After losing Emi Buendía and Tyrone Mings to serious injuries – not to mention their opening game of the season to Newcastle United – Aston Villa are in dire need of a pick-me-up and Unai Emery hopes to boost morale by signing Nicolò Zaniolo from Galatasaray. The Italian midfielder is open to the move and the club’s manager, Okan Buruk, has made it clear Galatasaray are prepared to sell if the price is right.
Having been made to look rather silly following their failed attempts to bolster their midfield by bringing in Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia, Liverpool’s recruitment department might be tempted to hijack Brighton’s proposed purchase of Carlos Baleba from Lille for the thick end of £14m. The Cameroonian central midfielder is only 19 and has just 20 senior appearances under his belt but beating Brighton to his signature now would prevent Liverpool being gazumped by Chelsea when Brighton decide to move him on for £120m in January.
