Late bid for Eriksen
Real Madrid are primed to make what The Sun describes as a “late £60m bid” for Christian Eriksen. The midfielder has long been linked with a move to the Spanish capital, and according to the Sun Real are waiting until the last minute to apply pressure on Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy to accept a “take it or leave it offer for the Dane”.
Having accepted that they have failed in their bid to prise Paul Pogba from Old Trafford, Real are now focusing fully on Eriksen, who they see as a like for like replacement for the ageing Luka Modric. The Danish playmaker’s contract expires in June and so Real hope that Tottenham will see sense and accept a £60m offer in the next fortnight rather than run the risk of seeing him leave for a free transfer at the end of the season.
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Sanchez to Inter
Man Utd misfit Alexis Sanchez is poised to sign for Inter Milan, reports the Daily Mail. Both United and the Chilean are keen to find an exit route for the Old Trafford outcast, and apparently the Italian outfit are looking to bring him to the San Siro. Inter manager Antonio Conte is a fan of the South American striker and the Mail claims that he wants to sign him on an initial 12-month loan deal. That would involve Inter paying United £4.5m up front and if things go well they will fork out a further £16.5m at the end of a second season-long loan spell. However, United are pushing Inter to hand over £22m for Sanchez up front and they are not “keen on accepting the lower figure being offered by Inter”. As for personal terms, Sanchez will have to take a drop in his wages as Inter can’t afford his current £500,000-a-week salary.
Toffees sweet on Ribery
Everton are hoping to lure Franck Ribery to Goodison Park, reports the Daily Star, and the former France international is “open” to the idea of playing for Everton. The 36-year-old left Bayern Munich at the end of last season after 12 years, and believes he still has a good season or two left in him despite his age. The Star says that the winger has received offers from the MLS and Asia, but his preference is a swansong in the Premier League. Everton boss Marco Silva wants the Frenchman’s experience and owner Farhad Moshiri is weighing up the pros and cons.
Sancho set to leave Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund are ready to sell Jadon Sancho next summer, says the Daily Mirror, and the two Manchester clubs are already eyeing the prize. The 19-year-old, who left the Sky Blues for Germany in 2017 in a £7m deal, has blossomed in Dortmund, and the Red Devils were apparently interested in signing him last month. The German outfit stood firm, but according to the Star they have accepted they won’t be able to keep Sancho beyond this season and they are already scouting replacements. But Dortmund are determined to get a good price for the teenage winger, and “any team that wants to sign him will have to pay in excess of £100m. United are desperate to land Sancho but when the Sky Blues sold him two years ago they inserted a clause, “which entitles City to be informed if the German giants accept an offer and given the chance to match it”.
Pogba will stay
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has once again stated that Paul Pogba will not leave the club this summer. The French star has fuelled rumours of a move this summer with a series of comments suggesting he wants out, but Solksjaer said: “I've got no concerns on Paul. For me, he is going to stay.” (Sky Sports)
Coutinho to Bayern
Philippe Coutinho will not be returning to Liverpool this season after agreeing a loan deal that sees him join Bayern Munich from Barcelona. The German giants now have the option to purchase Coutinho for €120m at the end of the season. They have also forked out an €8.5m loan fee and will pay his wages in full. The Brazilian will wear 10 at Bayern – the same number he wore at Anfield. (Liverpool Echo)
United to pay off Rojo
Manchester United are ready to pay Argentine defender Marcos Rojo to leave Old Trafford. The Argentine defender is surplus to requirements after the arrival of Harry Maguire, but United have been unable to find a buyer willing to meet their £20m asking price and the 29-year-old’s wage demands. Now the club are looking to strike a deal that will see them hand the former Sporting Lisbon favourite a significant chunk of the £13.5m due on his contract. (Daily Mirror)
Neymar loan offer
Paris Saint-Germain are prepared to offer Neymar on loan this season, as long as whoever takes him commits to buying him next summer. PSG have rebuffed offers for the 27-year-old Brazilian but their stance has now changed slightly and they are now open to loaning the star with an obligation to buy. But any interested parties would have to eventually shell out a new world-record fee of between £200m and £228m for the attacker. (The Sun)
Sanches should 'calm down'
Portuguese star Renato Sanches has been told to “calm down” by Bayern Munich chief-executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge after complaining about a lack of game time. The 22-year-old was on the bench at the weekend and after a short cameo against Hertha Berlin said: “Five minutes is not enough. The situation is not good for me, this is the second time I have wanted to leave the club and they have not let me go.” (90min.com)
