China, backed by its richest man, has struck a deal with FIFA to host the first China Cup from next year, a competition that will pit its national side against three international “first-class” teams – and hopefully pave the way to soccer glory.
Chinese property tycoon Wang Jianlin, whose Dalian Wanda conglomerate is already a high-level FIFA sponsor, said yesterday that his group and the Chinese Football Association would host the contest in the southern city of Nanning – four games played over a week every January.
European clubs often have a break around that time, potentially allowing national sides to pit their best – as China hopes.
Eventually, China wants a total of eight teams to play.
Brazilian Ganso close to Sevilla move
Midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso is close to joining Spanish club Sevilla from Sao Paulo in his native Brazil, according to his current club president Carlos Silva.
The 26-year-old, once billed as one of Brazil’s brightest emerging talents until his progress was curtailed by injury, was included in his country’s squad for the Centenary Copa America last month after a series of impressive displays for his club.
“It’s his wish and there’s nothing we can do about it,” Sao Paulo president Carlos Silva said.
“To keep a player against his wishes is counter-productive.”
Brazilian media reported that the clubs had agreed a fee of €9.5 million for the playmaker.
Roma ponder swoop for Bayern’s Rafinha
Bayern Munich’s Rafinha could be the subject of an approach from Roma who are looking to increase their right-back options.
Roma are in the process of agreeing deals for Real Madrid’s Nacho and Inter’s Juan Jesus to strengthen their defence but sporting director Walter Sabatini is also looking to bring in two full-backs.
According to Leggo newspaper, Sabatini’s latest target is Rafinha who is highly regarded because of his versatility.
Rafinha’s contract with Bayern Munich is due to expire in summer 2017.
De Sanctis completes Monaco switch
Monaco have officially finalised the signing of Morgan De Sanctis whose contract with Roma ex-pired at the end of last season.
De Sanctis has joined Monaco on a one-year deal.
“AS Monaco are pleased to announce the signing of Morgan De Sanctis, who has agreed to join the club for one season,” the Ligue 1 club said on their website yesterday.
“Morgan De Sanctis will now head to Lausanne to link up with the first-team squad at their training camp on Wednesday (yesterday).”
Leicester determined to hold on to Kante
Leicester City are hopeful of securing the future of N’Golo Kante after offering the France midfielder an improved four-year contract, Sky Sports reported yesterday.
Reports in France claimed that Chelsea have already agreed a fee of £29 million with Leicester for Kante but, according to Sky Sports, the Foxes have not given up on keeping Kante.
Kante, a member of the France squad that reached the Euro 2016 final, was offered a new deal by Leicester before the Euro Championship got underway and negotiations are continuing.
The 25-year-old Kante only joined Leicester from Caen last summer but quickly emerged as one of their key performers in the club’s amazing march to the Premier League title.
Inter re-join race for Belgium’s Witsel
Reports in Italy claim that Inter have rekindled their interest in Zenit St Petersburg’s Axel Witsel after learning that his proposed move to Napoli is in the balance.
The Belgian was reportedly close to signing for the Partenopei but talks broke down at the last minute. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Nerazzurri are on good terms with the midfielder’s father and agent, and are pressing to secure Witsel’s signature.
Witsel is expected to return from his holidays today, at which point he will decide on where he wants to go.
There is still the possibility that he may opt for Napoli in spite of the recent rift.
Fiorentina keen to re-sign Ljajic on loan
Fiorentina are interested in re-signing Roma’s Adem Ljajic on loan after he turned down moves to Torino and Celta Vigo.
According to reports, the Serbian winger declined offers from his closest suitors as he has set his sights on a bigger club with Milan touted as his preferred destination.
La Nazione reported there is a new possibility for Ljajic as the club that first introduced him to Serie A, Fiorentina, are interested in taking him back.
The 24-year-old’s contract expires in June 2017 and Roma would not be able to loan out the player without extending that contract first.