Transfer Gossip

Brazilian forward Douglas Costa, 24, has asked his Ukraine club Shakhtar Donetsk not to price him out of a move to Chelsea this January. — Daily Mirror.
Chelsea and Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of midfielder Paul Pogba, 21, after Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri admitted that a £75m offer would be hard to reject. — Metro.

Manchester United and Real Madrid are going head-to-head for the signature of Athletic Bilbao’s 20-year-old central defender Aymeric Laporte. — Daily Mail.
Meanwhile, United’s pursuit of Kevin Strootman, 24, looks to have been halted after the Roma midfielder picked up a knee injury against Fiorentina. — Sun .

The agent of winger Adnan Januzaj, 19, has revealed that Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has halted a move to Paris St-Germain — or anywhere else —this winter. — Telegraph.

Southampton are considering making a move for Netherlands midfielder Jordy Clasie, 23, from Feyenoord. — Daily Mirror.
Andre Schurrle, 24, is expected to be missing from the Chelsea squad for Wednesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool as Wolfsburg attempt to strike a deal to sign the Germany international forward. — Telegraph.

Boss Kenny Jackett says Wolves would speak to winger Bakary Sako, 26, about a move if local rivals West Brom or any other clubs meet Wolves’ valuation – but no bids have been received yet. — Wolverhampton Express and Star.

Newcastle United will make Derby boss Steve McClaren their number one managerial target in the summer after confirming that John Carver will remain in charge until the end of the season. — Daily Mail.

Real Madrid could face a transfer ban, similar to the one imposed on Barcelona, after world governing body Fifa opened an investigation into transfers involving under-age players. — Guardian.

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, 36, says he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge beyond the end of the season, because he wants to help inspire the future generation of Blues stars. — Daily Express.

Midfielder Fabian Delph, 25, has admitted his Aston Villa team-mates were shocked to learn he had signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal. — Guardian.