Shock exit for Sterling?
Manchester City are prepared to sell Raheem Sterling as a contract dispute with the England forward looms.
The former Liverpool star’s current deal runs until 2020, but the Daily Mirror says he could be sold next summer unless he extends his contract and talks are at an impasse.
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“Sterling shelved negotiations before the World Cup in the hope his stock would rise on the back of a sparkling tournament,” says the paper. “His camp reckoned this would increase the pressure on City to accept his demands for improved personal terms to his current £170,000-a-week deal or attract interest from a big foreign club.”
That has not happened and with City unwilling to offer him a better deal he could be sold.
Alisson arrives at Anfield
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Brazil goalkeeper Alisson from Roma for a world-record fee of £67m.
Manager Jurgen Klopp said he was delighted to have been able to sign the 25-year-old and brushed off concerns about the cost.
“It’s not his price, it’s not the price we want to pay, it’s only the price the market demands,” he said. “That’s how it is, no problem with that.”
The keeper has already been unveiled as a Liverpool player. “Allison, who cut short his holiday to complete the formalities of his transfer, is expected to link up with his new team-mates following the tour of America. Liverpool travel to Evian in France for a four-day training camp on July 31,” says the Liverpool Echo.
Bumper deal for Hazard
The Eden Hazard transfer saga rumbles on with reports that the playmaker will be offered £13m a year at Real Madrid, making him the club’s best-paid player.
“Reports in Spain suggest a fee has already been agreed between the two clubs as the Champions League winners bid to replace Cristiano Ronaldo,” says the Daily Mirror, which says the figure is believed to be around £170m.
“And with the Portuguese star off the wage bill, Hazard would instantly be the highest-paid at the club, alongside Gareth Bale.”
Morata faces Chelsea exit
Another player heading for the Stamford Bridge exit could be Alvaro Morata, with reports linking the striker with a move to Italy or even a return to Real Madrid.
“Morata only joined Chelsea from Madrid last year, but the Spaniard struggled during his debut campaign in England, scoring just 15 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions and losing his place in the side to Olivier Giroud towards the end of the season,” says Sports Mole.
“Speculation has suggested that Morata could leave Stamford Bridge as a result of those troubles, with new manager Maurizio Sarri thought to be eyeing a move for either Robert Lewandowski or Gonzalo Higuain.”
Palace want £70m for Zaha
Wilfried Zaha wants to leave Crystal Palace, but his hopes of a quick exit could be “scuppered” by his £70m price tag, reports The Sun.
“Everton and Borussia Dortmund are all chasing Zaha and he has now informed Eagles chiefs he is keen to go.
“But his decision is nothing to do with money, just his ambition to play for a bigger club.”
The winger, who flopped at Manchester United after moving there in 2013, signed a new five-year deal with Palace last year, but has rejected a new £125,000-a-week deal as he wants to have another crack at the big time.
