The coronavirus pandemic has made the summer transfer window uncertain, but here are the new rumours floating around Europe’s big leagues and beyond.
Man United joins race for Maouassa
Manchester United are interested in signing Rennes left-back star Faitout Maouassa, reports the Sun.
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Rennes have risen to third in Ligue 1 this season and Maoussa has been one of the stars of the season, scoring three goals in 32 appearances from the left side of defence, and playing in every game.
United are one of several clubs — including the soon-to-be-wealthy Newcastle United — keeping an eye on the versatile defender. The 21-year-old can play in defence, in midfield or even as a left winger.
Newcastle had a bid rejected for the star in January last year but could reignite their interest, particularly as Rennes could be up for selling with Maoussa having just one year left on his contract.
The player himself admitted wanting to play in England, but felt it was too early to make the move when Newcastle enquired in January 2019.
Zidane weighs up Pogba, Camavinga, Fabian
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is looking to rebuild the central midfield area and he is deliberating over a list of potential signings including Paul Pogba, Eduardo Camavinga and Fabian Ruiz, according to AS.
Pogba has been a target for Zidane for some time and Madrid have now failed to sign the Frenchman on two separate occasions. The Frenchman is out of contract in 2021 and so United could finally be tempted to sell.
Camavinga and Fabian would be less expensive for Zidane. Rennes midfielder Camavinga is just 17 years old but in demand, though his agent also represents Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele, which could prove a stumbling block.
Fabian is the one player that allegedly most excites the Madrid hierarchy, who see him as a direct replacement for Isco. The 24-year-old is contracted to Napoli until 2023, which could make him tricky to buy, while his €100 million buy-out clause could also be a challenge to circumnavigate.
Whoever he signs, Zidane has a busy summer ahead.
Werner could be Martinez alternative for Barca
Barcelona are reportedly finding it difficult to pay top target Lautaro Martinez‘s €111m buy-out clause despite offering Inter Milan several players in an effort to bring down the price. Therefore, the Barca brass are also considering a plan B in Timo Werner, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Negotiations for the Argentine between the Blaugrana and the Nerrazurri are ongoing, but it’s clear the Italians are making life difficult for their Spanish counterparts.
RB Leipzig star Werner represents a much simpler deal to sort, and he would come at a much cheaper price despite scoring more goals.
Mundo Deportivo believe German star Werner is “a good option” and a “serious alternative” and that Barca representatives have been watching him for some time alongside Martinez.
Tap-ins
– Paris Saint-Germain are rumoured to be interested in Karim Benzema should Edinson Cavani move to Atletico Madrid. That’s the possible chain of events being reported by Le10Sport, who believe Benzema could return to France as part of Real Madrid’s big summer clear out, with Atletico the biggest benefactors by landing their top target Cavani.
– Chelsea have been in contact with Lille over the potential double signing of Victor Osimhen and Gabriel in the summer, reports Le10Sport. They report that Chelsea and Lille enjoy a good relationship following the signing of Eden Hazard in 2012, and that the Blues are said to be really keen on Nigerian striker Osimhen. Lille believe the 21-year-old could be worth more than the €80m Arsenal paid for Nicolas Pepe.
