The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow live with our daily blog throughout the summer.
Man United to launch £200m Bale bid
Manchester United must be kicking themselves that they didn’t push through a deal for Gareth Bale last summer, with Real Madrid now demanding upward of £200 million for the Welshman following his performance in the Champions League final.
Bale stole the show Saturday with his acrobatic overhead kick to restore Real’s lead against Liverpool, but, according to The Sun, he didn’t speak to Zinedine Zidane for three hours after the game. It’s thought the pair’s relationship has cooled this season, with Bale often having to settle for a substitute role, as he did in Kiev. The winger hinted at his frustration after the final whistle, telling the media he needs to play more next year.
While United lead the queue for Bale’s signature, and could meet his £650,000-a-week wage demands, there are doubts about whether he would fit Jose Mourinho’s style of play.
The Sun says the former Tottenham star would “have concerns” about playing under the United boss, who may have some convincing to do in order to sign his leading target.
Liverpool step up keeper search
It’s impossible not to feel sorry for Loris Karius after his horror show in the Champions League final, but his costly errors have left Liverpool searching for a new goalkeeper. The Daily Mirror says Jurgen Klopp won’t get rid of the 24-year-old, but he likely will have to accept a place on the bench with Simon Mignolet set to depart the club.
Roma shotstopper Alisson and Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak head Liverpool’s list of potential replacements, but both could cost around the £80m mark.
Meanwhile, La Repubblica claims the Reds have made inquiries for AC Milan keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The 19-year-old looked to be heading for the exit door at the San Siro last summer, but he eventually extended his contract until 2021.
Man City on Mbappe radar
Manchester City are on red alert to swoop for Kylian Mbappe if Paris Saint-Germain’s permanent move for the youngster is dashed by a Financial Fair Play charge.
According to the Manchester Evening News, UEFA are ready to act on PSG’s astronomical spending, which could cause the 19-year-old’s £127m transfer to collapse.
If that happens, City are primed to step in, despite already planning to shell out £130m on Napoli midfielder Jorginho and Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez. Neymar has also spoken of his desire to play for Pep Guardiola, but it’s thought City would prefer to sign Mbappe over the Brazilian.
Man United eye Milinkovic-Savic
Mourinho has responded to reports that Marouane Fellaini won’t be renewing his contract at Manchester United by stepping up his interest in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, reports The Metro.
United have made a £96m opening offer for the Serbian star, who bagged 12 goals and three assists in 35 Serie A appearances to fire Lazio to within touching distance of the Champions League. At 6-foot-3, Milinkovic-Savic would make an ideal replacement for Fellaini, allowing Mourinho to play a direct style with a central target man.
Barcelona and Juventus also are tracking the 23-year-old, but it’s believed his close relationship with compatriot Nemanja Matic has put United in pole position.
Tap-ins
— Nabil Fekir has distanced himself from links to Liverpool, saying he is relaxed about making a decision on his future. The Independent reports on an interview the 24-year-old gave in France in which he said, “I’m not close to the Reds. There are talks with clubs. I will take time to reflect on things.”
— RB Leipzig hope to complete a permanent deal for Ademola Lookman following his impressive loan spell in the Bundesliga, reports the Liverpool Echo. The winger claimed five goals and four assists in 11 appearances after moving from Everton in January.
Follow @ESPNFC on Twitter to keep up with the latest football updates.
Be the first to comment