Morning Paper Talk

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Real Madrid have put Premier League clubs on red alert after dropping out of the race for Erling Haaland.

Crystal Palace have put Rangers star Joe Aribo on the top of their shopping list for next season.

Manchester United want to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus in the summer.

Manchester United and Chelsea are leading the race to sign Blackburn Rovers wonderkid Ashley Phillips. Both clubs have been watching the 16-year-old English centre-back this season.

West Ham failed with a £55m deadline day transfer offer for Kalvin Phillips, with Leeds desperate to keep their star man.

Barcelona are reportedly hoping to reach pre-contract agreements with Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen in the coming days.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers is planning to ‘refresh the squad’ at the end of this season with preparations for the summer transfer window already under way.

Neil Warnock is keen on a return to management – and on the radar of struggling Barnsley.

Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on three central midfield transfer targets – Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips and RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara.

Derby are exploring whether they can be saved from potential liquidation by an insurance policy worth just £2.5m.

Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit to sign Barcelona star Ronald Araujo.

Liverpool are monitoring Le Havre’s 17-year-old Andy Elysee Logbo who has been compared to Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.

Manchester City’s players believe Pep Guardiola will sign a new contract to stay at the Etihad beyond next year.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Mauricio Pochettino could be involved in an incredible football version of trading places in the summer.

Chelsea and Manchester United are both keen on Real Sociedad forward Alexander Isak.

Celtic are set to step up signing talks with loan stars Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Juventus boss Max Allegri insists there is no bad blood with Aaron Ramsey after green-lighting the loan move to Rangers.

Wales boss Rob Page says Scottish football can help Aaron Ramsey end Scotland’s World Cup dream.

 

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Newcastle are still searching for a new goalkeeper and could go after Arsenal’s Bernd Leno in the summer.

Barcelona boss Xavi wants to sign Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, who is also a centre-back target for Chelsea.

Current Barca centre-back Ronald Araujo is a target for Liverpool and Chelsea, following recent links with Manchester United.

The Blues are also continuing to monitor Real Madrid’s Eder Militao as a third transfer target in defence.

Madrid have lined up former Germany coach Joachim Low to succeed Carlo Ancelotti. Indeed, Low has been learning Spanish for the past 12 months with the goal of managing in La Liga.

Borussia Dortmund have made an offer for Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule. Manuel Akanji has so far rejected Dortmund’s offer of a new deal, hence the long-term interest in Sule.

Robin Gosens has revealed that he rejected a lucrative transfer offer from Newcastle in January to instead move to Inter.

Watford are targeting a move for Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Cristiano Ronaldo could yet move back to Real Madrid if he leaves Manchester United at the end of the season.

Tanguy Ndombele has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain tried to sign him in January, before he instead left Tottenham for a loan move to Lyon.

Stefano Piolo has claimed that he could remain as AC Milan coach “forever”. His side clinched a dramatic win over Inter on Saturday which mounted the pressure at the top of Serie A.

But Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s tendon injury is more serious than first feared and he will only likely be back for Milan’s clash with Salernitana on February 19.

Denis Zakaria has said that Juventus made a more convincing effort to sign him in January, despite transfer interest from Man Utd.

Arsenal have a strong interest in signing Juventus striker Alvaro Morata amid the Gunners’ continued search for a new forward.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has said that he has not made a decision over his future ahead of the upcoming Champions League clash with Madrid.

 

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Arsenal are registering an interest in signing Osasuna midfielder Jon Moncayola, who is rated in the £20m bracket.

Gareth Bale will re-sign for Tottenham as a free agent this summer with an agreement reached ‘months ago’.

Atletico Madrid are ready to pay as much as £25m (€30m) to prise Matty Cash from Aston Villa with Diego Simeone making him their No 1 target.

Newcastle are ready to raise their offer for Sven Botman and are being billed as ‘favourites to sign him’ due to their ‘unlimited funds’.

Bayern Munich are going all out to sign Antonio Rudiger as Niklas Sule’s replacement, with the latter agreeing to sign for Borussia Dortmund.

Alternatively, the Bundesliga champions are ready to move for Andreas Christensen as Sule’s replacement.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle are the three clubs in the mix to sign Youri Tielemans this summer.

Arsenal have no plans to sell William Saliba this summer amid interest from Real Madrid and AC Milan. Furthermore, the Gunners are planning to welcome the Frenchman back into their squad.

Liverpool are ready to price Barcelona out of the picture for Gavi by offering him a £65,000 a week salary and £8.4m signing bonus.

Barcelona want to sign both Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde this summer in a double transfer blow to Chelsea.

Luka Modric reckons he can carry on playing until he is 40 after dismissing all talk his latest deal at Real Madrid will be his last.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has revealed that Tottenham defender Cristian Romero is the toughest opponent he’s ever faced.

Riqui Puig is likely to leave Barcelona this summer if he continues to struggle for regular action under Xavi.

Fiorentina are ready to enter fresh talks with Arsenal over the future of Lucas Torreira, while their £12m option to sign remains active.

Sebastian Giovinco is reportedly set to sign for Genoa as a free agent, having seen his deal at Al-Hilal expire.

Karim Benzema is demanding a meeting with Florentino Perez amid fears Erling Haaland will replace him in Real Madrid’s attack next season.

Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa is reportedly considering an offer to join Fenerbahce before the Turkish transfer window shuts.

Lionel Messi reportedly wanted Barcelona to sign Sadio Mane during his time at Barcelona and prior to the Argentine’s exit to PSG.

