A round-up of the latest Premier League transfer rumours - with news from Manchester United, Spurs, Brentford and Coventry City.
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Welcome back to our regular morning round-up and review of the biggest (and wildest) Premier League transfer rumours which you might have missed over the past 24 hours – and we kick off today’s column with a story which concerns Manchester United and potentially some of their top-flight rivals.
According to TEAMtalk, the Red Devils are focussing their attentions on AS Roma and France midfielder Manu Koné after their interest in Aurelién Tchouaméni was thwarted when he signed a new contract with Real Madrid – and are already “plotting” an opening offer for the 25-year-old.
Having already missed out on Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, United’s hopes of signing a marquee midfielder now rest on Koné, with Roma apparently “open to doing business” as they work to balance their books – according to the report, he’ll be available for a transfer fee “in the region” of £50m.
It’s not clear whether Manchester United will face any competition, but apparently intermediaries have already sounded out Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea. There’s no suggestion that any of the four have yet made a bid, however, so United could have a clear run at Koné if they decide to formalise their interest.
The 3AM Verdict: This is the same rather gossipy source which was convinced that Tchouaméni was the priority a few days ago – not that we thought it was an unreasonable guess, admittedly – so keep your pinch of salt handy. United clearly want a third midfield signing after Andrey Santos and Éderson, but there are conflicting stories as to who that might be. We’re keeping an open mind for now.
Tottenham Hotspur target third midfield signing – but Brentford are in the battle
Over to a story from GiveMeSport now, which suggests that Tottenham Hotspur are “working on” a deal to sign yet another midfielder – with rising star Ousmane Diabaté in line to join Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali in North London.
Spurs are already said to be “in talks” with the 18-year-old’s club, Turkish side Gençlerbirligi over a deal for the youngster, who has already been capped at senior level by Guinea, which could be quite cheap – apparently they’re looking at spending £3m up front plus bonuses. The problem is that they aren’t the only team in the bidding.
Brentford are also said to be in discussions with Diabaté, and it’s even suggested that Keith Andrews’ side hold “the upper hand” – although it’s not explained why that might be the case.
The 3AM Verdict: With no evidence given for the assertion that Brentford are leading the bidding, it’s hard to tell where defensive midfielder Diabaté might end up – but it does look increasingly likely that it will be England. We haven’t seen any credible sources suggesting interest from teams in other countries as yet.
Coventry ‘set’ to snap up £17m Bundesliga star
Let’s wrap up with a story from German tabloid Bild – reported via Sport Witness – who claim that Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Aurèle Amenda is “set to join” Premier League newcomers Coventry City, subject to a medical being completed successfully.
The 22-year-old’s medical checks have been “delayed” due to his continued involvement in the World Cup with Switzerland, but a deal has apparently been agreed which could see the Sky Blues pay up to €20m (£17m) to secure Amenda’s services. That will make him Coventry’s record signing, although perhaps not for very long.
Amenda has been riding the bench at the World Cup so far but won’t be completing his move until his country’s campaign is over. There’s no suggestion that another team are likely to steal in with a last minute bid, and no mention of any other potential suitors, but Coventry wouldn’t be the first club to get gazumped this summer…
The 3AM Verdict: Reports that a deal had been struck first emerged a couple of weeks ago but never came to fruition – now we perhaps know why. It doesn’t sound as if there’s anything holding up the deal bar formalities, although it’s arguably a little odd that Amenda isn’t undertaking a mid-tournament medical as several other players have. We wouldn’t be too worried, however, were we Sky Blues fans.