Raffael Eyed By Arsenal For January Transfer

Hertha Berlin star Raffael has emerged as a January transfer target for Arsenal, as Arsene Wenger looks to strengthen his struggling squad.

Wenger recruited Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, but having lost Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and Samir Nasri to Manchester City, the Gunners boss is keen to bring in another midfielder.

Reports in Germany suggest that man could be Brazilian-born Raffael, who has scored twice in six Bundesliga games on the club's return to the top flight.

The 26-year-old former FC Zurich star, who scored ten goals last season to help Hertha win the second tier of the German league, is under contract until 2014 and would cost the Gunners around £4million.

It is believed Arsenal have been watching the attacking midfielder since the start of the Bundesliga season, with a view to making a bid in January.

News that Jack Wilshere's ankle injury will keep him on the sidelines for months may see Wenger step up his interest in Raffael, even though the England international is optimistic he will be able to return to action at Christmas.

Tottenham, QPR & New York Red Bulls To Fight For Michael Owen

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is reportedly considering making an offer for Man United striker Michael Owen. The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle United man is believed to be ready to consider a move away from Old Trafford in order to pursue regular first team football and could be tempted into a move to the capital where newly promoted QPR are also said to be plotting a bid for the 31 year old.

White Hart Lane boss Redknapp has seen two of last season’s striking quartet, Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane, leave for Stoke City and LA Galaxy respectively and now the North London boss is looking to beef up his attacking options to add to his loan capture of Emmanuel Adebayor.

Roman Pavlyuchenko has failed to impress thus far this season but England international Jermain Defoe has struck three goals in four Premier League appearances but Redknapp feels he needs further support to help the club break back into the top four as well as mounting concerted campaigns to win a cup trophy this season.

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes is also keeping a close eye on the experienced striker and could make a move to bring the high profile signing to Loftus Road having helped to land Joey Barton, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Anton Ferdinand, among others, during the summer transfer window.

Neil Warnock could well do with an injection of firepower having seen his West London side net just four goals in five games and the signing of Owen could be just the kind of deal that could help secure the Super Hoops presence in the English top tier and therefore his high wage demands would be well worth forking out for, not least as any fee to be paid to Man United is likely to be nominal given that the former England international’s contract comes to an end next summer.

MLS side New York Red Bulls as the third club ready to make inquiries about the Man United man and a move to the States may appeal to Michael Owen as a potential new challenge and one that could be very lucrative for the striker.

Sir Alex Ferguson may well be willing to allow Owen to leave given the emergence of Danny Welbeck on the scene and the flourishing partnership of Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney up front.

Newcastle & Sunderland Battle To Sign Sochaux Striker

Rivals Newcastle and Sunderland face a January showdown for Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga.

The Black Cats are poised to go head-to-head with their neighbours over the 23-year-old Mali star.

Newcastle was bitterly disappointed not to land him before the August transfer window closed.

Maiga, who was involved in a strike row with his club in August, is determined to land a dream move to the Premier League and named Newcastle as his preferred destination.

But the Black Cats interest could spark a North-East bidding war.

Newcastle thought they had all but completed a £7m deal for Maiga before Sochaux began playing hard ball over the fee.

But Bruce is keen to add another striker to his squad, despite securing Niklas Bendtner on loan from Arsenal as cover for Asamoah Gyan.

Tottenham Hotspur Linked With Rodrigo Palacio

Tottenham Hotspur is showing an interest in Genoa forward Rodrigo Palacio.

The 29-year-old joined the Rossoblu in 2009 from Argentine giants Boca Juniors and has impressed in Serie A with form that led Inter to make an attempt to convince Genoa to part with their jewel in the summer.

At one point it did seem that Palacio would head to join the Nerazzurri as a replacement for Anzhi Makhachkala bound Samuel Eto’o, but the proposed deal fell apart and Genoa increased the forward’s wages and contract length.

The Serie A club though looks likely to have to resist an approach from English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in January if Palacio is to end the season at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Sources have indicated that Spurs have been impressed with the Argentine, although the White Hart Lane outfit has yet to make an official offer.

Palacio would be likely to be attracted by the opportunity to move to the Premier League and compete in Europe on a regular basis.

