Serie A side Roma are considering a loan move for Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi as a cheaper alternative to their preferred target Alexis Sánchez.
Manchester United want Sánchez to leave on loan before the European transfer window closes, but the Chilean is dragging his feet and insists that he wants to stay at Old Trafford. That has prompted manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to threaten to ban him from the first-team squad, and to train instead with the reserves.
Roma though are struggling to construct a deal for Sánchez because of his exorbitant wage demands, so have turned to Batshuayi instead.
The 25 year old Belgian international enjoyed a successful loan spell at Crystal Palace last season, but, now back at Stamford Bridge, he does not appear to be part of Frank Lampard’s long-term plans and, despite the UEFA transfer ban which stops them bringing in new players, may be ready to let him leave.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.