The winter transfer window is closed, but now it’s time to look ahead to the summer! Here are the new rumours floating around Europe’s big leagues and beyond.
TOP STORY: Pogba to stay at Manchester United?
In a big turn of events, Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is interested in committing his future to Old Trafford, the Daily Mail reports.
For the longest time, it seemed that the Frenchman was desperate to leave the Red Devils in favour of a switch to Barcelona, Real Madrid or Juventus — anywhere, really.
Now, however, Pogba is reportedly happy to either extend his current deal or discuss a new one in order to stay in Manchester.
United’s finish to the season regarding Champions League qualification will have a part to play in proceedings, but it is believed that the 26-year-old is eager to link up with Bruno Fernandes after the Portugal international’s sensational start to life at the club.
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10.15 GMT: Bayern Munich want to re-sign Toni Kroos from Real Madrid, says Diario Madridista.
Kroos, 30, is reportedly set to assess his options in the summer after falling out of favour recently, with Manchester United and PSG also on his trail.
The Germany midfielder has three years left on his contract, so Bayern can expect to pay a hefty sum if they want to bring him back.
09.23 GMT: You don’t often hear from scouts, but these comments from Jorge Alvial to the MEN are a giant ‘told-you-so’ to Manchester United about the failure to sign Alphonso Davies.
Davies, 19, eventually joined Bayern Munich from Vancouver Whitecaps, but Alvial says he recommended the Canada international at the age of 14 after seeing him at the Dallas Cup tournament.
“The things that he showed at that age I went ‘Wow. This is a superstar.’ Right away for two years I recommended him at Man United,” he said. “Without a doubt in mind, and I wrote over 40 reports when I was at Man United. I would love to be back, it is a beautiful place. But, I had no doubts in my mind. No doubts.”
08.30 GMT: ICYMI from our new European notebook yesterday:
– Manchester United have emerged as front-runners to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.
– Sources have also told ESPN that PSG sporting director Leonardo has identified Sancho as a potential signing.
– Wolves stars Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez, Diogo Jota and Ruben Neves are being eyed for moves to major clubs in Spain, France and England and the club face a major battle persuading them to stay this summer.
– Manchester United are set to allow goalkeeper Dean Henderson to spend another season on loan away from Old Trafford.
– Erling Haaland is a superstar at Borussia Dortmund now, but one Premier League club could have snapped him up for just €10m two years ago …
08.00 GMT: Brighton defender Ben White is impressing on loan at Leeds and the Sun reports that there are a host of clubs interested in him.
White, 22, reportedly has Arsenal hot on his trail, along with Liverpool, Manchester United and Leicester.
PAPER TALK (by Harry Kettle)
Atletico Madrid monitor Lacazette
Atletico Madrid are tracking the progress of Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette, Mundo Deportivo reports.
The popular forward hasn’t had the best of campaigns at the Emirates and, on the flip side, Atletico seem incredibly eager to add to their attacking options following a disappointing season from Diego Costa.
The Spanish giants were close to signing Lacazette a few years back but couldn’t quite get a deal over the finish line. This time around, they’re willing to put a decent chunk of their resources into making it happen.
Three clubs want Napoli’s Lozano
Three notable European clubs are interested in signing Napoli star Hirving Lozano, Calciomercato reports.
The Mexico international made the jump from PSV Eindhoven for a fee of around €42m during last summer’s transfer window, but he hasn’t quite been able to make a successful transition to Italian football just yet.
Atletico Madrid are eager to put forward some kind of bid as they attempt to improve their options from an attacking point of view, whereas both Everton and West Ham United are interested in giving Lozano his first taste of the Premier League, provided they both remain in the top flight next season.
Tap-ins
– Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles is seemingly on the verge of leaving the club after being exiled by manager Mikel Arteta, the Athletic reports.
– Crystal Palace are gearing up to make an offer to sign Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi in the summer, according to the Daily Express. The 26-year-old has failed to make an impact in Frank Lampard’s setup so far this season, whereas the Eagles believe they could reignite the flame they saw during his loan spell at Selhurst Park last season.
