PAUL POGBA
TRANSFER NEWS AND GOSSIPS
BARCELONA INTERESTED IN POGBA
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde is hoping to land Paul Pogba as a replacement for Andres Iniesta, claims Don Balon.
Valverde’s interest is complicated by Manchester United’s asking price, which would likely be at least the €120 million (£105m/$139m) they paid Juventus for Pogba two years ago.
Should Pogba prove unattainable, Miralem Pjanic of Juventus and Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen are possible alternatives.
VECINO & CALLEJON TOP CHELSEA WISH-LIST
Inter midfielder Matias Vecino and Napoli forward Jose Callejon top incoming Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri’s wish-list, reports the Daily Mail.
Sarri is busy putting together his coaching staff ahead of officially being named Chelsea’s manager and replacing the outgoing Antonio Conte.
Vecino joined Inter from Fiorentina and is currently representing Uruguay at the World Cup, while Callejon scored 10 goals and added 15 assists in Serie A under Sarri last season.
MAHREZ NEARS €75M CITY MOVE
Leicester City attacker Riyad Mahrez is closing in on a €75 million (£66m/$87m) move to Manchester City, reports Le Buteur.
Mahrez nearly joined City in January but Leicester refused to let the Algerian leave the King Power Stadium, rejecting all offers from City.
But the 27-year-old is now set to move to the Etihad, with Leicester no longer requesting City include Patrick Roberts in the deal after the Foxes landed James Maddison from Norwich.
MADRID COULD TURN TO THIAGO
Real Madrid could look to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara if Mateo Kovacic leaves the club, reports Marca.
Kovacic has been linked with a move to Serie A, with the Croatia international failing to lock down a starting role at the Santiago Bernabeu in recent seasons.
And Alcantara, who has a strong relationship with new Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui, could follow the former Spain manager to Madrid should Kovacic depart.
TOTTENHAM EYEING MOVE FOR ALBA
Tottenham are watching Jordi Alba’s situation at Barcelona ahead of a potential bid, according to AS.
The left-back’s agent has been quoted as saying Alba is not happy with Barca not yet extending his contract, which expires in 2020.
And Spurs are hoping to take advantage, should the 29-year-old not pen fresh terms in the coming months.
JUVE LEAD THE RACE FOR GOLOVIN
Juventus are in pole position to sign CSKA Moscow and Russia star Aleksandr Golovin, reports Tuttosport.
Golovin has turned heads with his performances at the World Cup so far, and Juve have made a bid of €20 million (£18m/$23m) plus add-ons for the 22-year-old.
Juve are hoping to wrap up a deal soon, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona also interested in Golovin.
BANEGA WANTS ASSURANCES FROM EMERY
Sevilla midfielder Ever Banega is ready to join Arsenal, but first wants assurances on his role with the team from manager Unai Emery, reports La Colina de Nervion.
Emery is keen on signing Banega, having worked with the 29-year-old during his time managing Valencia and Sevilla.
But the Argentina international wants to know how much playing time he’d be in line to receive at the Emirates before agreeing to join the club.
VILLA HAVEN’T RECEIVED BIDS FOR GREALISH YET
Aston Villa have yet to receive any offer for in-demand midfielder Jack Grealish, reports The Birmingham Mail.
The 22-year-old’s future has been the subject of much speculation after he starred for Villa last season, but the club fell just short of promotion to the Premier League.
And a host of top-flight sides are hoping to land Grealish, including Newcastle, