European clubs are becoming increasingly concerned about the financial pull of Saudi Arabia.
Initially, it was thought only players reaching the end of their career would consider taking Middle East money.
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But the prospect of big names like Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, Manchester City treble winner Riyad Mahrez and Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane being tempted to switch to Saudi is an unwanted headache for the established super-powers, and indeed UEFA themselves, who are concerned their European competitions will be less attractive to TV viewers.
talkSPORT understands Mahrez has already agreed a lucrative contract with Al Ahli while the indications are Henderson is willing to leave his role as Anfield skipper to reunite with ex-teammate Steven Gerrard.
Mane is also pushing for a move from Germain giants Bayern and more megastars are expected to follow before the summer transfer window closes.
Managers are being targeted, too, with Fulham’s Marco Silva yet to commit to a new deal amidst Saudi interest.
Pochettino wants Martinez at Chelsea
Aston Villa could face a fight to keep goalkeeper Emi Martinez, with Chelsea mulling over a move for the Argentine World Cup winner.
New Blues boss Pochettino made signing a new No. 1 one of his main targets when accepting the job and is a big admirer of fellow countryman Martinez.
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The stumbling block to any deal would be Villa’s asking price as Martinez only committed to a new five-year contract early last year.
Any approach from Chelsea is likely to wait until later in the window, with midfield reinforcements taking priority following a summer clear-out at Stamford Bridge.
Kepa Arrizabalaga and Marcus Bettinelli are Chelsea’s only senior goalkeepers after Edouard Mendy’s move to Saudi Arabia.
Another possible option is Brighton’s Rob Sanchez, who has a good relationship with Chelsea’s goalkeeping guru Ben Roberts from their time at the Amex Stadium.
Danjuma open to Everton move
Arnaut Danjuma is open to a move to Everton – six months after dramatically turning his back on a move to Goodison Park.
Danjuma was as good as signed by the Toffees in January on loan from Villarreal before Tottenham cashed in on the sacking of Frank Lampard to hijack the deal hours before his first training session.
The mercurial Dutchman, who had even been introduced to some of his ‘new teammates’ before the shock U-turn, is back on Everton’s radar after a frustrating spell in north London.
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talkSPORT has been told there is willingness on the 26-year-old’s part to link up with Sean Dyche’s side.
Everton are also in talks with Manchester United over forward Anthony Elanga, although face competition from Nottingham Forest, and have strong interest in Leeds’ Willy Gnonto, as reported in this column last week.
Wolves pull out of Scott move
Wolves have ended their interest in Bristol City starlet Alex Scott – paving the way for Bournemouth to snap up the teenager.
Wolves had an £18million bid rejected earlier this summer, but no longer see it as a financially viable deal to do.
Bournemouth have also seen an offer of £15m plus add-ons for Channel Islander Scott, 19, rebuffed.
But the midfielder is understood to be keen to link up with the Cherries’ new manager Andoni Iraola.
Scott has also been tracked by Tottenham but is keen to join a club where he will go straight into the first-team.
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