Thursday’s transfer rumours

Louis van Gaal is facing the biggest game of his Manchester United tenure, away to Liverpool on Sunday, with the club’s hierarchy increasingly concerned about the prospect of being cut adrift in the race for Champions League qualification. Defeat could spell the end for the Dutchman. (The Times)

Manchester United have joined the chase for Algerian hotshot Islam Slimani. Old Trafford scouts have been watching the Sporting Lisbon striker for the last two months. The 27-year-old has scored 13 goals in 16 league games this season and would cost around £12million. (The Sun)

Chelsea have offered £40m for Toni Kroos. The Germany midfielder is said to be unhappy about a lack of playing time at Real Madridand the Blues are ready to pounce. (Daily Star)

Schalke centre-half Joel Matip is set to join Liverpool on a free transfer. A deal has already been agreed in principle with the Cameroonian international. Matip, 24, is out of contract in Gelsenkirchen, and wants a new challenge. (Daily Mirror)

Edinson Cavani could be shown the door at Paris Saint-Germain with manager Laurent Blanc unwilling to bow to the Uruguayan’s demands to be the club’s first-choice striker. Blanc has admitted Cavani’s behaviour has been a problem and that if Cavani, who’s been linked to Arsenal and Manchester United, wanted to go elsewhere he wouldn’t be stopped. (Daily Mail)

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal have won the race to sign Nigerian wonderkids Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze. Arsenal have agreed a combined £3m fee with the Diamond Football Academy in Umuahia, Nigeria, and are expected to complete the deal this month. (Daily Mirror)

Remi Garde is ready to make Bordeaux defender Lamine Sane his first signing. Frenchman Garde, fresh from his first victory in 11 attempts as Aston Villa boss, has backing to bring in players on loan to boost the club’s fight against relegation. Bordeaux’s chairman Jean-Louis Triaud has confirmed the Ligue One club are in talks with the rock-bottom Villans about a deal for Sane. (Daily Mirror)

Everton have moved ahead of West Ham in the race to sign Leeds’ Sam Byram after Roberto Martinez sent one of his chief scouts to watch him last night. (Daily Mirror)

Watford believe they are in pole position to sign Malaga keeper Carlos Kameni. Bournemouth are also interested in 31-year-old Cameroon international Kameni , butthe Hornets feel he will be attracted to their bid for a shock European place.  (Daily Mirror)
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