Juve, Inter vying for Lass Diarra; Galatasaray agree deal for Van Rhijn

Juve, Inter vying for Lass Diarra

Italian giants Juventus and Inter Milan are locked in the battle for Marseille midfield maestro Lassana Diarra, according to L’Equipe.

It is no secret that both clubs are after a high-quality central midfielder and it would appear as though they are both keen on the France international.

The two clubs have already contacted the player’s employers and his agents with a view of luring him to Italy in the January window.

Nevertheless, L’Equipe claims that Diarra rejected the opportunity to move to Italian Serie A as he wants to pay back Marseille for offering him a chance when nobody else was prepared to take the gamble.

Said gamble paid off big time for OM as the 30-year-old quickly developed into a key player in Michel’s squad, while also returning to the France national team.

Diarra amassed a total of 15 league appearances this term, scoring 1 goal, while making three outings for Les Bleus in international friendlies.

Galatasaray agree deal for Van Rhijn

Turkish giants Galatasaray have agreed a deal to sign Ricardo van Rhijn from Ajax, De Telegraaf has learned.

According to the same source, the Super Lig side will initially pay €2 million for the transfer, while the Amsterdammers will earn another €1.5 million if Galatasaray win the league trophy.

Van Rhijn is expected to put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal in the coming days, with his 14-year stint at Amsterdam ArenA drawing to a close.

The talented right-back, who can also operate in the heart of defence, experienced some problems this season, losing his place in the starting line-up.

But, having already amassed 109 Eredivisie appearances, he definitely boasts enough experience to make the next step in his career.

His new side Galatasaray trail Super Lig leaders Besiktas 11 points and they are 14/1 shot to lift the league title.

Sporting sign Marvin Zegelaar

Sporting Lisbon have announced on their official website that they have completed the signing of Marvin Zegelaar from Rio Ave.

The transfer fee was not disclosed, but it was revealed that the defender had penned a contract until June 2020, with a €45 million release clause included.

Back in September, the reports suggested that Sporting could make a move on the Dutch full-back and the Lions have since done well to secure the player’s signature.

Chances are that Sporting negotiated a good deal considering that Zeegelaar’s contract at Rio Ave was due to expire in June 2016.

The left-sided defender, who can also operate on the left wing, managed to kick-start his career in Portugal, scoring 3 goals in 12 league outings this season.

Zeegelaar is the product of Ajax’s famous youth academy, although he only managed 4 league appearances for the Amsterdammers.

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