Chelsea eye Walcott
Oooh, this is interesting. The Times report that Chelsea are keeping a close eye on Theo Walcott’s contract situation at Arsenal with the possibility of a summer swoop.
Walcott has struggled to nail down a regular place this season following his return from injury, and it’s thought that talks over a new deal have stalled.
The 26-year-old struggled to impress against Italy on his first international start for 18 months, but a new challenge at Chelsea could be exactly what he needs to revive his faltering career.
Hummels denies promising United
Long-term Manchester United target Mats Hummels has taken to Twitter to deny promising the club that he will join them in the summer.
Um es klarzustellen: dieses vermeintliche "Versprechen" ist einfach nur frei erfunden…und das ist noch die freundliche Formulierung.
— Mats Hummels (@matshummels) March 31, 2015
For those of you who don’t speak German, JOE’s office interpreter (Google Translate) informs us that Hummels said: ‘To clarify it: this supposed “promise” is simply fictitious and that’s the friendly formation.’
That doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t be joining United, however, with Louis van Gaal known to be a huge fan of the 26-year-old World Cup winner.
Falcao still hopes to prove himself
Radamel Falcao is still aiming to win a permanent deal at Manchester United after moving within one goal of Colombia’s all-time scoring record with three strikes in two matches over the international break.
“I think when I score it’s always important, and that gives me confidence,” said the striker, who has managed only four goals for United all season.
“I said before I need minutes, I need to play games in a row and here in the national team I have had the opportunity. I gave my best and I scored and I now return to Manchester with more confidence.
“We have the last eight games and I will give my best to have the chance to play as many minutes as possible.”
It’s thought Juventus are plotting a move for Falcao should United choose to let him leave.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ATyNc0o-HM
Best of the rest
*Manchester City are keeping tabs on Chelsea reject Kevin De Bruyne, who’s starring for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga (Daily Mirror).
*Hugo Lloris could quit Spurs for £15m in the summer if the club fail to qualify for the Champions League (The Sun).
*Chelsea will make a £20m move for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Douglas Costa (Daily Mirror).
*Santi Cazorla has dismissed rumours linking him with Atletico Madrid while Arsenal are monitoring Petr Cech’s situation at Chelsea.
