The transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs is closed, but click here for all the deals. Transfer Talk will continue to scour the world’s media and set correspondents loose to see what’s on the agenda for the summer.
United interested in swap deal
The Paul Pogba-to-Real-Madrid rumours have gathered momentum this weekend, with both player and interested manager expressing their mutual admiration.
Pogba admitted it would be a “dream to play for Madrid,” while Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane said: “I really like Pogba. I know him very well.”
And while United would be reluctant to let Pogba leave, they could be interested in a swap deal, so say the Express.
They’re reporting that United could demand either Gareth Bale, a long-term transfer target, or Toni Kroos, in any deal that sees Pogba depart for the Spanish capital.
This is backed up by earlier reports from Spanish outlet AS, who suggested Zidane is looking to freshen up his squad this summer, which could spell the end for either one or both of Bale or Kroos.
Tielemans all yours… for £40m
Leicester City are extremely keen to make loan man Youri Tielemans‘ loan deal a permanent one, and they now know what it will take to make that happen.
The Daily Mail are reporting that it will take £40 million to secure the Belgian star on a long-term deal.
Tielemans was man of the match as Leicester beat Bournemouth 2-0 to climb to eighth in the table, the Monaco employee providing his fourth assist since his switch to Leicester in another vintage performance.
Tielemans made 70 successful passes in the win and it is this form that will see Brendan Rodgers eager to secure Tielemans before anyone else starts sniffing around his star man.
Juve target Real defender Varane
Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici’s shopping list is topped by Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, according to Calciomercato.
Juve’s current defensive duo Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini have been an integral part of the Serie A league leaders’ remarkable domestic and European form this season, but with both aged 31 and 34, neither are getting any younger.
And it is for this reason that a central defender remains a top target for the Old lady. With Matthijs de Ligt seemingly Barca bound, French international Varane tops Juve’s most wanted, and it is reported that contact between the two clubs has already been made. Real Madrid are reluctant to sell, though a price tag of €80m could seal the deal. That may prove too rich for Juve, though given the importance of the position they will no doubt be allocating serious funds for any acquisition.
Juve are not alone in their admiration for Varane. Even if they were to find the necessary budget, they will face competition from some of Europe’s top clubs.
Tap ins
– Ander Herrera has reportedly demanded £200,000 a week to stay at Manchester United as French champions-elect Paris Saint-Germain step up their pursuit of the diminutive midfielder. Herrera’s contract expires in the summer and PSG are hoping to snap up a summer bargain.
– Marco Silva has made no secret of his desire to sign loan star Andre Gomes on a permanent deal from Barcelona, and recent comments suggested he is doing everything he can to prompt the Everton board into making a tangible move. “It is a very, very good opportunity for us,” said Silva, reported by the Liverpool Echo.
– Mauro Icardi‘s Inter future looks even more bleak, if that’s possible, after manager Luciano Spalletti laid siege on the controversial striker following the side’s loss to Lazio. “It is humiliating for fans to negotiate with a player to get him to wear the shirt they love,” said Spalletti, among other things. Ouch.
