Transfer news and rumours: Gareth Bale, Leon Goretzka, Olivier Giroud

Gareth Bale: Welshman ‘will stay’ at Real Madrid

Despite widespread speculation over the Real Madrid star’s future, Sky Sports’ football expert Guillem Balague believes Gareth Bale will stay at the Spanish club. The Welsh forward has been linked with a move to Manchester United, but according to Balague: “Gareth Bale is somebody now that just needs to be continuously playing. Hopefully, not being affected by injuries, actually if the goals come and the assists come and his presence is important, especially in the Champions League - remember that’s the main target this season now - I don’t think he will go anywhere.”

Leon Goretzka: Schalke to Bayern Munich confirmed

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Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka will join Bayern Munich on a free transfer in the summer. The 22-year-old has signed a pre-contract agreement with Bayern and has passed a medical. Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “We’re very pleased Leon Goretzka, a Germany international with great potential, has decided in favour of FC Bayern despite big-name international competitors. This way Leon Goretzka remains in the Bundesliga.”

Peter Crouch: Stoke City to Chelsea

Chelsea are looking to sign a target man and they don’t come much bigger than Stoke City’s Peter Crouch. With West Ham’s Andy Carroll ruled out through injury, The Daily Telegraph reports, the Blues have made “surprise” enquiries about 6ft 7in Crouch. The Stoke striker, 36, was a boyhood Chelsea fan and would be brought in as back-up to Alvaro Morata at Stamford Bridge.

Edin Dzeko: Roma to Chelsea

Another striker on Chelsea’s transfer hitlist is Roma’s Edin Dzeko. According to Sky Sports, the Blues are interested in signing the former Manchester City forward and are prepared to pay €50m (£44m) for Dzeko and his teammate Emerson Palmieri.

Olivier Giroud: Arsenal to Borussia Dortmund

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud could leave for Borussia Dortmund as part of the deal to take Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the Emirates. With Alexis Sanchez set for Manchester United, and Theo Walcott joining Everton, Giroud would be the third frontman to leave the Gunners. The Daily Mirror reports that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has “refused to rule out Giroud’s exit”.

Jonny Evans: West Brom to Manchester City/Arsenal/Leicester

West Brom are resigned to losing their captain Jonny Evans, says The Sun. The 30-year-old defender is available for £23.5m, and Manchester City are the favourites to sign him. Arsenal are also interested in Evans, but according to The Sun, he would “prefer to join City”. Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reports that Leicester City are ready to start a “transfer scramble” for Evans’s signature.

Emre Can: Liverpool to Manchester City

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can is a shock target for Manchester City, the Daily Mirror reports. The German is out of contract at the end of the season and has not ruled out leaving Anfield, but City are keen to join Juventus and Bayern Munich in the transfer battle.