John Obi Mikel was once rated so highly that Chelsea and Manchester United fought a bitter battle over the midfielder’s future. Unfortunately for the Blues and Mikel, he never really fulfilled his potential, yet has become a solid squad option for Jose Mourinho.
That dependability is an enticing prospect for other clubs though, with Italian website Tuttomercatoweb reporting that none other than Real Madrid are interested in the 28-year-old’s services.
It seems an odd move for a side that has built its transfer policy on signing Galacticos, especially given Mikel has made just 12 Premier League appearances this season. But Real have been lacking solidity in the middle after the sale of Xabi Alonso and injuries to key midfielders, and Mikel could offer Carlo Ancelotti a stable presence in front of his centre-backs.
Spurs target Ligue 1 talent
Mauricio Pochettino is planning to rebuild his Tottenham squad this summer, and the Mirror reports that Marseille attacker Florian Thauvin is high on his wish list.
The 22-year-old has impressed in OM’s Ligue 1 title challenge this term, and would offer Spurs much-needed options in and around the flanks and front line given their over-reliance on Harry Kane’s goals.
Marseille may be tempted to cash in on Thauvin if a suitable offer comes in from White Hart Lane, though Spurs will have to move quickly if they are to avoid a bidding war for the talented player.
Arsenal to re-sign former midfield star?
Alex Song has enjoyed a prosperous season on loan at West Ham, but the 27-year-old Barcelona midfielder has admitted his future may lie with a different Premier League side beyond this summer.
The Star quotes the Camp Nou loanee as saying: “I definitely want to stay here [in England]. I don’t know [if I can sign a permanent deal at West Ham].”
That statement could pave the way for either Liverpool or Arsenal — Song’s former club — to make a move for the defensive midfielder, who can also provide cover at centre-back. For the right price, Song could prove a sound acquisition for either team.
Saints given boost in hunt for United striker
Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez scored a brace to continue his fine goal-scoring form for Real Madrid, but the Metro reports that Southampton have been handed a boost in their pursuit of a £7.5 million transfer for the Manchester United striker.
Before Chicharito’s double against Celta Vigo on Sunday night, the Metro quotes United boss Louis van Gaal as saying: “I gave him a chance and then I said the same thing as I did to Danny Welbeck.
“When you are a substitute it’s no good. And I won’t change over that. So if you score a goal you are suddenly different? I don’t think so.”
All signs point to a summer exit from Old Trafford for the Mexico international, though his current displays will surely please Ed Woodward before any potential fee negotiations.
Rodgers coy on Depay
Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers has batted his eyelashes at PSV Eindhoven star Memphis Depay, but stopped short of confirming any salacious gossip over a summer transfer.
Asked whether the club are chasing the 21-year-old, the Liverpool Echo quotes Rodgers as saying: “I can’t confirm either way — you know me, in terms of speculation of players. The kid is a very talented player, of course. But I wouldn’t like to confirm either way.”
The big tease… still, it’s a boost for Anfield fans, as Rodgers seems smitten with the Netherlands international. Now there’s just the small task of battling Manchester United and Depay’s former national coach Louis van Gaal for the player’s signature.
Tap-ins
– Arsenal have flirted with a title challenge for the second half of the season, but Thierry Henry has told Sky Sports that his former club need four top-quality players to build the “spine” of a Premier League-winning team.
He said: “They need a goalkeeper, they still need a centre-back, they still need a holding midfielder and, I’m afraid, they need a top, top-quality striker in order to win this league again.” It may be another long summer for Gunners fans…
– Andre-Pierre Gignac is set to depart Marseille this summer on a free transfer, and the Mirror reports that West Ham will reignite their interest in the 29-year-old having failed to sign the striker in January.
– Matt Phillips’ wonder-goal for Queens Park Rangers at Crystal Palace earlier this season turned plenty of heads, and the Mirror reports that West Brom and Southampton will move for the midfielder this summer.
