Even with this, one of the quieter days of the transfer window so far, there is still plenty of tidbits of transfer gossip to sink our teeth into.
The most active news surrounds comings and goings at Leicester City. They are both being linked with one in, one out, and one presumed leaving isn't apparently. Riyad Mahrez's agent has refuted yesterday's report from Eurosport in France that he's agreed a deal with Arsenal (Mail). This isn't a clearcut move either way - and Mahrez seemed happy playing for the Foxes against Celtic yesterday scoring this beauty:
One big name is leaving Leicester however. Swiss international Gokhan Inler - who came with a big reputation but failed to live up to the hype is set for the exit door. Inler wasn't involved against Celtic, and seems to be surplus to Ranieri's plans. Ranieri continues to target character players as opposed to the high profile names that are associated with the Premier League champions (Telegraph). Vedran Corluka is the latest to be linked with the King Power Stadium. Corluka is still only 30, would provide a lot of experience and versatility to the defending champions (Mirror). They will have Bayern Munich's attentions to compete with for Corluka's services.
Probably the biggest incoming news is coming from Everton however. Gianluco di Marzio is reporting that they've agreed a fee for Belgian international midfielder Axel Witsel. Witsel is one of those names that has always been highly rated, and he lived up to the hype at the Euros. The midfielder has been heavily linked to many Serie A teams - but Everton have had a €30 million bid accepted by Zenit St Petersburg. Witsel moved to Zenit for €40 million in 2012.
With Paul Pogba in the arrivals hall in Manchester, Man United manager Jose Mourinho is looking to make room for the prodigal son. That could mean that last year's high profile signing Bastian Schweinsteiger could be the one to make way (Telegraph). Mourinho is believed to favour Pogba, Carrick, Ander Herrera, Morgan Schneiderlein and Marouane Fellaini over the 31-year-old German. According to a report a few weeks ago, Schweinsteiger will demand to be paid out of his lucrative contract should he be forced out of Old Trafford - meaning that Pogba could inadvertedly cost United even more money.
Speaking of United, the release of the squad numbers seemed to cast doubt over the future of Adnan Januzaj. The talented midfielder's progress has been derailed since the departure of David Moyes, and he has given up his no. 11 to Anthony Martial. The Guardian is postulating that this is the last chance that Januzaj has to make a name for himself at Old Trafford - and Mourinho could let him go soon.
Other notable tidbits all related to soon-to-be former Liverpool players:
- Stoke are still leading the race to sign the Welsh Xavi. Joe Allen will finally have talks with Mark Hughes over the move that has been in the pipeline for a while.
- Celtic will confirm the signing of Kolo Toure. We had that yesterday.
- Liverpool have accepted a bid of £6 million for defender Brad Smith from Bournemouth. Seems like a lot of money. (Mail)
And some non Liverpool stories
- Everton are looking at Porto defender Bruno Martins Indi should John Stones leave. He'll cost them £12.5 million say the Sun on Sunday
- West Ham will demand £18 million for Reece Oxford according to the Mail on Sunday
- Liverpool are eyeing up German Olympic star Max Meyer say Sky Sports
That's all for today folks