Renewed interest in the forward from Inter however, now coached by Claudio Ranieri, also cannot be ruled out.

Juventus & Inter Track Robin van Persie

Serie A giants Juventus and Inter have paid attention to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s admission that Dutch striker Robin van Persie could leave the club.

Wenger confirmed that Van Persie, along with Theo Walcott, Thomas Vermaelen and Andrei Arshavin could all potentially be sold at the end of the season if they refused to sign new contracts within the Gunners’ wage ceiling.

The loss that threatens to cast the biggest shadow over Arsenal is Van Persie, with the Holland international having seen Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri pick up bumper pay rises upon leaving the Emirates over the summer.

Should Van Persie push to leave Arsenal then there will be no shortage of suitors for his signature.

And sources in Italy confirm that both Juventus and Inter will be amongst them, although the pair are not planning to wait until next summer to test the water – the Bianconeri and Nerazzurri are lining up January transfer window bids for the Arsenal man.

Wenger may then be faced with a big decision to make in January when bids from Italy arrive.

While Van Persie would still be worth north of £20M at the end of the season, the winter transfer window could be the Gunners’ best opportunity to realize top dollar for the 28-year-old if it is understood his wage demands as part of a new contract will not be able to be accommodated.

Arsenal To Move For £15m French International Star

Arsenal is reportedly preparing a January swoop for Yann M'Vila after missing out on the Rennes defensive midfielder in the summer, according to Footy Bunker.

The Gunners made a late move for the 21-year-old, but were rebuffed by the French side, who were holding out for more money.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is a keen admirer of the French international, and believes that his tenacious play will add a touch of steel to a misguided Arsenal midfield.

With the north London side struggling to find consistent form this season, question marks are surrounding Wenger's current crop of players.

The club is believed to be planning a £15 million bid for M'Vila, having spent little of the combined £50 million they received through the sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri over the summer.

Everton Want Manchester United Midfielder In January

Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson only just missed out on sealing a move to Sunderland during the summer but it is now Everton who have identified the player as a potential January signing.

The Republic of Ireland international was hoping to secure a move away from Old Trafford where he has fallen behind the likes of Darren Fletcher, Anderson and Michael Carrick.

However, a deal with Sunderland fell through at the final hour and Gibson has now been forced to sit on the bench, or on some occasions not even make the match day squad, as United have won every league game so far this season.

Everton meanwhile had a difficult summer in which they were forced to sell Mikel Arteta to Arsenal, while finances dictated that manager David Moyes could not spend big money to bring players to the club.

Moyes is now hoping to persuade Manchester United to loan the player to Everton in January where he will almost certainly be given the chance to gain first team football.

The 23-year-old has fallen out of favour at United but still has a reputation as a goal scoring midfielder who would almost certainly be able to gain regular football away from old Trafford.

Manchester United Considering Shock Move For Spanish International

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up VIllarreal midfielder Bruno Soriano, with a view to a move.

United scouts have been monitoring the performances of the 27-year-old, who has displayed some impressive performances of late.

Spanish Radio station Cadena Ser suggests that United are weighing up whether to make an official move for the player in January.

While United are thought to bid around €10 million for the Spanish International, Villarreal are reluctant to lose a player who came through the ranks at El Madrigal.

It is the versatility of Soriano which has attracted the Premier League champions, who can operate as a competent left-back, despite being primarily used as a defensive midfielder.

With question marks surrounding the future of Michael Carrick, and Darren Fletcher still struggling after an extended absence through illness, Soriano looks like an astute target.

Arsenal Looking At Brighton’s Defender Lewis Dunk

Arsenal is reportedly considering a bid to secure the services of Brighton and Hove Albion’s highly-rated defender Lewis Dunk.

According to The Daily Mail, an Arsenal scout was watching in the stands as Gus Poyet’s side went out of the League Cup in midweek in a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool.

The towering 19-year-old defender remained on the bench throughout the game, although reports suggest that Arsenal will continue to keep tabs on a player who previously captained the Brighton youth team as manager Arsene Wenger looks to strengthen his faltering defence.

Another name the north London club has been linked with is 14-year-old Spanish full-back Guim Laporta.

