While Chelsea continues their pursuit for Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado, the club is reportedly interested in Douglas Costa if the Cuadrado deal falls through.
[ RELATED: Cuadrado is Chelsea’s top target ]
The Brazilian plays for Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, and told Globo Esporte that it would be a “dream” to play at Stamford Bridge. The Blues said they are willing to pay around $30 million for the Brazilian’s services, but Shakhtar is holding out for a figure closer to $45 million.
In other Chelsea news, manager Jose Mourinho said it would take a “phenomenal” bid for Andre Schurrle to leave, whose name has been in the middle of transfer rumors all season long.
Darren Fletcher has never played for a club other than Manchester United, but that could change in the coming weeks. After 19 years at Old Trafford, the Scottish international has six months left on his contract and has only managed five starts under Louis van Gaal. Fletcher has already had talks with Tony Pulis and West Bromwich, and now Sam Allardyce has now thrown the Hammers’ hat in the ring as Big Sam confirmed his interest in signing the midfielder.
[ RELATED: Liverpool expects Raheem Sterling to commit to the club long-term ]
Hull City is looking for reinforcements as the Tigers try to stave off relegation, with Tottenham’s Aaron Lennon at the top of the club’s wish list. The speedy winger has seen limited playing time under Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs could look to deal him before the transfer window closes. Steve Bruce is keen to add an attacking presence to his squad, and will be competing with Mark Hughes and Stoke City, who are also keeping an eye on Lennon.
According to The Mirror, Newcastle could have trouble keeping Papiss Cisse as Turkish giants Galatasaray are set to make an offer for the striker. Cisse is currently representing Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, and could have already made his last appearance in the black-and-white stripes of Newcastle. With nine goals on the season, Cisse is the Magpies’ top scorer, but the club could be tempted to sell for the right price.