The transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs is closed, but click here for all the deals and keep track of who has joined the big boys. Transfer Talk will continue to scour the world’s media and set correspondents loose to see what’s on the agenda for the summer.
Bayern to go again for Hernandez
Bayern Munich will follow up on their interest in Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez, according to Marca.
The Bavarians made contact with the Spanish side in January and looked set to meet his €80 million release clause in what was believed to be a four-year deal. However, the Frenchman remained at the club, but Munich are now looking to renew their interest in the summer.
Bayern President Uli Hoeness is confident his club can land their man.
“We’d pay the release clause,” he said. “We’ve saved up; we’re well prepared for the summer. Our sporting director has everything under control.”
The versatile defender is a World Cup winner and only renewed his deal in the Spanish capital last summer, but now it would seem he is on the brink of departure.
Foxes target Celtics boss Rodgers
While tonight’s transfer gossip revolves around the future of Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri following Kepa Arrizabalaga’s substitution fiasco at Wembley, Leicester City are quietly going about trying to tempt Brendan Rodgers away from Celtic to replace the sacked Claude Puel.
The Foxes are keen to persuade Rodgers to leave Celtic before the end of the season and the 2016 Premier League champions aren’t fazed by the possibility of paying the Scottish league leaders £5 million in compensation. However, Rodgers may wish to see if he can land another treble before even contemplating moving on.
“I’ve been asked similar questions before,” said Rodgers. “My message is always very, very clear — I’m very concentrated on the game.”
The Daily Mail are reporting that Leicester made tentative enquiries to Rodgers’ availability in January, but Puel survived the chop thanks to wins against Chelsea and Manchester City.
However, Leicester’s poor run of form since then, culminating in the 4-1 home defeat by Crystal Palace at the weekend, prompted the change.
United and Liverpool to lock horns over Fernandes
A Bola are reporting that Manchester United have made contact with the agent of midfielder Bruno Fernandes about a possible mover this summer.
The attacking midfielder, also believed to be a target for Liverpool, has scored 22 goals in all competitions for Sporting CP in what has so far been an exceptional season for the 24-year-old.
The Lisbon side could be keen to cash in on their captain given that they face financial uncertainty off the field, and he is said to have a release clause of £90m. That fee, however, could scare off any potential suitors.
Newcastle to splash more cash?
Record signings could be like buses for Newcastle fans who, having had to wait for an eternity for Mike Ashley to spend serious cash in a transfer window, may be treated to another splurge in the summer.
The Magpies are allegedly eyeing a move for Hoffenheim striker Joelinton, according to Sport1. The report states that the two clubs have been in negotiations for weeks and that the deal could be worth as much as £52m.
The 22 year-old has scored 10 goals this season and could be seen as a better long-term investment than United’s current loan striker Salomon Rondon, who turns 30 towards the start of next season.
Brazilian Joelinton can play anywhere along the front line, but could form an exciting relationship with current record signing Miguel Almiron, who starred against Huddersfield on Saturday.
Tap ins
– Spurs are targeting Ryan Sessengon in the summer, according to Teamtalk. Tottenham could be the first to act should Fulham be relegated, and they’re rumoured to be interested in taking Ryan’s brother Steven in a double deal believed to be around £20m.
– Manchester United and Arsenal are all keen to sign Lille striker Nicolas Pepe. Telefoot are suggesting that the English clubs are lining up alongside he likes of PSG and Bayern Munich for the signature of the talented Ivory Coast forward.