Chelsea transfer window 2015: Pedro, Falcao and a 'mild panic'

Chelsea transfer news: Falcao joins Blues on season-long loan

17 June

Further to yesterday's reports that Chelsea were "closing in" on Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, Sky Sports that the Blues "have agreed a season-long loan deal" for the 29-year-old Colombian striker.

Falcao, who spent last season on loan at Manchester United, was discarded by Louis van Gaal after he scored just four goals in 26 Premier League appearances, but Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho still believes that the South American sharpshooter has what it takes, and he sees Falcao as the man to fill the void created by the departure of Didier Drogba.

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Meanwhile the Daily Star reports that Chelsea "are in talks" with Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, although the champions will face strong competition from Manchester United for the Bosnian gloveman.

Mourinho regards 27-year-old Begovic as a possible replacement for the departing Petr Cech, expected to join Arsenal this summer. Thibaut Courtois has established himself as the Stamford Bridge number one, but Mourinho apparently wants Begovic as competition for the Belgian. But that may not be good enough for the Balkan ball stopper, speculates the Star.

Manchester United are also on the lookout for a new keeper as they prepare of offload David de Gea to Real Madrid. From Begovic's perspective a move to Old Trafford could be more appealing as he'd be guaranteed more regular game time.

Chelsea transfer news: Blues want Sterling but not for £50m

16 June

Another day, another dollop of Raheem Sterling drama with Sky Sports reporting that Chelsea are "interested in signing" the England star. But Liverpool have slapped a £50m price tag on the 20-year-old Sterling and that could present a stumbling block for the Blues.

According to Sky the champions "are not prepared to meet" the asking price and hope Liverpool will lower their demand as the summer wears on. Manchester City have already had a £25m bid knocked back by Liverpool, and Arsenal – also said to be interested – are unlikely to offer £50m. With Sterling allegedly desperate to lave Anfield, Liverpool may reduce the price in order to make as much as they can rather than keep a disgruntled Sterling on their books.

Meanwhile, Metro claims that Juventus are gearing up for a big money move for Chelsea midfielder Oscar. When asked if he liked the look of Oscar, manager Massimiliano Allegri replied: "Very much. He is one of those players who can make a difference in Europe. I like Oscar." The Brazilian, who's spent the past three seasons at Stamford Bridge, has been rumoured to be on Juventus' radar for weeks and the Italian champions could make Chelsea an offer when the transfer window opens next month.

The Daily Mail reports that the Blues "are closing in on a loan arrangement with Monaco for Radamel Falcao" following prolonged talks on Sunday. It appears that Chelsea have offered the French outfit midfielder Mario Pasalic as "a makeweight' for the former Manchester United man, and they are also considering Monaco's request to take Chelsea's 18-year-old Belgian midfielder Charly Musonda Jr.

According to the Mail Chelsea are willing to loan Pasalic - who they bought for £3m from Hajduk Split last year - with the option of an £11m buyout if he goes well at Monaco. The French club are in need of a midfielder as they prepare to sell Geoffrey Kondogbia, who says the Mail is being chased by AC Milan, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Chelsea transfer news: Falcao to sign, and Charlie Austin too?

12 June

Could Chelsea be primed to resurrect Radamel Falcao's career? The Colombian striker failed to find his feet with Manchester United last season after moving on loan from Monaco, and Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal has no wish to sign the 29-year-old on a permanent deal.

But Monaco want to offload Falcao from their wage bill and according to Talksport Chelsea are ready to pick up the tab. Jose Mourinho is known to be an admirer of Falcao's and despite the fact he scored only four goals at United, he believes a move to Stamford Bridge would relaunch his career.

"If I can help Falcao reach his level again, I will do it," Mourinho told DirecTV Sports. "It hurts me that people in England think that the real Falcao is the one we saw at Manchester United.

