Premier League transfer news and rumours
Paul Pogba: Manchester United to Paris Saint-Germain
Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are in the news today with rumours of a player transfer merry-go-round this summer.
United are keen to sign Brazilian striker Neymar from PSG, in a bid that could reach more than £200m, the Sunday Mirror claimed yesterday.
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However, according to the Daily Star today, it’s Real Madrid who look likely to sign Neymar. Real are attempting a world-record £250m deal for the former Barcelona ace.
If Real do land Neymar, PSG will aim to make United midfielder Paul Pogba their “marquee signing” this summer, the Star says. PSG will use the Neymar cash to fund a £100m deal for Pogba and to make the loan of Monaco’s Kylian Mbappe a permanent transfer at £165m.
Gareth Bale: Real Madrid to Manchester United
The Real-United transfer rumours continue, with the future of Gareth Bale a hot topic in the media today. The Welsh forward may be on his way to Old Trafford, according to the Daily Express, which reports that United are ready to offer £53m deal and Anthony Martial to the Madrid team. However, the Daily Star says that Real are plotting to sell Bale to United, Liverpool or Tottenham, to fund a move for Liverpool star striker Mohamed Salah.
Gonzalo Higuain: Juventus to Chelsea
If Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri is appointed as Chelsea manager this summer, the first player he will aim to bring to Stamford Bridge is Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain. Sarri is a contender to replace Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and was Higuain’s former coach at Napoli in 2015 before the Argentine signed for Juve. (Daily Mail)
Riyad Mahrez: Leicester City to Manchester City
Manchester City are still interested in a summer bid for Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez, whose move to the Premier League champions fell through in January. City and Leicester “remain in contact” over a deal for the Algerian. (Leicester Mercury)
Zaha plans to stay at Palace
Wilfried Zaha has been linked with a move to Manchester City, but the Crystal Palace forward insists he is going nowhere. The 25-year-old said: “I have no plans on leaving. I’m enjoying my football, you can see how much I’m enjoying it. This is my home and there’s no reason for me to leave.” (Daily Express)
Kalidou Koulibaly: Napoli to Arsenal
Napoli central defender Kalidou Koulibaly is a target for Arsenal. The Senegal star has been identified as the man to bolster the Gunners’s defence but would cost £53m. (Daily Express)
Keita fee confirmed
RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita will cost Liverpool £52.75m, after the German side finished sixth in the Bundesliga. Keita’s move to Anfield was agreed last summer but the price was “dependent on Leipzig’s final league position”. (Sky Sports)
Tierney ‘flattered’ by Bournemouth interest
Scotland defender Kieran Tierney says he is “flattered” by the interest from Premier League side Bournemouth but insists he is “enjoying” his time at Celtic. The 20-year-old left back said: “I’m flattered by the interest from teams - you have to be - it means you’re doing something well, it means you’re doing something right. I’m just enjoying my time here now.” Tierney has also been linked with moves to Manchester United and Tottenham. (Sky Sports)
Ki Sung-yueng leaves Swansea
After their relegation was confirmed yesterday, Ki Sung-yueng has announced that he is leaving Swansea City. The South Korea midfielder said: “It was a great privilege to play for Swansea for five years. Just want to say thanks to all Swansea fans who always gave passionate support to us every single game.” (Daily Mail)
Premier League news and talking points
Pochettino: Spurs must take risks
After watching his side beat Leicester City 5-4 to secure third place and Champions League football for next season, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has urged the club to “take risks” in the transfer market in order to reach the next level. Pochettino said: “You know me, I have crazy ideas. You need to be brave and take risks. It is the moment the club need to take risks. We need to work harder than the previous season to be competitive again.” (The Daily Telegraph)
Ederson signs seven-year deal at City
One player who won’t be moving any time soon is Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. The 24-year-old Brazilian shot-stopper has signed a two-year contract extension to commit himself to the Premier League champions until 2025. He said: “I want to win everything we can, all of the competitions, but for me the Champions League is without a doubt a very special competition for us, and it is my dream to win it in Manchester City’s shirt.” (Daily Mail)
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