AC Milan are considering a summer move for Club Bruges winger Noa Lang, who is also being linked with Leeds.

Kylian Mbappe insists he is still to make a decision on his future amid claims he’s already agreed a huge move to Real Madrid.

Valencia are in talks to sign Joselu with the former Newcastle striker becoming a free agent this summer with his Alaves deal expiring.

Denis Zakaria claims he rejected a January approach from Manchester United – and has no regrets at opting to sign for Juventus.

 

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Leeds United are leading the chase to sign Riqui Puig from Barcelona this summer with Barcelona willing to sell for ‘an affordable price’.

Manchester City are reportedly preparing a double raid on Boca Juniors for teenage stars Exequiel Zeballos and Valentin Barco.

Ronald Araujo and Gavi are reportedly ready to sign extensions with Barcelona, despite reports citing interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.

Arsenal’s chances of signing Orkun Kokcu from Feyenoord this summer are fading amid claims he will cost €50m.

Luis Diaz’s father claims hesitation from Tottenham prevented them from signing and allowed Liverpool to ‘snatch him away’.

Newcastle United will reportedly try again to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Filip Kostic in the summer, having failed with a January move.

Manchester United are in the process of exchanging documents over the sale of Andreas Pereira. Flamengo are paying an initial £8.8m, while the Red Devils will claim 25% of any future transfer fee.

Real Madrid are considering a move to sign Robert Lewandowski, with the Bayern striker hoping to finish his career at the Bernabeu.

Dortmund coach Marco Rose insists ‘everything is on the table’ over Erling Haaland’s future, amid multiple links to numerous clubs.

Barcelona are closing on the double signing of Santos teenagers Kaiky and Angelo, in a double deal worth around €35m.

Manchester United are reportedly considering a move to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji, who says he has a “big dream” to play at Old Trafford.

Ajax are hoping to re-sign right-back Sergino Dest from Barcelona in exchange for Noussair Mazraoui and Nicolas Tagliafico.

PSG are considering a fresh move for Moise Kean, with the striker currently on loan at Juventus from Everton.

Marco Asensio claims Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale still have ‘lots to give’ Real Madrid amid reports linking the pair with Premier League returns.

Gigio Donnarumma insists he is happy at PSG despite a lack of games, while remaining grateful to Milan for how they shaped him.

Real Madrid are accelerating talks to sign Antonio Rudiger in an effort to beat Bayern Munich to his signing.

Sadio Mane is being chased by clubs in LaLiga again after his AFCON success – and the Liverpool forward would reportedly be open to two destinations.

Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata is flying to Finland for a specialist consultation amid fears of a serious injury setback.

Roma are likely to make a fresh attempt to prise Granit Xhaka from Arsenal this summer.

Marco Asensio admits he’ll welcome playing with Kylian Mbappe providing Real Madrid can get a deal done.

Tottenham’s hierarchy and Antonio Conte are ‘joining forces’ in their quest to sign Arturo Vidal, while the Chilean’s decision to leave is ‘practically taken’.

 

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Tottenham and Manchester City are the frontrunners to sign Paulo Dybala, but the Argentina international will first discuss a new contract at Juventus.

City also have eyes on Inter forward Lautaro Martinez and could offer a players-plus-cash deal involving Gabriel Jesus.

While Real Madrid are one of the frontrunners to sign Borussia Dortmund hitman Erling Haaland, City fancy their chances of a deal.

While Lille rejected a €45million (£38million) offer from Newcastle for Sven Botman, they are unlikely to ask for much less in the summer.

Meanwhile, Botman has since opened fresh talks about a potential transfer to AC Milan.

Atletico Madrid still hold interest in Aston Villa full-back Matty Cash. However, manager Diego Simeone would prefer to sign Chelsea’s Cesar Azplicueta.

Azpilicueta wants a face-to-face meeting with Blues director Marina Granovskaia to sort out his contract.

For now, though, the Spaniard has insisted that he is “not going to speak” about his future.

Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli has backed Giovani Lo Celso to star at the La Liga club, following his loan move from Tottenham.

Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe has insisted that striker Alexander Isak feels “calm” and “focused” following January transfer links with Arsenal.

Karim Benzema feels unsure whether to sign a new contract at Real Madrid, following club interest in Haaland.

Tottenham goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman has signed a new contract and will subsequently move back to Swedish side Degerfors on loan.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes has backed Lionel Messi to return to form against Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba wants to return to Juventus, amid reports also linking him with a move to Real Madrid in the summer.

Edinson Cavani also looks highly likely to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.

 

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Tottenham are ready to swoop, with negotiations over Paulo Dybala’s new contract at Juventus stalling.

Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans wants to leave the club this summer, with Arsenal and Manchester United battling for his signature.

Gareth Bale is set to leave Real Madrid as a free agent this summer, with claims he has already agreed a return to Tottenham.

PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino says he does not believe Kylian Mbappe’s future will depend on the outcome of the Champions League round-of-16 tie against Real Madrid.

Barcelona will turn their attention to Real Sociedad forward Alexander Isak this summer if they fail in their pursuit of Erling Haaland.

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski wants a move to Real Madrid. However, the 33-year-old could see that scuppered if the Spanish side sign Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.

Lyon will try everything possible to bring Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette back to the club this summer.

Fabrizio Romano suggests there is a 50% chance of Antonio Rudiger leaving Chelsea this summer.

Juventus are considering making a move to sign AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie in the summer. Tottenham and Manchester United are both keen on the player, while Liverpool have also joined the chase.