And the Daily Star speculates that Mourinho may have his heart set on more than just Falcao. The paper says that the Special One "could be about to follow up that signing with a raid on QPR for Charlie Austin", the young striker whose 18 goals in a struggling Hoops side earned him an England call-up last season.

Apparently Chelsea have been keeping tabs on Austin for several weeks and an offer in the region of £15m is soon to be tabled to the newly-relegated cub.

Chelsea transfer news: Blues line up Higuain and Varane

09 June

Gonzalo Higuain is a man in demand. Not only is he being linked with a move to Man United, The Sun says a £30m offer could soon be on its way to Napoli from Chelsea in the hope it will persuade the Italian club to sell the striker.

According to the paper, Blues boss Jose Mourinho "is looking for a top-class operator" to replace Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, and he's identified the 27-year-old Higuain as that man. The pair know each other well from Mourinho's time in charge of Real Madrid, and the Sun says "Chelsea have put out feelers over a move for the hitman".

Rumours suggesting Higuain has become "frustrated" at Napoli's inability to launch a serious title challenge have surfaced in recent weeks, but the Sun says it's not just Chelsea interested in the Argentine. Juventus have also apparently made enquiries for the man who' scored 53 goals in two seasons.

Meanwhile new Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez is "willing to sell Raphael Varane in order to land Juventus star Leonardo Bonucci". That's according to the Daily Express, which says the news will give Chelsea hope that they can also beat Man United to the hand of the France international.

The 22-year-old defender has failed to nail down a regular place at Real thanks to the presence of Pepe and Sergio Ramos, and the Express says Varane is ready to move to the Premier League. Chelsea and United are both interested, though they won't have been impressed by the Frenchman's performance on Sunday as Les Bleus lost 4-3 to Belgium in a friendly international. Nonetheless it's believed Chelsea boss Mourinho will make a move for Varane, a player he sees as full of defensive potential.

Chelsea transfer news: Costa rubbishes exit rumours

03 June

Twenty-four hours after being linked with a move from the Bridge back to Atletico Madrid, Chelsea sharpshooter Diego Costa has rubbished suggestions he is on the brink of leaving the Blues.

It was alleged in some quarters on Tuesday that the Spanish international wanted to leave London because he was "homesick" and fed up with the weather. But when the issue was raised in the aftermath of Chelsea's 1-0 win over Sydney FC on Tuesday in their pointless post-season tour, Costa had this to say to Chelsea TV: "[It's] quite a simple answer. It's always a bit more difficult in the first season for adaptation, but I have no reason to leave this place, I love it, the fans love me and I want to stay."

And the Brazilian-born Costa added that he was looking forward to more success next season: "It's really good to come in the first season and win two things. It's really important and next year I'll be ready to come back and hopefully win a couple more trophies."

Meanwhile Metro sticks its neck out and claims that the Blues "have been cleared to sign" Udinese's Allan Marques Loureiro. The Brazilian defensive midfielder is expected to quit the Serie A club this month and Metro quotes his agent, Claudio Vagheggi, who said: "I'd rather not say too much and not mention a few teams in particular. But I confirm that there are options both in Serie A and the other championships."

That, apparently, is clear confirmation that the Blues are about to swoop for the 24-year-old.

Chelsea transfer news: could Costa leave in Griezmann deal?

02 June

The Premier League champions allegedly have a fight on their hands to hang on to Diego Costa after the Brazilian-born frontman "told friends he wants to quit Chelsea".

According to The Sun, the 26-year-old sharpshooter, who scored 20 goals in 26 appearances in his first season of English football, is "homesick" and would like a move back to Spain.

Though born in South America, Costa considers Spain his home and the Spanish international has apparently informed friends "he is struggling to adapt to life in London and pines for a return".

The Sun claims that Costa, who joined Chelsea 12 months ago in a £32m deal from Atletico Madrid, is willing to take a cut in wages in order to facilitate a move to his old club. Much of the Sun's report comes from Spanish paper, Marca, which says Costa doesn't like the English weather nor the fact he has had to learn English. But according to a Chelsea insider "Marca is talking rubbish", and manager Jose Mourinho "will block any moves to lure Costa" back to Madrid.

