Cristiano Ronaldo wants to stay at Juventus, Zlatan Ibrahimovic set to rejoin AC Milan: Transfer News Round-up, 4th December 2019
Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's Daily Transfer Round-up. With the winter transfer window looming, we're witnessing intense speculation and transfer news alongside each team's visible issues within the squad's quality and depth.
While the iron-fisted teams of Europe are in the scheme of action ahead of the transfer period, a host of other clubs have expressed their interest in signing players from across the globe.
Without further ado, let's bring you the main headlines that have been churned out of the rumour mill in the last 24 hours or so.
Juventus sporting director plays down Ronaldo exit
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to remain at Juventus next season, as he wants to win the Ballon d'Or with the Italian powerhouse, according to club’s sporting director Fabio Paratici.
Maurizio Sarri and Ronaldo seem to have strained their relationship after the former Napoli and Chelsea boss decided to sub him off twice in as many matches. However, Paratici has simply played down the speculation, instead asserting that Ronaldo wants to remain at the club and even chase his sixth Ballon d'Or.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, he affirmed:
“I smile because there are other problems. He wanted this award (Serie A MVP) because he is an ambitious person and he wants to show he is also the best here. In our opinion he deserves the Ballon d’Or. He will be at Juventus next season, without a doubt."
“He wants to win another Ballon d’Or with us, and we support him.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic poised for AC Milan return
Zlatan Ibrahimovic writes his own headlines. And he's going mighty strong at the age of 38. Having left LA Galaxy after a couple of successful years, the Swedish legend has, according to the Telegraph, decided to reunite with former club AC Milan.
The star striker enjoyed a fantastic spell in Italy, scoring 56 goals in just 85 games in all competitions. He is set to stay at least until the end of this season and help the famous club regain their form.
With 53 goals in just 58 outings at LA, Ibrahimovic showed no signs of slowing down. Could he romp the scoring charts in the Serie A again?
Philippe Coutinho wants to remain at the Allianz Arena
Philippe Coutinho found a new lease of life in Germany with the domestic champions, and with three goals and as many assists in the league already, it's fair to say he is loving it at Bayern Munich.
Although having seemed like an escape route from the torrid time at Barcelona, a permanent move at the end of the season could be on the cards - a couple of years after he completed a staggering switch from Liverpool.
Excited at the prospect of the project at Munich, he remarked:
"It's planned that I stay a year here. I'm focussing on that time. I feel good here. If everything goes well, I really would like to stay."
Pep Guardiola rules out activity in the transfer window
Pep Guardiola has rubbished any chances of winter signings at Manchester City, despite the club currently in turmoil due to their injury setbacks, as per reports from the BBC.
Having lost one of the best in the business in Aymeric Laporte earlier this season, Guardiola has been forced to deploy make-shift players at the centre back position. While Rodri hasn't yet adapted to the system, Fernandinho has been pushed back to form the first line of defence. He claimed:
“I don’t want any players in January. If we could not do it in the summer, then we cannot do it January."
"When players come for an incredible opportunity in January for the next four, five or six years, maybe we could think about it, but that is not possible. The players that could maybe add something to our squad will not be for sale.
Newcastle open to selling Dwight Gayle for £15m
If reports from the Daily Telegraph are to be believed, Newcastle are opening to offloading Dwight Gayle if they receive an offer of £15 million or above.
The former Crystal Palace forward, who smashed in 24 goals for West Brom on loan last season and 23 for Newcastle back in the 2016-17 term, has seen just 45 minutes of league football so far.
The Baggies and Nottingham Forest, besides Leeds United, have been identified as potential suitors, although Bruce is reluctant to let go of the striker's services.