West Ham are still interested in signing Man Utd midfielder Jesse Lingard in the summer.

Marco Asensio’s future is ‘a real dilemma for Real Madrid’. The playmaker is under contract until 2023.

Wolves and Barcelona are agreeing a swap deal that would see Adama Traore join Barcelona permanently, with Francisco Trincao set to stay at Molineux.

PSG are not planning to extend Angel Di Maria’s contract.

Former Manchester United and Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez is set to be offered a new deal by Inter Milan. However, the Chilean will have to take a wage cut.

Borussia Dortmund have made striker Karim Adeyemi their top target for the summer.

A new deal for Sergi Roberto at Barcelona has been speculated, but no paperwork has been signed as yet.

River Plate are interested in signing New York City FC striker Valentin Castellanos on loan, according to coach Marcelo Gallardo.

 

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Manchester United are ready to capitalise on Antonio Rudiger’scontract situation and are prepared to meet his salary demands

Mauricio Pochettino wants Manchester United to sign England captain Harry Kane, 28, from Tottenham, should the Argentine leave Paris St-Germain to become the club’s next manager.

Manchester United have had their scouting network cast an eye over Benfica star Darwin Nunez

Real Madrid have added Arsenal’s 24-year-old Scotland left-back Kieran Tierney to their list of summer transfer targets.

Manchester United’s players are frustrated with interim manager Ralf Rangnick’s training methods, which they believe are “old fashioned”.

Paul Pogba would prefer a return to Juventus this summer if he is to leave Manchester United

Aston Villa and Tottenham are among four clubs interested in signing 34-year-old Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal from Inter Milan.

West Ham have opened talks with 26-year-old Czech Republic midfielder Tomas Soucek over a new contract at the London Stadium.

Barcelona are keen to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, with Leeds United’s 21-year-old France Under-21 international Illan Meslier on their shortlist.

AC Milan have removed the €50m release clause from Ismael Bennacer’s contract amid interest from clubs in Europe

Frenkie de Jong will not look to leave Barcelona this summer

If Paul Pogba is to remain at Manchester United beyond the end of the season, then the French midfielder is going to have to take a pay cut.

Gareth Bale has signed a pre-agreement to rejoin Tottenham from Real Madrid this summer. The 32-year-old Welsh winger is out of contract at the end of the season.

Tottenham could beat Barcelona to the signature of AC Milan’s 25-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie.

Youri Tielemans, 24, will not extend his contract with Leicester City, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United interested.

Arsenal are set to sign New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner. The 27-year-old American will join the Gunners in the summer after completing the first half of the MLS season.

Former England midfielder Jack Wilshere, 30, is “more than a target” for Serie B side Como, according to the club’s councillor for sport.

Barcelona are keen to sign Real Sociedad and Sweden forward Alexander Isak, 22, who is a target for Arsenal.

Manchester United’s 31-year-old Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea says a “curse” must be behind the club’s recent lack of trophies.

Manchester United have threatened to ban season ticket holders who do not show up for at least 10 home league games next season.

Kalidou Koulibaly has made his future clear by valiantly telling Napoli fans that he ‘is not leaving’ the club – despite interest from Manchester United and Tottenham.

Cesar Azpilicueta’s free transfer to Barcelona is ‘almost done’, according to ex-Chelsea team-mate Cesc Fabregas.

Xherdan Shaqiri was not ‘in the best shape’ when he signed for Lyon and was a tactical misfit, the Ligue 1 side’s manager Peter Bosz admitted just days after the former Liverpool player completed his switch to the MLS.

Sadio Mane’s success with Senegal at this year’s African Cup of Nations will be forever remembered with the forward to have a stadium named after him.

Marcos Alonso has branded Chelsea ‘the most important club of my career’ and insisted he never considered leaving Stamford Bridge even when frozen out under Frank Lampard.

Chelsea legend Petr Cech has given the current squad a rallying cry – and told them to have “no regrets” ahead of their Club World Cup final with Palmeiras.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is believed to be involved in a potential takeover bid of Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama.

Arsenal are reportedly in danger of missing out on top transfer target Alexander Isak.

A Nasdaq-listed investment fund has failed in an attempt to buy into Tottenham Hotspur at a valuation of £3bn.

Bodo/Glimt captain Ulrik Saltnes admits the club are struggling to pull themselves together ahead of the clash with Celtic.

Celtic have announced a profit of £26m on player sales in their interim report for the first half of the season.

Kieran Tierney is being ‘closely followed’ by Real Madrid and Celtic could be in for a massive cash windfall from his sale, reports suggest.

Atalanta are in talks over a move for free agent forward Diego Costa

 

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Tottenham are facing a hammer blow as a key defender looks more and more likely to make a summer exit, while Sunday’s transfer gossip also claims that Chelsea are ready to make a surprise raid on Premier League rivals Brighton.

Real Madrid are ready to deliver a hammer blow to Tottenham by exercising the buy-back clause they put into the deal when Spurs signed wing-back Sergio Reguilon in 2020.

The north London outfit spent £27million on the 25-year-old. However, part of the deal included a buy-back clause worth £33.6 million.

And the Sunday Mirror states that Real are set to activate the clause, which is only in place until the end of May.

Spurs looked to have got a real coup when they landed the Spain international. However, Reguilon has not quite hit the heights many had hoped for – with inconsistency a major issue.

The report adds that should the player leave, it would then allow Antonio Conte to bring in his own man.

However, an exit is not likely to go down particularly well with the Tottenham faithful, the majority of which are big fans of the Spaniard.

