With the transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs set to open soon — find out exactly when the Premier League transfer window opens — rest assured that Transfer Talk is scouring the world’s media and setting correspondents loose to see what is on the agenda. You can click here to review all the latest transfers.
Hot-shot Fernandes can take his pick
Manchester rivals City and United are locked in a race for the services of Sporting CP midfielder Bruno Fernandes, according to Sport Witness and the Manchester Evening News.
However, Manchester’s finest may have to dig deep, for the Sporting ace’s fee will no doubt have risen as a result of his 14-minute hat-trick against Belenenses on Sunday.
Fernandes has been in fine form this season. The 24-year-old has scored 10 goals in 31 Primeira Liga matches and has been linked with both City and United for some time.
However, the MEN reports that City are hoping they can use unused striker Marlos Moreno as a make-weight in the deal. United’s lack of Champions League football will certainly diminish their chances of landing the free-scoring midfielder.
Moreno joined City three years ago but has disappointed in loan spells at Deportivo La Coruna, Girona and Flamengo.
City will be hoping Lisbon can feel they can get the best of him, while it is rumoured City may also agree to send more players to Sporting on loan in an effort to sweeten the deal.
Celtic in for Jose
Fresh from winning their eighth consecutive Scottish title this weekend, Celtic are believed to have made an approach — though not a concrete offer — for Jose Mourinho, according to The Daily Mail.
The 56-year-old is likely to receive a number of approaches this summer following his exit from Manchester United earlier this season, and Celtic have made an early move in an effort to land the Portuguese supremo ahead of anyone else.
Mourinho may feel he has something to prove — and offer — in England given the ignominious way his tenure ended at Old Trafford, but at Celtic he would have the opportunity to help the Hoops try and become the first club to win 10 consecutive league titles, and he would be guaranteed Champions League football.
Current interim Celtic boss Neil Lennon is yet to be relieved of his duties, and as well as Celtic, Roma and Lyon are also said to be interested in Mourinho’s services.
Big clubs circling round Palace for Zaha. Round 2.
Crystal Palace are preparing themselves for a flourish of bids for star Wilfried Zaha.
The 26-year-old scored against Cardiff City in the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season to take his league tally this season to ten, and the Eagles are expecting offers from home and abroad as they look to try and keep their man in an effort to break the top half of the table.
The Mirror are using quotes from Zaha’s teammate Andros Townsend, in which he pleads with the club to do what they can to keep Zaha, to suggest the club could keep him, but Zaha has made it clear he wants to play Champions League football next season.
Zaha returned to Palace after his move to Manchester United in 2013 ended in disappointment and loan spells at both Cardiff and Palace.
The Ivory Coast international is desperate to prove he can cut it a top club, and could make his move this summer if the right club comes his way.
Pogba deal edges closer
Manchester United’s failure to secure a top-four place following their dismal draw away at Huddersfield means that Paul Pogba‘s move to Real Madrid could happen sooner rather than later, reports Spanish title AS.
Pogba left the field with his shirt over his head following the disappointing stalemate, but United’s failure to play at Europe’s top table next season will cost him a pay cut of 25 percent. Pogba was one of several players to have the salary cut written into their contracts, and he will also want to be playing Champions League football.
Pogba and Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane have made little secret of their mutual admiration and Madrid’s move is already set to be underway, with Los Blancos reported to be prepared to spend €150 million to get their man.
Tap ins
– AC Milan are confident of landing long-term target Allan Saint-Maximin this summer after failing to sign him in the January transfer window. Milan failed to reach an agreement with Nice, but both the Rossoneri and the player in question are keen on the move, reports Calciomercato.
– Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio is on the move, according to Calciomercato. However, his destination is yet unknown, with both Juventus and Inter Milan apparently locked in a tug of war for the playmaker. Inter have reportedly already made an offer in excess of €100m, though the player has a release clause of €700m.
