Transfer Talk: Spurs eye Fernandes; Man Utd given price for Dias

Ian Darke says the title race between Manchester City and Liverpool is one of England’s best ever, comparing it to the 1989 Arsenal-Liverpool race.

ESPN FC’s Shaka Hislop explains a sense of realism may be hitting Man United after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes they’d need ‘a miracle’ to win the league next year.

With both Liverpool and Manchester City able to be crowned champions, Shaka Hislop gives his predictions on what could be a thrilling Sunday in England.

With the transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs set to open soon — find out when the transfer window opens and closes across Europe’s top leagues — rest assured that Transfer Talk is scouring the world’s media and setting correspondents loose to see what is on the agenda. You can click here to review all the latest transfers.

Spurs join race for Gedson deal

Tottenham Hotspur have become the latest Premier League side to register an interest in rising Benfica star Gedson Fernandes, according to reports in The Mirror.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has been told by chairman Daniel Levy that he will have substantial funds to spend on the squad this summer, and the Champions League finalists have made a big play for the 20-year-old midfield enforcer.

Representatives of the two-cap Portugal international were in England last week for discussions with potential suitors, and reports claim that those include Manchester United, as well as Spurs’ Champions League final opponents, Liverpool.

A fee of around £35 million is thought to be required to secure a deal for Fernandes, and Spurs will look to raise funds for further purchases by selling Kieran Trippier and Victor Wanyama, with the future of several other fringe players in serious question.

With Tottenham re-joining the transfer market, they could be in line to land Benfica youngster Gedson Fernandes.

Benfica name price for United defensive target

Reports in The Sun claim Manchester United are leading the race to sign another highly-rated Benfica player — centre-back Ruben Dias. But the Old Trafford club have now been told that it will cost £52 million to sign the youngster.

The 21-year-old has been capped nine times for the Portugal national side, and has earned rave reviews since making his debut for the country’s league leaders back in 2017.

Dias joins colleagues Fernandes (mentioned above) and Joao Felix in the list of Benfica academy graduates that have been linked with a move to United this year, and a move for a defender is high on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s to-do list as he seeks to revamp his backline.

In addition to a potential move for Dias, the Red Devils boss is looking to shift Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo, who have both found themselves out of favour since the Norwegian took charge at the back end of last year.

Richarlison eyed by two Euro giants

Everton forward Richarlison could be set for a big-money move this summer, with The Mirror claiming Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid are interested in the Brazilian.

The 22-year-old only joined the Merseyside outfit a year ago for around £40 million from Watford, but after a successful first season at Goodison Park, it appears two of Europe’s elite clubs have come calling, with a £70 million fee being quoted.

Lack of European football has not stopped Richarlison from breaking into the Brazilian national team setup, but with regular Champions League football on offer in both France and Spain — as well as a big salary increase — the pacey striker could be tempted by a move.

Atletico’s interest comes as rumours persist regarding the future of star forward Antoine Griezmann, who continues to be linked with a move to Barcelona.

Tap ins

– Spurs forward Fernando Llorente is set to leave the club on a free transfer this summer, with The Sun claiming the north Londoners are already in the process of sounding out fresh backup options for star striker Harry Kane. Serie A side Napoli are early frontrunners to sign 34-year-old Llorente.

– Monaco and Porto are interested in a move for out-of-favour Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario. The former West Ham loanee has endured a difficult three-year spell at the San Siro, and Calciomercato claims he is set to be sold as part of plans for a major summer overhaul for the Nerazzurri.

– The Sun claims Bournemouth winger Jordon Ibe is on the summer wish list of Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers. The pair worked together during their time at Liverpool, and Rodgers is keen for a reunion with the 23-year-old, who has just over a year remaining on his contract with Eddie Howe’s Cherries.