Sportskeeda's take on the transfer rumours of 17th December, 2016
With the Premier League heading into gameweek 16, we take an in-depth look at the best transfer news and rumours from last 24 hours which features Marco Verratti's shock transfer to Chelsea. Manchester United are linked with Danny Rose and there is a new name for Jurgen Klopp to target to solve his striker's conundrum.
Grégoire Defrel to Liverpool
Liverpool’s pursuit of signing a mobile striker sees them get linked with the impressive Sassuolo striker Grégoire Defrel . According to reports from The Express, The Reds will table a €25 million bid after Celtic's refusal to let Moussa Dembele join the Anfield side in January.
Experts say – Sources close to the club claim that Jurgen Klopp is not content working with makeshift strikers and wants a goal scorer with physical presence to lead the line for his side. The Sassuolo striker is on a good run of form, scoring 10 goals and assisting 4 in the 21 appearances this season. Injuries to Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho could force Klopp’s hands into signing a forward in January.
SK’s take – Liverpool will need to sign an attacker in January given Sadio Mane’s international commitments. Defrel has made a name for himself this season and with Sassuolo ready to negotiate, a deal could see the French forward become Liverpool’s first January signing.
Chances of this transfer happening – 5/10
Danny Rose to Manchester United
Jose Mourinho has decided to make a move for Tottenham left-back Danny Rose to solve his left-back crisis, according to reports from The Mirror. Manchester United have seen Luke Shaw struggle with injury while Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo have failed to nail down a regular place in the lineup this season. United’s hopes of signing Rose could depend on Champions League qualification this season which would allow Mourinho’s side to make a £25 million swoop for the English defender.
Experts say – Despite Jose Mourinho claiming admiration for Luke Shaw, Sky Sports have reported that Mourinho could force Shaw out of the club and sign a new left back next summer. David Alaba has been linked with a move to Manchester United but Rose seems to be the realistic target for Mourinho and Manchester United.
SK’s take – Manchester United’s left back position has continued to cause troubles for Mourinho this season and it would not take The Special One long to sort out his squad’s shortcomings. However, Manchester City are also fighting for Rose’s signature.
Chances of this transfer happening – 5/10
Marco Verratti to Chelsea
According to L’equipe (via Sports Witness), Chelsea have targetted to sign Marco Verratti in a £30 million January deal to boost Antonio Conte’s chances of leading his team to the Premier League success. Verratti has fallen out of favour at PSG and is looking for a way out of the club. Arsenal are also linked with a move for Verratti which has forced Chelsea to increase their offer.
Experts say – Marco Verratti has only started 7 games this season and has often come from the bench under the new manager Unai Emery. French media are certain that Verratti will leave in the summer and the Premier League will be his next destination. Amongst the elite teams in England, Chelsea are in dire need of signing a new midfielder in January and with Oscar’s £50 million sale almost complete, The Blues are front runners to sign the Italian.
SK’s take – Antonio Conte has prior experience of working with Verratti and knows what the player brings to the table. Verratti is also familiar of playing in the 5-3-2 system which would enable him to settle into Conte’s playing style. PSG could look to extract a bigger fee from Chelsea but given Oscar’s big money move to China, The Blues are in a comfortable position to sign the Italian in possibly the biggest transfer of the January window.
Chances of this transfer happening – 6.5/10