BAYERN MUNICH are edging closer to landing an incredible deal for Liverpool ace Sadio Mane according to reports.
Personal terms will be agreed soon and the Bundesliga champions are preparing a fresh bid in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Yves Bissouma seems set to join Tottenham this summer with the final details being thrashed out between both parties.
And Real Madrid have reportedly launched a £78 million bid for England star Jude Bellingham.
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Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news across the globe…
Blues willing to pay Kounde clause
Chelsea and Newcastle are both reportedly willing to meet the release clause in the contract of Sevilla’s Jules Kounde but Barcelona are also interested.
Barca, due to financial difficulties, may not be able to afford the £69million it will take to buy Kounde.
Therefore, Xavi’s side are weighing up alternative options such as offering players as part of the deal.
Mundo Deportivo claim full-back Sergino Dest is one man that Barcelona would be willing to send to Sevilla to help lower the fee for the centre-back.
Kounde has also reportedly expressed his desire to play for the Catalan giants over any other team.
Villa ace nears exit
Trabzonspor have tabled a £3.4million bid for Aston Villa’s winger Trezeguet – however Villa are holding out for £4.3m, writes SunSport’s Graeme Bryce.
The 27-year-old Egyptian spent a successful loan spell with Istanbul Basaksehir after returning from injury in January.
Trezeguet scored six goals and provided four assists in 13 league games to attract interest from rival Turkish clubs, headed by Trabzonspor who also face competition from other clubs on the continent.
They are gearing up for a crack at the Champions’ League after winning the Turkish Super Lig for the first time since 1984.
Manager Abdullah Avci is already closing in on Rangers’ Croatian left-back Borna Barisic and wants Trezeguet to beef up his attacking options.
Turkish sources say Villa refused to loan the winger out again and Trabzonspor failed with an initial bid worth just under £3.5million plus add-ons to be paid in installments.
Villa boss Steven Gerrard needs to raise cash to fund more buys and the club’s money-men are digging their heels in for a fee north of £4million.
Trezeguet accepts he is unlikely to shift Philippe Coutinho, Leon Bailey and Emi Buendia and is keen to move to Trabzonspor, who can offer him Champions’ League football.
Flop nearing Serie A return
Romelu Lukaku is reportedly closing in on a return to Inter Milan from Chelsea.
The striker has informed Blues chiefs that he has his heart set on a move back to Italy after a disastrous season at Stamford Bridge.
And the two clubs are now set for face-to-face talks as they aim to wrap up a deal as soon as possible.
Lukaku has been pining for a reunion with Inter for months after going off the boil in London.
The Belgian is ready to take a 50 per cent pay cut to force through a move.
But Inter are unable to afford a permanent deal and want Chelsea to accept a loan offer.
Fabrizio Romano claim the Blues are receptive to Lukaku’s exit, however, they want a £17m loan fee or a player in exchange – with the likes of Lautaro Martinez and Alessandro Bastoni admired by Thomas Tuchel.
Arsenal take hard line approach
The Gunners are telling miserly rivals to put up or shut up after pulling the plug on Lucas Torreira’s cut-price move to Fiorentina, writes SunSport’s Mark Irwin.
The Emirates hierarchy are fed up with European clubs trying to sign their unwanted players on the cheap.
And they have ruled that the days of the great Gunners giveaway are now a thing of the past as they look to get greater value for money in the transfer market.
They are particularly irked by Fiorentina pleading poverty during negotiations for Torreira just months after using Arsenal’s interest in Dusan Vlahovic to squeeze £65million from Juventus for the striker.
Fiorentina had agreed a £12.5million option to sign Torreira when they took him on loan last season.
But they reneged on that pledge when it came to negotiations for a permanent deal and said they would go no higher than £7million.
Spurs flop returning to Europe
Vincent Janssen is wanted by Marc Overmars and Mark van Bommel at Antwerp, writes SunSport’s Phil Cadden.
