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. And Transfer Talk will continue to scour the world’s media and set correspondents loose to see what’s on the agenda for the summer.
TOP STORY: Liverpool still keen on Sancho
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admits he’s still keen on signing Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho, reports the Mirror.
Klopp earlier this week revealed that City refused to negotiate the winger’s exit to Anfield because they didn’t want to sell to an English rival, but Klopp feels he might have more luck now that Sancho is in Germany, and at the club he used to manage.
Sancho is rumoured to also be interesting Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea, as well as Liverpool, but whoever signs him may have to break the bank. Dortmund sold Ousmane Dembele to Barcelona for £100 million in 2017, a fee that could rise to £135m, and the Bundesliga leaders would be looking to cash in on their latest hot property for a similar amount.
Arsenal to restart Banega chase
With Aaron Ramsey off to Juventus in the summer, Arsenal will need another centre midfielder. And according to the Mirror, Unai Emery will look to try once more to bring Ever Banega to the Emirates.
The Gunners reportedly hoped to land the 30-year-old in the January window, but didn’t have the funds necessary to seal the deal. That should change in the summer, when they could afford to trigger his £17m buyout clause.
Emery has twice worked with the Argentine, first at Valencia and then Sevilla, where the pair won the Europa League together in 2015 and 2016.
Spurs on hunt for new defender
With Mauricio Pochettino expected to be shopping for a new centre-back this summer, Real Betis defender Aissa Mandi‘s name is the latest to be linked with a move to North London.
According to El Desmarque, both Spurs and Arsenal are tracking the 27-year-old who so far has made 34 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish side this season, and who is set to make his century of appearance in the next few weeks since his move to the club in 2016.
A central defender who can also play as a full-back on either side, the Algerian international has been in impressive form this season. His versatility would suit Spurs, but they would have to meet a £26m release clause to secure his signature.
Race hots up for Bundesliga’s top striker
Serbia international and Eintracht Frankfurt front man Luka Jovic is a wanted man. The scorer of 19 goals in 29 appearances has seen Real Madrid, Chelsea and Bayern Munich all monitor his services, but Goal is reporting that Barcelona are at the front of the queue.
Frankfurt are said to be hopeful of completing the permanent signing of the Benfica loanee this summer for around £5.5m before then looking to get around 10 times that amount for his signature.
Tap-ins
– West Ham United’s rising star Martin Samuelsen is set to return to Norway and join FK Haugesund, according to Haugesunds Avis. The Hammer has been recalled from his loan spell at VVV-Venlo in the Eredivisie after just 400 minutes this term, and he’s reportedly looking for more first-team action in his homeland.
– Stoke City are keen to offload striker Saido Berahino following his latest arrest, according to the Daily Mail. Berahino was arrested on suspicion of drink driving in the early hours on Monday, and the striker’s antics are said to have angered club officials who are now keen to sell as soon as transfer window opens.
– Romain Saiss is set to sign a new deal at Molineux, according to the Telegraph, ending reports linking him with a move away from the Midlands. Saiss, 28, is the latest player said to be committing his future to Wolves following the contract extensions for Conor Coady and Matt Doherty last week.