Transfer Tracker: PSV star to Monterrey? Gio to América?

Rayados make play for PSV star Luuk de Jong, while América could take a flyer on Giovani dos Santos.

Besides the Oribe Peralta-to-Chivas blockbuster, transfer news has been a bit thin this week. There is no shortage of rumors hinting at big moves, however, so let’s tug on the grapevine and see what stories shake loose.

The biggest bit of gossip was revealed on Monday when reports emerged that Monterrey was negotiating with PSV Eindhoven striker Luuk de Jong. América had been linked to the 28-year-old before each of the past three seasons, but the Dutchman could not be prised free from PSV.

De Jong – teammate of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano the past two seasons – scored 28 goals in 31 appearances for PZV last season. On Friday, Monterrey coach Diego Alonso declined to address the topic although GM Duilio Davino did confirm that there was interest on the part of the Rayados.

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“I’ll be happy to talk about any players that are currently on our roster,” Alonso said, insisting he is happy with the team as it currently stands.

The whispers about de Jong followed hard on the heels of reports that Monterrey had tried to entice Team USA captain Michael Bradley (midfielder) to leave Toronto.

Earlier this offseason, there were reports that Monterrey was talking with former Mexico star Giovani dos Santos who was cut by the L.A. Galaxy prior to the start of the MLS season. Cruz Azul also sought to talk to the older dos Santos. Now it appears that América is very close to getting Gio’s signature on a piece of paper.

On Wednesday, brother Jonathan dos Santos spoke up about his brother after a training session with El Tri. Jona pointed out that he and Gio “have been ‘Americanistas’ since birth” and signing with the Aguilas would be a dream come true for his older brother. Their father – Brazilian soccer player Zizinho – began his professional career playing for América.

This week, reports suggested América was deep in talks with dos Santos and on Wednesday coach Miguel Herrera said Gio would fit right in with América’s playing style. However, there does appear to be a sticking point … Gio’s salary demands are higher than team management is willing to accept.

América is also preparing to lose a key player or two over the summer, so they are not standing still. The Aguilas were concerned that midfielder Guido Rodríguez might attract attention from scouts while playing for Argentina in the Copa América. His midfield running mate Mateus Uribe is also fielding offers from European clubs while playing well with Colombia in the same tournament.

As such, the Aguilas sent out feelers to Real Madrid midfielder Lucas Silva who is on loan to Brazil’s Cruzeiro. Silva, 26, is under contract with Madrid through next year and is said to be more interested in staying in his home country although Cruzeiro has not yet made an offer to extend the loan deal. The Tigres have also shown interest in Silva because midfield mainstay Rafael Carioca only has one year left on his contract and he might prefer giving Europe a shot.

Transfer tidbits from Europe

At the international level, rumors regarding “Chucky” Lozano continue to swirl. Although Barcelona, Madrid and top Premier League clubs get mentioned, it appears that Napoli and Paris St Germain are the more likely landing spots. However, PSV has increased its asking price as talks get serious so there is the possibility that some clubs might be scared away. In fact, Napoli recently hinted that they want to take a look at Colombia star James Rodríguez (Bayern Munich) which could mean they have lost interest in Chucky.

Elsewhere, “goal.com” reported that Eintracht Frankfurt had scouted striker José Juan Macías at the Under-20 World Cup in Poland. Macías, 19, was the top Mexican goal scorer in Liga MX last season in helping León finish atop the table and reach the Final. The teen scoring machine was on loan to the Esmeraldas and the Chivas are waiting to see if León will meet the buy-out request. This week, León management complained that $15 million dollars was too much to pay so Macías’ future remains up in the air.

Macías’ fellow U-20 star Diego Lainez could be on the move this summer. The Real Betis winger spent much of his time in Spain on the bench, but now Serie A club Lazio is inquiring about his availability. Wherever Diego goes, let’s just hope he gets playing time.