The Holland striker, who turned 28 on Wednesday, plays for Mexican side Monterrey after leaving Spurs in 2019.
But Janssen is set for a return to Europe with the Belgian club, who have ex-Arsenal star Overmars as technical and former Netherlands midfielder van Bommel as coach.
Janssen said: “There has been contact with Marc Overmars and Mark van Bommel. I hope we get out, but I can’t say more about it.
“I had three great years in Mexico and I’m still happy there. But we’ll see in the coming days.”
Janssen started for Louis van Gaal’s Holland in their 3-2 Nations League win over Wales on Tuesday night and hopes to make the Dutch squad for the World Cup.
United preparing a bid for Bennacer
Manchester United are preparing a renewed bid for AC Milan star Ismael Bennacer, according to reports.
The Algerian midfielder was part of the Rossoneri’s Serie A title winning squad, making 31 league appearances and scoring two goals.
But the 24-year-old has just one year left on his contract at the San Siro and he’s yet to sign a new deal.
And reports in the Algerian press suggest the player is unhappy about losing his place in the Milan starting line-up to Frank Kessie and Sandro Tonali.
Old Trafford officials are thought to have spoken to their Milan counterparts about Bennacer.
Milan want £43million for Bennacer but may have to accept less.
Forest in talks for Henderson
Manchester United are in talks with Nottingham Forest over a proposed loan move for Dean Henderson, according to reports.
The goalkeeper, 25, is out of favour at Old Trafford and has been heavily linked with a move away.
Premier League new boys Forest are in need of a shot-stopper after play-off hero Brice Samba announced he wants to leave the club.
Henderson has been eyed as his replacement with Forest seeking a loan deal that could be made permanent for £20million, reports Fabrizio Romano.
Negotiations are reportedly ongoing with Henderson said to be open to the switch.
The keeper made just five appearances for United last season and with the World Cup looming he will be hoping for regular game time to impress Gareth Southgate.
Henderson was left out of England’s Nations League squad after falling behind Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope in the Three Lions pecking order.
Pulisic would be a ‘really good signing’ for Liverpool, says Johnson
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic would be a good signing for his former club.
Johnson spoke to Bettingodds.com said: “I like him. He’s gone to a big club and I think he’s done okay.
“I don’t think he’s set the world alight but I do like him and he’s a good squad player. When he’s on form he’s fantastic.
“If he was to go to Liverpool then I think that would be a really good signing.
“He’s the sort of player that Jurgen likes, so yes I could see him fitting in there well.”
Lukaku swap deal still an option
Chelsea and Inter are in talks to get a deal which is favourable for both parties.
A swap deal for striker Lautaro Martinez is still on the table.
Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports tweeted: “Lukaku will have to take a wage cut and accepts this.
“Chelsea are exploring both a traditional loan and a swap-deal.
“Inter don’t want to let Martinez go. They see his relationship and friendship with Lukaku as key.
“Chelsea sources have always distanced themselves from Martinez and say a swap-deal is just ‘one possibility’”.
Tielemans a ‘top priority’ for Arteta
Arsenal are hopeful they can seal a deal for Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans before the end of the month, according to reports.
Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports said: “Arsenal remain confident and on course to sign Youri Tielemans before the month is out.
“Interest from Tottenham was never too advanced. But Bissouma’s incoming arrival will allay fears Spurs could hijack the deal.
“Tielemans is one of Arteta’s top priorities.”
Toon enter the chase for Areola
Newcastle have reportedly opened talks with Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, writes Alex Smith.
The 29-year-old stopper spent last season on loan at West Ham and reports suggest he is now looking for a permanent move.
RMC Sport now claim Newcastle have entered the battle to sign him.
However, a deal may prove difficult as West Ham appear in pole position to sign Areola as they have the option to buy him for a rumoured £11million.
The Frenchman is also in the process of negotiating with David Moyes’ side with West Ham wanting to accelerate talks now the player is back from international duty.