However, The Guardian appears to raise the possibility of a swap deal as it notes that "Chelsea are likely to be in regular contact with Atletico this summer as they weigh up a £43m move for France international forward Antoine Griezmann".

They are also likely to sell one former Atletico star back to the Spanish club, with Filipe Luis, a close friend of Costa's, likely to return after failing to make an impact at Stamford Bridge. He could be the makeweight in a deal for defender Toby Alderweireld, who spent the season on loan at Southampton.

Chelsea transfer news: Drogba, Oscar out; Sterling, Benteke in

23 May

Are the Blues set for a summer clearout? Yes, says the Daily Star, with the paper claiming that Petr Cech, Juan Cuadrado, Oscar, Filipe Luis and Didier Drogba are all likely to leave Stamford Bridge. Cech's future has long been the subject of speculation but the Star says the other four will be sacrificed by manager Jose Mourinho as he seeks "fresh star talent to help the west Londoners compete in Europe". Luis is being linked with a return to Atletico Madrid, while the Star says veteran striker Drogba will probably see out his career in the United States MLS. As for Oscar and Cuadrado, who only arrived in January, the Star says the pair will be sold "to fund a raid on Liverpool" for Raheem Sterling.

The Star makes no mention of Alex Song, unlike the Daily Telegraph which says that the Barcelona midfielder is being tailed by Chelsea. Manchester City are also said to be keeping a close eye on the 27-year-old former Gunner, as are "a clutch of Italian clubs".

Song has been impressive this season on loan from Barcelona at West Ham, but the Telegraph says the Catalan club are ready to sell to the highest bidder. Roma, Inter and AC Milan "have all expressed a definite interest" but so have Chelsea. Apparently Mourinho values the experience of Song and believes his purchase "would allow Chelsea to continue the development of teenager Ruben Loftus-Cheek".

Mourinho is also weighing up a move for Aston Villa battering ram Christian Benteke, says the Daily Mirror. With Drogba leaving at the end of the season there is a vacancy in the Chelsea front line and Mourinho believes he needs a top class forward to compete with Diego Costa and Loic Remy.

Villa are still hoping they can keep their star forward and do not intend to sell him for less than £30m. Chelsea's interest is also bad news for Liverpool, who have been strongly linked with the centre forward. "It remains to be seen whether Benteke would be willing to go to Chelsea to be part of a squad or would prefer to be more of a central figure at Anfield," says the paper.

Chelsea transfer news: Bayern Munich in £70m Hazard raid

19 May

Bayern Munich are preparing to "smash their transfer record" this summer in a sensational attempt to prise Chelsea star Eden Hazard away from Stamford Bridge.

According to Metro, Pep Guardiola believes his side needs reinforcing over the summer if they're to launch a serious challenge for the Champions League next season and to that end the Spaniard will table what Metro describes as "an incredible £72.4m" bid for Hazard.

Bayern's existing record transfer is the £29m they paid for Javi Martinez but the German giants are willing to blow that sum out of the water for the 24-year-old Chelsea star who they see as a the long-term successor to 31-year-old Arjen Robben. Metro claims Jose Mourinho is reluctant to sell but speculates that Bayern might be able to "convince Hazard to make the move".

Goalkeeper Petr Cech is also expected to leave Chelsea this summer, and it seems he is being lined up by Manchester United as they seek to find alternatives to David de Gea, who is tipped to join Real Madrid this summer.

The veteran shot stopper had been linked with Arsenal but there were rumours that Chelsea would not sanction a move to a Premier League rival, but the Daily Telegraph says Cech has been told by owner Roman Abramovich that he can sign for any club he chooses "as a reward for his 11 years of service to Chelsea, during which time he has won every major club honour, with the exception of the Club World Cup, at least once".

