Chelsea chase Roma pair

Despite reports that Roma are reluctant to discuss a deal for Edin Dzeko, Chelsea remain keen on the striker as well as his teammate Emerson Palmieri, the Telegraph reports.

Blues boss Antonio Conte is eager to recruit a target man this month to provide a Plan B in attack, with Peter Crouch and Christian Benteke also in the frame after an ankle injury ruled out West Ham's Andy Carroll.

Given Crouch turns 37 later this month, Dzeko may be viewed as a longer-term option but would be cup-tied for the Champions League, having already appeared in the competition this season.

Chelsea want a loan deal for Palmieri, who would provide competition for Marcos Alonso at left-back, but Roma are holding out for a £22 million transfer.

Man United want Diarra

Manchester United are trying to hijack Paris Saint-Germain's move for Lassana Diarra, according to Le Parisien.

The 32-year-old midfielder has been lined up for a short-term switch to the Parc des Princes to cover for the injured Thiago Motta.

Jose Mourinho previously managed Diarra at Chelsea and Real Madrid, however, and wants to work with the former France international again at Old Trafford.

The report states that Diarra was in England last week, possibly for talks with United, but at present he would prefer to join PSG.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail says says Mourinho has dropped his search for a new left-back after being impressed by Luke Shaw's determination to win back his place.

Arsenal line up second swap deal

With Henrikh Mkhitaryan set to arrive at Arsenal in exchange for Alexis Sanchez, Arsene Wenger is plotting his second swap deal of the January transfer window to land Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Independent reports that the Gunners boss is prepared to offer Olivier Giroud in part-exchange for Aubameyang, rather than pay Dortmund's £70 million asking price.

Giroud has been forced to accept a bit-part role at Arsenal this season and would presumably be open to the idea of a new challenge.

Aubameyang was left out of the Dortmund team for the second week running as Peter Stoger's side were held to a 1-1 draw at Hertha Berlin on Friday night.

Managerial merry-go-round cranks into gear

While most of the headlines concern potential player transfers in the winter window, the Daily Mirror carries an interesting story about Paris Saint-Germain's interest in Pep Guardiola.

The Manchester City boss has 16 months left on his contract at the Etihad, with the club's hierarchy keen to arrange an extension.

But PSG are apparently confident of getting their man, even if they have to wait another two seasons to lure Guardiola to Paris.

Meanwhile, the Daily Star says Luis Enrique will replace Antonio Conte at Chelsea in the summer.

The Spaniard will be joined at Stamford Bridge by former Blues defender Juliano Belletti, who is set to take a director of football role at the club.

Tap-ins

-- Spurs are the new favourites to land Bordeaux winger Malcom in a €40 million transfer at the end of the season, according to the Telegraph. Arsenal have also been linked with the Brazilian but have preferred to focus their efforts elsewhere.

-- Crystal Palace's striker search has taken them to Inter Milan forward Eder, claims the Croydon Advertiser. The Italy international is the subject of a £9.75 million bid from the Eagles.

-- The Liverpool Echo reports that Everton are chasing versatile Lille defender Adama Soumaoro. The 25-year-old could be brought in to cover for the injured Leighton Baines at left-back.

-- Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has refused to rule out a loan switch for United States youngster Emerson Hyndman, according to the Bournemouth Echo, but expects a decision to be made "late in the transfer window."

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by ESPN STAFF

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