Blues linked with Senegal defender, speculation over Dembele and several QPR players
A round-up of the latest transfer speculation involving Chelsea, QPR and Fulham…
Chelsea have been linked with Nantes’ Senegal international defender Papy Djilobodji.
Following French media reports that Chelsea are interested in the 27-year-old, the Daily Mail say the Blues have made an approach for him.
Celtic, Southampton, Newcastle, Leicester and Sunderland are also said to be interested, but the player has reportedly been holding out for a move to a bigger club.
The Mail also reports that Chelsea youngster Nathaniel Chalobah, who has been spotted in Naples, is set to join Napoli on loan.
And the Italian media continue to suggest that Chelsea will look to complete a deal to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus before the transfer window closes.
The Daily Star, citing a claim by an Italian journalist, suggest Chelsea will pay £87.5m in order to land the France international.
Austin’s future
Inevitably there is speculation over the futures of various QPR players ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
The Daily Mirror claim Rangers are ‘bracing themselves for a fire sale’, with West Ham supposedly still keen to sign keeper Rob Green and West Brom tipped to try to push through a deal for Matty Phillips.
The Mirror also say Swansea have been sounded out about signing Junior Hoilett as Rangers look to reduce their wage bill.
As for Charlie Austin, the Mirror reckon Bournemouth will make a pre-deadline move for the R’s striker but will face competition from Crystal Palace.
Eagles boss Alan Pardew would apparently have to offload players before he could go for Austin.
On Sunday bookmakers cut the odds on Austin signing for Manchester United, prompting the Star to suggest he could be on his way to Old Trafford.
The Star also claim Austin earns £85,000 a week at QPR and that his wage demands have put off potential buyers.
The Austin situation as it stands:
• Rangers want £15m
• Leicester had an offer rejected last month
• Crystal Palace have shown some interest but not at QPR’s asking price
• West London Sport also revealed last month that QPR were considering making Austin an offer of a new deal if he stays, fearing they could lose him on a Bosman free transfer if he sees out the remainder of his contract
• Director of football Les Ferdinand later confirmed to West London Sport that the club were considering making Austin another offer
• Ferdinand has also denied reports of an approach from Newcastle
• Everton have been monitoring Austin since QPR were last in the Championship
Meanwhile, QPR want Middlesbrough’s Albert Adomah, the Northern Echo believe.
Boro would apparently be willing to sell the Ghana international for around £4m but would also consider a season-long loan deal.
And French media reports claim Fulham have rejected an offer from Genoa for Moussa Dembele and that Marseille are interested in the teenage striker.
