Blues linked with Liverpool youngster, more speculation over Austin
A round-up of today’s transfer speculation involving Chelsea and QPR…
Chelsea are keeping an eye on Liverpool winger Jordan Ibe, who is hesitating over signing a new deal, The Sun claims.
The 19-year-old Londoner broke into the Reds’ first team this season after impressing on loan at Derby, and has made 12 appearances.
Although he still has two years remaining on his current deal, Liverpool are keen to to tie the teenager down on a long-term contract – but Ibe is said to be stalling.
The Sun believes this will alert both Chelsea and Arsenal.
Norwich City’s John Ruddy is the latest goalkeeper to be tipped to join Chelsea, as Petr Cech’s future at Stamford Bridge remains in doubt.
Ruddy, 28, was reportedly being lined up by Chelsea in 2013 and the Daily Star believes he is still on manager Jose Mourinho’s radar, but that any move may hinge on whether Norwich earn promotion to the top flight.
However, Canaries boss Alex Neil said he was unconcerned by the rumours.
Benfica winger Nico Gaitan and Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino are both again being linked with Chelsea.
Reports in Portugal claim the Blues and Valencia are interested in the 27-year-old Gaitan, who apparently has a £25m release clause in his contract.
The Daily Express, meanwhile, suggests Brazil international Firmino wants to move to the Premier League, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal also monitoring the situation.
Italian media reports claim the playmaker has rejected Inter Milan in the hope of signing for an English club.
And Valencia left-back Jose Luis Gaya, 19, who was supposedly a target for Chelsea, has signed a new contract until 2020.
There is further speculation on Charlie Austin, with the Daily Express suggesting Southampton will offer £10m for the QPR striker.
Newcastle and West Brom are also linked with the ex-Poole Town striker, but the Express believes Rangers will hold out for £14m.
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