Premier League transfer news: Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane, Mario Balotelli

Manchester United are planning to bid for three Barcelona players this summer

Samuel Umtiti Man Utd transfer news Barcelona
Defender Samuel Umtiti is one of the Barcelona players linked with Manchester United
(Image credit: Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Premier League transfer news and gossip

United target three Barcelona stars

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is plotting a triple raid on La Liga giants Barcelona this summer.

According to The Sun, Mourinho is ready to bid for midfielder Andre Gomes, defender Samuel Umtiti and goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. The German keeper in on United’s target list in case current stopper David de Gea leaves Old Trafford.

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Raphael Varane: Real Madrid to Manchester United

United are also lining up a £54m bid for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane. The Sun says that Real are ready to sell the French international to help generate funds for the Spanish giant’s squad revamp.

Mario Balotelli: Nice to Juventus/Napoli

A number of Premier League clubs look likely to miss out on signing Mario Balotelli after the Italian striker revealed he would welcome a move to Juventus to Napoli. The 27-year-old is out of contract at French side Nice and would be available on a free transfer at the end of the season. He told La Domenica Sport: “My agent Mino Raiola is taking care of my future. All I know is that I have matured and I am ready to come back to Italy. I think it’d be very difficult to come to Milan, as it would be the third time, but Juventus and Napoli are two teams that I like.”

Ramires: Jiangsu Suning to Chelsea

Brazilian midfielder Ramires wants to return to Chelsea - two years after he left to join Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning. The 30-year-old has “opened the door to a return”, says the Daily Mirror, after admitting he’d like to go back to London. He said: “Chelsea? I’ll always have special affection for them and I want to play for them again before finishing my career. I know the doors of Stamford Bridge will always be open to me and that wearing their jersey again would be spectacular.”

Lautaro Martinez: Racing Club to Inter Milan

Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez looks set to sign for Inter Milan and is ready to undergo the first part of his medical, talkSPORT reports. The Arsenal and Barcelona target has reportedly agreed a £17m transfer to Inter and will move to Italy this summer.

Andre Silva: AC Milan to Wolves/Arsenal/Valencia/Monaco

The Birmingham Mail says that Championship leaders Wolves “remain in the hunt” to sign AC Milan star Andre Silva this summer - but will face competition from Arsenal, Valencia and Monaco. The 22-year-old Portuguese international striker has not settled in Italy and Wolves want him to lead their attack as they plan for life in the Premier League next season.

Premier League news and talking points

Conte tactics could drive away Hazard

Chelsea players fear that Eden Hazard could leave the club because of manager Antonio Conte’s cautious tactics. The Daily Telegraph says that Hazard is “becoming exasperated” by playing the false nine position and the Belgian has questioned his role.

Salah donates £500,000 to children’s hospital in Egypt

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah has donated £500,000 to a children’s hospital in Egypt. The Sun reports that the 25-year-old’s gesture will allow Cairo’s 57357 Children’s Hospital to purchase medical equipment to treat young cancer sufferers.

Saints set to sack Pellegrino

The Daily Mirror says that even if he leads Southampton to Premier League safety, manager Mauricio Pellegrino is likely to get the sack at the end of the season. The Saints board are drawing up a list of replacements with Fulham’s Slavisa Jokanovic and Ostersund boss Graham Potter among the early favourites.

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