Premier League transfer news and rumours
Will Ronaldo and Alexis swap clubs?
Reports from Spain claim that Cristiano Ronaldo is set to leave Real Madrid for Manchester United with Alexis Sanchez moving in the opposite direction.
The “stunning plan” will see Ronaldo return to Old Trafford where he’ll be reunited with his former boss Jose Mourinho. Sanchez, who signed from Arsenal in January, has failed to live up to expectations and could be “swiftly moved on”.
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According to reports, Real could make an €80m (£69m) bid to take the Chile striker to the Bernabeu. This would allow United to “reinvest the cash” in order to bring Ronaldo back to Manchester. (Daily Express via El Gol Digital)
Gareth Bale: Real Madrid to Man Utd/Chelsea/Tottenham
Another Real Madrid star striker who could leave Spain in the near future is Gareth Bale. The 28-year-old, who today broke Wales’s goalscoring record with a hat-trick in the 6-0 win against China, has reportedly been told he can leave the reigning Champions League holders. Bale has been “offered” to Manchester United, Chelsea and his former club Tottenham and could cost more than £100m. (Daily Express via Diario Gol)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Manchester United to LA Galaxy
Veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic may have played his last match for Manchester United and is close to leaving the club. Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy are favourites to sign the 36-year-old Swede and a deal could be struck this week. (Sky Sports)
Raphael Varane: Real Madrid to Manchester United
Jose Mourinho is planning a £50m move to bring Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane to Old Trafford. The United boss wants to “bolster his central defence” and the French international is on his wish list. (Daily Mirror)
Emre Can: I want to play for a very big club
Liverpool midfielder Emre Can believes he’s good enough to play for a “very big club” next season and hasn’t ruled out a move to Germany, Italy, Spain or France. The German international is out of contract at Anfield this summer and is a target for a host of teams, including Italian giants Juventus. He said: “I have the self-confidence to say that my qualities are sufficient to play in a very big club next season.” (Liverpool Echo via Suddeutsche Zeitung)
Wilshere: Wenger told me I could find a new club
Jack Wilshere has revealed that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told him to look for another club. Wilshere, who’s out of contract at the end of the season, said he spoke to Wenger last summer. “It was an honest conversation,” said the midfielder. “We have known each other long enough where we can have that relationship where we are honest with each other. He said, ‘I am going to be honest with you and at the moment we are not going to be offering you a contract, so if you can get a contract somewhere else, you can go’.” (The Daily Telegraph)
Premier League news and talking points
United to form a women’s team
Manchester United will form a professional women’s team. Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward says the club have submitted an application to enter a team in the second tier of the Women’s Super League. (The Times)
Hammers hand out lifetime bans to fans
Following incidents during the 3-0 home loss against Burnley on 10 March, West Ham United have given lifetime bans to at least five supporters. In a statement the club said: “Lifetime bans from all West Ham United matches, both home and away, have today been issued to five individuals who crossed safety barriers to enter the field of play – a criminal offence that is a severe breach of stadium safety regulations – while a number of individuals have also been banned for life for violently throwing coins or objects with intent to injure or harm on the bridge directly in front of the directors’ box.” (Sky Sports)
