Football rumours from the media
Real Madrid could move for Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata next summer
What the papers say
With Juan Mata out of contract next summer, Real Madrid are poised to make an offer for the Manchester United midfielder, according to the Daily Express. The 29-year-old was left out of the team for United’s trip to Chelsea at the weekend, fuelling speculation the Spanish club could make a bid for their former youth player in the January transfer window.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror reports that Mata is one of up to five Premier League players Real are looking to target in the new year. Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez is said to be leading the list which also features Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera as well as Liverpool’s Emre Can. Real president Florentino Perez is reportedly looking to the bolster the squad after the loss to Tottenham and a slide in the LaLiga table.
After showing an interest in Liverpool’s Danny Ings in the summer, Newcastle are again ready to swoop for the striker in the new year, the Daily Mail says. After suffering a number of injuries while with the Reds, the 25-year-old has not seen much first-team action under Jurgen Klopp. But after impressive performances with the under-23s, Newcastle are said to have put the player on their radar for a potential loan deal.
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Players to watch
Bristol City’s Bobby Reid is seeing growing interest from four clubs, according to the TEAMtalk website. After an impressive 10 goals in 19 games in all competitions this season, Leicester, Brighton, Burnley and Middlesbrough are all said to be keen on the 24-year-old. But City will certainly try and keep their star man.
Monaco striker Stevan Jovetic could be returning to England if Southampton decide to make a move for the player in the new year, the Daily Mirror reports. Having previously starred in the Manchester City line-up, 27-year-old Jovetic is seen as an option to help end the Saints’ goal drought.