Indeed, this summer could see Conte sign two new wing-backs, with a new right-sided player also on his radar.

Middlesbrough’s Djed Spence is high on Spurs’ wish-list, along with Brighton star Tariq Lamptey and Norwich’s Max Aarons.

Mark Hughes, Gianfranco Zola and other former Premier League managers rotting away on the shelf

Chelsea are mulling over a summer move for in-form Brighton star Adam Webster as they prepare themselves for a defensive shake-up.

Central defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen still haven’t agreed new Stamford Bridge deals, while club skipper Cesar Azpilicueta looks almost certain to Barcelona on a free transfer.

That leaves Thomas Tuchel weighing up a number of potential replacements. And according to the Sunday Mirror, impressive Seagulls star Webster is one of them.

The 27-year-old, who is also wanted by Newcastle, has been outstanding for Brighton this term. He is also on the brink of a senior England call-up.

His composure and ability on the ball are said to be key factors in Tuchel’s interest. To that end, the report adds that a summer bid is now highly likely.

Manchester City are in pole position to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland – thanks to his father and former City player Alf Inge Haaland – when the Norway striker becomes available for £68m in the summer.

Pep Guardiola is known to be a huge admirer of the prolific 21-year-old. And now Football Insider states that City will be supported by their Abu Dhabi owners in their Haaland pursuit.

The report adds that Alf Inge Haaland is telling his son that City are the best option for him.

If Haaland does sign, he’ll arrive for more than £30m less than the club’s record signing Jack Grealish.

That would represent incredible business for a player who has scored 149 career goals in just 190 games.

Manchester United are set to offer Spain goalkeeper David de Gea a new contract, six months after his Old Trafford career looked to over.

The 31-year-old has been outstanding for a struggling Red Devils side this season. Indeed, he was recently named Premier League Player of the Month for January.

Now, The Sun claims the club plans to trigger a 12-month option extending De Gea’s contract to June 2023. That will also buy them time to thrash out fresh terms.

The decision will mean Old Trafford bosses bending their standard policy of offering players shorter deals on lower wages when they hit their 30s.

Any new contract would see the stopper pick up something close to his current £375,000-a-week deal and have the security of a longer-term contract.

 

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Freiburg CEO Jochen Saier has revealed that Newcastle-linked Nico Schlotterbeck could leave in the summer following serious January interest.

Lyon centre-back Jason Denayer is a transfer target for Newcastle. The Belgian is into the final six months of his contract but looks likely to become a free agent as it stands.

Juventus will listen to offers for Adrien Rabiot and Alex Sandro. While they have one year left on their contracts, Juve want to sell the pair before they can leave as free agents.

Meanwhile, Chelsea and Barcelona will battle for Juve centre-back Matthijs de Ligt. Barca are planning a €75 million (£63million) summer bid, but the Blues could rival that.

Edinson Cavani will leave Man Utd as a free agent at the end of the season and he wants to play in La Liga next. However, a move to River Plate is not on the cards.

Paolo di Canio has warned Inter that Liverpool are the “worst” possible Champions League last-16 opponents if they allow the Reds as many chances as they did Napoli in Saturday’s 1-1 draw.

But Rafael Benitez has warned that the match-up is “a more balanced game than what many think”.

Former Real Madrid star Achraf Hakimi has hailed the club’s “immense quality” ahead of their Champions League showdown with his Paris Saint-Germain.

Hakimi’s fellow PSG star Angel di Maria, who has also played for Madrid, has admitted mixed feelings about the match-up.

Liverpool are pondering a summer move for Roma winger Nicolo Zaniolo, who is also a Man Utd and Tottenham target.

Ronald Araujo suffered a calf injury in Barcelona’s 2-2 draw with Espanyol on Sunday and therefore faces a race to be fit for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Napoli.

Kai Havertz has denied that he is already a Chelsea legend following winning goals in the Champions League and Club World Cup finals.

Tottenham are looking at a potential deal for Inter defender Stefan de Vrij.

Wolves star Leander Dendoncker has admitted that his versatility in playing in midfield and defence is actually a hindrance to consistent game time.

Joshua Kimmich labelled Bayern Munich’s 4-2 defeat to Bochum as his side’s “worst performance of the season”.

 

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Roma are keeping an eye on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s situation at Tottenham with Jose Mourinho keen to sign the Dane.

Liverpool are very much in the picture to sign Gavi with his contract situation at Barcelona showing no signs of agreement.

Leeds must reduce their asking price if Helder Costa is to make a permanent move this summer. Los Che have a €20m option on loan winger though they reportedly see as ‘unfeasible’.

Sevilla are lining up a deal for Lazio’s Luiz Felipe as a replacement for Diego Carlos or Jules Kounde. Newcastle and Chelsea are looking to prise the pair away from LaLiga.

Sevilla are also targeting Wolves defender Romain Saiss as a defensive target.

Barcelona remain on the trail for Edinson Cavani and will launch a fresh bid to sign him this summer.

Royal Antwerp’s Radja Nainggolan claims he rejected the chance to sign for Chelsea back in 2018 with their financial package not enough.

Manchester City are among a group of Premier League clubs keen on Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez, 20, who has established himself at the Nou Camp this season.

AC Milan are looking increasingly likely to move for Renato Sanches as a replacement for Franck Kessie this summer.

Ousmane Dembele is considering a U-turn on his Barcelona future following their signing of close friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Newcastle are ready to raise their offer for Darwin Nunez, though Benfica could increase their asking price in turn.

