Football transfer news

Bayer Leverkusen chief executive has revealed that Chelsea have had an offer in excess of £16m rejected for their German striker Andre Schurrle.

The 21 year old has established himself as one of the most exciting talents in Germany after securing his move to Leverkusen at the end of last season from Mainz. The young star also featured in Joachim Loew’s squad for the Euros 2012 and started against Greece in the quarter finals. Schurrle has already been capped 17 times for Germany and has scored 7 times for the Mannschaft.

Chelsea have been interested in the German striker for a long time and tried to sign him in the summer of 2011 as well. Leverkusen chief executive Wolfgang Holzhauser was quoted as saying by German news agency SID: “We were presented with a very concrete offer from Chelsea for Andre of beyond the 20 million euro mark. The sum was pushed back and forth between the two clubs. We ultimately chose Andre.

“Andre is very valuable for us. He has also made it clear he would like to stay with us.”

Schurrle’s current contract runs till 2016 and it is believed that the Blues would have to pay in excess of £23.5m if they are to lure away the talented striker to Stamford Bridge.

Brazilian teen sensation Lucas Moura who has been the subject of interest from clubs all over Europe has hinted at a possible transfer as early as this summer.

The Sao Paolo midfielder has been drawing tremendous interest from clubs in England notably Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. The Brazilian club have tried to tie him down to a long term contract but the player has refused to fuelling rumors of a possible exit. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has already sent his chief scout Jim Lawlor on a mission to sign the young star while Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is contemplating over a big money move. Chelsea, who are on a major shopping spree, have already had a bid rejected by the Samba club.

“I cannot confirm my stay until 2014 because there is a lot of time and you never know what will happen tomorrow,” the youngster told Folha de Sao Paulo.

He said: “I open internet and see that Inter Milan, Real Madrid and I don’t know who else are coming for me with loads of money.

“Of course I’m thinking…But, I cannot let it go to my head because I am a quiet man with my feet on the ground.”

Long term Manchester United target Wesley Sneijder could be available if interested clubs make big money offers for their star playmaker according to their manager Stramaccioni.

Sneijder,28, has been linked with a move to United for the past couple of transfer windows and it seems that Sir Alex Ferguson and his men have once again renewed interest in the Dutchman. Inter had a disappointing campaign last time around and their manager Andrea Stramaccioni is working on making major changes to the side. Speaking about Sneijder, he left a window of opportunity for United to sign him but warned them that they would have to make a big offer to lure him away to England.

“Sneijder is fundamental from a technical and tactical point of view, but I can’t say that he is not for sale,” he said.

“That would be an abuse of my power. I would only ask the president (Massimo Moratti) to think carefully should an important offer arrive.”

United, who have lost out in the battle to sign Luka Modric, are now exploring options to shore up their midfield. The arrival of Sneijder could be a major coup for Fergie if he does manage to pull it off.

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott could be the next in line to force an exit after Gunner Captain Robin Van Persie decided not to sign a contract extension last week.

Walcott, 23, joined Arsenal as a 16 year old from Southampton turning down various top clubs in the process. The England international impressed everyone with his displays last season especially against Milan and gradually found himself as one of the mainstays of the side. But Van Persie’s decision to leave has unsettled Walcott who also has a year remaining on his current contract.

Chelsea are monitoring the situation closely and could be tempted to put in an official offer if Walcott refuses to sign an extension. Meanwhile, the officials at the Emirates are still hopeful of persuading their Dutch striker into signing a new deal according to insiders. The club leaves for their pre season tour on Jul 24^th and Arsene Wenger and officials would hold another round of talks with Van Persie before that.

Moroccan playmaker Younes Belhanda has pledged his immediate future to Ligue 1 champions Montpellier amidst intense speculation linking him to Arsenal.

The 22 year old had a terrific season last time helping Montpellier to their historic Ligue 1 triumph. PSG were also believed to be interested in the playmaker but young star has moved to calm down all talks of a possible exit.

“I want to make it clear that it is my choice to carry on with the adventure with my friends at Montpellier,” he posted on his Facebook account.

Belhanda expressed his desire to represent Montpellier in the Champions League coming season. The French club, who have already lost Olivier Giroud to Arsenal, were extremely intent on keeping hold of the young playmaker.

“I really want to play in the Champions League with the club where I have been educated.

“I am very happy to defend the colours of this club again next season.”

Montpellier coach Remi Girard, whom the player largely credits for his footballing education,  has been trying hard to tie down Belhanda to a long term contract.