The transfer window may not open again until January 1 2018 but that hasn’t put an end to plenty of speculation throughout Europe.

Here, we take a look at three big stories dominating the headlines on Saturday.

Will any of the following deals happen?

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ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI READY TO FULFILL DREAM REAL MADRID MOVE

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has reportedly revealed he is desperate to sign for Real Madrid.

The Pole, who has widely been linked with the Bernabeu club in the recent past, has made a ‘come and get me’ plea to Los Blancos given Whites club president Florentino Perez is expected to give boss Zinedine Zidane big funds to spend this January.

At the age of 29, Lewandowski’s chances of getting one last big move are becoming less and less – with the former Borussia Dortmund star having made no secret of his desire to play for Madrid in the future.

RATING: 8/10

VERDICT

The forward still has over three years left on his Bayern deal but expect the Bundesliga giants to cash in on one of their prized assets before then – if they feel a significant offer from Real Madrid represents worthwhile value for money.

Real are obviously on the lookout for striking reinforcements to provide both help for legend Cristiano Ronaldo and competition for Karim Benzema.

Lewandowski has fired 20 goals in all competitions this term.

JAVIER MASCHERANO COULD MOVE TO CHINA

Hebei China Fortune, managed by former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, are set to sign Javier Mascherano at the end of the season.

The Barcelona club legend, who has virtually admitted he is set to end his seven-year stay at the Nou Camp next summer, is expected to not be short of options with an array of sides chasing his signature.

The Chinese Super League outfit could offer the Argentine lucrative financial terms and give the 33-year-old food for thought, if indeed he was thinking of returning to his homeland.

RATING: 8/10

VERDICT

While it is not out of the question Mascherano could leave Barcelona for a nominal fee in January, Ernesto Valverde is said to value his experience and character in and around the club – and would therefore be happy if he stays until the end of the season.

But, if a big-money offer did come in from China, it would be a paycheque that would be difficult to turn down at this stage in his career.

Mascherano has won four La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns at Barcelona.

DIEGO SIMEONE CLEAR ON NEW BLOOD HE WANTS AT ATLETICO

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone says he will only bring new players into the club if he feels they have the desire to improve.

Having exited the Champions League in the group stage phase last week, Atleti have rekindled their La Liga form to move up to third spot in the league.

While the Spanish giants are close to wrapping up the signing of Racing Club star Lautaro Martinez in January, Simeone believes only a certain type of player can cut it under his long-term reign at the club – underpinned by hard work and full-blooded commitment to the cause.

“A player who just has talent in Atletico does not play because you must have the desire to improve too,” the 47-year-old said in an interview with TyC Sports.

“It’s not enough just to have talent.”

Simeone used young Argentine Angel Correa – a player who signed for the club in 2014 – as an example of a raw talent who has made himself an indispensable part of the Red and Whites’ first-team squad.

“Today Correa can play in different parts of the field, which he could not do before.”

“He is on the way to being a real star.”

 

RATING: 8/10

VERDICT

It is clear Atleti have some strengthening to do in January and indeed the summer, as Simeone’s men continue to build at their new Wanda Metropolitano home.

But, for so long as the legendary Argentinean boss is in charge, it will always be up to Diego whoever comes in.

Simeone has identified the type of talent he wants to bring into the club.