Franck Kessie, remains undecided on which club he wants to join when his AC Milan contract runs down, with Barcelona also now interested.

Newcastle will make a fresh approach to Sevilla in the summer with a new offer for Diego Carlos, having just missed out in January.

Arsenal rejected the chance to negotiate a January swap deal with PSG that could have seen Mauro Icardi arrive in exchange for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Real Madrid star Karim Benzema claims Kylian Mbappe will ‘one day come to Madrid’ ahead of their clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Tottenham have encouragement of landing Bayern Munich star Alexander Nubel, but the situation is far from straight forward.

 

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Chelsea are rivalling Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund for the signing of Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, who the Magpies almost signed in January.

Barcelona and Dortmund are both looking at a deal for Ajax right-back Noussair Mazraoui. The 24-year-old has failed to agree a new contract and will therefore become a free agent.

Newcastle have rekindled transfer interest in RB Salzburg striker Noah Okafor for the summer following the Swiss star being a January target.

West Ham are also after a Salzburg player, with right-back Rasmus Kristensen on their radar.

AC Milan have identified Roma’s Jordan Veretout as a midfielder transfer alternative to Lille’s Renato Sanches.

Kylian Mbappe has insisted that he has not decided on his future yet following his winner for Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 clash against Real Madrid.

PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino enjoyed the celebrations – but not fearing that he had broken his nose after the wild celebrations from Leandro Paredes.

Meanwhile, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti admitted that his side struggled with PSG’s press in midfield.

Madrid president Florentino Perez is now thinking of sacking Ancelotti, with some club chiefs tired of his methods. As a result, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Pochettino are on Perez’s radar.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said that while his side’s 5-0 over Sporting was a “fantastic” game, his side could have performed better.

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is still keen on a deal for Inter defender Stefan de Vrij.

Juventus have made Liverpool, Spurs and Manchester United-linked Roma winger Nicolo Zaniolo a firm summer transfer target. However, the Turin club would need to sell Weston McKennie first.

Fenerbahce president Ali Koc has held a meeting with Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa about a move to Turkey.

Meanwhile, Leeds could go after a summer deal for New York City FC forward Valentin Castellanos.

Bournemouth and Watford are showing interest in RKC Waalwijk star Ahmed Touba, but Lyon are among the other clubs chasing the Algeria international.

Former Swansea striker Michu has backed his good friend Erling Haaland to leave Dortmund for Barcelona this summer.

 

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp turned down the chance to sign £55m-rated Rodrygo after being offered the Real Madrid winger. The attacker previously rejected the chance to join the Reds.

Newcastle United have ‘manifested interest’ in West Ham and Leicester City target Vincent Aboubakar.

Tottenham will have to offer as much as €50m if they wish to sign Nicolo Zaniolo from Roma this summer and could walk away from the deal.

AC Milan are ready to spend big on Sven Botman and dash any hopes Newcastle and Tottenham have of doing a deal.

Teams in Qatar and Saudi Arabia are chasing Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani, whose contracts at Manchester United will not be extended.

France president Emmanuel Macron has encouraged Liverpool target Kylian Mbappe to renew his contract with PSG.

Aston Villa ‘seem to have resigned themselves’ to losing Douglas Luiz in the summer, with Roma keen.

Manchester United cooled their interest in Christopher Nkunku in January and could abandon their pursuit to sign him in favour of acquiring a new No.9 instead.

Juventus are ready to resume contract negotiations with Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala.

Barcelona will have competition from Roma in their bid to sign Borussia Monchegladbach star Matthias Ginter.

Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz is relishing Barcelona and Real Madrid links.

Athletico Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla are all keen on signing Lazio midfielder Luis Alberto.

Diego Maradona advised Florentino Perez to sign Kylian Mbappe for current suitors Real Madrid back in 2017.

Federico Bernardeschi is likely to join AC Milan, as time runs down on his Juventus contract.

Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo says he would grab a chance to return to the Premier League ‘with both hands’.

Former Crystal Palace midfielder Andre Moritz has completed a move to Singapore Premier League side Hougang United.

 

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AC Milan have reportedly set their sights on Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn who is not in Antonio Conte’s plans.

Chelsea are plotting a bid for talented Barcelona youngster Gavi.

Real Madrid are closing in on a pre-agreement with Liverpool target Erling Haaland.

Roma are expected to make a fresh attempt to sign Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka this summer.

Manchester City’s move for young Brazilian winger Savinho is entering its final stages.

Barcelona are said to be waiting on Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta to accept their contract offer.

AC Milan are not worried about Arsenal interest in Rafael Leao as his contract extension is now getting closer.

Real Madrid are eyeing up a move for Shakhtar Donetsk full-back Dodo as an upgrade on Dani Carvajal.

Juventus are ready to put an offer of €15million, plus a bonus, on the table to convince Atletico Madrid to sell Alvaro Morata.

Real Madrid are ready to battle it out with Clasico rivals Barcelona for Noussair Mazraoui. Liverpool and Arsenal are also keen on the right-back.

Bayern Munich are considering Ajax striker Sebastian Haller as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

Roberto Martinez will ‘keep a very close eye’ on Youri Tielemans’ transfer situation at Leicester amid concerns before the World Cup in Qatar.

Tottenham target Nicolo Zaniolo’s agent has clarified that there have been no new talks over a contract extension at Roma.

Valencia are still looking for a way to convince Carlos Soler to renew his contract.

Torino central defender Bremer, who has previously been linked with Tottenham and Arsenal, is in talks with Bayern Munich.

Nice are plotting a swoop for Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki.

