The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow live with our daily blog throughout the summer.
TOP STORY: Chelsea propose striker swap with Inter
Chelsea will propose a sensational striker swap deal to Inter Milan involving Alvaro Morata and Mauro Icardi, according to reports in Italy and Spain.
The Blues would offer the Spanish forward plus £35 million to convince the Nerazzurri to sell their captain.
The Argentinian was left out of Jorge Sampaoli’s World Cup squad despite finishing the season as the top scorer in Serie A with 29 goals.
Morata’s debut season in the Premier League fizzled out with inconsistent form and a lingering back problem, leaving him with just 15 goals total. Sources in both Italy and Spain reported on the potential deal, with the Blues eager to rebuild after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
LIVE BLOG
08.56 BST: As come-and-get-me pleas go, this is pretty good stuff from Tianjin Quanjian forward Pato. The Brazilian won the league with the Rossoneri during his six seasons at the club before moving to China and he wants to return. “I’m in love with Milan and the city, so I couldn’t say no (to a return),” Pato told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I still have a year-and-a-half left on my contract, but never say never. If Gattuso calls me, I could recommend a striker to him …”
08.48 BST: We’re 99 percent transfers in here, and one percent other stuff. C’mon … who ya got?
08.21 BST: Loris Karius may have won Jurgen Klopp’s trust for now, but Liverpool are still said to be in the market for a goalkeeper. According to calciomercato, Gianluigi Donnarumma is an option but at present the Reds are put off by AC Milan’s valuation.
08.18 BST: Done Deal! Relegated Bundesliga side Cologne sign right-back Benno Schmitz, 23, on a four-year deal from RB Leipzig.
📝 Welcome to Cologne, Benno! The complete details to #effzeh‘s latest signing:https://t.co/Q7UFAfxAWM
— 1. FC Cologne (@fckoeln_en) 24 May 2018
08.08 BST: This is what Transfer Talk was made for. An internet sleuth has spotted that Fred has liked a comment on Instagram that says “Fred is Red.” Is this a sign? What does it all mean?
Photos: Fred liked the comment ‘Fred is 🔴’ on instagram. 👀 #mufc pic.twitter.com/ihD4EScfGc
— RedReveal (@RedReveal) 24 May 2018
08.01 BST: Manchester United appear set to make Fred their first summer signing — or do they? The Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder has been rather cryptic over his future: “Maybe after the World Cup I will make the choice,” the midfielder said. “Now I am only thinking about the World Cup.”
A choice between who, exactly?
08.00 BST: Welcome, one and all, to another LIVE edition of Transfer Talk. It’s nearly the weekend, the Champions League final is on Saturday and there’s plenty of delicious gossip about. Let’s dig in, shall we?
PAPER TALK (My Matt Stanger) Liverpool intent on landing Fekir for £60m
Liverpool will intensify their interest in Lyon star Nabil Fekir after the Champions League final, a source told ESPN FC.
The France international inspired Lyon to Champions League qualification this season with 23 goals and eight assists in all competitions.
The Reds could use the 24-year-old as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho — if not in the same role, then as a player who could make a difference in deciding big games.
The Telegraph reports that Fekir would cost around £60m, which when added to the £75m fee paid for Virgil van Dijk would almost equal the £142m received for Coutinho from Barcelona in January.
The addition of Fekir would bolster an already scintillating attack and allow Jurgen Klopp’s side to better compete in Europe and in the Premier League. Attention next season will turn to winning that elusive 19th league title and showing consistency after producing a peak to match any side in Europe this term.
Arsenal want Roma star
Arsenal have joined the race to sign Lorenzo Pellegrini, with Unai Emery keen on the Roma star.
Sky Sport Italia claims the Gunners will compete with Juventus for the 21-year-old, who will be available at just £26m due to a buyout clause. (The Giallorossi already have decided to target Bryan Cristante, who has thrived on loan at Atalanta, as a potential replacement.)
Emery has highlighted the midfield as an area to strengthen at the Emirates and wants Arsenal to compete for Nice star Jean-Michael Seri as well, with the Ligue 1 club willing to let the Ivorian leave for around £35m.
Spurs eye star trio after Pochettino commits to club
Mauricio Pochettino appears to have got his way with Daniel Levy concerning investment at Tottenham after penning a new five-year deal, and now it will be up to the club to deliver in the market.
The Mirror claims the immediate targets for Spurs will be Manchester United’s out-of-favour Anthony Martial, Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt (given Toby Alderweireld’s uncertain future) and Fulham’s super talent Ryan Sessegnon.
Pochettino is also willing to clear out his squad by listening to offers for Danny Rose, Mousa Dembele and Fernando Llorente.
Tap-ins
— Jose Mourinho will make a move for Mario Mandzukic, according to Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio. The Juventus star is high on Mourinho’s list of potential strikers, while West Ham’s Marko Arnautovic is another candidate.
— Inter Milan have identified Roma star Radja Nainggolan as their ideal midfield signing this summer. Di Marzio reports the Belgian is on Luciano Spalletti’s wanted list, though Cagliari’s Nicola Barella is also under consideration.
Follow @ESPNFC on Twitter to keep up with the latest football updates.
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