The transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs is closed, but you can click here to review all the deals. Transfer Talk will continue to scour the world’s media and set correspondents loose to see what’s on the agenda for the summer.
TOP STORY: Top Spanish clubs circle for Perez
Fresh off scoring a hat trick to ensure Newcastle City’s Premier League survival in their 3-1 win over Southampton, Ayoze Perez has admitted that he will weigh his options in the summer over his future on Tyneside, the Mirror reports.
There’s plenty of uncertainty surrounding Newcastle at the moment, with Rafael Benitez’s future also in doubt. As for Perez — who has 10 goals and two assists in the Premier League this season — reports suggest that some of Spain’s top clubs are keeping an eye on him during the business end of the season.
Responding to the speculation, Perez said: “In the summer, there are going to be options. That means I have done something well. I’ll be up for hearing what is coming, but it doesn’t mean I am going to leave 100 percent at the end of the season. It is going to be a difficult decision and depends on a lot of things.”
Madrid is still ‘home’ for Marcelo
Despite speculation that Marcelo could be on his way to Juventus to join former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, the Brazilian left-back said he is happy at Los Blancos.
He said following Madrid’s 3-0 win against Athletic Bilbao: “Everyone knows the happiness I have, and I show that every day training or playing, wearing this shirt. There are so many things that are said from outside, I think. I don’t think about that. Madrid is my home, and those who know me know the truth.”
Sergio Reguilon’s upturn in form has seen game time decrease for Marcelo this season, who has started 17 games in La Liga in 2018-19.
Marcelo has three years remaining on his contract at Real Madrid and for now seems content to see it through.
AC Milan hopeful of signing Bakayoko permanently
Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko — on loan this season at AC Milan — might be extending his stay in Italy with a permanent signing, CalcioMercato reports.
It won’t be completely straightforward, though, as Milan would have to fork out €35 million, and existing issues with Financial Fair Play could make that difficult.
Given his frequent inclusion in Milan’s squad compared to the limited minutes provided to him at Chelsea, the Italian side are hopeful that they can persuade the Blues to drop Bakayoko’s price.
Since signing for Chelsea in 2017, the Frenchman has featured on just 29 occasions for the club.
Tap-ins
— CalcioMercato reports that Paulo Dybala’s future at Juventus is “very uncertain.” The club will likely consider offers for him this summer, unless Max Allegri can work him into his plans for next season.
— Chelsea are looking for a replacement for Eden Hazard when his time at Stamford Bridge comes to an end, and CalcioMercato is reporting that Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho is the man on their radar. Coutinho previously played in the Premier League with Liverpool but has found his form in England difficult to replicate for Barcelona in La Liga.
— Ilkay Gundogan could be set to switch Manchester City for Inter Milan this summer, CalcioMercato reports. That’s if Pep Guardiola’s side can get a deal across the line for Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech, which has recently been rumoured.