Today’s fluff is counting the pennies
A sense of excitement is what Aston Villa need at the moment after selling off key players. What better way to create it than signing a prodigal talent from Real Madrid? The Villans have made an enquiry about Brazilian Endrick, who impressed on loan at Lyon last season, and would make a similar temporary move to the Premier League, all being good and well.
Manchester City are not particularly keen on selling Rodri but, with a year remaining on his contract, money may well talk, especially if the midfielder wants to leave. A first Barcelona bid was rejected but they are readying another to tempt a sale. One potential idea is to offer up Frenkie de Jong as part of the deal so at least Enzo Maresca would have a shiny new midfielder to play with.
One player who could be heading out of Camp Nou is World Cup-winning goalscorer Ferran Torres, who has reportedly told Paris Saint-Germain he will pop across to the French capital. Not that a deal has been agreed between the two clubs.
Another potential swap deal on the cards is between Everton and Crystal Palace. Phone calls have been made between the two clubs to discuss Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson moving in opposite directions. The two wingers have struggled to be regulars for their respective teams and a sensible option would be to reignite their careers. McNeil almost ended up at Selhurst Park in January until a late breakdown of the transfer left the player and his family furious.
Ipswich have been active in the market and could added the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios. A bid has been faxed over, leaving the Tractor Boys to play the old waiting game but may face competition from elsewhere for his signature.
After what must have been a lot of wrangling, Chelsea have agreed to loan out Filip Jörgensen to sister club Strasbourg. The Blues are well-stocked with players and need to bin a few off who can’t be sent to Strasbourg, so may allow Jamie Gittens to head out on loan to Roma.
The departure of Bruno Guimarães has required a rethink at Newcastle, who rather desperately need a new central midfielder. Sandro Tonali was sold a while back, giving the club some cash to play with, but they still seem to be thinking about signing João Palhinha who is not wanted at Bayern Munich, while ex-Tottenham man Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is another option for the Toon. Palhinha is also of interest to Aston Villa, who have already made contact with the Bundesliga champions.
Manchester United are planning for the future with a move for the Leicester teenager Louis Page. The 18-year-old came through the academy ranks with the Foxes but seems more than happy to take the leap from League One.
And Shea Charles is closing on his move from Southampton to Fulham for a roaring £30m.