Botman ‘resisting’ Newcastle offer for Milan move
Sven Botman is “resisting” Newcastle’s transfer offer as he is holding out on a dream move to AC Milan, according to reports.
The Dutchman looks certain to leave Lille this summer and is attracting interest from a number of top clubs from across Europe, writes Joshua Mbu.
Milan and Newcastle appear to be frontrunners for the 22-year-old defender, with the Magpies able to offer big wages.
However, according to La Gazetta dello Sport, Botman is “resisting” Newcastle’s offer and is holding out on a move to Milan.
Botman is said to have already agreed personal terms with the Serie A champions.
But Milan are yet to tempt Lille into selling, with their £28.5million offer coming up short of the £34m asking price.
The centre-back is willing to wait for Lille and Milan to agree terms.
Frenkie wary of making Man Utd move
Frenkie de Jong says Barcelona are the ‘biggest club in the world’ as Manchester United remain locked in talks over a £65million move for the Holland star, writes Phillip Cadden.
The Dutch playmaker impressed in the 3-2 Nations League win over Wales in Rotterdam on Tuesday night.
Afterwards, De Jong was asked about his future and if he was flattered by the interest from new United boss Erik Ten Hag.
To which the 25-year-old said: “You’re always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player.
“I am at the biggest club in the world at the moment and I feel fine there, so no news.”
United have not made a formal bid yet but Ten Hag is keen to work with midfield ace De Jong again after a successful spell together at Ajax.
Dar wants to win
Darwin Nunez has opened up on why he chose to join Liverpool over Man United… trophies.
He said: “You can then imagine yourself winning more trophies and then later on when you come here again and see the trophies on display, you can say: ‘Look, I was a part of that, I was there at that time, winning trophies.’
“That’s one of the reasons why I came here to Liverpool – to win trophies and titles. I want to win a lot of trophies at Liverpool.”
Lewandowski ‘perfect replacement’ for Lukaku, says Wright-Phillips
Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips reckons that the Blues should go all in for Robert Lewandowski if Lukaku leaves for Inter.
Rom has been closing in on a return to the San Siro and the clubs are in direct talks for a loan deal.
Should the striker be off, Wright-Phillips told Genting Casino that Lewandowski would fill in perfectly.
However, he did warn that Tuchel’s team would need to play to his strengths, something they haven’t managed with Lukaku.
He said: “Robert Lewandowski would be the perfect replacement for Romelu Lukaku if Lukaku does leave.
“No matter what team he plays in, he always scores goals.
“Chelsea would just have to make sure they play to his strengths.”
Toon closing in on McArthur
Newcastle are reportedly closing in on a deal for Kilmarnock wonderkid Charlie McArthur, writes Anthony Chapman.
The 17-year-old, out of contract next year, is one of Scottish football’s top young prospects.
And the Telegraph claims McArthur is now set for a switch to mega-rich Newcastle after breaking into Killie’s first team this term.
The centre-back, who captained Scotland at this year’s U17s Euros, made four senior appearances for Kilmarnock – including a league debut in May.
Manchester City and Liverpool were both linked with swoops in the January transfer window.
Meanwhile, a £275,000 bid was mooted amid interest from Brighton, Wolves and West Ham.
But Newcastle look to have won the race for McArthur’s coveted signature.
Top of the Kop
New Liverpool signing Darwin Nunez’s son and step-daughter showed off their new Liverpool No27 shirts just hours after he put pen to paper on his £85million deal.
The striker’s girlfriend Lorena Manas accompanied the ex-Benfica man at Anfield as he signed for the Premier League club on Tuesday.
And Lorena posted photos of her daughter Chloe, seven, and the couple’s son, also called Darwin, in their Liverpool kits.
Chloe’s shirt bore her name and little Darwin, born in January in Lorena’s native Almeria in south-east Spain, had “Daddy” printed on the back.
