Transfer Rater: Mahrez to Manchester City

Published on: 20 November 2017

The latest transfer rumours from around the world. Other

Things change in the blink of an eye in football. The Football Whispers Index takes the latest transfer rumours and gives them a score out of five; the higher the score, the more realistic and reliable the whisper.

Here are today's top five emerging whispers. And keep an eye on

Mouctar Diakhaby to Barcelona

The highly rated Lyon centre-back has attracted interest from several European clubs and FC Inter News reports the Nerazzurri are ready to challenge Juventus and Roma in the race for his signature. The Barcelona target is rated as one of the most promising young defenders in French football and it may take a bid of close to £30 million to convince Lyon to sell. Diakhaby, 21 next month, has also been eyed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola so expect to hear him plenty more speculation over the France Under-21 international's future in the next couple of transfer windows.

Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City

The Premier League leaders are tipped to swoop for the Algerian playmaker. Mahrez has also been linked with a move to Barcelona but according to The Daily Star, Lionel Messi was not keen on the idea of him joining the Catalan club. With Barcelona seemingly out of the running for the Leicester winger, Guardiola may be tempted into making a bid. Mahrez, an Arsenal target last summer, is keen to leave the King Power to play Champions League football. Mahrez has struggled to recapture the magical form which earned him the PFA Players' Player of the Year Award in 2016 but has been rejuvenated under new Foxes boss Claude Puel in recent weeks.

Javier Pastore to Sevilla

Sevilla are interested in signing the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder with coach Eduardo Berizzo determined to bolster his squad in the transfer window. The 28-year Argentina international has found regular playing time hard to come by at the Parc des Princes under Unai Emery and is keen on moving in order to boost his chances of making his country's World Cup squad. "I want to go to the World Cup, but if the national team boss sees I am not playing it will be difficult for him to pick me," he said. However, Pastore admitted that a move to Italy may be more likely if he leaves PSG, with Inter Milan strongly linked.

Patrick van Aanholt to Manchester City

The Crystal Palace left-back has emerged as a shock Manchester City target. Guardiola is keen to sign a natural left-sided defender in January as cover for the injured Benjamin Mendy and has expressed interest in the Dutchman. Van Aanholt only joined the Eagles from Sunderland in January but Roy Hodgson could be forced to sell him in order to raise funds to strengthen other areas, including the much-needed recruitment of a striker. Hodgson also has Jeffrey Schlupp and Joel Ward in that position and a £12m bid from Guardiola may be too good to turn down.

David Brooks to Tottenham

Spurs are prepared to go head-to-head with Liverpool in a race to sign highly rated Sheffield United starlet Brooks. The 20-year-old left the Manchester City academy for Bramall Lane in 2014 and has established himself as a key player for the Blades as they push for automatic promotion from the Championship this season. Brooks signed a new four-year contract with Sheffield United just a few weeks ago but that is unlikely to ward off interest in him.

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