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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: Barcelona and Real Madrid enter Sancho race?
Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid could crash the party in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund youngster Jadon Sancho, Bild reports.
For the longest time it seemed as if Manchester United were in the driving seat in the pursuit for Sancho’s signature, but now it appears as if both Real and Barca are willing to throw their names into the conversation.
Real’s interest is said to have been ongoing for quite some time, whereas Barcelona have only recently entertained the idea as they aim to shake up the look of their attack.
Sancho, 19, is one of Europe’s hottest young players (and comes in No. 2 on ESPN’s list of 36 players under the age of 21) while he is valued at around €120m.
– Stream new episodes of ESPN FC Monday-Friday on ESPN+
- Stream every episode of 30 for 30: Soccer Stories on ESPN+
– Where Europe’s top leagues stand on finishing 2019-20 season
LIVE BLOG
08.50 BST: ESPN’s Insider Notebook is back and has some interesting transfer lines:
– Inter Milan are preparing themselves for the unwanted possibility Mauro Icardi could return from his loan at Paris Saint-Germain, which would have painful repercussions on the club’s budget.
– Things could have been very different for Bayer Leverkusen forward Kevin Volland had Unai Emery remained in charge of Arsenal. Sources have told ESPN that Arsenal regularly scouted the star during 2019 and had even reached out to intermediaries to sound both the club and player out over their interest in a possible transfer.
– There could be a bargain for someone this summer in the shape of Lyon’s Memphis Depay. The Dutch forward is out of contract in June 2021 and he has not responded to any of the offers put on the table by his club, sources have told ESPN.
08.00 BST: Barcelona coach Quique Setien has praised Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez and believes it wouldn’t be difficult to lure the player to Camp Nou as everyone wants to play with Lionel Messi.
Martinez, who scored 16 goals in 31 games for Inter this season, is reportedly Barcelona’s top summer target as he has a release clause of €111m. The 22-year-old has been tipped as Luis Suarez‘s long-term successor.
“Lautaro Martinez is a great footballer,” Setien told Gazzetta dello Sport. “Does Messi like him? We should ask him. All the good players can attract Barcelona’s interest. Moreover, the fact is that for many to play with Leo (Messi) represents a great incentive.”
Tied to Inter until June 2023, Martinez joined Inter from Racing Club in July 2018 for a reported €22.7m.
PAPER TALK (by Harry Kettle)
Manchester United prefer Grealish to Maddison
Manchester United are leaning toward a deal for Jack Grealish as opposed to James Maddison, Manchester Evening News reports.
While the Red Devils have been tracking the Leicester City sensation for quite some time now, the Foxes believe their valuation of him would not be met by United in the midst of what is bound to be an unsteady summer transfer window.
On the other hand, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could get his hands on Grealish for a good price if Aston Villa wind up slipping back down to the Championship.
Inter Milan want permanent Moses deal
Inter Milan are willing to turn the loan spell of Victor Moses from Chelsea into a permanent deal, Calciomercato reports.
Antonio Conte, who was familiar with the Nigerian’s work before heading to the San Siro due to their time together at Stamford Bridge, is more than happy to bring Moses on board, but he wants the Blues to drop their €12 million price tag that has been placed on the veteran.
With this being Victor’s fifth loan deal since joining Chelsea, and with him being set to turn 30 later this year, it might finally be time to say goodbye.
Tap-ins
— As reported by Manchester Evening News, Santos star Yeferson Soteldo informed Gazeta Esportiva of his desire to play for Manchester United during a recent interview. The 22-year-old was previously linked with a move to Everton in January, but even after initially committing his future to Santos, it seems as if he’s putting himself back out on the market.
— Bayern Munich are interested in signing Hearts teenager Aaron Hickey, the Daily Record reports. In addition to watching footage on the 17-year-old, Bayern also have been analysing his play extensively during the lockdown period. With Hickey going into the final season of his contract, it could be the perfect time for them to strike.