Bayern table €15 million bid for Ajax star

Bayern Munich have made an official offer for Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen, Munchener Merkur reveals.

The Bavarians are looking to further reinforce their back line in January and they are already identifying their targets.

According to the German newspaper, the Bundesliga giants have made Ajax defender Jan Verthonghen their number one target.

Bayern officially submitted a €15 million offer for the Belgian defender and are hoping to wrap up a deal in the coming days.

The 24-year-old centre-back, who can also play on the left hand side and in midfield, is looking for a new challenge after spending his entire career at Amsterdam Arena.

Ajax chiefs are ready to cash in on Vertonghen in January and they want to sign Cristian Chivu as a replacement for the Belgian.

Italian giants battling for Palombo

Fiorentina and Juventus could enter a real bidding war for Sampdoria midfielder Angelo Palombo, La Nazione understands.

The former Italy international decided to stay at Sampdoria in the summer and help Doriani return to the top flight, but he has since become disillusioned with life at Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

The Serie B side have already informed interested clubs that they are prepared to listen to offers for the 30-year-old.

La Nazione now claims that Fiorentina are on the verge of signing the highly rated midfielder, after offering €4 million in cash plus Gianni Munari.

However, Juventus are set to reignite their interest in Palombo after being informed that Valon Behrami is not for sale.

Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte is eager to sign a central midfielder in January and he could make a formal bid for Palombo in the coming days.

The experienced midfielder featured in 20 Serie B games this season, scoring one goal in the process.

Edson Buddle on trial at Everton

United States international Edson Buddle has joined Everton on a trial, his agent has revealed.

The 30-year-old left LA Galaxy to join Bundesliga 2 side Ingolstadt in January 2011, but he is now looking for a new challenge.

The experienced forward scored the total of nine goals in his first year at the club, and has now been given a chance to earn a contract at Goodison Park.

“For those asking, my client @EdsonBuddle will be on trial this week at Everton FC,” the player’s representative Richard Motzkin said on his Twitter account.

Ingolstadt sporting director Thomas Linke claims the club will listen to offers for the United States international.

“If he wants to leave us, we will find a solution,” Linke was quoted as saying.

Buddle was recently linked with Championship sides Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday.

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