Manchester United are ready to make a move for Jordan Pickford their top target of 2023, Graham Potter plans to make a former Arsenal star his first Chelsea signing, while Monday’s Transfer Gossip has news of a surprise switch for Antoine Griezmann.
ERIK TEN HAG SETTLES ON JORDAN PICKFORD SIGNING
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly set his heart on signing Jordan Pickford in 2023.
The new United boss spent heavily over the summer, investing more than £200m on new signings. And after a cagey start, his methods are starting to make their impact felt.
But in order to take United to the next level and to implement his preferred style of playing, he may need to further change his personnel. Key to his tactics, which involves beating the high press than other sides operate, is having a goalkeeper good with his feet. And there are fewer better around than Pickford.
The situation is exasperated by David De Gea’s own contract situation. The long-serving Spaniard is out of contract next summer, though United do retain an option on that deal.
However, as United’s second highest earner, behind Ronaldo, on £350,000 a week, United are very carefully considering their next course of action.
They will likely trigger their one-year option on him to protect themselves from losing him on a free.
But down the line, United reportedly remain unsure that De Gea has what it takes to adapt to Ten Hag’s style. Publicly, the Dutchman is backing his goalkeeper to fulfil such a role.
But as per Metro, Pickford is now emerging as his top choice to come in. As such, moves will soon be made behind the scenes.
Everton value Jordan Pickford highly
The Toffees, understandably, rate Pickford highly with the keeper one of the first names on their teamsheet.
Signing for Everton back in summer 2017, he has clocked up over 200 appearances for the club.
But his deal expires in summer 2024 – and they know they are vulnerable to his sale.
England’s No 1, Pickford would likely command a fee of around £30m next summer. And at 28-year-old, United will feel he has many more years left at the top.
His loss will come as a major blow to Frank Lampard’s side. But with the clock ticking on his contract, Everton cannot afford to let that wind down further.
Ten Hag has also reportedly had Leeds keeper Illan Meslier under consideration. However, it is Pickford who is the club’s No 1 choice and he will move sharply into focus over the next two transfer windows.
GRAHAM POTTER WANTS ISMAEL BENNACER AS FIRST CHELSEA SIGNING
Chelsea are plotting a January move for Ismael Bennacer – and the Milan star may become Graham Potter’s first signing.
Potter is getting his feet under the table after ditching Brighton for Stamford Bridge earlier this month.
And one of the first issues he needs to address is the impending loss of two of their midfield stars.
Indeed, both Jorginho and N’Golo Kante fall out of contract at the end of the season.
Their loss will be keenly felt by Chelsea, with the players both featuring regularly over recent seasons.
Ideally Potter would like to convince both to stay. Kante has been offered a new two-year deal with the option of a third year. But with that remaining unsigned and Kante seemingly exploring options elsewhere, Chelsea are preparing for the worst. Juventus are among the sides reportedly keen on the popular Frenchman.
To ease the situation, Potter reportedly is looking at a January deal for Bennacer.
The former Arsenal man has established himself as one of Serie A’s top midfielders at AC Milan.
But his deal is due to expire in summer 2024 – and talks over an extensionare yet to see an agreement reached.
As such, The Sun claims Bennacer features high on their radar.
Milan value the Algerian at around £35m. And the asking price is within Chelsea’s range with a January move seemingly on the cards.
SURPRISE NEW DESTINATION FOR ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
Antoine Griezmann could be on the move once again in January if Atletico Madrid and Barcelona don’t reach a transfer compromise.
Griezmann rejoined Atletico on loan in summer 2021 after struggling while at the Nou Camp. That two-year deal gives Atletico the option to make the deal permanent in summer 2023.
However, Atleti are seemingly looking to drive the price down by avoiding playing Griezmann over a certain number of minutes. Those clauses, as stipulated as part of the loan arrangement, could see the capital club paying a lower fee.
That’s an issue contested by Barcelona, who feel Griezman should cost the full £22m agreed.
But if the two parties cannot settle their differences, then Griezmann may well be on the move again.
Manchester United have once again been linked with his signature as Erik ten Hag looks for more attacking options.
However, the Daily Mail reckons a move to Juventus is on the cards. The Bianconeri are reportedly willing to meet Barca’s asking price for the 31-year-old and will reportedly launch a move in January.
