A round-up of the biggest football transfer stories from across Europe, including Jose Mourinho’s biggest regret, the future of Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista, and speculation surrounding Real Madrid defender Rafael Varane.
Mourinho’s failed dream
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has revealed his failed attempt to sign Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard in 2005 is one of his biggest transfer regrets.
Mourinho was close to taking Gerrard to Stamford Bridge during his first spell in charge, but the Liverpool captain opted to remain at Anfield.
Having spent his entire career at Liverpool, Gerrard recently announced he would leave the club at the end of the season, and has already signed a deal with MLS side LA Galaxy.
Mourinho’s Chelsea will take on Liverpool on Tuesday in the League Cup semi-final, and talking ahead of the game, the Portuguese coach revealed his anguish at failing to sign Gerrard.
“He (Gerrard) is a historical player for Liverpool, a historical player for the Premier League and an opponent I have always admired and respected,” Mourinho said.
“We did everything to try (to sign him) and it was almost there. I was dreaming of (Claude) Makelele, Gerrard and (Frank) Lampard in midfield.
“We were playing in a proper triangle without a number 10 and playing Maka in front of the defenders. Me, Mr Abramovich and (former Chelsea chief executive) Peter Kenyon at that time, we dreamed of that.
“His people were open to him joining a top side like Chelsea. But to me personally he never said he would come. Never.
“He (Gerrard) was always a red and I think the decision was right.”
Arsenal
Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista has revealed his agent is in talks with Arsenal over a move to the Premier League club this month.
The Brazilian centre-back is a mainstay in the Villarreal back-line and has been a crucial member of the team that has gone unbeaten since early November.
Despite an impressive clean sheet at Manchester City on Sunday, Arsenal’s lack of depth in defence has been telling, with only five recognised senior defenders in Arsene Wenger’s squad. A recent injury to full-back Mathieu Debuchy has added further strain to Arsenal’s defensive reinforcements.
And it appears, Wenger has his sights on 24-year-old Gabriel after the defender spoke out on Saturday following Villarreal’s victory over Athletic Bilbao.
“Whether I go to Arsenal or stay at Villarreal, I won’t lose my head,” Gabriel said. “I’m very calm. My head is at Villarreal and I’m very focused. My agent is working on making sure I continue being calm.”
Gabriel has previously expressed his desire to play in the English Premier League.
“Playing in the Premier League is one of my dreams,” he said. “I have spoken to my agent about this.”
Liverpool
Premier League club Liverpool are leading the race to sign highly-rated Ipswich Town youngster Teddy Bishop, according to reports in the British media.
Bishop, 18, has broken into the Ipswich first-team this season, and after a string of impressive performances, a number of Premier League sides are interested in his services.
The Daily Mirror claims Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham are among the clubs keen on the teenage midfielder, but Liverpool are understood to be in pole position.
The Anfield club are understood to have enquired about a move for Bishop this month, although Ipswich are reluctant to do business midway through the season due to their push for promotion.
However, Ipswich, who rated Bishop at £10 million (DH 55.6m) are bracing themselves for offers at the end of the season.
Raphael Varane
Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has responded to speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League, insisting he has no intention of leaving the Spanish giants.
The France international, who arrived at Real Madrid in 2011, is regarded as one of the best young defenders in Europe, and had established himself as a first-team starter under former coach Jose Mourinho.
However, under current manager Carlo Ancelotti, Varane made just 12 La Liga starts last season, and six so far this campaign.
The 21-year-old’s lack of playing time has encouraged the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, who are eager to bolster their back-lines.
But Varane is staying focused on his Real Madrid career and is not concerned by his inability to cement a place in the starting side.
“I’m 100 per cent with the team and feeling happy. I have a contract until 2020,” Varane said.
“I’m calm and when I’ve played, I’ve tried to do well. Sergio Ramos and Pepe play more than me, but I try to do the best I can.
“My knee hasn’t hurt for a year now. I can play every three days without discomfort. My most important objectives are La Liga and the Champions League.”
