MKHI THE BARGAINING CHIP?
Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be used as a “bargaining chip” in the January transfer window if Manchester United look to sign new players, according to Alan Smith.
Mkhitaryan began the season in impressive form by providing five assists in the club’s first three Premier League games.
However, the Armenia international has fallen out of favour in recent months and has failed to make Jose Mourinho’s 18-man squad for seven of United’s last eight matches, with his only recent appearance coming as a substitute against Brighton on November 25.
Mourinho insists other players in his squad are more deserving of a starting place than Mkhitaryan based on current form and Smith believes the former Borussia Dortmund player could be sold in order to make way for another midfielder, with Mesut Ozil among the names linked with a move to Old Trafford.
ATLETICO, BAYERN EYE THAUVIN
Former Newcastle United midfielder Florian Thauvin is wanted by Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, according to reports in France.
The 24-year-old versatile Marseille midfielder has impressed this season having already netted eight goals.
The German giants want to add options to their attack with Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben not getting any younger, while Atletico see him as a potential replacement for Antoine Griezmann – L’Equipe reports.
BARCA IN FOR BLIND?
An injury to Samuel Umtiti and Javier Mascherano’s desire to leave the club during the winter window may force Barcelona to go shopping next month.
The La Liga leaders are interested in bringing Stefan de Vrij and Manchester United’s utility man Daley Blind to the Nou Camp, Marca report.
The Dutch left-back is a long-term Barcelona transfer target with the club being linked to him back in 2014.
‘WILSHERE CONTRACT TALKS SOON’
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed talks over a new contract for Jack Wilshere will start at the end of this month.
SIMEONE: GRIEZMANN CAN LEAVE
Diego Simeone has confirmed that Antoine Griezmann will be allowed to leave Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is reported to be a target for a number of Europe’s largest clubs, with Manchester United linked with a move for the France international last summer.
Griezmann is expected to remain at Atletico for the remainder of the season, but it appears he has been given the all clear by Simeone to leave the club in the future.
‘LEMAR IN, BATS OUT’
Chelsea could offer a swap deal involving Michy Batshuayi as they bid to land Monaco’s star winger Thomas Lemar, the Sun reports.
The paper says Blues boss Antonio Conte is reportedly prepared to loan out Batshuayi as part of his transfer dealings as he fights clubs such as Liverpool and Arsenal for £86m-rated Lemar.
Barcelona confident about chances of signing coutinho
Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho is one of the club’s major targets after a failed summer attempt, and Mundo Deportivo report that they are confident of completing a deal.
Olympique de Marseille’s French forward Florian Thauvin (R) runs with the ball during the French L1 football match between Marseille (OM) and Guingamp (EAG) on November 26, 2017, at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southeastern France. / AFP PHOTO / Franck PENNANT (Photo credit should read FRANCK PENNANT/AFP/Getty Images)
Arsenal vs Newcastle
Chelsea vs Southampton
Manchester City vs Tottenham
Dortmund vs Hoffenheim
Athletico vs Alaves
Roma vs Cagliari
Athletic Club vs Real Sociedad
First Published on Skysport
