With the transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs set to open soon — find out when here — rest assured that Transfer Talk is scouring the world’s media and setting correspondents loose to see what is on the agenda.
PAPER TALK (by Nick Judd)
Pogba off to Madrid?
Paul Pogba has told Manchester United teammates that he wants to leave Old Trafford, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
The World Cup winner has been the focus of much speculation since admitting it would be “a dream” to play for the Bernabeu club, and a dip in form in recent weeks has only served to fuel the rumours.
Pogba was below par in United’s 4-0 defeat against Everton on Sunday, and the French newspaper is suggesting the 26-year-old has told pals he wants out and does not expect either Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or the board to block his move.
Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has made no secret of his admiration for the midfielder, while fellow European heavyweights Barcelona and Juventus have also been linked with a move for Pogba.
Zaha too expensive
Wilfried Zaha tops the most wanted list at Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United, but Crystal Palace’s asking price of £75 million could be a sticking point, reports the Daily Star.
Zaha, who has scored nine goals and registered eight assists in an impressive campaign, recently went public with his ambition to play Champions League football, and all three clubs have been tracking his progress; Arsenal got a close-up view Sunday when he scored against them at the Emirates.
However, the price is not right yet for the 26-year-old, so expect more negotiating throughout the summer as some of England’s top sides compete to add the Ivory Coast international to their ranks.
Tap-ins
– Arsenal have apparently identified Dennis Praet as the man to replace outgoing midfielder Aaron Ramsey this summer, reports The Mirror. The 24-year-old Belgian, who was a transfer target for the Gunners last summer, starred alongside Lucas Torreira at Sampdoria and could be a cheap addition at £17m.
– RB Leipzig are keen to re-sign Emile Smith-Rowe on loan from Arsenal next season, despite the youngster featuring in just one game following his move in January, claims The Sun. Leipzig boss Ralf Rangnick has been impressed and is keen to strike a season-long deal with a view to a permanent deal.
– Juventus are keen to add Lazio’s Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to their squad next season and are prepared to offer Colombian winger Juan Cuadrado in an effort to land their man, reports Calciomercato.
