Clubs are slowly turning their eyes toward the summer window. Transfer Talk has updates on all the latest rumours.
Real Madrid met with Neymar
Neymar looks set to quit PSG after just a single season in France as Real Madrid line up a record-breaking deal for the former Barcelona star.
According to AS, Real are putting together a €260m package to persuade PSG to sell their star player, who is reportedly unhappy in the French capital.
Neymar will not play for the club again this season as he strives to recover from a metatarsal injury in time for the World Cup. And it may turn out that he has already made his last appearance for PSG, with Real believed to have held secret talks in March over the 26-year-old’s proposed return to Spain.
Rooney tells Everton he wants to go to MLS
Wayne Rooney has told Everton he wants to join D.C. United, with the price of a switch said to be £12.5m, according to the Daily Mail.
Following Tuesday’s revelation that Rooney was “in serious talks,” the Mail reports that Rooney’s agent, Paul Stretford, traveled to Washington to discuss a contract that would run through the 2020 MLS season.
Pogba offered to Man United’s rivals
Paul Pogba‘s agent, Mino Raiola, is stepping up his efforts to find the midfielder a new club in the summer, according to the Daily Mirror.
Raiola has spoken to Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Real Madrid and Manchester City about Pogba’s potential availability following a season fraught with tension at Manchester United.
The France international is reported to have fallen out with Jose Mourinho on several occasions, relating to concerns about his role in the team and fluctuating performance levels, although Mourinho’s tone seemed to have changed Wednesday when he said he expects Pogba to be a United player next season.
So far, PSG have proved “most receptive” to Raiola’s manoeuvres, with Pogba fitting the club’s model of pursuing big-money signings.
Man United eye Liverpool target
Manchester United are ready to hijack Liverpool’s move for Roma goalkeeper Alisson, claims The Sun.
With Real Madrid planning to revive their interest in David De Gea, it’s believed United have enquired about Alisson as they search for a potential replacement. Liverpool have been linked with the Brazilian all season, but his £88m price tag is proving a stumbling block.
Roma are desperate to hold on to their No.1, but they could face a losing battle if he impresses for Brazil at the World Cup.
Barca plan clear-out
Barcelona are preparing to sell as many as eight players this summer as they look to fund a move for Antoine Griezmann, reports the Daily Mirror.
It’s thought a deal for the France international is edging closer, with Barca ready to meet his €100m release clause.
The La Liga champions are aiming to trim their squad in other departments, however, with Lucas Digne, Andre Gomes, Paco Alcacer, Denis Suarez and Aleix Vidal all heading towards the exit door. They are likely to be joined by loan trio Rafinha, Munir El Haddadi and Gerard Deulofeu, as clubs from the Premier League and Serie A look to secure a bargain.
Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo claims Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani is on his way to Atletico Madrid as Griezmann’s replacement. The Europa League finalists have an “agreement in principle” to sign the Uruguay international in the summer and partner him with Diego Costa in attack next season.
Tap-ins
– Liverpool lead the race to sign Porto’s latest teenage sensation Diogo Leite, reports the Guardian. The centre-back is also a target for Arsenal and Manchester City, and has a release clause of €15m.
– Arsenal plan to give Jack Wilshere a new three-year deal to keep him at the Emirates Stadium, says the Mirror. The midfielder is out of contract in the summer, but is set to earn a new contract after proving his fitness this season.
– Meanwhile, the Gunners are eyeing Bernd Leno as Petr Cech’s long-term replacement, according to Bild, via the Express. The Bayer Leverkusen keeper has a release clause of £17.5m.
– PSG have joined a host of Premier League clubs in the race for Fulham wunderkind Ryan Sessegnon, claim the Mirror. Sessegnon has been linked with Tottenham, Man United and Man City in recent weeks, but is now being lined up for a £50m move to the French champions.
Matthew Stanger covers European football for ESPN and is the editor of The Set Pieces. Twitter: @MatthewStanger
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