Chelsea transfer news: Brazil starlet Nathan joins the ranks

15 May

Chelsea have added another Brazilian to their squad with the announcement on their official website that Nathan has agreed terms. With Ramires, Willian, Oscar and Filipe Luis already on their books, the Premier League champions have welcomed 19-year-old Nathan from Atletico Paranaense.

Described by Chelsea as "an attacking midfielder with an eye for goal and impressive pace", Nathan has represented Brazil at Under-17 and Under-20 level and will officially become a Blue on 1 July

"I am very happy to be joining Chelsea, the champions of England, and I hope I will be able to learn a lot and develop my game," said Nathan, who first came to prominence during the Under-17 World Cup in 2013 when he scored five goals in five games.

Petr Cech's departure from Stamford Bridge grows ever closer, with Arsenal still confident they can persuade the Blues to let them sign the keeper.

There have been conflicting stories about Chelsea's stance on Cech's next move, with suggestions that the Blues would not sanction a move to a Premier League rival. However, the veteran keeper's agent refused to rule out a switch to Arsenal when asked by Talksport.

"Petr has a valid contract with his current club," said Viktor Kola. "However, I can confirm that we have been permitted by Chelsea to negotiate with interested parties and Petr has confirmed his interest to play regularly at a top club."

Kola didn't explicitly say whether Chelsea had forbidden him from speaking to Arsenal, and it's believed that Paris Saint-Germain and Turkish outfit Besiktas are also interested.

If the Blues do want to resign former midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, now with Wolfsburg, they will have to fight off rivals including Man City, who have "made further enquiries" about the player, according to the Daily Mail.

It would be a bad bit of business for Roman Abramovich if they do splash out on their former midfielder though. He cost Chelsea £7m when he first joined the club in 2012. When he left in 2014, the Blues made a tidy profit, selling him for £18m. But if they want him back it will cost them a cool £40m, according to the paper.

Chelsea transfer news: Blues line up Varane - plus Rob Green

13 May

It is only a "matter of weeks" before Chelsea move for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, according to Metro. Blues boss Jose Mourinho knows Varane from his time in charge at the Bernabeu, and it's also alleged he's aware of the defender's precarious position at the European champions.

Metro says Madrid officials "have met with Varane to discuss his future" and as a result Mourinho is "increasingly confident" that the 22-year-old is open to persuasion. As for how much it will cost Chelsea to land the France international, Metro mentions the figure of £35.8m.

Meanwhile The Guardian reports that Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech "has opened talks" with Turkish club Besiktas with a view to a summer move. With the Blues refusing to sell to Premier League rivals Arsenal, Cech's future seems certain to be overseas and the 32-year-old has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid of late.

But the Guardian reports comments made by Cech's agent, Viktor Kolar, to Turkish publication Fanatik: "I have been in contact with Besiktas – we are in talks," admitted Kolar. "Turkey is a choice for Cech but we will decide when the [Premier] League is over."

So who will replace Cech? Metro believes newly-relegated QPR keeper Rob Green could make the short trip from Loftus Road to Stamford Bridge this summer in a £2m deal. The paper says the former England man will provide "solid competition" for Thibaut Courtois, despite QPR's terrible defensive record this season.

Chelsea transfer news: Bale and Coleman on shopping list

5 May

Having clinched the Premier League title on Sunday, Chelsea apparently intend to celebrate with a raft of new signings in the coming weeks. That's according to Metro which claims firstly that the Blues are "lining up a summer transfer for Everton defender Seamus Coleman".

The Republic of Ireland international is wanted by manager Jose Mourinho and he believes a £20m offer will persuade the Toffees to sell. Everton for their part have identified Barcelona's Martin Montoya as the man to replace Coleman at Goodison Park.

