Clubs are slowly turning their eyes toward the summer window. Transfer Talk has updates on all the latest rumours.
Chelsea ready to make Martial move
It may not be clear who Chelsea’s manager next season will be, but the Mail reports that the Blues are lining up a bid for Manchester United’s Anthony Martial.
Antonio Conte seems almost certain to leave but the report says Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich “remains committed to another summer of spending,” with France international forward Martial at its centre.
Last month, reports said Martial had rejected a new contract at Old Trafford amid frustration over a lack of playing time and linked him with Barcelona.
But now Chelsea, who want to add more attacking options to their squad, have emerged as big contenders for his signature.
Spurs have been mooted as another potential destination, but the Mail says United boss Jose Mourinho “would like to keep Martial and is unlikely to be keen on the idea of selling to a title rival.”
Michy Batshuayi and Kenedy could be among those on their way out in what is likely to be another summer of upheaval at Stamford Bridge.
Defender Bailly ‘worried about United future’
Staying with matters Old Trafford, United defender Eric Bailly “has been left worried about his future after being frozen out by Mourinho,” according to the Mirror.
It claims the manager has given Ivory Coast international Bailly “no explanation for why he has been dropped and was axed from the squad that faced Arsenal on Sunday.”
The manager’s decision not to use him “has surprised United players” — and left the defender concerned.
He has not featured since the dramatic Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium in which United came from two goals down to win and temporarily deny rivals City the Premier League title.
The Mirror says his absence from the squad to face the Gunners “raised eyebrows among teammates and set off alarm bells among fans.”
Victor Lindelof was selected against the Gunners instead, with Bailly “left out in the cold.”
Meanwhile, sources have told ESPN FC that Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind will be allowed to leave in the forthcoming window.
Darmian has been linked with Juventus, while Blind is interesting Roma.
Vela key to Chivas’ Club World Cup bid?
Carlos Vela may be only a few months into his LAFC career, but that has not stopped El Universal from linking him with a return to Mexico.
Chivas Guadalajara — who beat Toronto FC in the CONCACAF Champions League final — are looking to strengthen their squad as they target the Club World Cup and want a loan deal for Mexico international Vela, it reports.
LAFC may already have a replacement lined up, with Andre Horta set to join — but not until the start of the MLS secondary transfer window in July.
Tap-ins
– West Brom fans could be forgiven for wondering what might have been after their improvement under Darren Moore but, with relegation looming, striker Salomon Rondon is among those likely to be on his way out.
The Birmingham Mail reports that, although Venezuela international Rondon is interesting several clubs, Watford are ready to pay the £16.5 million release clause reported to apply when West Brom drop out of the top flight.
– Leicester are among a number of clubs keen on Rubin Kazan striker Sardar Azmoun, according to the Leicester Mercury.
It says Everton and Wolves could consider offers for the 23-year-old Iran international, while Leicester have also been linked with Azmoun’s fellow Iran international Saman Ghoddos, who plays for Swedish club Ostersunds.
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