Premier League transfer news and gossip
Sergio Ramos to Man Utd?
Jose Mourinho could help secure Manchester United a major signing this summer, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The paper claims that if the former Old Trafford boss is, as some expect, appointed Real Madrid manager for a second time then it could mean the end for Sergio Ramos at the Bernabeu.
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Ramos and Mourinho clashed during his first spell in charge and the defender, who is now 32 and only has a year remaining on his contract this summer, could be offloaded.
“It could be the perfect opportunity to secure a central defender who possesses everything United's shaky back line currently lacks,” says the MEN
“Understandably supporters might wish for the club to look further into the future with their summer recruitment, indeed the names of Kalidou Koulibaly and Milan Skriniar certainly connote a sense of longevity with them which Ramos does not.
“However, a short-term deal to bring Ramos to Manchester could be the type of addition which transforms a side from top-four hopefuls to genuine title challengers.”
Tottenham join Chiesa hunt
After a damaging defeat to Southampton on Saturday Spurs have gone from title contenders to a side battling for Champions League qualification. However, there was some good news for Tottenham fans as it was confirmed that they would be moving back to White Hart Lane next month and they were linked with a move for one of Europe’s most in-demand midfielders.
According to The Sun they are in the race to sign “Italy’s big hope Federico Chiesa” but the 21-year-old will set them back £70m.
They will also face competition for Fiorentina forward. “Chiesa, who plays wide or central and has skills and pace, is one of the most wanted men in Europe right now — with Juventus and the Milan clubs primed to bid,” says the paper.
“Sources close to Chiesa reveal he is interested in a move to London and was initially hoping that Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea would come for him.
“Yet as Chelsea face a transfer ban and Sarri’s future is uncertain, Tottenham’s chances have risen.”
Arsenal vs Spurs for Fornals
Spurs are also keen on Villarreal midfielder Pablo Fornals, reports the Daily Express. But they will find themselves fighting rivals Arsenal for his signature.
The 23-year-old Spanish international “has previously been linked with Napoli but the two north London rivals are keen on him after an impressive season in La Liga,” says the paper.
“Gunners boss Unai Emery has been keeping tabs on Fornals, 23, but will probably need to find a buyer for top-earner Mesut Ozil before he can make a move.”
Calabria to replace Valencia
Manchester United have identified AC Milan full-back Davide Calabria as the man to replace Antonio Valencia, who is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
According to the Daily Mirror the 22-year-old has impressed scouts and United will continue to keep tabs on the player.
“Everton are also interested in the Italian Under-21 international who has been a key player for Milan this season,” adds the paper.
Uncertainty over de Gea
David de Gea was at fault for Arsenal’s first goal on Sunday, but Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has denied reports that his uncertain future at Old Trafford is affecting the goalkeeper’s performances.
United triggered a 12-month extension to his contract in November that keeps De Gea in Manchester until summer 2020, but they are still yet to agree a long-term deal.
Gary Neville told Sky Sports that “all the noise” over his future seems to have taken its toll on the Spaniard, who “has not been at his best this season”.
But Football365 reports that Solskjaer believes De Gea is still able to “focus” despite ongoing contract negotiations.
City vs United for 'new Pogba'
Manchester City and Manchester United will battle it out to sign a French teenager, who has been unimaginatively dubbed the ‘new Paul Pogba’.
Lucien Agoume of Sochaux “is starring in Ligue 2 having made seven starts since his debut back in October [aged] just 16,” says TalkSport.
“The midfielder is contracted at his current club until the summer of 2020 so with a year to go on his contract he’s is in a prime position to be picked up.
“Everton and Barcelona are also among the teams interested in Agoume but all four sides face a battle with the club being forced to open a special area for scouts.”
The broadcaster claims 23 scouts watched him in action against Nancy recently.
