With the top leagues of top European nations kicking off and the recent closure of the summer transfer window, many managers have been identifying their teams departments of weakness which they are hoping to plug in once the January window opens.
They have begun earnest search for the players who they deem as potential candidates to solve their problems. This is a round-up of different players attracting the interests of several clubs.
Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s defender, Mats Hummels following the players admission that he could leave Dortmund if a bigger club come calling but with the condition that they play attractive football.
Man Utd’s interest in the 25 year old, a member of the Germany world cup winning team at the 2014 world cup is well documented and they could possibly achieve their desire through the influence of their Dutch manager, Louis van Gaal who is known to be a believer in attacking football.
Hummels is quoted as saying, ‘ if a club with a bigger reputation than Dortmund were to make a move, but I don’t like the way they play football, I wouldn’t even consider a move’.
Arsenal’s hope in securing the signature of another coveted Borussia Dortmund’s player, Marco Reus seems to be hanging on the thread.
It has been reported that Manchester City has joined the race to sign the young and talented player. It is claimed that they have requested that they should be given updates about his availability.
The situation surrounding the future of Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling seems to be getting more interesting because two top European teams, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are reported to be monitoring the reported contract negotiations between the player and the club.
It is reported in France that the rich Parisian team are willing to increase the player’s salary three-fold in a bid to acquire his services.
Another player whose future could become a tug of war between top Premiership clubs is West Ham’s Winston Reid.
His contract with the club expires in the summer and West Ham has not been able to agree a new contract with the New Zealand defender. Arsenal, Liverpool and Man United are reported to be interested in him.
Frank Lampard who is on loan at Man City from the club’s MLS franchise, New York City FC, is reported to be considering extending his stay with the Citizens.
Lampard has scored four goals in five appearances for City so far in the current campaign.
Bayern Munich’s Xherdan Shaqiri has shut the door of a potential move to Liverpool by reiterating his desire to stay at Munich and see out his contract which runs out in 2016.
According to him, the club have told him they won’t be releasing him and has accepted.