World Football Gossip Roundup: Javier Hernandez, Mario Gotze, Hulk
The theme of the day in the world football rumor mill is keeping one's options open.
At Juventus, the Italian champions are reportedly plotting a Plan B if they can't sign Luis Suarez this summer.
At Zenit St. Petersburg, Hulk is reportedly already plotting his escape from Russia.
Meanwhile, at Borussia Dortmund, Mario Gotze apparently finds a few other clubs attractive.
All those stories and more are inside this Friday edition of the World Football Gossip Roundup. Keep reading for all the details.
Juventus Target Javier Hernandez as Backup Plan?
1 of 5Juventus have identified Manchester United's Mexican striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez as a backup transfer option if they cannot sign Liverpool's Luis Suarez this summer, according to the Daily Mail.
Hernandez, 24, joined United from Chivas in 2010 and has scored eight goals in 15 Premier League appearances (six starts) this season. He has also been linked with Atletico Madrid.
Juventus are reportedly searching for a strike partner for 28-year-old Spaniard Fernando Llorente, who is set to join Juve from Athletic Bilbao on a free transfer this summer.
Mario Gotze Attracted to Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United
2 of 5Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze says he is attracted to clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United (Sport1 via ESPN FC).
Gotze, a 20-year-old full German international, has scored eight goals in 24 Bundesliga appearances this season. He debuted in BVB's first team as a 17-year-old in 2009.
Gotze said:
"I’d like to leave my options open. Clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester United are attractive. In other leagues, you could develop further—but I’m not thinking that far ahead right now. I am happy at Dortmund and delighted about the way things are going. I would not have extended my contract (until 2016) otherwise.
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Hulk Wants out of Zenit St. Petersburg? Chelsea Still Interested?
3 of 5Brazil international forward Hulk has grown tired of life in Russia and wants to leave Zenit St. Petersburg less than a year after joining the club, according to Metro.
Hulk, 26, joined Zenit from Porto last summer for a reported £40 million. Reports from Russia claim he has requested a summer transfer away from the club.
Chelsea reportedly had two bids for Hulk turned down last year and are thought to be interested again.
"My future? I love the Premier League," Hulk said. "The Premier League is a great competition with great clubs. If I have time, I watch the matches on television."
Henrikh Mkhitaryan Wants to Leave Shakhtar Donetsk?
4 of 5Henrikh Mkhitaryan says he will try to leave Shakhtar Donetsk this summer, according to the Daily Mirror.
Mkhitaryan, a 24-year-old Armenian attacking midfielder, has impressed with Shakhtar in the UEFA Champions League the last two seasons. Chelsea and Manchester City are thought to be interested in signing him.
"For every player, to play for the strongest clubs in the world is a dream, and the main goal," Mkhitaryan is quoted as saying. "I will do everything possible to move this summer to a different team."
Quick Kicks
5 of 5Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has hinted that he could quit Manchester United this summer. (Daily Mirror)
Manchester United's No. 1 keeper, Spaniard David De Gea, says he wants to stay at the club for a "long time." (Sky Sports)
Manchester City's new chief executive Ferran Soriano has given manager Roberto Mancini an apparent vote of confidence. (Daily Mail)
Russia manager Fabio Capello, who previously managed England, has played down reports linking him to the Chelsea job. (Daily Mail)
Liverpool could move for PSG defender Mamadou Sakho this summer. Sakho says he needs first-team football to seal a spot in France's World Cup squad. (talkSPORT)
Arturo Vidal says he is staying at Juventus and wants fellow Chilean Alexis Sanchez of Barcelona to join him in Turin. (ESPN FC)
