With Raheem Sterling and Brendan Rodgers seemingly set to consciously uncouple, the Liverpool manager is set to cheer himself up in time-honoured fashion – chowing down chocolate and red wine while listening to a selection of songs about heartbreak and signing a player from Real Madrid.
Real, for their part, are keen on Portugal’s star of the recent European Under-21 Championship William Carvalho and look likely to pip Arsenal to the signing of Sporting’s £32m midfielder. That could pave the way for Asier Illarramendi’s departure from the Bernabéu – Liverpool are at the front of the queue.
Ronald Koeman wants to fill the Toby Alderweireld-shaped hole in his life with Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar.
Middlesbrough are hot on the tail of Espanyol’s striker Christian Stuani, who will set them back around £4m.
Manchester United want the Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen to replace David de Gea between the sticks at Old Trafford.
Stoke want Shay Given. And Glen Johnson.
Manchester City are holding out for £20m from Roma for Edin Dzeko.
