Milan join chase for Koke; Premiership giants battle for Ryan Gauld

Milan join chase for Koke

Catalan daily newspaper Mundo Deportivo is suggesting that AC Milan are readying a bid for Atletico Madrid hotshot Koke.

The 21-year-old has caught the eye of top European clubs with his performances at Vicente Calderon, with Manchester United and Barcelona thought to be keen.

And Mundo Deportivo now reports that AC Milan are stepping up their efforts to sign the talented midfielder.

The Rossoneri have reportedly informed the player’s representatives that they would be prepared to offer Koke a long-term deal worth €4 million per campaign, which is much more than he is currently earning at Vicente Calderon.

However, it is believed the Serie A giants would have problems meeting the midfielder’s €35 million release clause.

Having failed to defeat Genoa at home at the weekend, AC Milan are 6/4 to end a seven-match winless run by beating Celtic at Parkhead.

Premiership giants battle for Ryan Gauld

Manchester United and Liverpool are keeping close tabs on Dundee United midfielder Ryan Gauld, according to Daily Mirror.

The Premiership rivals had the player watched on numerous occasions this season and their scouts were present as the 17-year-old set up all four goals in the 4-1 victory over Partick Thistle.

Real Madrid, Newcastle and Everton have also been alerted of the player’s potential, but it is believed United and Liverpool are leading the chase.

Dundee United chiefs are not too keen on selling their prized asset, but it is believed they would consider offers in the region of £6 million.

Despite his fragile age, Gauld has already featured in 23 Scottish Premier League matches and scored a total of 5 goals.

The Scotland Under-21 international is predicted a bright future in the game and has even been dubbed ‘Mini Messi’ by the UK press.

Adrian Mutu returns to Romania

Romanian striker Adrian Mutu has revealed that he has agreed to join Petrolul on a year-and-a-half-long loan.

The 34-year-old has spent last year and a half at Ajaccio, but after impressing in his first season at the club, he has suffered a serious dip in form this term.

And after failing to score a single goal in 9 Ligue 1 appearances this season, Mutu has been allowed to return to his native country.

The veteran forward has revealed that he will be joining Petrolul in the January transfer window on loan from Ajaccio.

“Since January I will play for Petrolul for a year and a half! I am coming on loan from Ajaccio,” Mutu wrote in his Twitter account.

Adrian Mutu left Romania in 2000 to sign for Inter Milan and has since featured for Verona, Parma, Chelsea, Juventus, Fiorentina, Cesena and Ajaccio.

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