Clubs are slowly turning their eyes toward the summer window, and Transfer Talk has the updates on all the latest rumours.
Chelsea might use Batshuayi to enter Pulisic race
Christian Pulisic might have a new suitor in the Premier League, as the Daily Mail reports that Chelsea could ask for the American in exchange for letting Michy Batshuayi sign a permanent deal in the summer.
Chelsea refused to sell Batshuayi to Dortmund outright last month, but he has been in world-class form since starting his loan with five goals in three games.
Pulisic, the United States’ great hope for the future at just 19 years old, has been heavily linked to a move to Liverpool or Manchester United in the past, and he has never been shy about saying that he would like to play in England in the future.
That could come as early as this summer, according to the Mail, which says Chelsea could be talked into parting ways with Batshuayi if Dortmund are willing to negotiate over Pulisic.
Mourinho and Pogba in ‘crisis talks’
Amid increasing speculation reports that Paul Pogba is unhappy at Manchester United, he and manager Jose Mourinho held “crisis talks” for an hour this week, according to a report in the Daily Mail.
After Pogba was substituted in recent matches against Tottenham and Newcastle, reports of a rift between the Frenchman and the Manchester United manager have emerged in the media.
Mourinho dismissed the claims as “big lies” in his news conference on Friday, but the Mail says the pair held a “frank discussion about Pogba’s form and best position,” with the 24-year-old appearing “stony-faced” afterward.
Pogba missed Saturday’s FA Cup win over Huddersfield due to a sudden illness and remains doubtful for the midweek Champions League clash with Sevilla — all while rumours about his unhappiness persist.
De Gea eyes long-term United future
While doubts about Pogba’s future continue to grow, United have been handed a boost by reports that David de Gea is willing to extend his commitment to the club.
The Daily Star quote De Gea as saying that he is “really happy” at Old Trafford, as the 27-year-old relishes the responsibility of being one of the club’s longest-serving players.
De Gea has been linked with an £85 million move to Real Madrid, which came close to signing the goalkeeper in 2015, but he has refused to be drawn on their interest.
“I don’t think it’s ever good to discuss the future or what may happen,” De Gea was quoted as saying. “Only the present, feeling well, playing well and helping United is important.”
Madrid willing to add Bale to Hazard offer
Real Madrid are stepping up their interest in Eden Hazard after settling on the Belgium international as their No. 1 transfer target, according to the Express.
The Spanish giants are reportedly prepared to offer £100 million plus Gareth Bale for the Chelsea star, as Hazard drags his feet on signing a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United and Tottenham have also been monitoring Bale’s situation, as Madrid look to use the 28-year-old as a makeweight next summer.
Should they fail to seal a move for Hazard, the Bernabeu club might offer the Welshman back to Spurs in part-exchange for Harry Kane.
Tap-ins
— Besiktas are ready to hand Cenk Tosun an escape route, should he wish to cut short his spell at Everton, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The £27 million hitman arrived at Goodison from the Turkish champions only two months ago but has already found himself behind Oumar Niasse and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the pecking order.
— Bayer Leverkusen star Leon Bailey has emerged as a surprise candidate to be included in England’s World Cup squad, says the Mirror. The winger qualifies for the Three Lions through two of his grandparents, though he is also eligible for Jamaica, Belgium and Malta.
— The Colorado Rapids are closing in on Wolves forward Joe Mason, according to the Washington Post, while the Daily Mail says the MLS club are also keen on Aston Villa’s Ross McCormack.
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