Players on the move: Join Razeen Gutta for a weekly roundup of all the biggest deals taking place around South Africa and Europe.
A loan move is looming for City’s Kalvin Phillips while United duo Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Casemiro are the latest to be eyed up by Saudi Arabia.
Europe
In the blue half of Manchester, England international Phillips is on the verge of completing a short-term move away from the Etihad.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the player’s move to West Ham United will include an option to buy, with the loan deal expected to be announced this week.
According to GOAL, Al Nassr is exploring the possibility of bringing Manchester United duo Wan-Bissaka and Casemiro to the Saudi Pro League.
As former teammates of Cristiano Ronaldo, the pair have already been convinced to move by the Portuguese star, with a double bid reportedly imminent.
Staying in Saudi, Karim Benzema has reportedly been asked to leave Al-Ittihad “due to pressure”.
The former Real Madrid striker has suffered a dip in form in the Middle East and is the latest superstar to attempt to leave the league after Jordan Henderson completed his move from Al-Ettifaq to Ajax Amsterdam last week.
Back in the Premier League, Newcastle United have held firm on their stance as they attempt to keep a hold of star defender Kieran Trippier.
The Magpies have already rejected two bids from Bayern Munich for the 33-year-old, as the German giants continue their attempt to reunite the right-back with his former Spurs teammate Harry Kane.
South Africa
Bienvenu Eva Nga’s one-and-a-half-year spell at Orlando Pirates has come to an end after the player’s agent announced Nga is now a free agent.
The Cameroonian was previously on Kaizer Chiefs’ radar, however, there are no concrete reports of Amakhosi showing any interest in renewing the 30-year-old’s contract.
An outgoing player from Chiefs during this window could be legendary goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
The 36-year-old was suspended by the club in December and according to Soccer Laduma, a move to Sekhukhune United could be on the cards.
Khune’s situation at the club has fanned rumours that Sekhukhune could be keen to offer him more than just a playing role. Instead, they could be looking long-term at the prospect of involving him in a management role beyond his playing career.
Pictured above: Kalvin Phillips.
Image source: @kalvinphillips
