Man City reported to be leading race to sign midfielder Matic

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Manchester City are looking to beat Chelsea to the signing of Nemanja Matic from Benfica, the Express says.

It comes after press reports in Portugal suggested that City boss Manuel Pellegrini is now in pole position to capture the midfielder.

Matic, who left Chelsea three years ago as part of the deal which saw the Blues sign David Luiz from Benfica, has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge. Arsenal and Manchester United are also reported to be interested.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are the latest club to be linked with a move for Juan Mata.

Juan Mata of Chelsea
Mata has been linked with several clubs

There has been speculation about the Spaniard’s future in light of his struggle to secure a first-team place since Jose Mourinho’s return as Blues boss.

A host of clubs have been linked with him and the Daily Star suggests Real are among those interested.

The La Liga giants are said to be considering Mata as a possible replacement for Angel Di Maria, who has been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United.

Once more it is reported that Inter Milan have told Chelsea they want £15m for Fredy Guarin, this time by the Express.

Sportbild reports that Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs is set for talks with Chelsea in an attempt thrash out a deal for Kevin De Bruyne.

Chelsea have again been tipped to sign former Liverpool man Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid, where the midfielder played under Mourinho.

Liverpool are reported to be interested in taking him back to Anfield, while Manchester City have also been linked with him.

But the Express claims Alonso, whose contract expires at the end of the season, could be on his way to west London for a modest transfer fee.

And Sevilla look likely to extend the contract of Croatia international Ivan Rakitic, who Talksport say is a transfer target for Chelsea as well as Manchester United.

He told German website Spox.com: “There is no tension over my renewal, but since the club have taken this gesture [offering a new deal], it is a great honour for me.”

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