 

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Mikel Arteta and Arsenal felt “angry” at failing to sign striker Dusan Vlahovic in January but still expect to do business with Fiorentina over Lucas Torreira, according to to a report.

The Gunners tried to land Serbia international forward Vlahovic last month amid their search for a new attacker. Arsenal spent a great deal of time chasing the player, supposedly submitting a major bid.

However, Vlahovic insisted that it was an “easy” choice to sign for Juventus instead. Arsenal ended up signing no-one new up front, making a summer deal for a striker imperative.

Indeed, they shipped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang off to Barcelona on a free transfer in January. What’s more, Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette will both, as it stands, leave as free agents in the summer.

Arsenal’s talks over Vlahovic reportedly involved Uruguay international Torreira. The 26-year-old midfielder is on a season-long loan at Fiorentina.

Torreira’s agent, Pablo Bentancur, told Sport890 (via the Daily Express): “Now, Arsenal are a bit angry because they wanted Vlahovic.

“Fiorentina wanted to sell him, but the agents said he had to go to Juventus: you always do what the player wants.”

Nevertheless, Bentancur added that Arsenal still expect to talk to Fiorentina over a potential permanent deal for Torreira. The former Sampdoria midfielder has impressed back in Serie A this term with 20 league appearances.

Bentancur said: “Fiorentina logically want to buy him because he is playing very well. He has returned to having an impressive continuity and dynamism.

“Lucas is happy in Florence and I think they will take him, to date he is one of the most loved players by the fans.”

Arsenal are also looking to add to their midfield in the summer, in another area where they failed to find reinforcements in January.

Newcastle had a scout keep tabs on Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi on Thursday, according to a report.

The Magpies bolstered their ranks in January with five new signings worth a total of over £90million. What’s more, they bolstered all outfield areas of the pitch.

In defence, they added left-back Matt Targett, centre-back Dan Burn and right-back Kieran Trippier.

But while England international Trippier was their top target at right-back, Targett was only a deadline day loan signing from Aston Villa. Reports have claimed that Bayer Leverkusen’s Mitchel Bakker was on Newcastle’s radar.

According to A Bola, though, Eddie Howe’s side are now looking at Porto left-back Sanusi.

The Magpies had a scout watch his performance in Porto’s come-from-behind Europa League play-off win over Lazio. Sanusi, 24, played the full 90 minutes in his 23rd appearance of the campaign.

Indeed, he has also appeared regularly in the Portuguese top flight and played all six Champions League group stage games.

Sanusi made the move across Portugal from Santa Clara in the summer of 2020. He also featured in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign earlier this season.

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has warned his side that they could very easily get dragged into a Premier League relegation battle.

The Villains began with four wins from six after Gerrard took over. However, they have only won one of their past seven games in all competitions – six in the league.

That sole victory came away at Everton, where Villa showed grit and determination to claim all three points.

But Gerrard was far from happy following last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle. He therefore revealed that he plans to make changes to his side for Saturday’s clash with Watford.

Gerrard, whose side sit 12th in the Premier League, told the Daily Mail: “It is very easy in this area of the league to think you are OK,’ said Gerrard. ‘It is very easy to take your eye off the ball and become complacent, like we did last week.

“We have to be extremely careful, we are 12th, not a position where we can disrespect any opponent and think we can just turn up.

“We have to treat every game with focus and importance and be the best version of ourselves. That is the only way we are going to progress in the short term.”

Villa lost 3-2 to Watford in August in a thriller at the start of the season.

 

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Leeds United have decided that they will not listen to any offers for Raphinha this summer, claims a report.

The Brazilian has elevated his status to new levels after starring for Brazil in recent months. As such, it is no surprise to see Leeds looking to reward their star man with a bumper new deal.

And while Raphinha still has over two years still left on his current deal, the Yorkshire club want to extend his stay and make him their highest earner in the process.

However a worrying report on Wednesday suggested he has twice ignored offers from Leeds to open talks on his future.

Regardless, the Sunday Mirror reports that Leeds have decided they won’t sell their star man this summer. Instead, officials at Elland Road have decided instead to hold off on his sale until January 2023 at the earliest.

That’s because the club expect him to impress for Brazil at the World Cup. Furthermore, some big performances in Qatar are likely to see his valuation sky-rocket.

Indeed, Leeds already ranks Raphinha at least in the £60m bracket. And that fee could ultimately move upward towards £80m in the wake of success with Selecao.

The report adds that Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid are among the left-footed star’s admirers.

However, they also state Manchester United will be in the picture to sign him if Leeds ever decide to sell.

Raphinha cost Leeds £17m from Rennes and the winger has eight goals in 21 Premier League appearances this season.

Manchester United will not stand in Cristiano Ronaldo’s way if he pushes to leave Old Trafford this summer.

As per the Sunday Mirror, Ronaldo’s future remains hanging in the balance amid a disappointing season at Old Trafford.

While the Portuguese veteran has excelled on a personal level, the club has continued to struggle. Indeed, they can only now win the Champions League, though face a tough task against LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid this week.

Furthermore, they face a four-way battle to secure a top-four finish this season. With Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham also in the mix, failing to finish fourth will see United miss out on the Champions League next season.

And reports claim that would be enough to see Ronaldo looking to leave.

And should that happen, the Mirror claims they will not stand in his way.

A move to Paris – and a dream link-up with Lionel Messi – has been mooted.

Arsenal are reportedly running the rule on Fabian Ruiz, amid claims Napoli will sell the midfielder this summer.

