Premier League transfer news and rumours
Hudson-Odoi going nowhere
England not only celebrated two victories in their opening Euro 2020 qualifying matches but also the performances of their Young Lions.
One player who impressed during his first taste of senior international football was Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi.
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The 18-year-old came on as a sub in the 5-0 win against the Czech Republic and then made his full debut in the 5-1 victory against Montenegro.
Despite not yet starting a Premier League match for Chelsea there’s been huge speculation regarding the youngster’s future.
Manchester United and Bayern Munich have been heavily linked with a summer move but The Times reports that Chelsea have told Hudson-Odoi they will not sell him even if he refuses to sign a new contract.
Sancho interest ‘completely irrelevant’
Another teenager who starred for England last week was Jadon Sancho. The 19-year-old has impressed in the Bundesliga this season for Borussia Dortmund and his form in Germany is attracting interest from Manchester United. Despite the links to the Red Devils, Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc says that the interest in Sancho is “completely irrelevant”. (Sky Sports)
United not willing to sell Rashford
Marcus Rashford did not play for the Three Lions this past week because of injury but his club form for Manchester United is impressing Spanish giants Barcelona. It was reported yesterday that the Catalan club are searching for a replacement for Luis Suarez and 21-year-old Rashford is on their “agenda”. The Daily Mirror reports that Barcelona could offer more than £100m for the England striker but ESPN says that United do not want to sell.
Mind games...
Could Barcelona’s interest in Rashford just be a ploy to get the “psychological upper hand” over United ahead of their Champions League quarter-final? “Let the mind games begin!” says The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg.
Battle to keep Pogba and Rashford
While Manchester United face a fight to sign Jadon Sancho from Dortmund, they will also battle to keep Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to be named United’s permanent manager soon and he sees the duo as “integral to his long-term plans”. (The Daily Telegraph)
Reds join Godfrey chase
Earlier this week Manchester United were linked with a move for Norwich City defender Ben Godfrey and today Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign the talented 21-year-old. Liverpool are keeping close tabs on Godfrey and are weighing up a £10m summer bid. (Football Insider)
Moreno to the Camp Nou?
Liverpool’s Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno could be set to “land on his feet” with a move to Barcelona this summer. (Liverpool Echo)
Griezmann ‘fed up’ by transfer talk
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann admits that the transfer speculation linking him with moves to Barcelona and Manchester United has left him feeling a “little fed up”. However, the Frenchman says he’s used to it because it’s the same every year. (Univision)
Rakitic to be sold by Barca?
Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic could be sold by the Catalan club this summer. According to reports Manchester United and Inter Milan are interested in the 30-year-old Croatian. (ESPN)
Grimaldo in demand
Benfica’s 23-year-old Spanish left-back Alejandro Grimaldo is a target for Juventus, Arsenal and Manchester United. (Calciomercato)
De Ligt: let’s see where I end up
Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of Ajax star Matthijs de Ligt. The 19-year-old’s future has been a major talking point this season and he has also been linked with Manchester City, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. When asked where he could be next season the defender said: “I play my game. I concentrate on football. Let’s see where I end up. It’s not something I worry about.” (London Evening Standard)
Upcoming Premier League fixtures and TV guide
Saturday 30 March (3pm unless stated)
- Fulham vs. Manchester City (12.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Southampton
- Burnley vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Crystal Palace vs. Huddersfield Town
- Leicester City vs. AFC Bournemouth
- Manchester United vs. Watford
- West Ham United vs. Everton (5.30pm, live on BT Sport)
Sunday 31 March
- Cardiff City vs. Chelsea (2.05pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur (4.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
Monday 1 April
- Arsenal vs. Newcastle United (8pm, live on Sky Sports)
Tuesday 2 April
- Watford vs. Fulham (7.45pm)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Manchester United (7.45pm, live on Sky Sports)
Wednesday 3 April
- Chelsea vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (7.45pm)
- Manchester City vs. Cardiff City (7.45pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Crystal Palace (7.45pm)
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