PAPER TALK: Zaza's agent heads to London for West Ham crisis talks; Milan duo alerted to Mikel departure from Chelsea
The father and agent of West Ham striker Simone Zaza is travelling to England for crisis talks with the Premier League side. The 25-year-old has failed to score for the Hammers since his summer loan move from Juventus and Il Mattino writes that a possible January switch to Napoli could be imminent. Zaza has a clause in his loan move that if he makes 10 appearances for the East London club they will have to pay the Italian champions around £17.5 million for his full signature. This weekend’s fixture against Stoke City will be his 10th appearance, if selected.
TUG-OF-WAR FOR FABREGAS CONTINUES: Milan’s quest to bring Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas to Serie A in January continues. La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that incoming Sporting Director Massimo Mirabelli has already identified the 30-year-old as his main transfer target for the new year. This despite Chelsea boss Antonio Conte’s quotes yesterday that he hopes the Spanish international remains at Stamford Bridge for the rest of the season.
OTHER HEADLINES:
Fiorentina are ready to sell Croatian midfielder Milan Badelj in January. Corriere dello Sport states that Chelsea are one of the front-runners for his signature.
Another possible Chelsea target, PSG midfielder Marco Verratti will become a Juventus player next season. Tuttosport states that the 24-year-old will return to Serie A at the end of the current campaign.
Serie A clubs have been alerted to the probable departure from Chelsea of midfielder John Obi Mikel. The 29-year-old is out of contract in the summer and both Milan and Inter have been linked with a move (Gazzetta dello Sport).
Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes wants to remain in the Italian capital and win trophies with the giallorossi. Speaking in the match programme ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Bologna, the former Chelsea target has been speaking about how contented he is now he’s getting regular firt-team football with the club.
Juventus and Manchester United target Pepe will remain at Real Madrid. Spanish sports daily Marca claims the 33-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer will sign a two-year extension at the club.
Steve Mitchell @barafundler
