Transfer Gossip: Chelsea ‘make contact’ to pinch £64m Man Utd target; Everton ready to move for nine-goal Swedish striker
Chelsea are ready to hijack Manchester United’s proposed move for David de Gea’s long-term replacement at Old Trafford, while Everton have turned to the Championship in their hunt for a new striker in January – both in Friday’s Transfer Gossip.
BLUES TO HIJACK UNITED KEEPER MOVE
Chelsea have reportedly ‘made contact’ over a deal to sign Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who is wanted by Manchester United to replace David de Gea.
The Portugal shot-stopper has forced his way into international reckoning and started their World Cup opening win over Ghana.
His performances will certainly come under the microscope and he almost gifted Ghana a last-gasp equaliser on Thursday with an elementary error.
This season, Costa became the first-ever goalkeeper to save three penalties in the same Champions League group stage campaign.
He achieved the feat after saving two penalties in the same fixture against Club Brugge.
Now Spanish outlet Relevo claims Chelsea have made initial contact over a deal, while United continue to circle in the background.
Costa will not come cheap though, having only recently signed a new deal with Porto.
His new contract contains a mega release clause worth an estimated £64million.
Mendes looking to engineer Costa move
The report adds that super-agent Jorge Mendes recently approached Porto to declare his interest in brokering a blockbuster transfer this summer.
Mendes is confident he can pull off a deal by selling Costa to the Premier League or elsewhere.
Costa has kept 11 clean sheets in 23 outings in all competitions this season – including two at international level with Portugal in the Nations League.
Chelsea are expected to sign a new goalkeeper in 2023 with Edouard Mendy losing his way at Stamford Bridge.
He has recently returned to the side but only after Kepa suffered an injury having regained the number one spot.
LAMPARD TARGETS SWEDEN INTERNATIONAL
Everton are reportedly interested in signing Sweden international striker Victor Gyokores from Coventry.
Gyokores is having an impressive season in the Championship, having scored nine goals in 16 starts so far this season.
The 24-year-old also excelled last season, notching 17 times, with talk of a switch to Goodison in the summer.
However, Frank Lampard opted to sign the more experienced Neal Maupay from Brighton instead.
But with Dominic Calvert-Lewin continually beset by injuries and Maupay struggling in front of goal, the Toffees boss is looking to bolster his forward line in January.
And, according to Football League World, Everton remain interested in acquiring Gyokores’ services, alongside fellow Premier League clubs West Ham and Crystal Palace.
BRAZILIAN OFFER ON CARDS FOR RONALDO
Brazilian giants Flamengo are preparing to open talks with Cristiano Ronaldo over a possible transfer.
European clubs are not exactly queuing up to sign the Portuguese legend, whose hefty salary is a cause for concern.
However, Veja reports that Flamengo are keen on trying to strike a deal.
The club are yet to make a formal approach for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, but are prepared to offer him a contract.
Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal are also thought to be preparing an offer for the former United man.
Ronaldo sealed his exit from Old Trafford after his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan in which he was highly critical of the club and individuals.
