The summer window opens soon and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours.
Man City close to Mahrez deal
Manchester City are finally close to completing a deal for Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez, reports The Sun.
The champions tried to sign Mahrez in the final week of the January transfer window, but Leicester refused to enter negotiations, leading to the 27-year-old handing in a transfer request.
Mahrez has since withdrawn that request, but it’s believed he has an understanding with the Foxes allowing him to leave if one of Europe’s elite clubs makes a reasonable offer.
And it seems City are set to take advantage of that arrangement, pushing through a £65 million move for the Algeria international at the start of the transfer window.
That could spell the end of Pep Guardiola’s interest in Wilfried Zaha, with the Daily Express reporting that the winger intends to stay Crystal Palace anyway.
Lindel-off from United?
Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof could be set to leave the club after just one season, with Premier League new boys Wolves monitoring his situation.
Lindelof has struggled to hold down a regular place at Old Trafford this term, prompting the Daily Mirror to suggest that the £31m centre-back will be made available for loan.
The story notes: “Any switch [to Wolves] would be helped by the relationship between super-agent Jorge Mendes and the Black Country club and Mourinho.”
Mourinho is thought to be eyeing several targets to strengthen the defence, and Lindelof’s exit would free up space in his squad.
Casteels to replace Cech?
Arsenal may have found Petr Cech’s long-term successor as they pursue a deal for Wolfsburg keeper Koen Casteels, reports TalkSport.
Casteels has been a regular in the Bundesliga this season after waiting patiently for his opportunity since arriving from Hoffenheim in 2015.
The 25-year-old has won several caps for Belgium at under-21 level, and impressed Arsenal head of recruitment Sven Mislintat during the transfer guru’s spell at Borussia Dortmund.
Wolfsburg’s struggles this season have landed them in a relegation playoff, and their fate could decide Casteels’ future.
Tap-ins
– Maurizio Sarri will offer Alvaro Morata in exchange for Gonzalo Higuain if he is appointed Chelsea boss in the summer, claims Tuttosport. Sarri is yet to commit his future to Napoli and has been linked with the imminent vacancy at Stamford Bridge.
– Chelsea are also chasing Mauro Icardi, along with Man United, according to The Sun. The Inter Milan forward has been in superb form this season, but could leave the San Siro if the Nerazzurri miss out on Champions League football.
– Meanwhile, Inter, Monaco and Everton are all tracking Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, says A Bola. The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League for what seems like an eternity, and would cost around €40m.
– Everton are also in for Xherdan Shaqiri, but face a battle with West Ham and Crystal Palace to sign the Stoke winger. The Sun says Shaqiri has a £12m release clause following the Potters’ relegation.
Matthew Stanger covers European football for ESPN and is the editor of The Set Pieces. Twitter: @MatthewStanger
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