And Metro also report that the champions intend to make "a double transfer swoop" for Shakhtar Donetsk's Douglas Costa and Luiz Adriano. Both Brazilians, the two are said to have caught the eye of Mourinho in the Ukrainian Premier League and bids are being prepared at the Bridge. Costa, an attacking midfielder, will reportedly be on the market for around £20m while the 28-year-old Adriano will be available on a free as the frontman is out of contract in the summer. But Metro warns Chelsea that they will "face competition" from Manchester United and Arsenal.

An even bigger target could be Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale, according to the Daily Mail. The paper picks up on the concerns of Sky pundit Gary Neville who believes that if the Blues get their hands on Bale it will be game over for the rest of the Premier League.

Neville believes that Bale might only set Chelsea back £25m, as they could use Oscar or Ramires as a makeweight in the deal.

Bale has had a "difficult second season" in Madrid, says the paper, and there is speculation that he could make a return to England. But it adds that the only three clubs that could afford him would be Chelsea, Manchester United or Manchester City.

Chelsea transfer news: Real Madrid begin Hazard courtship

23 April

Is the biggest transfer saga of the summer underway with Real Madrid be preparing to "try and lure" Eden Hazard away from Chelsea?

The Daily Mirror believes so, as it reports that the Belgian is being eyed up by Zinedine Zidane, the former France captain and now coach of the Real B team.

Hazard only penned a new five and a half year contract at Chelsea in February, scotching rumours he was thinking of a move to PSG, but the Mirror believes Zidane's words could tempt Hazard into contemplating a move to Real.

"I like everything he does on the field. I like his behaviour, his decisiveness and love to see his progress every year," Zidane said of Hazard, prompting the Mirror to declare that the Belgian playmaker is the next superstar on "Real Madrid's shopping list".

Others, including the London Evening Standard, have been quick to point out that Zidane has a history of talking up Real Madrid transfer targets, after heaping praise on Gareth Bale before his move in 2013.

Could Chelsea be about to lose another midfielder? Marco van Ginkel is unclear of where he'll be plying his trade with the season with the Netherlands international finally establishing himself on loan at AC Milan after his move from Chelsea. The Daily Express says that the 22-year-old midfielder, who arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2013 for £8m, is enjoying a run free of injuries in Milan. "I am pleased and the team is improving," Van Ginkel said when asked about life in Italy.

As for his future, and whether he might return to the Bridge for next season, he replied: "I don't know what will happen with Chelsea, we will have to see."

Chelsea transfer news: Blues, PSG in £30m Dybala shootout

21 April

If Chelsea want to beat Paris Saint-Germain to the hand of Palermo hitman Paulo Dybala they will need to up their offer of £29m. That's according to the Daily Express with the paper reporting the Blues also face competition from Arsenal and Manchester United for the Argentine ace.

Yet despite the interest from the Gunners and United it looks increasingly as if it will come down to a shootout between the Blues and PSG with the French champs now prepared to pay £32.5m to take Dybala to Paris.

Speaking to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Dybala's agent Gustavo Mascardi confirmed that the two clubs have made offers. "Paris Saint-Germain came forward with an offer of €45m (£32.5m), while Chelsea already have €40m (£29m) on the plate," he declared. Asked for Dybala's reaction to the bids, Mascardi replied: "Paulo is calm and he'll make his decision level-headedly."

Meanwhile Chelsea have been told by Atletico Madrid they'll need to cough up £50m for midfielder Koke. The Daily Mirror says the 23-year-old Spanish international "is on their hit list this summer" but the Blues won't get him on the cheap because Atletico are insisting any potential buyer meets the buy-out clause inserted in Koke's contract when he signed up until 2019.

However, the Mirror says the Spanish press are reporting that Atletico might be up for "a player-plus-cash deal involving full back Filipe Luis", who's failed to find his feet at the Bridge since arriving from Atletico last summer in a £15m deal.

Chelsea transfer news: Blues in pole position to sign Pogba

April 15

Chelsea are hopeful of bringing Paul Pogba to Stamford Bridge, with Barcelona said to be their stiffest competition – despite a tide of Premier League interest.

