The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow along with our daily blog throughout the summer.
Chelsea to make Juve defender Sarri’s first signing
The managerial situation at Chelsea may still be up in the air, but the London Evening Standard says they know who the first signing of the Maurizio Sarri era will be.
It says Sarri will take over “as soon as the club reach a compensation agreement with Napoli and current coach Antonio Conte,” and Juventus defender Daniele Rugani is set to follow in his footsteps.
Chelsea have made a £35 million bid for Rugani, who played for Sarri for two years at Empoli, and although the Standard warns that they “face a tough task” to persuade Juve to sell the 23-year-old, it says they are ready to offer him a five-year contract.
His arrival in London, meanwhile, “could see senior players like David Luiz leave.”
Spurs favourites as Grealish prepares to quit Villa
Jack Grealish is set to leave Aston Villa, with Tottenham “leading the race” for the midfielder, says the Mirror.
Grealish starred as Villa reached the Championship playoff final, but their defeat to Fulham has sparked financial problems. The Mirror says Spurs chairman Daniel Levy “is yet to actually open the bidding as he bides his time to exploit Villa’s cash woes,” but Grealish is confident the Londoners will make an offer for him.
Grealish “stands to land a bumper five-year deal” at Tottenham, whose manager Mauricio Pochettino wants to bring in competition for Dele Alli. Meantime, West Ham United and other Premier League clubs will be watching what happens.
Palace hoping for Loftus-Cheek return
With reports suggesting Chelsea will let midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek leave on loan again, Crystal Palace — for whom he played last season — could be at the front of the queue, the Evening Standard reports.
England international Loftus-Cheek excelled as Palace climbed away from relegation danger, and manager Roy Hodgson wants to bring him back to Selhurst Park.
The Standard says “he enjoyed his time at Palace, and they hope that will put them at the front of the queue” despite interest from Newcastle and Everton.
Everton keen to secure Lookman future
As Everton prepare to say goodbye to Wayne Rooney, who is on the verge of wrapping up a move to D.C. United, they remain hopeful of keeping attacker Ademola Lookman.
The Mirror reports that representatives “will sit down with the in-demand 20-year-old and outline their plans for him under new boss Marco Silva.”
Lookman spent the second half of last season on loan at Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, who want to sign him after he scored five times in seven starts, but Spurs and Southampton also are interested in the ex-Charlton player.
Tap-ins
– Manchester City are considering re-signing Aaron Mooy from Huddersfield Town, sources have told ESPN FC. City loaned Mooy to Huddersfield for the 2016-17 season, and the midfielder helped them win promotion to the Premier League. Huddersfield made his loan move permanent in a deal rising to £10m last summer, but City retain a £20m buy-back option. Competition for the Australian’s services could come from Everton, West Ham and Southampton.
– West Bromwich Albion winger James McClean could be on his way to Stoke after they increased their initial £4m bid, the Mail says. Republic of Ireland international McClean may be followed by other attacking additions, with Stoke also interested in Bournemouth’s Jordon Ibe.
– Saint-Etienne, Rennes and Besiktas all are keen on Sunderland forward Wahbi Khazri, the Chronicle reports. Citing reports in France, it says Saint-Etienne are preparing to make an offer as they look to augment their attack, with Sunderland ready to sell the Tunisia international for the right price.
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