Liverpool have given him the No27 shirt, which was recently vacated by Divock Origi.
Mad about Bellingham
Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing up a sensational £78million swoop for Borussia Dortmund and England midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The 18-year-old international, who is under contract until 2025, has been heavily linked with a move to both Liverpool and Manchester United – with Jurgen Klopp’s side reportedly making a formal offer.
However, Spanish and European champions Real Madrid could well steal the teenager away from the Premier League sides.
According to Cadena Ser, Los Blancos are keen to sign the Dortmund man in the summer of 2023.
That is because by the end of next season they are confident Vinicius Junior will have a Spanish passport – freeing up a non-EU place in their squad.
Klopp issues Nunez warning
Jurgen Klopp has urged Liverpool fans to be patient with Darwin Nunez who’s not the finished article yet.
He said: “It’s important we all recognise we are getting a ‘work in progress’ with Darwin.
“He recognises that himself, for sure. I love how much focus and humility he has.
“We have wonderful attacking options already and he becomes part of that now.
“So there is no pressure on him at all. He signs for a very long time and we intend to nurture his talent and see it grow.”
Only ‘minor details’ left on Pogba switch, say reports
Paul Pogba is on the brink of finally completing his switch to Juventus.
The France ace has nearly agreed a contract with Juve, with a few minor details to be sorted, according to Fabrizio Romano.
He’s set to receive £6.9m plus add-ons every season he spends in Turin, the report adds.
West Ham want Areola for good
West Ham United are expected to exercise the option to sign goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from Paris-Saint Germain following his year on loan at the London Stadium.
That’s the understanding of Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, who reports that talks are ongoing with the player’s representatives regarding personal terms.
England a ‘shambles’, says Piers Morgan
Piers Morgan slammed England’s performance against Hungary as ‘Southgate Out’ trended on Twitter following a 4-0 humiliation in the Nations League.
The Three Lions were ripped apart by Hungary at Molineux as Southgate received chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” from his own fans.
The England team were booed when the third goal went in 10 minutes from the end.
And Southgate was then on the end of abuse from supporters when he put centre-back Harry Maguire on for forward Bukayo Saka after John Stones was sent off – with England already 3-0 down.
Morgan was one of the first to post about the disappointing display, saying: “Bloody hell, England.. what a shambles. What the hell’s going on Mr Southgate???”
With England’s dire performances during this Nations League period, fans are feeling a familiar sense of dread going into the World Cup.
But as Harry Kane said after the game: “Let’s not forget where we have come from”.
Under Southgate, confidence must remain high until we see them flop when it really matters.
Alexander-Arnold welcomes Nunez
Trent Alexander-Arnold has welcomed Darwin Nunez to Liverpool.
The full-back has built a reputation as an assist king at Anfield.
And Alexander-Arnold let Nunez know that he’s here to serve him next season in a cheeky Twitter message.
The England international quipped to Nunez: “Welcome to Liverpool!
@Darwinn99 How may I assist you?”Pulisic a ‘really good signing’ for Liverpool, says Johnson
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic would be a good signing for his former club.
Johnson spoke to Bettingodds.com said: “I like him. He’s gone to a big club and I think he’s done okay.
“I don’t think he’s set the world alight but I do like him and he’s a good squad player. When he’s on form he’s fantastic.
“If he was to go to Liverpool then I think that would be a really good signing.
“He’s the sort of player that Jurgen likes, so yes I could see him fitting in there well.”
Chelsea eye Lazio keeper
Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a transfer swoop for Lazio keeper Thomas Strakosha.
Strakosha is available on a free transfer.
And the Blues are considering him as a viable option to replace No.1 goalie Kepa if he decides to leave Stamford Bridge, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues are also poised to sign 18-year-old stopper Gabriel Slonina from Chicago Fire.
But the Blues see him as one for the future, and plan to loan him back to the MLS side, the report adds.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