According to Talksport the French playmaker is one of the most sought-after players in the world, blooming into a top-class midfielder since his decision in 2012 to leave Manchester United for Juventus. Talksport says that United are "desperate to tempt him back to Old Trafford", while Arsenal and Manchester City are also rumoured to be "eyeing a big-money bid". But Chelsea are said to be pole position with owner Roman Abramovich allegedly ready to break the bank to sign Pogba. Barcelona's stumbling block is that they are banned from signing new players until January 2016, giving the Blues a free run at the French star this summer.

Chelsea also apparently have their eye on Aaron Cresswell, and although West Ham are keen to hang onto their left-back, a big-money fee could persuade them to change their minds. Man City have also identified Cresswell as a potential transfer target, according to the Daily Mirror.

Chelsea transfer news: Drogba talks up new deal

14 April

There's life in the old Drog yet, says the headline in The Sun this morning, with the paper reporting that Didier Drogba has declared his intention to play on for one more season.

The 37-year-old Chelsea striker is looking for another deal, although the paper says that it's unlikely to be at Chelsea, the club he returned to after a spell at Galatasaray.

When it put to him that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season, Drogba replied: "I have made a decision, yes, and no, it's not my last season."

Though Drogba didn't give any indication of where he might be headed, the Sun says he's "likely to become a target of clubs in the MLS", following the likes of David Beckham and Thierry Henry to the States.

In January it emerged that Portland Timbers wanted Drogba to join the stateside exodus of ageing Premier League stars. "Drogba is a unique guy who, despite his age, is uniquely skilled to clean up in MLS," the club's owner, Merritt Paulson, said.

Chelsea transfer news: Blues target Muto, but will he say yes?

10 April

As Chelsea celebrate a new £40m shirt sponsorship deal with Yokohama Rubber, it appears the Blues will underline their love affair with all things Japanese by signing Tokyo and Japan forward Yoshinori Muto.

The Guardian reports that the Blues have tabled a £4m bid for the player ahead of the club's week-long post-season tour to Japan.

"It is true that Chelsea sent us an offer for Muto," said Tokyo president Naoki Ogane, when asked by Sports Nippin. "It is a formal offer with conditions. They want to acquire him in the summer."

According to the Japanese press the 22-year-old Muto, who has a degree in economics, has "yet to make up his mind over" whether to accept the offer.

If he does end up at Stamford Bridge, he will be only the seventh Japanese player to ply his trade in the Premier League. His six predecessors are Junichi Inamoto, Kazuyuki Toda, Hidetoshi Nakata, Ryo Miyaichi, Shinji Kagawa and Maya Yoshida.

Chelsea transfer news: Mourinho targets Schneiderlin and Clyne

9 April

Premier League leaders Chelsea are poised to make a double swoop for Southampton stars Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne. The Daily Star claims that Blues' boss Jose Mourinho dispatched scouts to watch the pair during the Saints' 1-0 defeat to Everton at the weekend.

Apparently Mourinho wants to strengthen his squad after the disappointment of exiting the Champions League at the last 16 stage this season, and Schneiderlin is seen as a top priority. Arsenal have been linked with the French playmaker in the past but the Star says a £27m bid from Chelsea should seal the deal.

As for Clyne, Manchester United have been mentioned as possible suitors but Chelsea are said to be ready to meet Southampton's asking price of £25m.

Is Valencia star Andre Gomes going to turn his back on Manchester United and join Chelsea in the summer? That's the claim by the Daily Express, who say that the playmaker has long been wanted by Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.

A deal was expected to be agreed but the Express predicts the Blues will table a £36m bid at the end of the season and pinch the midfielder from under the noses of the Red Devils.

Asked about the rumours, Gomes replied: "I do not know anything and also my agent is not aware of any opportunity."

