Newcastle United give up on Dieumerci Mbokani

Newcastle United have today formally given up on their pursuit of Dieumerci Mbokani.  The Magpies had been tracking the Anderlecht striker but have decided that it is not in their best interest to get into a bidding war with Arsenal and Juventus.

The Democratic Republic of Congo centre forward has had a price tag of around €10m placed on him by Belgian side Anderlecht.  However officials at St James' Park expect the final fee to be a lot higher and have switched their attention to Benfica striker Rodrigo.

Alan Pardew came out last week and publicly dismissed any interest in Rodrigo but it is understood that behind the scenes he remains a primary target for the North East side.  Privately Pardew has been impressed by the effectiveness of Rodrigo and the Brazilian would be suited to the style of play at Newcastle. 

Everton set to approach FC Schalke 04 over Lewis Holtby

Everton are set to make an offer for German born Lewis Holtby.  Currently signed to Schalke 04 Holtby, a known Everton fan, has confided in friends he would be "over the moon" if an offer is made.

Holtby who was born in Germany to a British father and German mother has been on the Everton radar since his impressive season long loan with FSV Mainz 05 in 2010.

It is understood Everton manager, David Moyes, directed Everton scouts to keep a close eye on Holtby and their report identified him as a Midfielder that would adapt well to life in the Premier League.

The news will be welcomed in the Holtby household as both Lewis and his Liverpudlian father are both passionate Everton fans.  David Moyes would welcome a beating Everton heart in his midfield as he looks to cement Everton into the European places during the second half of the season.

Manchester United and Arsenal set to go go head to head over Palace starlet

Manchester United have put themselves on a collision course with rivals Arsenal after they identified Wilfried Zaha as a primary January target.

Zaha, currently signed to Crystal Palace, has an ever growing circle of admirers but the two Premier League giants are set to battle it out over his signature.

Palace manager, Ian Holloway, has issued a hands off warning in the English press this afternoon.  In a scenario similar to the one he encountered as Blackpool manager, with the interest surrounding Charlie Adam, Holloway will know that despite his flamboyant warnings he will do well to keep hold of the talented youngster come January.

 

Arsenal yesterday threw their hat publicly in the ring when manager Arsene Wenger declared an interest to the gathered press.  Manchester United however have opted for a more covert approach which should please the Palace hierarchy.

 

Although Utd will push for a January transfer it is understood they are open to a New Year agreement which would see Zaha stay at Palace until the end of the season.

Initial indications are the fee could be as high as £17m but a more realistic figure would be around the £12m if a deal can be made to keep Zaha at Selhurst Park until the summer.

'The Damned Chelsea' - Sammy Lee's worry for old boss

Rafa Benitez's former assistant manager has today expressed his concerns over his former Boss' position at Chelsea.  Benitez, who has been hired on an interim basis, has been subject to loud and vehement protests since his arrival on The King's Road last Friday.

Sammy Lee, the current head of academy coaching and development at Bolton Wanderers, spent 3 years at Liverpool as the assistant manager and 2 years as Benitez's right hand man.

Sources close to Lee have disclosed that he has a real fear that a repeat of the 'Damned United' saga in 1974 could become a modern day nightmare for Benitez.

Lee, speaking to friends this afternoon, commented that "Rafa has so much to offer Chelsea, I only hope he doesn't end up sold down the river like Cloughy did at Leeds"

Benitez was an outspoken critic of the Chelsea fans, manager Jose Mourinho and Chelsea playing style whilst he was the Liverpool manager.  The scenario draws many parallels to the Clough - Leeds events that took place 38 years ago when the outspoken Clough lasted 44 days in the Leeds hotseat.

If Benitez is to avoid a similar fate he will need to turn around the Chelsea support and also have the full backing of senior players such as John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard.

Downing: No return to Villa

Aston Villa followed yesterday's informal question about the availability of  Stewart Downing with a formal request this morning.

Whilst Liverpool informed the Midlands side that Downing was available it has emerged that the player declared himself not interested in a move back to Villa Park.

Downing arrived on Merseyside from Aston Villa in the summer of 2011 and has so far failed to find the form that made him a Premier League regular for the Villans.  Sources close to Downing's family in Teeside have said that he has a desire to stay at Anfield and prove himself to both the management and the supporters.

Last week Middlesbrough enquired into the possibility of a loan move for Downing, to which the England international is reportedly open to.  However it is understood he would prefer a temporary move rather than a permanent switch back to his home-town club.

Arsenal are reportedly also tracking Downing and are potentially preparing a £10m bid in January.

can rescue his career after the England international's torrid time at Anfield

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Juventus prepare to offer €18.5m for Dzeko

Reports tonight have surfaced in Italy that Juventus are preparing to make a bid for Manchester City's out of favour striker Edin Dzeko.

Sources close to Beppe Marotta have confirmed that the Turin giants are set to offer Manchester City €18.5m for the services of Dzeko.  Although it was widely reported earlier in the month that Juventus would not be entering into the January market, manager Antonio Conte is desperate to add to his striking options.

Dzeko, who has frequently found himself on the City bench, is reported to be exceptionally frustrated at his lack of starts since moving to Manchester from Wolfsburg and would be responsive to a move to Italy.

The stumbling block may well be the price.  Manchester City will look for considerably more than €18.5m, while Dzeko would be expected to take a drop in wages to join The Old Lady of Turin.

Liverpool look to Wilfried Bony to partner Suarez

With representatives already in Germany and Russia it has now emerged that Liverpool staff have been sounding out Ivorian striker Wilfried Bony.

Liverpool are desperate to find an attacking partner for Luis Suarez and Dutch sources have this evening confirmed that representatives from the Anfield side have been in Arnhem discussing a potential £8m swoop.

Bony, who is also being tracked by Chelsea, has 14 goals in 12 games for the Eredivisie outfit this season who currently sit 3rd in the Dutch top division.

Insiders at Vitesse have said Bony would be open to a move to Anfield and would relish the opportunity to play alongside Suarez.

Boney joined Vitesse Arnhem from Sparta Prague in 2011 and has settled into life well in Holland.  His goal return is one of the highest in Europe and something Liverpool would benifit from greatly.

A bid of around £8m would open negotiations.  Liverpool continue to track Lacina Traore and Alexander Meier as they look to improve their firepower.