Transfer Talk: Philippe Coutinho to Liverpool; Victor Wanyama to Manchester United; Julio Cesar to Arsenal
The Independent's Jack Pitt-Brooke analyses today's January transfer window stories and separates the reality from the rumour
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Your support makes all the difference.Player: Philippe Coutinho
Club: Internazionale
Possible move to: Liverpool
The story: Brendan Rodgers’ attempts to rebuild the team with more young attacking talent are taking him towards Philippe Coutinho, Internazionale’s brilliant young Brazilian creative midfielder. Adept at playing between the lines, Coutinho would add quality to Rodgers’ improving front-line. But Southampton are also keen, as new manager Mauricio Pochettino worked with Coutinho when he was on loan at Espanyol last year. There well may be a battle between those two.
Chance of moving: Four stars
Player: Victor Wanyama
Club: Celtic
Possible move to: Manchester United
The story: Manchester United need muscular additions to midfield and Victor Wanyama has been a crucial part of Neil Lennon’s success at Celtic, scoring a famous header against Barcelona in their Champions League group stage success. Wanyama has been interesting other Premier League clubs but United could out-bid them, although Celtic would not want to sell before their tie with Juventus in the last-16.
Chance of moving: Three stars
Player: Mohamed Diame
Club: West Ham United
Possible move to: Arsenal
The story: Mohamed Diame can leave West Ham for £3.5m because of a release clause in his contract. Arsenal need power in their midfield, given the departure of Alex Song and the unreliability of Abou Diaby. Arsene Wenger has admitted his admiration for Diame in the past and so a move for the muscular midfielder would make perfect sense.
Chance of moving: Four stars
Player: Pepe Reina
Club: Liverpool
Possible move to: Barcelona
The story: Barcelona are going to need a new goalkeeper either this summer or next after Victor Valdes’ decision not to renew his contract at the Nou Camp. So they will be in the market for a new goalkeeper and Spain international Pepe Reina understands their style of play and is suitably proficient with his feet to recycle possession. With Brendan Rodgers not obviously impressed by Reina so far, he could well see this as a good opportunity to move Reina on.
Chance of moving: Four stars
Player: Julio Cesar
Club: QPR
Possible move to: Arsenal
The story: Wojciech Szczesny is talented but needs competition. Cesar could be just the man to provide that, if he could be tempted away from relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers. The Brazilian international and recent European champion might not fancy the prospect of Championship football – which could face QPR next season – and might like another chance in the Champions League.
Chance of moving: Four stars
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