Man City close in on Rodri
Manchester Cirty are on the verge of finalising a club record deal for 22-year-old midfielder Rodri, says the Daily Mail. The Atletico Madrid star will cost the Premier League champions a cool £63m.
The player has been Pep Guadiola’s “top priority” this summer and now the deal is almost over the line. “City insist there is still work to be done but sources at Atletico believe the conclusion of this transfer is imminent,” reports MailOnline.
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“Discussions, led by City's director of football Txiki Bergiristan, have taken place over a number of months, and Rodri, who has been regarded as Sergio Busquets' long-term successor in the Spain national team, has verbally agreed a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium.”
The fee trumps the £60m that City paid Leicester for Riyad Mahrez last summer, with Rodri set to take over in midfield from Fernandinho.
Spurs fear Ndombele hijack
Spurs fans will be anxious for the club to complete the signing of Tanguy Ndombele after reports the Manchester United were hoping to “hijack” the £55m deal.
The Champions League finalists have agreed a fee with the French midfielder’s club Lyon but Metro reports that “Ndombele is yet to finalise personal terms with Tottenham”.
The 22-year-old is said to be impressed by Spurs’ vision but has not yet put pen to paper. “That leaves the door open for United to attempt a last-ditch hijack for the 22-year-old,” says the paper. “United have held talks with Lyon, but feel there is no room currently in their squad for Ndombele with Paul Pogba still on the books at the club. Were Pogba to leave, and free up the wage bill, United would be more likely to push ahead with their pursuit of Ndombele.”
Showdown talks for Lukaku
Manchester United’s wantaway striker Romelu Lukaku is set for “showdown talks over his future” at Old Trafford today, reports the Daily Mirror.
The striker has been linked with a move to Inter Milan and with United reporting for pre-season training this week a deal could be in the pipeline.
Inter manager Antonio Conte “has identified the Belgian as one of his main targets and is said to be willing to sell two players to allow him to try and match the £75m fee placed on his head by United”, says the Mirror.
“Lukaku's agent, Federico Pastorello, is believed to have already met with Inter in Milan, whilst today (July 1) marks the first day the club are free to sign players again after being released from a FFP settlement agreement.”
Marcus Rashford signs new deal
Lukaku may be leaving but Marcus Rashford has pledged his future to United, says the Daily Telegraph.
“The England striker has put pen to paper on a new four-year deal that will commit him to Old Trafford until June 2023 although it includes the option of a fifth year,” says the paper, which expects a formal announcement in the coming days.
“The contract is understood to be heavily incentivised but if Rashford meets all of his performance-related targets and United deliver on the pitch it could be worth in excess of £300,000 a week to the 21-year-old and will place him at the top end of United’s pay scale, on similar money to Paul Pogba, but behind the highest earner Alexis Sanchez,” it says.
Coutinho set for Liverpool return?
The award for least plausible rumour of the day goes to claims originating in France that Philippe Coutinho could be set for a return to Liverpool.
The Brazilian quit Anfield and joined Barcelona for £142m in January 2018, but has “endured a torrid time in Spain”, explains the Daily Mirror.
“A number of clubs, including Manchester United, have been linked with a move for the Brazilian in recent months. But Coutinho, who was booed by the Red Devils supporters in the Champions League last season, made it clear he wouldn't join United because of his respect for Liverpool,” says the paper.
At this point the story takes an unexpected turn as the Mirror brings news of reports in France that claim “this admission from Coutinho has softened Liverpool's feelings towards him - to the point they're considering giving him a second chance at Anfield”.
Watch this space.
Higuain leaves Chelsea
Chelsea have turned down the chance to sign Gonazalo Higuain for £31.3m after his disappointing loan spell at Stamford Bridge, and the Argentine striker has returned to Juventus. (The Independent)
Grujic out on loan again
Liverpool youngster Marko Grujic has returned for another loan spell with Hertha Berlin. Liverpool will receive £2m for the deal - plus a further £500,000 based on appearances, with penalty clauses if the 22-year-old doesn't get game time. (Daily Star)
United to sign Ben Yedder
Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Sevilla star Wissam Ben Yedder and the striker is set to become the club's third summer signing for £35m. (Daily Express)
