5 transfer sagas that need to be resolved before the window closes
The world of football is clouded by uncertainty as some of European football's biggest names continue to partake in transfer sagas that simply refuse to end. Will he go? Won't he go? The summer transfer window can be a headache at times, and, until its closure, clubs and their supporters will simply have to endure the gossip.
Here are five transfer sagas that need to be resolved before the window closes:
Diego Costa
"My destination is already set. I must return to Atletico Madrid." Those were the words of Diego Costa, who admitted there's an "impasse" at Chelsea blocking his release, one week after saying that he felt the Blues were treating him "like a criminal." The English club is reportedly pricing the striker out of a return to Spain's capital, and, while Antonio Conte is laughing at the claims, supporters on both sides are growing increasingly impatient.
Virgil van Dijk
Southampton's chairman, Ralph Krueger, is adamant: Virgil van Dijk is "not for sale in this window." In what is possibly the most turbulent saga of the transfer window, the Saints apparently reported Liverpool to the Premier League for an alleged illegal approach of the Dutch centre-back, forcing the Reds to issue an apology. But there still seems to be interest in the product of FC Groningen at Anfield, while Manchester City is also linked with the footballer.
Jean Michael Seri
Liverpool is allegedly interested in signing OGC Nice's Jean Michael Seri, who is being tracked by several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham, and Swansea City. The Ivorian midfielder is also subject to scouts from Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. The French club is reportedly under no pressure to sell him, and, as Ligue 1 enters its third matchday, he is still pulling on a red-and-black shirt.
Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho is still at Liverpool after the Reds apparently rejected a third offer from Barcelona for the Brazilian attacker worth €130 million (£119 million). A transfer request was allegedly submitted, but that didn't stop the English club from shutting the door on the Blaugrana. Complicating matters is the fact that the player is reportedly prepared to stop taking the pitch in an attempt to force a move to the Camp Nou. The whole thing is a mess.
Ross Barkley
Everton is apparently holding out for £30 million for Ross Barkley, as Ronald Koeman told suits that the Toffees won't accept a below-market offer. But this saga shows no signs of ending this summer. The club is allegedly still waiting on a first bid for the English midfielder, even though he's in the final year of his contract and is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)
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