World Football Gossip Roundup: Neilton, Luis Suarez, Mamadou Sakho

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

The winter transfer window is closed in most places, but deals are still going down.

In Italy, Lazio have unveiled French striker Louis Saha, who had been a free agent since leaving Sunderland (via ESPN FC). In Russia, where the transfer window remains open, Zenit St. Petersburg are reportedly planning a bid for one of their former players.

In addition to Zenit's February quest, this Thursday edition of the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup includes updates on the "new Neymar," Luis Suarez's Liverpool future, David De Gea and Mamadou Sakho.

Keep reading for all the details. 

Chelsea, Manchester United Target Brazilian Teenager Neilton

Chelsea and Manchester United are chasing Brazilian teenager Neilton, according to the Daily Mirror.

Neilton, reportedly called the "new Neymar" in Brazil, scored three goals for Santos against Palmeiras in a recent Under-19 tournament.

Neilton's contract is thought to include a buyout clause of about £5 million. Santos are reportedly trying to renegotiate his contract. 

Zenit St. Petersburg Want Martin Skrtel Return?

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Russian champions Zenit St. Petersburg want Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel for £13 million, according to the Daily Mail.

Skrtel, a 28-year-old Slovakian international, played for Zenit from 2004 to 2008 before joining Liverpool.

The Russian transfer window closes on Feb. 24. 

Luis Suarez Happy at Liverpool but Wants Contract Talks in Summer

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez says he is "very happy" at Liverpool and wants to discuss his contract this summer or next (via The Guardian).

Suarez, 26, joined Liverpool from Ajax in 2011. He has been linked with a summer move to Bayern Munich, where former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola is set to take over following the season.

On an appearance with Radio Marca, Suarez answered a question about whether Liverpool should hold talks about his future in the summer.

"Yes, we should talk this June or the next one, in 2014," he said. "My contract ends in 2018."

Suarez added:

I'm very happy here and my family love the life here too. I want to enjoy being at this club where I, like all the kids, dreamed of playing and now I'm fulfilling that dream. I'm very pleased and very happy because Liverpool is growing.

Suarez has scored 22 goals in all competitions this season, including 17 in the Premier League.

Atletico Madrid to Make Loan Move for David De Gea?

Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

Atletico Madrid are planning a loan move for Manchester United keeper David De Gea if Chelsea recall Thibaut Courtois, according to the Daily Mail.

De Gea, 22, joined United from Atletico for a reported £18 million in 2011. Courtois, 20, has spent the current season and the 2011-12 campaign on loan with Atletico from Chelsea. 

Mamadou Sakho Considering PSG Exit?

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

France international defender Mamadou Sakho has admitted he might have to leave Paris Saint-Germain in the summer in search of first-team playing time (via Goal.com).

Sakho, 22, turned professional with PSG in 2007 after coming through the club's youth setup. He has appeared for France 11 times, but fears he will lose his spot in the team without enough club games.

He said:

I will do everything to play at the 2014 World Cup, but I need to be playing week in, week out. I cannot accept playing just a few minutes this season and next because this is a decisive moment in my career. At the end of the season I will sit down with my agent and club officials and clear up the situation. If I have to leave PSG to keep my place in the France national team, then I have no choice but to leave.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle would be interested in Sakho, according to Goal.com. Sakho said he "adores" the Premier League. 

 

Follow @MikeCummings37