Football rumours from the media

By
published

What the papers say

Adama Traore could be leaving Wolves after Manchester City expressed interest in the winger, the Manchester Evening News reports citing CalcioMercato. The 23-year-old had a slow start in the league since joining Aston Villa in 2015, but has five goals and seven assists this season. City are watching the Spaniard after he scored against them three times across two winning games for Wolves.

Crystal Palace are willing to offload Wilfried Zaha, however Chelsea are not willing to pay the Eagles’ £80-million valuation. The Daily Express says Palace refused to budge on the asking price for the Ivory Coast winger during the summer, reducing the likelihood of the 27-year-old joining the Blues this month and adding to talk he may switch to Bayern Munich.

Crystal Palace v Everton – Premier League – Selhurst Park

Could a goal-drought with Crystal Palace lead Christian Benteke back to Villa Park? (Nigel French/PA)

The Birmingham Mail reports Aston Villa have contacted Palace about re-signing striker Christian Benteke. The 29-year-old Belgian could replace the injured Wesley, who will not play again this season after suffering a serious knee injury. Benteke played for the claret and blues from 2012 to 2015. He has not scored in 15 appearances this season and only notched one goal last term.

Staying in Birmingham and the Daily Mail says AC Milan have offered Villa the signature of Spanish former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. The 37-year-old’s team-mate Krzysztof Piatek, 24, is also of interest to Villa, with the latter considered surplus following the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Newcastle are also interested in Piatek.

Fulham v Cardiff City – Premier League – Craven Cottage

Ryan Babel might be returning to English football (Steve Paston/PA)

Reina’s fellow former Red Ryan Babel is being considered by Ajax and Newcastle, according to the Daily Express. Turkish club Galatasaray are eager to offload the Dutch winger and the Magpies have an injury crisis with more than 10 players out.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Adrien Rabiot: Everton are interested in a loan-deal for the Juventus midfielder, 24, until season’s end, Corriere Dello Sport says.

Neal Maupay: The 23-year-old French striker is being courted by Napoli to leave Brighton, the Daily Telegraph reports.

FourFourTwo Staff
FourFourTwo Staff

FourFourTwo was launched in 1994 on the back of a World Cup that England hadn’t even qualified for. It was an act of madness… but it somehow worked out. Our mission is to offer our intelligent, international audience access to the game’s biggest names, insightful analysis... and a bit of a giggle. We unashamedly love this game and we hope that our coverage reflects that.