The Napoli man is regarded as one of Serie A’s top midfielders. However, with just a year left on his deal come the summer, there is a growing feeling that they will be forced to sell.

The Spain star has been strongly linked with a move to Newcastle. However, the Sunday Mirror claims a move to Arsenal is also on the cards.

The paper claims Gunners officials are now keeping a close watch on both his situation and his form for Luciano Spalletti’s side.

There remains some confusion, however, over his fee. Previous reports have stated Napoli would be seeking a fee of around £50m for the midfielder. However, the Sunday Mirror’s latest reports claims Napoli would accept £16m plus bonuses for the 25-year-old midfielder.

Manchester United are planning to launch a bid to beat Liverpool to the signing of Fabio Carvalho this summer.

The Fulham teenager was close to joining Liverpool in January only for time to run out on a deal.

Now the Daily Star Sunday claims United will launch their own move for the winger in the summer.

They now hope to persuade him to snub the Reds and move to Old Trafford instead.

The 19-year-old winger is out of contract at the end of the season.

 

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Lazio still want to sign Chelsea’s on-loan Lyon full-back Emerson Palmieri in the summer transfer window.

Lucas Vazquez will look to leave Real Madrid in the summer transfer window. His contract only runs out in 2024, but he wants more game time. His £10million fee could also be attractive to suitors.

But Madrid will offer a new contract to Vinicius Junior that will run until 2027.

Meanwhile, Manchester City star Bernardo Silva is dreaming of a move to Madrid.

James Rodriguez has insisted that he wanted to stay at Everton but suggested that Rafael Benitez wanted him out of the club.

Atletico Madrid are facing selection issues ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Manchester United, with Thomas Lemar, Daniel Wass and Matheus Cunha doubts. Yannick Carrasco is also absent through a ban.

Sergio Aguero has revealed that he is in talks about becoming part of Argentina’s coaching staff for the World Cup following his retirement.

Barcelona head coach Xavi has hailed Sergino Dest’s improvement as a major sign of the recent progress at the club.

Xavi also hailed 19-year-old midfielder Pedri as the “best player in the world in his position” following Barca’s 4-1 win over Valencia on Sunday.

Bayern Munich also won 4-1 last weekend, but manager Julian Nagelsmann rued a muscle injury for Corentin Tolisso against Greuther Furth.

Juventus are willing to meet Paulo Dybala’s demands for a new contract, but his agent must now drop his commission demands.

Liverpool have given up hope of signing Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain. Real Madrid are therefore expecting a clear run at the France striker’s signature.

Tottenham-linked AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie would excel in the Premier League according to the manager who coached him on loan at Cesena in the 2015/16 season.

Liverpool are considering a move for Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic amid continued uncertainty over contract extension talks.

Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus has said that his side’s 6-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach has given them confidence ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash against Rangers at Ibrox.

 

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Chelsea defensive duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are ‘very close’ to signing for Barcelona. That is despite the Blues’ attempts to tie the pair to new contracts.

But Denmark centre-back Christensen is also a major target for Bayern Munich and Inter.

Barca have withdrawn their interest in AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie. As a result, Tottenham have moved a step closer to signing the Ivory Coast star.

Top Premier League clubs are monitoring Villarreal forward Arnaut Danjuma, who has a €75million (£62million) release clause.

Francesco Totti would consider a return to Roma in some capacity to work with Jose Mourinho and club chiefs, although talks have yet to begin.

Man Utd will send their chief scout to watch Torino defender Gleison Bremer in the coming weeks following Tottenham transfer interest.

Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain will also likely be monitoring the 24-year-old Brazilian.

Bremer is furthermore on Inter’s radar, but the Serie A club will have to sacrifice some star players to sign the centre-back.

Striker Lautaro Martinez could leave Inter and Liverpool are consequently monitoring the Argentina international.

Burnley striker Wout Weghorst has revealed that he has realised his dream of playing in the Premier League following his January move from Wolfsburg.

Sergio Ramos is unlikely to be fit for Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League last 16 second leg against Real Madrid.

PSG midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has insisted that “it takes time to form a good team”, amid criticism of Mauricio Pochettino’s side this term.

Barcelona will end up paying less than €20million (£17million) for 19-year-old midfielder Pedri after add-ons, after his 2019 move from Las Palmas, according to former Barca director Ramon Planes.

Arrigo Sacchi has backed AC Milan to win the Serie A title again, but only if they perform as a team. Indeed, the legendary coach insisted that Milan are “not the best” side in Italy.

Atletico Madrid tried to sign Diogo Dalot from Man Utd to replace Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier in January, but Ralf Rangnick blocked the deal.

But United face paying at least €75million for RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku.

 

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Leeds United are considering several potential successors for under-fire manager Marcelo Bielsa. Former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca is among them.

Chelsea are discussing a loan move to bring Eden Hazard back to Stamford Bridge from Real Madrid.

Juventus are ready to let go of midfielder Adrien Rabiot in the summer following Newcastle’s January interest. Juve only want up to €15million because they signed him on a free from Paris Saint-Germain.

Meanwhile, Juve CEO Maurizio Arrivabene has revealed plans to meet Paulo Dybala over his contract amid interest from Tottenham.

Spurs also want a new long-term goalkeeper option and are eyeing up Athletic Bilbao and Spain stopper Unai Simon.

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone insisted Manchester United took advantage of his side’s “only mistake” in their 1-1 Champions League last-16 first leg draw.

