Barcelona transfer news: Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen emerges as a shock £20m target for Catalans
The Danish centre-half, 20, has only played a couple of games at Stamford Bridge
CHELSEA’S Andreas Christensen is a shock £20million target for Barcelona.
The Danish centre-half, 20, has only played a couple of games at Stamford Bridge but has shone on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany.
The classy defender stood out in the Champions League against Barca this term and in other games.
Christensen could head to the Nou Camp either in the next window or more likely at the end of this season.
Barca see him as a ball-playing centre-half and an ideal partner and long-term replacement for Gerard Pique.
Christensen was 16 when he joined the Blues in 2012 from Brondby, moving through their academy and Under-21 sides.
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Chelsea are in a dilemma as they do not want to lose Christensen but cannot offer him a regular start, while boss Antonio Conte wants to sign more experienced defenders.
Speaking about his future last month, Christensen said: “I have not decided yet. I’m not going to do it at the moment. When it comes to me, I’ll decide next summer.
“For me, both things are possible (staying or leaving). I don’t want to be distracted, and I can’t decide alone. The question is if the clubs can agree a fee.”
MANCHESTER rivals United and City are at war over talent spotters.
Chief academy scout David Harrison left City for United and word is it could be the first capture of many.
EVERTON money man Farhad Moshiri wants to find out who gave Roberto Martinez a handsome pay-off in his contract.
The raging investor has quizzed staff after Martinez won his claim for about £10million over his sacking.
Nobody at the club has admitted giving out such lavish terms.
DAVID MOYES is checking on Austria midfield general Julian Baumgartlinger.
Sunderland boss Moyes sent scout Robbie Cooke to see the ace in top form against Wales last week.
Baumgartlinger, 28, plays in Germany for Bayer Leverkusen but could be tempted to move to the Premier League in January.
STEVE BRUCE is putting together a management team to help him get the Aston Villa job.
And his key appointment is goalkeeping coach Nigel Spink — a former Villa hero.
Spink, 58, is currently out of football but is lined up for a comeback as Bruce looks to recruit a Villa face for his staff.
Bruce’s spell at Birmingham has caused friction among fans who do not want a “blue nose” in charge and that has slowed down his appointment.
He is desperate for the job but owner Tony Xia is wary of fan opinion.
Bruce, 55, would also bring in Hull coach Stephen Clemence and might try to lure Middlesbrough coach Steve Agnew.
QPR are monitoring Tony Pulis’ future at West Brom.
Rangers boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is now under pressure and club chiefs rate Pulis.
It would need him to leave Baggies first but that may happen as Pulis is unhappy about transfers.
CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers has ordered reports on Barnsley’s Conor Hourihane.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder can move for nothing next summer at the end of his contract or even sign a pre-contract in January.
Hourihane, 25, has starred in the Championship this season but would leap at the chance to sign for his boyhood idols.
BLACKBURN’S wrongly disallowed goal is being used to teach refs not to make the same mistake.
Marvin Emnes’ strike against Sheffield Wednesday last month, ruled offside despite Danny Graham not being involved, will illustrate to refs what not to do.
SHREWSBURY are eyeing Jim Bentley after losing boss Mickey Mellon.
Bentley could be available as Morecambe have new owners and he may feel the time is right to leave.
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