Laporta, who is the son of former Barcelona president Joan, has been highlighted by Wenger as being an exciting prospect for the future.

Ibrahim Afellay Injury Ends Spurs' January Transfer Hopes

Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay has suffered a serious knee injury - potentially disrupting the transfer plans of both Spurs and Arsenal.

The Dutchman, who was a target for Tottenham over the summer, is to undergo surgery after tearing a cruciate ligament in his left knee during training on Thursday.

Afellay is expected to be out of action for at least six months, but could miss the whole of the rest of the season.

Either way, the injury will prevent Spurs renewing their attempts to sign the 25-year-old when the January transfer window opens.

The Tottenham board had asked about the former PSV Eindhoven winger's availability, as it was thought he would be surplus to requirements once Barca had completed deals for Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez.

He has played just twice this season, but with Andres Iniesta and Sanchez both also out injured, Barca is now short of cover in midfield.

That will mean a bigger role for 20-year-old Thiago Alcantara, who Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had wanted to sign.

Wenger tried to take the youngster as part of the deal that saw Fabregas return to Barcelona and still has ambitions to tempt the rising star to the Emirates Stadium.

Milan Prepare Amauri Swoop

Milan’s striker shortage is likely to prompt a January offer for Juventus outcast Amauri.

The Rossoneri have only Antonio Cassano and Stephan El Shaarawy available for Saturday’s game with Cesena.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexandre Pato, Robinho and Kevin-Prince Boateng are all injured, while Pippo Inzaghi has not played a full match in 10 months.

The Corriere dello Sport suggests they will make a January swoop for Amauri to strengthen their attack.

The Brazilian, who plays his international football for Italy, is frozen out of the Juventus squad.

His contract expires at the end of the season, but he rejected all transfers to France and Turkey over the summer.

Juve were furious and consider him to be a huge weight on their wage bill, so they would welcome an offer from Milan.

BPL Match Preview (Sep 24, 2011)

Manchester City (2nd) vs Everton (7th)

Roberto Mancini must decide whether to keep Kolo Toure in his starting line-up for Saturday's Barclays Premier League encounter. Toure returned from serving a six-month suspension for a failed drugs test in Wednesday's Carling Cup win over Birmingham but Mancini has to work out whether the Ivorian defender is fit enough to complete back-to-back matches. Mancini has already decided that such a task would be too much for Owen Hargreaves after ending three years on the sidelines with a goalscoring contribution to the Birmingham win.

Everton manager David Moyes is likely to restore several players to his first XI. Tim Howard, Sylvain Distin, Leon Osman and Tim Cahill were all left out of the team that started the Carling Cup third round victory over West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday and are set to return. Louis Saha's chances of featuring against City remain unclear after he missed the last four matches and been working on his fitness. Victor Anichebe (groin) is injured and new signing Marcus Hahnemann is not part of the squad heading to Manchester.

Manchester City boast three of the top four scorers in the Premier League, with Sergio Aguero on eight goals and Edin Dzeko (pictured right) six, while Emmanuel Adebayor, currently on loan at Tottenham, has three. Until last week's draw against Fulham, Manchester City were on a seven-match winning streak. Everton hold an impressive record against the hosts, having won seven of the previous eight meetings between the two sides.

Betting Recommendations:

A tough one to call, but once again, I believe Manchester City has too much option in the attacking area, and they will beat Everton despite Everton having a good record against them. Man City to win 2-1 or 3-1.

Liverpool (8th) vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (10th)

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has a decision to make over whether to start Steven Gerrard against Wolves on Saturday after his captain ended a six-month injury lay-off with a 20-minute comeback in midweek. Midfielder Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel are both available again after serving one-match suspensions in the Carling Cup win over Brighton for their red cards last weekend. Skrtel is likely to replace Daniel Agger (broken rib) in central defence while Martin Kelly is expected to return at right-back with Glen Johnson (hamstring) still injured.

Wolves skipper Roger Johnson and striker Steven Fletcher will return. Johnson missed the midweek Carling Cup win over Millwall with a sore calf while Fletcher has recovered from a recent groin injury. Kevin Foley (ankle), Jody Craddock (hamstring), Ronald Zubar (groin) and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (knee) are still sidelined.

