Premier League transfer news and rumours
Zidane: Bale happy at Real
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane insists that Gareth Bale is happy at the club despite the Welsh forward being dropped for the La Liga clash against Malaga last weekend.
Bale’s future at Real is up in the air and he has been regularly linked with a move away from Spain. Premier League clubs Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea have been linked with the 28-year-old as well as European giants Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan.
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When asked about Bale and fellow unsettled striker Karim Benzema, Zidane said: “We’re all on the same side and we need all the players. They don’t come across as sad to me. They’re training well. Of course, both would like to score more goals, but they are working well.”
This season Bale has scored 14 times and made eight assists for Real Madrid. His Bernabeu contract expires in 2022. (Metro)
Jack Wilshere: Arsenal to Wolves
Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere is a “shock” summer transfer target for Wolves. The midlands club have won promotion back to the Premier League and are “plotting an audacious move” for Wilshere, whose Arsenal contract expires at the end of this season. He would be available on a free transfer and has also been linked with Everton. (Daily Mail)
Ruben Neves: Wolves to Liverpool
If Jack Wilshere heads to Wolves, then it could be to replace Ruben Neves. The Portuguese “wonderkid” has starred in Wolves’s promotion-winning season with a number of “thrilling” midfield performances and long-range goals. It’s reported that Liverpool “could be set to swoop” for the 21-year-old. (talkSPORT)
Manchester United target Kroos or Jorginho
Napoli and Italy midfielder Jorginho is one of Manchester United’s top transfer targets this summer. Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho is still keen on signing Toni Kroos from Real Madrid, but if a deal for the German international does not work out, then Jorginho would be a “more viable option”. (Independent)
Anthony Martial: Manchester United to Lyon
French club Lyon have joined Juventus and Barcelona in the race to sign Manchester United striker Anthony Martial. The 22-year-old is “open to leaving Old Trafford this summer” and United boss Jose Mourinho is prepared to “listen to offers”. (The Sun)
Demarai Gray: Leicester City to Tottenham
Leicester City winger Demarai Gray is once again a transfer target for Spurs. Tottenham tried to sign the 21-year-old last summer but Leicester refused to do business. Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has “continued to keep an eye on his situation at the King Power Stadium”. (ESPN)
Palace to sell Christian Benteke
Christian Benteke looks likely to be sold by Crystal Palace this summer after failing to impress at Selhurst Park. Palace manager Roy Hodgson has “grown frustrated” with the striker, who is on a reported £120,000 a week. Benteke signed for Palace for a club record £32m fee in 2016, but the club are “ready to listen to offers” after his return of only two goals this season. (Daily Mail)
Premier League news and talking points
Chelsea line up Sarri to replace Conte
Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri has emerged as the favourite to replace Antonio Conte at Chelsea. Sarri “has made it clear” he wants to leave Italy at the end of the season and is Chelsea’s No.1 choice to take over at Stamford Bridge. (Daily Mail)
League backs government opposition to safe standing
The Premier League is supporting the UK government’s opposition to safe standing areas in football grounds after a statement said that “far more evidence” was needed about the scheme. A Premier League survey of fans found that only 5% want to “be on their feet for an entire match”. (Daily Mail)
West Ham to give Moyes transfer power
West Ham United are preparing to appoint David Moyes on a permanent basis and will give the Scot full control over future transfer dealings. The Hammers have “abandoned plans” to bring in a director of football. (The Times)
Premier League results and fixtures
Last night’s result
Tonight’s fixtures (7.45pm)
- Burnley vs. Chelsea
- Leicester City vs. Southampton