Chelsea transfer news: Blues land Cuadrado

30 January

A hectic final weekend of the transfer window beckons. Time is running out for clubs to bring in reinforcements but with each deal setting off a chain reaction there is still time for plenty of business, as Chelsea have proved:

• Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has a taste for the dramatic and has wrapped up a deal for Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado that could see him turning out for the Blues against Man City within 24-hours of signing, says Sky Sports. Chelsea will pay £23.33m plus a bonus that means the fee adds up to Cuadrado's £26.34m release clause, says Sky. "In return, Fiorentina are very interested in taking Mohamed Salah on an 18-month long free loan," it adds.

• Cuadrado's arrival at Chelsea is tied in with the exit of German World Cup winner Andre Schurrle, and the Daily Mail reports that the winger has agreed terms with Wolfsburg and was due to have a medical with the Bundesliga club today. A deal is expected to go through once the two clubs have agreed a fee. The German side have offered £21m but the fee could rise to £27m. "Chelsea feel the offer is below their desired fee for Schurrle - who joined for £18m from Bayer Leverkusen in 2013," says the paper.

• According to the Daily Mail Manchester United are creeping ever closer to a successful move for Mats Hummels. The paper claims that Borussia Dortmund are "laying the groundwork" for the midfielder's departure to Old Trafford and it understands meetings have taken place outlining a price to United of around £37m. Dortmund would use the money from the sale of their German international to prise Aleksandar Dragovic from Dinamo Kiev and the Mail says the two clubs made contact earlier this week other that deal. West Ham were at one stage linked with a move for the 23-year-old Dragovic but backed out when Dinamo slapped a £15m price tag round his neck.

• As deadline day looms potential deals become more complex and none more so than that involving Palermo striker Paulo Dybala. The Daily Star says that his intentions "hold the key" not just to his future but those of PSG pair Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi as well. The 21-year-old Dybala is being chased by Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United and the three clubs (along with Chelsea) are also said to be "keen" on a summer deal for Cavani. But the Star explains that PSG may muscle their Premier League rivals out of the way with a £31m offer for Dybala. Were Palermo to accept – and £31m is their asking price – then the French champions would be prepared to let Cavani and Ezequiel "leave in cut-price deals". The Star says Arsenal are in pole position to sign the former for around £30m while Liverpool are tipped to land Lavezzi for £14m.

• Liverpool are the latest club to join the race to sign Burnley's Danny Ings, according to the The Guardian. The paper says that the Reds may be able to finalise a deal before Monday night "providing they allow the striker to remain on loan at Turf Moor until the end of the season". Spurs and Real Sociedad have also been mentioned as possible destinations for the England Under-21 international, who is out of contract in the summer. Burnley manager Sean Dyche won't countenance selling Ings this month but the Guardian says he's prepared to do business as long as all interested parties "pay a nominal fee this month to secure Ings's services in the summer".

• Is it now a matter of 'when' and not 'if' Paul Pogba leaves Juventus to join one of the Premier League big guns? Possibly, as Sky Sports reveals that his long-term future does not involve current club Juventus. The broadcaster quotes some interesting comments from the 21-year-old's agent, Mino Raiola, who told Italian rag Gazzetta dello Sport: "If Paul leaves Juventus, it is for the absolute top... I want the club that buys him to believe in him and be willing to pay for him." Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs have both been linked with the Frenchman and when Raiola was asked about timescales, he replied: "If it does not happen this year, it will be next year."

• Tottenham could offload skipper Younes Kaboul to Stuttgart if it means they could get their hands on "record-breaking teenager" Timo Werner, says the Daily Mirror. Defender Kaboul has fallen down the pecking order at Spurs, but is admired by the German club. Spurs on the other hand admire the attacking skills of 18-year-old Werner who is "one of the rising stars of German football".

• The Independent is one of several papers to confirm that Crystal Palace have made a double signing, landing QPR midfielder Jordon Mutch and former Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi. Mutch joins on a four-and-a-half year deal while the 33-year-old Ameobi arrives from Turkish side Gaziantep on a six-month contract.