Daily transfer news and rumours roundup - 19th October 2016
Here are the top transfer stories and rumours from 19th October 2016 featuring Chelsea’s move for a Real Madrid star and Manchester United’s next big money signing.
Manchester United man agrees a new 4-year contract
Manchester United youngster Timothy Fosu-Mensah has agreed a new 4-year contract with the club after an impressive last 12 months at Old Trafford. Fosu-Mensah broke on the scene last season after Louis Van Gaal used him as a regular full-back in the absence of Luke Shaw. The 18-year old has followed on from his performances last season and impressed new manager Jose Mourinho as well.
The youngster is capable of playing across the back line and is a more than handy defensive midfielder as well. Mourinho sees a long-term prospect in Fosu-Mensah and agreed to offer the Dutch star a new 4-year contract.
Pep Guardiola advocates Messi’s Premier League move
Pep Guardiola has revealed that Lionel Messi will one day move to the Premier League to prove his ability to play in any league and against any opposition. Speaking ahead of the game against Barcelona, Guardiola said: "Maybe it could happen, but if he decides to go and it happens, there would be a list of seven or eight clubs that would want to sign him, and it would be down to him. Messi will decide where to go."
Real Madrid man wants Chelsea switch after contract breakdown
Portuguese international defender Pepe is considering the option of joining Chelsea next summer if he fails to get a 2-year contract extension at Real Madrid.
Pepe, 33 will see his current contract end after the current season but given his age, Real are only keen to offer him a 1-year extension. The dispute has given Chelsea an opportunity to negotiate a deal with Pepe to bring him to Stamford Bridge next summer.
Thiago Silva to quit PSG on a free transfer
Thiago Silva’s agent Paulo Tonietto has confirmed that the Brazilian defender could leave PSG on a free transfer if the Ligue 1 Champions do not offer him a new contract by January. Silva’s current contract expires at the end of the current season and the 32-year-old has already received offers from three-four big teams in Europe.
If Silva is to quit PSG next summer, Chelse and Manchester United will make an offer to sign the experienced central defender.
Jose Mourinho’s Portuguese love affair set to continue
Jose Mourinho has lined up a summer move for Sporting Lisbon’s dazzling winger Gelson Martins, according to reports from Daily Mirror. Mourinho still sees the right wing as the weak link in his team and wants Martins to be his next big money signing.
The 21-year-old is often hailed as the next Cristiano Ronaldo and has been linked with United for last 12-18 months.
Chelsea to go back with a £49m bid for Romagnoli
Antonio Conte’s defensive hunt will once again take him to the Serie A after The Sun have reported a story claiming that Chelsea will make an improved £49million bid for AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli.
The Blues were priced out of a deal to sign Romagnoli last summer after Milan rejected a £30million bid from Chelsea. Conte needs stable defenders in his lineup and sees the 21-year-old Romagnoli as the ideal player.
Villas-Boas to return to management
Former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is set to return as Wolfsburg manager after the Bundesliga club fired Philipp Wollshcheid following a run of six winless matches.
Villas-Boas last managed Russian side Zenit and has been without a job since the start of the new season.