Chelsea want Real Madrid trio, Tottenham in talks with Brazilian and Liverpool confirm forward transfer – round up

If the Daily Star is to be believed, then Jose Mourinho is after a trio of players of whom he managed at Real Madrid. The Chelsea gaffer is ready to start shaping his squad as the Blues look to regain the Premier League title from Manchester United and with this ambitious swoop fans of the club will have every right to believe in their chances.

The three consists of former Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric, ex-Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso and Los Blancos starlet Raphael Varane, who is likely to be seen as a John Terry replacement. With Mikel supposedly leaving the club and Michael Essien’s future in west London a doubt, The Special One is in need of some extra options in the holding role of the field, and there are more established than Alsonso.

Alonso is thought to be the Portuguese manager’s priority, but the other two are still real options.

Staying in the capital, Tottenham’s plans to mould their squad for next season are underway. Andre Villas-Boas has made it clear that Brazilian midfielder Paulinho and momentum seems to be picking up now a fee of around £17m has been agreed between Spurs and Corinthians.

The club’s director of football said: “The situation is well underway. We have to agree on some details of the negotiation, so I can’t say he will leave yet, but the negotiations are good.”

Last up we take a look at Liverpool and their now-confirmed new signing Luis Alberto. The Sevilla forward will move to Anfield shortly to begin his tenure at the club after an impressive season on loan at Barcelona B and with the Spainsh youth side.

Brendan Rodgers had this to say about the the 20-year-old: We are all delighted that Luis has decided to join Liverpool. He has the correct footballing profile and mentality to be a Liverpool player. I look forward to working with him to develop his talent and he joins a group of young exciting players at our club.”

Alberto himself then discussed his delight in the move, saying: “I feel like I’m in a bubble at the moment. For me Liverpool is a top team. I feel like I am dreaming and I want to enjoy it to the full.

“I feel very excited, I’ve never felt so excited before but I’m very happy. I think I am the happiest man on earth.

“I was surprised [when Liverpool showed interest in me]. You never expect this to happen to you. But as the deal moved forward, I became very happy and I wanted to come to Liverpool.

“I have come here to enjoy moments with the supporters – and I know the supporters will help me to never walk alone.

“I hope that between us all we can make this club one of the greatest in the world, once again.”