Clubs are slowly turning their eyes toward the summer window; Transfer Talk has the updates on all the latest rumours.
Man United target Swansea’s Mawson
Alfie Mawson has emerged as a surprise target for Manchester United as Jose Mourinho looks to strengthen his defensive options in the summer.
According to The Sun, Mourinho sent his scouts to watch the Swansea centre-back in last weekend’s 1-1 draw against West Brom, with Mawson viewed as a potential starter at Old Trafford next season.
The 24-year-old has also attracted interest from Tottenham, who reportedly balked at the defender’s £40 million price tag.
That hefty fee won’t deter United, however, as Mourinho scours the market for new arrivals to replace the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Victor Lindelof.
Martial seeks assurances
Wednesday’s Transfer Talk suggested that Anthony Martial could leave Manchester United in the summer, and The Times now says the winger is delaying putting pen to paper on a new five-year contract.
Martial has been linked with Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid after struggling to force his way into Mourinho’s plans, starting only 16 matches in the Premier League this season.
With nine goals and five assists, the 22-year-old will still be in demand if he chooses to quit United, as talks over a new deal reach gridlock.
It seems that unless Mourinho can convince Martial he will be afforded more playing time, the France international will seek a new challenge after the World Cup.
Bertrand in demand
Ryan Bertrand is being tracked by a string of suitors as he looks to leave relegation-threatened Southampton, according to The Sun.
The England international is a target for Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle and Everton, with the Saints setting an asking price of around £25m.
Bertrand was considered by Manchester City last year, and has largely avoided criticism for his role in Southampton’s struggles.
The 28-year-old was expected to be included in the England squad for the World Cup, where he would have a chance to put himself in the shop window.
Better call Saul
Arsenal want Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez as Arsene Wenger looks to shake up his first XI, reports Spanish outlet AS.
The 23-year-old is a long-term target for the Gunners and could finally add the steal they have been sorely missing in the middle of the pitch.
The only problem? Saul is tied to Atletico until 2026 and has a release clause of €150m.
That leaves Arsenal having to break their record fee to sign the Spain international, or being forced to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.
Tap-ins
– Pep Guardiola is close to signing a one-year contract extension at Manchester City, claims the Daily Mirror. The manager’s current deal has one season left to run, with City keen to sort out his future before the end of the campaign.
– Chelsea have joined the race for Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri, says L’Equipe. The Ivory Coast international was close to joining Barcelona last summer and has been linked with Manchester United and Manchester CIty.
– Meanwhile, Danny Drinkwater could leave Stamford Bridge after starting only five league games for the Blues. The Guardian says the midfielder will consider his options at the end of the season.
– Tottenham and West Ham are both chasing unhappy Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes, according to the Daily Mirror. The 24-year-old is interested in a move to the Premier League after struggling to hold down a regular place at the Nou Camp.
Matthew Stanger covers European football for ESPN and is the editor of The Set Pieces. Twitter: @MatthewStanger
Be the first to comment