All Liverpool’s goals in their last victory over Wolves, a 3-0 win at Molineux, were scored by Raul Meireles and Fernando Torres who both now play for Chelsea. Wolves’ 1-0 victory at Anfield last season proved to be Roy Hodgson’s penultimate game in charge at Anfield. These two sides have met just three times in the Premier League at Anfield. Liverpool have won two and Wolves one.

Betting Recommendations:

We will not see another shock in this fixture. The Reds will be extra careful not to lose points in matches against weaker teams. Liverpool to win this on 1-0 or 2-0. Liverpool to keep a clean sheet may also be an option.

West Bromwich Albion (20th) vs Fulham (18th)

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson will revert to his first-choice side. Hodgson made nine changes for the Carling Cup defeat at Everton, with only Jonas Olsson and Peter Odemwingie surviving, but most of those should return. Defender Gabriel Tamas remains suspended following his red card against Norwich City, but striker Shane Long could return after illness ruled him out of Wednesday's match.

Fulham could have defender Aaron Hughes back from a knee injury for the trip to West Brom. Forward Andrew Johnson (ankle) is also close to being in contention, but midfielder Dickson Etuhu (thigh) and defender Bjorn Helge Riise (groin) remain sidelined. Brede Hangeland, Damien Duff, Clint Dempsey and captain Danny Murphy are all set to feature after being rested for the midweek Carling Cup penalty shoot-out defeat at Chelsea.

Betting Recommendation:

Both sides are in need of a win after a disastrous start. West Brom are currently bottom and Fulham are not that far on 18th leading only by goal difference. A six-pointer game which I would back the home side to get the win. West Brom to win for me.

Barclays Premier League Preview

Manchester United will put the Premier League's only 100 per cent record on the line this weekend, while Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool will be hoping for home comforts. Newcastle and Aston Villa be looking to make it six games without defeat and Tottenham head to the North West aiming to secure a third victory on the bounce. Finally, Roy Hodgson welcomes one of his former employers to the Hawthorns with West Brom stuck at the foot of the top flight table.

Manchester United are now the only side in the Premier League to still boast a perfect record and have been scoring goals for fun in recent weeks. Stoke are the next side charged with the task of trying to halt the Red Devils juggernaut, while attempting to make amends for a sorry showing at Sunderland last weekend. The Potters required penalties to see off Tottenham in the Carling Cup in midweek, but Tony Pulis is likely to make sweeping changes to the team that figured in that game. United should be fresh after resting players for their trip to Leeds on Tuesday.

United wrap up Saturday's action, while their arch-rivals Manchester City get the weekend up and running. The Blues saw two points slip through their grasp at Fulham in their last top flight fixture and will still be smarting when they welcome Everton to the Etihad Stadium. The Toffees will make the short journey from Merseyside looking to build on a recent run that has seen them pick up seven points from their last three outings.

Arsenal find themselves languishing in 17th place in the table, with just one win to their name, and desperately need to establish some momentum in a home date with out-of-sorts Bolton. Arsene Wenger saw his men slip to a 4-3 defeat at Blackburn last weekend and make hard work of Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup. He will, however, feel that now is a good time to be facing the Trotters. Owen Coyle's men have lost four on the bounce since opening up with a convincing win at Queens Park Rangers and are currently second from bottom in the top flight standings.

Chelsea left Old Trafford last Sunday feeling they had been harshly treated by the match officials, with manager Andre Villas-Boas lodging a complaint to referees' chief Mike Riley. The Blues must put those grievances to one side, though, when they welcome Swansea to Stamford Bridge. The Swans have made a steady start to their debut campaign among English football's elite and secured their first Premier League victory against West Brom last time out. Chelsea is a formidable force on home soil, though, and will be keen to give former coach Brendan Rodgers a harsh reality check.

Liverpool, following a bright start, have suffered back-to-back defeats in the league and need to address that wobble before they fall too far behind the frontrunners. A meeting with Wolves will provide them with an ideal opportunity to rediscover their league form. Not that Mick McCarthy's side will be a pushover. Wolves may have also tasted defeat in their last two fixtures, but they will have fond memories of their last visit to Anfield - when they left with a 1-0 victory.

