paulo Dybala has previously rejected Antonio Conte as Spurs’ reported interest in the Argentine grows. Dybala could leave Juventus ahead of the 2022-23 season as he is out of contract in June. Dybala has not yet agreed on a new deal with the Serie A side and has been linked with a departure. The 28-year-old could sign a pre-contract agreement with a non-Italian club from the start of this month. That would allow him to make a switch at the beginning of July. And Dybala’s stance on leaving Juventus has come to light in a huge boost to Spurs and some foreign suitors. According to Tuttosport, the forward does not want to join another Serie A club out of respect to Juve. The former Palermo man could therefore join Spurs or fellow interested party Barcelona.
Barcelona & Bayern Munich battle to sign Andreas Christensen
According to reputed transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are set to go head-to-head in pursuit of Chelsea star Andreas Christensen. The Danish centre-half has gained greater importance in the team under Thomas Tuchel, but his time with Chelsea could be coming to an end when his contract expires at the end of the ongoing season. Talks over a renewed contract for Christensen have not yielded the desired result for the west London club, leading to teams lining up to sign him. There have been links to Premier League rivals Manchester United and Tottenham, while Barcelona are also strongly interested in securing his services. The Catalans require a defensive reshuffle next summer as Gerard Pique enters the final phase of his career. At the same time, Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet are expected to move on either this month or at the end of the season.
Youri Tielemans links with Arsenal
Youri Tielemans has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal once again as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his midfield options with a marquee signing. As reported by Goal, the Gunners have already opened talks with the Leicester City midfielder’s entourage about a possible move, although any deal is likely to happen in the summer transfer window. This is because Tielemans will have just 12 months remaining on his contract at the King Power Stadium come the end of the season which means he could be available at a cut-price fee. Although there could be a chance for Arsenal to seal a move this month and ease their ongoing midfield crisis, they may have to splash the cash in order to do so. As previously explained by Foxes boss Rodgers, players will only be allowed to leave the King Power if they are not fully committed to the ongoing project.
