Hakan Calhanoglu is reportedly ready to turn down a transfer to Barcelona in favour of a move to the Premier League, while rumours in Spain claim Arsenal ace Theo Walcott is again on the Catalans' radar. Meanwhile, Luis Suarez has become the latest Blaugrana to underline Neymar's importance to the club.Fichajes (h/t Metro's George Bellshaw) claims Bayer Leverkusen's Calhanoglu has prioritised a move to England over an adventure with the Blaugrana:Bayer Leverkusen star Hakan Calhanoglu is interested in completing a transfer to Manchester United, according to reports in Spain.The Turkish attacker is keen on a move to the Premier League rather than joining Barcelona in Spain.Leverkusen CEO Michael Schade has already admitted the club would have to take significant transfer offers into consideration, per Sport Bild (h/t Goal's Joe Wright), and the 21-year-old could be available for 28.9 million, per Bellshaw.The Turkey international has emerged as one of the Bundesliga's top young talents since moving to Leverkusen in 2014, playing primarily as an attacking midfielder or left winger. He's mainly known for his spectacular ability to score free-kicks from just about anywhere on the pitch, but he's quickly developing into a well-rounded attacker.A gifted passer and crosser of the ball, Calhanoglu is still growing as a player, and given his young age and relative lack of experience, it would be wise for the youngster to stay in Germany for now and continue honing his craft.Manchester United may have an open spot for someone of his caliber in their squad, particularly if Memphis Depay continues to struggle, but it's hard to see Calhanoglu breaking into the Barcelona starting XI anytime soon.With Arda Turan set to join the squad, the Catalans have an abundance of talent in the attacking third and midfield areas, so Calhanoglu would likely be relegated to the bench while he continues to develop. From that perspective, it's not hard to see why he might favour a move to the Premier League or an extended stay with Leverkusen.Mundo Deportivo (h/t Daily Mirror's Aaron Flanagan) believe the Blaugrana are still interested in a move for Walcott, echoing rumours that surfaced back in September when Bild (h/t AS, via George BellshawofMetro) made similar claims.The England international is apparently eyed as a depth option, with Rafinha still sidelined with a major injury. The fact Walcott faces a long spell on the sidelines himself doesn't seem to factor into Mundo Deportivo's original report, per the Daily Telegraph's Jeremy Wilson and Matt Law.Walcott was enjoying a fine season until the injury bug struck, scoring twice in two Champions League starts while playing as a striker, per WhoScored.com. The 26-year-old was once regarded as a typical winger, but Gunners manager Arsene Wenger prefers to use his blistering pace in a central role.These rumours didn't seem particularly realistic back in September, and little has changed. When healthy, Walcott is a regular starter for the Gunners, meaning he would cost potential suitors a pretty penny. With Barcelona, he would never be more than a depth option, and clubs don't like to spend big money on players who aren't likely to start.Finally, Suarez praised team-mate Neymar after Barcelona's 2-0 win over Getafe on Saturday, in which both found the net. As reported by Sport, he said:We all have clear roles, I can't dribble past four opponents, that's a job for Neymar. He brings us a lot, he is a unique player in all aspects, capable of taking on two or three opponents on his own.He brings us goals, assists, defensive work, keeps improving and will keep improving. He is so important for us.Neymar has been frequently linked with a move away from the Camp Nou since summer, and Spanish football insider Guillem Balague threw some more fuel on the fire recently by claiming he's seriously considering a move to Manchester United when he appeared on talkSPORT'sSports Bar.The Brazil international is expected to stay with the Catalans, but Barcelona aren't taking any chances and have done everything possible to praise him and rule out a transfer the past couple of weeks.Manager Luis Enrique called him "breathtaking and electric" after the win over Rayo Vallecano, speaking to Canal Plus (h/tSky Sports), and Suarez added to the discussion on Saturday.None of this guarantees Neymar will stay, but as of right now, a move away from the club still seems unlikely.Follow @ReverschPass
Click here to read full news..
