The transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs is closed, but click here for all the deals and keep track of who has joined the big boys. And Transfer Talk will continue to scour the world’s media and set correspondents loose to see what’s on the agenda for the summer.
Rashford set for bumper pay rise?
Manchester United are keen to fend off interest from a host of European rivals by securing the long-term future of in-form striker Marcus Rashford, according to the Daily Telegraph.
United, who have just secured French forward Anthony Martial to a new five-year deal, are looking to do the same with Rashford, and they’re prepared to double his wages in the process.
Rashford has scored six goals in 10 games under boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and not surprisingly clubs such as Real Madrid having been tracking his development with interest. However, United see Rashford as an integral part of their future, regardless of whether Solskjaer gets the job on a permanent basis, which is why they’re prepared to pay him £150,000 a week to help seal the deal.
Rashford’s existing contract is due to end at the end of next season, and United are keen to lock in the 21-year-old for the long term in the next few weeks.
North London rivals in race to sign Rabiot?
Arsenal boss Unai Emery believes he can strengthen his squad this summer with the addition of familiar face Adrien Rabiot.
The coveted midfielder is set to be available this summer after he refused to sign a new deal at PSG, and the Mirror reports that Emery is confident his relationship with the 23-year-old — the duo worked together for two years at in the French capital — should be enough to see him win the race for the skilful all-rounder.
That race could involve north London rivals Tottenham, with the Mirror also suggesting Spurs are ready to spend some money. Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino could see the signing of Rabiot as the player he needs to make a major statement as Spurs prepare to start their first full season in the new stadium.
Both Arsenal and Spurs face pressure from Barcelona, Liverpool and Bayern Munich, though Barca’s interest has cooled following their signing of midfielder Frenkie de Jong from Ajax in January. De Jong joins the Catalan club in the summer.
Spurs making a case for the defence?
News that Tottenham could finally be opening the purse strings this summer will delight fans frustrated by their recent lack of transfer activity, and next on the club’s list could be Fiorentina centre-back Nikola Milenkovic.
The Mirror reports that Pochettino sees the player rated at £30 million as a possible replacement for Toby Alderweireld, whose future beyond this season is uncertain.
Former FK Partizan man Milenkovic has been in fine form under Viola boss Stefano Pioli and has attracted admiring glances from Serie A leaders Juventus, though some at the Turin giants are said to be reluctant as a result of the 21-year-old’s lack of experience at the highest level.
Pochettino’s record of developing young players could make White Hart Lane the perfect destination for the burgeoning defender.
Milan duo in for winger Brahimi?
AC Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso could finally land the winger he craves, if rumours linking the Rossoneri with FC Porto winger Yacine Brahimi are to be believed.
Portuguese outlet A Bola is reporting that Milan and rivals Inter have moved ahead of Watford in the race to land the 28-year-old from the Portuguese league leaders. Brahimi has played an active part in Porto’s rise to the summit, with a combined total of 15 goals and assists from the flank.
Gattuso was linked with a long line of wingers in January and was left disappointed at the club’s failure to add to their wide options. Yannick Carrasco, Manchester United target Steven Bergwijn and Gerard Dulofeu were all linked with a move to the Italian giants, but to no avail.
Tap-Ins
– While Unai Emery is looking for reinforcements for next season, he might have to do his shopping on the cheap if news of his transfer budget is to be believed. The Daily Mail reports that the Spaniard will have just £45m to play with.
– West Ham United could take on Real Madrid to sign a player described as “better” than Kylian Mbappe, reports AS. Madrid have been keeping tabs on Benfica star Joao Felix, but the Hammers were reported to have enquired about how much it would take to lure him from Portugal.
– Fulham fans will have more than one reason for wanting to avoid relegation at the end of the season, for Kicker are reporting that striker Andre Schurrle has admitted he’ll leave should Claudio Ranieiri’s side go down.