Clubs are slowly turning their eyes toward the summer window; Transfer Talk has the updates on all the latest rumours.
Juventus lead chase for United’s Martial
After reports that Marcus Rashford is growing frustrated at Manchester United comes news that his fellow forward Anthony Martial could be on the move amid claims he has rejected a new contract.
The Independent reports that Juventus “are monitoring Martial’s situation and willing to fight Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid for his signature if he becomes available.”
Although the France international would prefer to stay at Old Trafford, the paper says boss Jose Mourinho is looking to shake up his attack again and “may see him as surplus to requirements.”
Mourinho had mulled the possibility of a swap deal for Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic before the start of the season, only to eventually decide against it.
The report says Juventus “are keen to do a deal, having been informed that Martial would be likely to cost around £60 million.”
PSG and Atletico Madrid are also in contention while Tottenham “have a long-term interest, but it is understood United would be averse to selling to a Premier League rival.”
Meanwhile, the Mail reports that Valencia have asked about the possibility of signing on-loan United midfielder Andreas Pereira on a permanent basis.
Atleti ready to offer Griezmann huge new deal
Atletico Madrid will pull out all the stops to keep Antoine Griezmann and are set to offer him more than £300,000 a week.
France international forward Griezmann is reported to be a target for both Barcelona and Man United, but the Mirror says Atletico “are refusing to let him go without a fight.”
Despite having given him a new contract last summer, they will do the same again to fight off Barca, who plan to “go big to try and sign him as the centrepiece of their rebuilding.”
The report says coach Diego Simeone, who has pledged his future to Atleti, is thought to have been told they will do everything possible to keep Griezmann — but it adds that Barca are “desperate to get their main target.”
Top-flight trio want Norwich’s Murphy
Premier League clubs are already interested in Norwich midfielder James Maddison — and now the Mirror reports that Canaries winger Josh Murphy is attracting attention as well.
Championship club Norwich “have put a £30m price tag on England under-21 international Maddison,” who is being watched by Liverpool and Spurs after a season in which he has scored 15 goals.
And now they will have to brace themselves for bids for Murphy, with the Mirror saying Leicester, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are all in the frame.
Tap-ins
– Derby and Aston Villa are among the favourites to sign Joey Barton when he returns to football after his ban comes to an end, the Birmingham Mail reports.
Former Manchester City, QPR and Burnley midfielder Barton, 35, has also been linked with Cardiff City, in contention for automatic promotion to the Premier League.
– Watford are set to abandon efforts to sign teenage defender Ben Wilmot from League Two side Stevenage, according to the London Evening Standard.
The Hornets had a bid worth around £500,000 for the 18-year-old — also linked with Spurs and Arsenal — turned down in January, and the Standard says they “are now looking elsewhere as things stand.”
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