NEWS AT THIS HOUR !!! Manchester United are set to beat Chelsea to the signing of Southampton left-back Luke Shaw. The 18-year-old is being courted by both clubs but is now heading to Old Trafford in a busy summer that could also include a trip to the World Cup. Arsenal have secured the signing of striker Josip Drmic, 21, from Nuremberg to bolster their frontline for next season. The Switzerland international, rated at £8m, has scored almost half of his teams goals in the Bundesliga this season. Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku, 20, will be allowed to quit Chelsea and join loan club Everton this summer - but only if Jose Mourinho lands midfielder Ross Barkley, 20, in return. Everton are considering a £10.5m move for QPRs France striker Loic Remy, 27, after being told it will cost them £20m to prise Lukaku from Stamford Bridge. Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, 33, has been offered an £8m two-year deal to join Real Madrid in the summer. Lazio midfielder Antonio Candreva, 27, is being monitored by Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United. Swansea want to sign Netherlands international Jonathan de Guzman on a permanent basis. The 26-year-old midfielder is nearing the end of his second season on loan from Villarreal and scored twice as the Swans secured a vital win over Norwich on Saturday. Newcastle are favourites to sign unsettled Manchester City defender Micah Richards, 25, who has made just nine appearances under boss Manuel Pellegrini this season. Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 27, could become the first £100m man, according to Reds boss Brendan Rodgers. Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will play no part in deciding successor David Moyess future as at Old Trafford. United are set to see player-coach Ryan Giggs, 40, quit the club in the summer while there are doubts over Phil Nevilles long-term future as first-team coach. Ex-Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn says he believes the Black Cats can still avoid relegation, but that they must beat West Ham on Monday evening. Arsenal have earmarked Atletico Madrids Diego Simeone, Borussia Dortmunds Jurgen Klopp and Roberto Martinez of Everton as possible replacements should Arsene Wenger quit Emirates Stadium. Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, 21, says his future lies in London or at Atletico Madrid, where he is on loan, and not Real Madrid. Everton manager Roberto Martinez claims midfielder Ross Barkley, 20, has the mental strength of Barcelona greats Xavi and Iniesta. Retired defender Jamie Carragher says he played in better Liverpool teams than the one currently challenging for the Premier League title. Marseille midfielder Mathieu Valbuena was prevented from taking a corner in his sides Ligue 1 match at Sochaux when a fan threw a Betty Boop doll out of the crowd, landing it perfectly in the quadrant. Fulham boss Felix Magath has laughed off lookalike comparisons with Danger Mouses cartoon sidekick Penfold.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 10:13:16 +0000