According to reports in this morning’s Corriere dello Sport, four Premier League sides are chasing the signature of Roma defender Antonio Rudiger. 
 

The journal states that Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal are all lining up possible bids for the 23-year-old in January. The German international was set to be one of the main protagonists of last summer’s window but when he damaged his cruciate knee ligament training with the national team ahead of Euro 2016, interest waned. Now the race to sign him looks to be back on with the Italian club reportedly prepared to listen to offers from interested parties.  

Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman has received a two-match ban after trial by television. The 26-year-old Dutchman, who has been subject to much speculation over a potential move to Everton in January, received the punishment after simulation in last weekend’s derby win over Lazio. At first glance it appeared that he was pushed to the floor by an opponent after he had put his side ahead but replays clearly showed there was minimal contact and the appropriate action has now been taken.


 

Reports in Italy continue to link Fiorentina striker Federico Bernardeschi with a move to the Premier League. Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the 22-year-old will be the subject of a €45 million bid from Chelsea in the summer.

 

Tuttosport claims that the presence of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp at last night’s Barcelona v Borussia Monchengladbach is a sure sign he is determined to land midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud.  The 20-year-old German international is also a primary target of Juventus.


 

Reports from Belgium claim that Italian clubs are set to miss out on Anderlecht playmaker Nicolae Stanciu. The 23-year-old Romanian international is believed to be closing in on a move to Sunderland.


 

Over in Turin, Tuttosport updates us on the saga concerning the future of West Ham striker Simone Zaza. The journal claims today that Valencia have moved into pole-position to sign him in January.

 

Leicester City target M’Baye Niang has once again confirmed his intention to stay at AC Milan. The French striker told Gazzetta dello Sport that he is happy at the rossoneri and wants to stay for several more years.





Steve Mitchell @barafundler