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The winter transfer window is closed, but now it’s time to look ahead to the summer! Here are the new rumours floating around Europe’s big leagues and beyond.
TOP STORY: Saul could be on way to Man United
Manchester United believe they’re close to a deal to sign Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid in a potential record transfer, reports the Daily Star.
United are planning for life after Paul Pogba and the Express reports that they’re “closer than ever” to landing Niguez in a deal believed to be worth £135 million.
United are fully expecting Pogba to join Real Madrid this summer and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is prepared to reinvest all of the money earned from that deal — believed to be around £100m — back into the purchase of a player United have been watching for some time.
Most recently, the club sent scouts to watch Niguez in action at Anfield during Atletico’s 3-2 Champions League win over Liverpool on March 11.
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08.28 BST: AS says Real Madrid are also tracking 21-year-old Sao Paulo midfielder Igor Gomes, along with Barcelona and Sevilla.
Gomes has a €50m release clause, which seems prohibitively high, though it hasn’t stopped Madrid from landing the world’s top young Brazilian talent in the past.
08.00 BST: Eduardo Camavinga — one of the hottest prospects in world football — “prefers Real Madrid,” according to Spanish newspaper Marca.
The 17-year-old Rennes midfielder has been linked with a host of top European clubs after starring in Ligue 1, including an eye-catching performance against Paris Saint-Germain back in August. And Marca says that “the Whites’ project is the one that most convinces the French player.”
Sources have told ESPN that Real Madrid scouts have been tracking Camavinga for some time but, contrary to previous reports in France, are yet to make any approach or offer for him.
The midfielder, who is viewed as a potential long-term replacement for Casemiro, has a contract at Rennes until June 2022.
Real Madrid have put transfer activity on hold as they assess the financial impact of coronavirus and await news on the possible completion of the 2019-20 season.
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Klopp keen on £80m Dembele
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is keen to spend £80m to bring Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele to Anfield, reports Sport.
The France international joined Barca in 2017 for £130m, but he has failed to live up to expectations, making 51 appearances in an injury-laden three-year spell.
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Dembele has made only five appearances this season and is currently out of action following surgery in February. However, Klopp knows Dembele from his time at Borussia Dortmund and he’s convinced the 22-year-old has the qualities required to fit into his Liverpool side, and into the Premier League.
Dembele could yet return to action before the end of the La Liga season, depending on when it restarts, but Klopp is poised to make a move in the summer regardless.
Juve, Madrid and Man United on red alert for Kane
Juventus have long been keen to sign Tottenham striker Harry Kane and the Bianconeri have been given hope of landing their target thanks to a live Instagram video from the player’s account.
Kane admitted to former Spurs and England star Jamie Redknapp that he couldn’t say “yes or no” when quizzed about whether or not he would stay at Tottenham, and that he wouldn’t “stay for the sake of it.”
Kane had previously suggested he would spend the rest of his career at Spurs, but the striker’s latest quotes have led Calciomercato to suggest that should he decide to leave Spurs before his contract runs out in 2024, Juventus would lead the way.
Meanwhile, the Express suggests Real Madrid and Manchester United are also interested in landing the England skipper. Kane is apparently Juve’s top target should Cristiano Ronaldo refuse a new deal at the club, and they were linked to him earlier in March.
Kane has scored 181 goals in 278 games and is desperate to land some silverware.
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Tap-ins
– West Ham are interested in signing Barcelona’s 28-year-old striker Martin Braithwaite, according to the Sun. Braithwaite only joined Barca only last month after the Catalan club utilised a Spanish rule that lets clubs sign players outside the window if existing squad players are ruled out by injury for up to five months. However, with injured pair Dembele and Luis Suarez potentially back when La Liga returns, Braithwaite is surplus to requirements. The Hammers are ready and waiting.
– Roma are desperate to keep Chris Smalling beyond his loan period but are keen to negotiate on the price, with the club’s hierarchy unwilling to meet Manchester United’s £25m valuation, reports Corriere della Sera. The 30-year-old made 21 appearances before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus. The central defender has been a hit at the Stadio Olimpico, but Roma could face competition from Arsenal.
– AC Milan are keen to sign Racing Club’s 22-year-old midfielder Matias Zaracho. Milan unsuccessfully made contact with the Argentine club in January, and now the Italian giants are prepared to return with a second approach. Zaracho has a release clause of €22m and is keen to move to Italy, reports Corriere della Sera. Milan are also keen on fellow Argentine Rodrigo de Paul.