Chelsea lining up £38million Arturo Vidal swoop: Reports
Chelsea are lining up a £38million bid for Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal.
That’s according to The Sun, who say the Blues have turned to the Chilean enforcer after growing tired in their pursuit of Roma’s Radja Nainggolan.Vidal worked with Antonio Conte at Juventus and the Chelsea manager has funds available after the big-money sale of Oscar to Chinese side Shanghai SIPG.
Bayern are reportedly likely to demand at least £40million for the 29-year-old, who they paid £25.8million plus add-ons for in 2015.
Here are the rest of the top stories from Saturday’s Daily Mirror and other media outlets…
Here are the top stories from Saturday Mirror
Transfer stories
Jose Mourinho has rejected West Brom’s £13million bid for midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, claiming it falls short of Manchester United’s valuation.
West Ham are considering a move for Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka's brother Taulant, who also plays midfield for Swiss side Basel.
Claudio Ranieri has received big money backing to spend his way out of trouble in January. Leicester boss Ranieri is set to complete a £15million deal for Genk midfielder Wilfred Ndidi as soon as the window opens. They have also made an £8m move for Sassuolo’s Italy defender Francesco Acerbi as Leicester look to strengthen. Leicester also have Burnley’s Michael Keane on their radar, although any deal would be unlikely until the summer.
Antonio Conte insists Chelsea will be sensible in the January transfer window. Blues manager Conte has funds available to him following the departure to Shanghai SIPG of Brazilian playmaker Oscar but the Italian says he won’t spend money for the sake of it.
West Brom have made Saido Berahino a third new “fantastic” contract offer to triple his salary to £60,000-a-week, despite the striker still being unfit. Temperamental Berahino has failed to net this term and not played since September after boss Tony Pulis criticised his form and fitness. The starlet, 23, has not been the same since the Baggies turned down multiple bids from Spurs in August 2015 after he scored 20 goals the previous season. But he still has Premier League rivals such as Stoke interested in his signature despite his lack of game time.
New boss Sam Allardyce has claimed Wilfried Zaha will not be sold by Crystal Palace in the January transfer window. Tottenham made a bid for Zaha in the summer and could return with a £25m offer for the 24-year-old.
Manchester City missed out on the signatures of Atletico Madrid brothers Lucas and Theo Hernandez over the summer, Calderon CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has confirmed. The defensive pair are two of Atleti’s brightest young stars and each penned new deals to extend their stays in the Spanish capital.
Birmingham boss Gianfranco Zola has been promised up to £11million to spend in January and is ready to raid his old club Chelsea. Stamford Bridge legend Zola has put out feelers to Stamford Bridge to take some of their best youngsters on loan. It could now see the likes of Chelsea starlets such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek or Dominic Solanke potentially head to the Midlands.
Other news
Paul Clement has held discussions over becoming Swansea's next manager. Swansea interviewed Clement after receiving permission from Bayern Munich, where he is No2 to Carlo Ancelotti, but the Premier League strugglers are still considering their options. Clement, 44, is now the clear favourite but Swansea still have not ruled out former Birmingham boss Gary Rowett while they are also exploring the availability and interest from Frank De Boer and Reading boss Jaap Stam. Former England boss Roy Hodgson is still on their radar as Swansea look to make an appointment in time for Tuesday's trip to Crystal Palace.
Children under 10 could be banned from heading the ball in football. The Professional Footballers' Association wants to follow guidelines introduced in the United States. They prevent young children from heading the ball in junior football to protect against potential harm in later life. Transfer news and gossip from other papers and websites
Manchester City and Juventus are leading the race to sign former Stoke midfielder Steven N’Zonzi from Sevilla. He has a £26million buy-out clause in his contract with the La Liga club (Daily Record)
Chelsea midfielder Jon Obi Mikel has told Inter Milan he’s ready to join them on loan – but the club are yet to decide if they even want him! (Calcio Mercato)
An intriguing clause in Jermain Defoe’s contract will allow him to leave Sunderland for free at the end of the season if they are relegated (The Sun)