Newcastle are performing admirably under Alan Pardew and are one of only four sides yet to taste defeat in the league this season. They could have done without seeing their Carling Cup clash with Nottingham Forest in midweek go to extra-time, but can take plenty of positives from that tie - not least the return to action of Hatem Ben Arfa. The Magpies will be looking to bring Blackburn back down to earth with a bump this weekend, with Rovers' thrilling victory over Arsenal last weekend giving manager Steve Kean a bit of breathing space.

Tottenham blasted four goals past nine-man Liverpool in their last Premier League fixture and will be looking for more of the same when they go to Wigan. The DW Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for Spurs down the years, though, with only two victories secured in their five previous trips to the North West. The Latics will be looking to pick up at least a point in their latest meeting, with successive defeats seeing them slip down the table.

The final fixture on Saturday sees West Brom boss Roy Hodgson square up to one of his former employers. Fulham are the next visitors to the Hawthorns and will arrive in the Midlands still searching for their first victory of the season. The Baggies and the Cottagers have both taken three points from their opening five fixtures and find themselves languishing inside the relegation zone. There is, however, still plenty of time for them to turn things around.

Sunday brings only one game this weekend, as Queens Park Rangers entertain Aston Villa. Neil Warnock's side, led by Joey Barton, eased past Wolves in their last top flight fixture, suggesting they are ready to make their mark back among the big boys. They will, however, have their work cut out against Villa. Alex McLeish may not have been a welcome appointment among a certain section of Villa supporters this summer, but the Scot has overseen an unbeaten start to the season - that has included four draws - and has his team sit sixth in the early standings.

Arsenal Hold Talks Over Daniel Parejo January Transfer

Arsenal are keeping a close eye on £5million-rated Valencia midfielder Daniel Parejo, and are reportedly lining up a shock move for the former Real Madrid starlet in January.

Parejo only joined Los Che this summer from Getafe, but has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at the surprise La Liga early leaders.

The Gunners had scouts in the stands for Valencia’s impressive 2-2 draw against Barcelona, and although 22-year-old Parejo played no part, Spanish reports claim initial discussions were held between the two parties.

Despite his relative youth, Parejo is no stranger to English football having spent five-months at QPR in 2008, where he made a total of 18 appearances.

He was recalled to his then-parent club Real Madrid following injuries to Ruben de la Red and Mahamadou Diarra, but hardly featured for the Spanish giants.

Arsene Wenger is set to lose Emmanuel Frimpong to the African Cup of Nations in January, and will likely be in the market for another midfielder, while Parejo would jump at the chance of regular game time at the Emirates.

Tottenham Alerted As Prolific Spanish Striker Hints At Exit

Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo could be on his way out of the Spanish side after reports linked the striker with a move in the January transfer window.

The Spain international striker has been strongly linked with a number of European clubs after a fantastic couple of seasons in La Liga with Tottenham one of the most likely options.

Spurs attempted to land the striker in the summer, but could not come up with enough funds to persuade Sevilla to part with their star player.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is a known admirer of the striker and with Roman Pavlyuchenko linked with a move away from White Hart Lane in January, they may need to strengthen their attacking options.

The 26-year-old has scored five goals in just seven appearances for Spain and is regarded as one of the hottest properties in Spanish football.

Negredo was signed by Real Madrid in 2005 but never managed to progress past the B team and was eventually sold to Almeria. However, Madrid exercised their but back option and once again re-signed the player for €5million.

They then instantly sold Negredo to Sevilla for €15million, where he has continued to impress, scoring 34 goals in 75 league games for the club.

The striker is currently contracted to Sevilla until 2013 and the Spanish side are keen to extend this deal. However, Negredo's representative Alejandro Camano has hinted that the striker could leave.

"He has a contract until 2013. Sevilla wants to renew it but that does not mean his future is indeed in Seville," declared Camano.

Chelsea Tipped To Join Chase For Bolton Defender

Bolton manager Owen Coyle believes Arsenal will face competition for the signature for defender Gary Cahill - with Chelsea being reported as potential suitors.

The Daily Mirror claim the Blues may join the race for the England international after Coyle revealed that he expected further interest when the transfer window reopens in January.

