Transfer gossip – Man City make new bid for De Bruyne
Playing for 90’s transfer gossip column brings you all the latest news and rumours of ins and outs from the Premier League and abroad, including news on the future of Kevin De Bruyne.
City bid £47m for De Bruyne
The Guardian report that Manchester City have made a second bid for Kevin De Bruyne, worth £47m. The offer is an initial £40m plus around £7m of add-ons for the 24-year-old. Klaus Allofs, the Wolfsburg sporting director, continues to claim the German club will fight to keep the Belgian. But this is viewed as merely a bargaining stance.
“I think some other clubs have definitely turned Kevin’s head,” Allofs told Kicker magazine. “Some huge figures are doing the rounds and I can understand why Kevin is leaving everything open.
“He’s got to listen to the offers. I can’t expect from him that he doesn’t even want to entertain them. If he was only contracted to us until 2017, then yes, it would be different. But let’s be honest about it – it’s highly unlikely that he’ll stay with us right up until 2019.”
Wolfsburg are refusing to put a precise valuation on De Bruyne. While the club may try and prise a higher fee for him it is understood City’s offer is close to being acceptable.
West Ham still after Mexican star
The Daily Star report that West Ham remain interested in signing Javier Hernandez from Manchester United. The Hammers are ready to make an improved £12million offer for the striker as they seek a replacement for injured Enner Valencia – out for at least three months with knee and ankle injuries.
They are eyeing QPR’s Charlie Austin but Hernandez, 27, is still in their sights – they have had one offer of £8.5m rejected. They are also trying to sign Atletico Madrid’s Mexican striker Raul Jimenez, 24, on a loan deal but he still needs a work permit.
Van Gaal targets Kane
The Daily Mirror report that Manchester United have resurrected interest in Spurs’ striker Harry Kane. United boss Louis Van Gaal is desperately short of strikers and wants to make a stellar signing before the end of the transfer window on September 1.
The Old Trafford giants have not made a formal bid but discreet enquiries have been made about Tottenham’s England international Kane. Spurs are certain to fight to keep the 22-year-old, who has established himself as a fans’ favourite.
But his form last season, as he emerged from the fringes of the White Hart Lane squad to score 31 goals and make his Three Lions debut, marked him down as one of the most exciting young strikers in the Premier League.
Chelsea to make improved Stones bid
Everton are bracing themselves for a fresh attempt by Chelsea to snatch John Stones, with the London club lining up a £30million bid this week, according to reports. Jose Mourinho’s reigning champions struggled to contain Swansea at Stamford Bridge in their season opener on Saturday evening, and saw their defence opened up time and again.
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Centre-back Stones, by contrast, was impressive in Everton’s battling draw against Watford — a perfect reminder to the Special One that he could be worth the expensive gamble. Everton boss Roberto Martinez is adamant he won’t sell the England international, and is confident his talented youngster will continue to show commitment to the club while the saga continues.
Martinez said of Stones: “He loves Everton, he loves the club and the team and he is an incredible professional, so no, I don’t think you would ever expect him to sulk – he will always react professionally.