Joao Felix expressed his delight that Atletico’s “strategy” of scoring early worked at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Ajax manager Erik Ten Hag insisted that his side’s tie with Benfica is still in their hands, despite dropping two leads to draw the first leg 2-2.

Manchester City and Real Madrid have already contacted the agents of Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.

Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has said that a meeting with Haaland’s camp is on the horizon, but backed his club to sign a replacement if needed.

Arsenal are ready to invest to sign Inter striker Lautaro Martinez amid reported interest from Liverpool.

Barcelona are pondering a raid for midfielder Saul Niguez following his struggles on loan at Chelsea from Atletico Madrid.

Napoli are thinking of a move for Sassuolo attacking duo Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori if they lose Victor Osimhen.

Newcastle still have interest in Nigeria international Osimhen, who Napoli will sell for €100million.

Real Madrid have yet to offer a contract extension to 36-year-old midfielder Luka Modric.

Ralf Rangnick’s future at Man Utd is still not set in stone, despite talk of the interim boss stepping into a consultancy role at the end of the season.

 

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Erling Haaland has received five offers from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich as he ponders his future at Borussia Dortmund.

Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United target Lautaro Martinez says he is focused on Inter Milan. “Lautaro doesn’t think about himself, he only thinks about Inter,” his agent told FC Inter 1908.

Chelsea have made contact with the representatives of Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele in a bid to land him in the summer.

There are three clubs interested in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and ‘in order’ they are Newcastle, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Arsenal are planning a contract renewal for William Saliba, who is on loan with Marseille. His Gunners deal expires in 2024.

Barcelona are pushing for a deal with Cesar Azpilicueta. They have offered a two-year deal plus an option for a further season.

Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara has been scouted by Aston Villa in recent weeks ahead of him leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer.

Arsenal and Newcastle United have joined the race to sign Lille forward Jonathan David.

Manchester United have tabled a €30m offer to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji

Romelu Lukaku is open to taking a pay-cut in order to seal a return to Inter Milan this summer.

Paul Pogba is “not against” a move to Paris Saint-Germain, according to Nicolas Anelka.

Atletico Madrid are keen to sign Georginio Wijnaldum in the summer.

Atletico Madrid are looking at Napoli right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo as a potential long-term replacement for Kieran Trippier.

Arsenal have made a fresh approach for Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak.

Barcelona are interested in acquiring Saul in the summer transfer window.

Real Madrid are hoping to land a deal for Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz this summer.

West Ham are eyeing a swoop for Lille winger Jonathan Bamba.

Torino defender Gleison Bremer is still considered an Inter Milan priority target for next season.

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is Barcelona’s first choice to strengthen the team’s defensive line next season.

 

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Newcastle United, West Ham United and Everton want to sign Netherlands international Arnaut Danjuma.

Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland could stay with the German club until 2023, with Real Madrid ready to make a move next summer instead.

Paris St-Germain could make a move for Chelsea’s 30-year-old France midfielder N’Golo Kante in the summer.

PSG’s Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino, 49, has rebuffed advances from Manchester United to take over as boss at Old Trafford as he waits for the chance to take the helm at Real Madrid.

England striker Harry Kane, 28, could once again request to leave Tottenham if Antonio Conte leaves his job as Spurs boss.

Netherlands midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, 31, could leave PSG after just one season, with the ex-Liverpool midfielder linked with Atletico Madrid, West Ham, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

Arsenal have contacted the representatives of Sweden striker Alexander Isak but want Real Sociedad to lower the 22-year-old’s release clause in order to do a deal.

Atalanta are looking to sign Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic at the end of the season.

Chelsea have the option of triggering a one-year extension to Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta’s deal, which runs out in the summer, but the 32-year-old wants the Blues to match the offers of other clubs if they want to keep him for longer.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, 28, is said to be open to a move to Paris St-Germain, according to former Chelsea striker and fellow Frenchman Nicolas Anelka.

RB Leipzig’s Spanish left-back Angelino could leave the German club in the summer, with Arsenal, Tottenham and Barcelona linked with the 25-year-old.

Southampton hope they can retain the services of 19-year-old full-back Tino Livramento for at least another season, with Manchester United keen on the England Under-21 international.

London rivals West Ham and Brentford are interested in Hull City’s English pair, forward Keane Lewis-Potter and defender Jacob Greaves, both 21.

Denmark defender Andreas Christensen will not consider a move to another Premier League club out of respect for Chelsea when his deal at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season.

West Ham, Leicester City and Everton have been linked with a move for Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott. The English 18-year-old is also attracting interest from abroad.

Aston Villa are open to offers for 24-year-old former England Under-21 defender Ezri Konsa.

Atletico Madrid are considering a move for Napoli and Italy right-back Giovanni di Lorenzo, 28, as the Spanish champions look for a permanent replacement for 31-year-old England defender Kieran Trippier, who left for Newcastle in January.

Interested parties are reportedly on “high alert” over the possible sale of Chelsea.

Roman Abramovich and Alisher Usmanov have been told to condemn Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine if they want to avoid repeated calls for sanctions in parliament.

Marcelo Bielsa is adamant he will not walk away from Leeds mid-season. But admits his players’ faith in him has been eroded during their slump in form.

UEFA are set to terminate their controversial £66m sponsorship deal with Russian state energy company Gazprom.

Mauricio Pochettino is the apparent front-runner to take the permanent manager’s position at Manchester United. But there is now rival interest from Real Madrid.

Kepa Arrizabalaga thinks he should face Liverpool on Sunday to make up for the heartbreak of being ditched for the Club World Cup final.