Arsenal failed with a scandalously low bid for Cahill in the summer, an offer believed to be in the region of £5m. Coyle was to say the least miffed considering the Trotters were holding out for £18m.

The affair may very well damage Arsenal's attempts to sign the centre-back and the Bolton boss indicated he expects interest from other parties.

"Whatever happens in January happens. I have no problem with that. I think there will be more than Arsenal in for him," said Coyle.

"Arsene likes him as a player, he has been up front about it, but he is one of a number of admirers. There is nothing wrong with that, Gary is a top player.

"Gary has nothing to prove to anybody," he said. He is the same lad since the deadline. Its only natural that there were distractions.

"He has just had the arrival of his new baby daughter, he is conscientious and focused. He is now representing his family too.

Liverpool Ponder Sensational £25m Move For Playmaker

Liverpool is considering a move for attacking midfielder Marek Hamsik, according to reports.

The Slovakian international has been earning rave reviews for Napoli and is currently being watched by Liverpool scouts.

Reports suggest the Reds are considering a move for Hamsik this January after watching the 24-year old help Napoli earn a draw against Manchester City last week.

The 24-year old was excellent for the Italian outfit, who earned a hard earned point in their Champions League opener.

However, Liverpool will have to fight off interest from AC Milan who is also keen to land the talented midfielder.

The former Slovan Bratislava helped Partenopei finish third last season, scoring 13 goals in the process.

Everton To Move For Fiorentina Star In January

Fiorentina are ready to let attacking midfielder Adem Ljajic leave in the January transfer window after struggling to settle in Italian football.

According to Talksport, Everton are the favourite to seal a deal for the Serbian who was close to joining Premier League champions Manchester United two years ago.

Manchester United agreed to sign Ljajic in January 2009, with the deal set to be completed the following year, however United then pulled out of the deal.

The 19-year-old was meant to be part of a double deal that saw Zoran Tosic also move to Old Tafford, but only Tosic made the move and he eventually was sold on after failing to break into the first team squad.

Ljajic joined Fiorentina instead but has struggled to make an impact in Serie A and it is now believed that the club are ready to cut their losses on the player.

Everton have been keeping tabs on the midfielder for a number of months and are considering making a move for the player when the January transfer window opens.

The club are currently in the midst of a financial crisis and were forced to sell midfielder Mikel Arteta in the summer. They believe Ljajic could be a star of the future and are keen to tie up a deal.

The 19-year-old has a four year contract but it is believed that Sinisa Mihajlovic would consider letting the youngster leave.

Arsenal To Launch January Move For Dangerous Wonderkid

Arsenal is considering a £35million January bid for German wonderkid Mario Goetze, according to reports.

Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis has reignited speculation after confirming Arsenal have “significant funds” available for the January transfer window, with some suggesting that the 19-year old is their No1 target.

Rumours this summer reported that Arsenal did lodge a bid for the German superstar but was unable to complete the deal before the end of the transfer window.

“Certainly in January and next summer there are significant funds available to bolster the team,” Gazidis revealed.

“The important thing from our perspective is – and this is something that Arsène has been extremely disciplined in over time – that we are not just going to spend money because we are under short-term pressure.

“We are going to make sure that the players we bring in are the right players.”

Gazidis’ comments will ease the fears of many Arsenal supporters with some fans questioning the ambition of the club after losing Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in the summer.

The talented 19-year-old Goetze featured recently in a Champions League fixture against Arsenal, and Arsene Wenger has made no secret of his admiration for the highly sought after midfielder.

"He is a provider,” Wenger recently insisted. “He is the one who has the best assists in Germany and is the most dangerous player. He comes in from the right side and links in well with the strikers.”

Juventus Plot £10m Move For Man City Full-Back

Italian side Juventus have declared an interest in Manchester City left-back Aleksandr Kolarov according to talkSPORT.

The Serbian signed for City for £16 million in 2010, and made 24 league appearances last season, netting once.

But now the Turin club is reportedly lining up a £10 million offer for the former Lazio man, who has featured intermittently in the earlier stages of this season due to competition from former Arsenal full-back Gael Clichy.

It is thought that Man City could be persuaded to negotiate with such an offer if the Serb decides he wants first-team football.