Mascherano confirmed to leave Barcelona, China next stop
Barcelona have confirmed that Argentine international Javier Mascherano will leave the Catalan giants with a move to Hebei China Fortune, reported to be in the €10 million region, confirmed Wednesday morning.
The club held a farewell ceremony for the 33-year-old earlier today.
The central defender had slipped down the pecking order at Barca under Ernesto Valverde and with the arrival of Yerry Mina the road to the Starting XI became even longer. Mascherano is the foreigner with the fourth most appearances for Barcelona with only Dani Alves, Phillip Cocu and Lionel Messi in front of him since joining the La Liga leaders in 2010
PSG player on his way?
Brazilian winger Lucas Moura could be on his way to China with Shandong Luneng reportedly being interested in the 25-year old’s services. However, they are not alone. Premier League club Tottenham are said to be monitoring the winger and his agents are supposed to meet with Serie A side Napoli’s sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli today according to Sky Italy.
The pacey player has confirmed that he is not happy with his situation in Paris. Moura has only turned out six times for PSG this season.
Roma exodus could benefit CSL
Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri look set to join Premier League giants Chelsea and another player could be out the door according to sources as Roma tries to comply with Financial Fair Play rules. Guangzhou Evergrande are apparently once again interested in acquiring hard-hitting midfielder Radja Nainggolan. The Belgian is apparently also a target for Manchester United.
The deal is apparently set to be a loan with an option to buy that needs to be used by the end of June, but a potential problem could be the 29-year olds’ wage demand with that reported as being around €12 million a season and a €20 million signing on fee as well as yet another €10 million to his agent.
Officials at the Italian capital club are denying the claims but if the deal is not struck now it looks likely to be attempted yet again in the summer.
Out of favour Australian with one foot out the door
Apostolos Giannou is out in the cold at Guangzhou R&F. The Australian is only used as an emergency player and is apparently set to be released before the season starts in March. Australian A-League club Central Coast Mariners are very interested in securing the 27-year-old’s services as he hopes to get a spot in the Australian squad going to the World Cup.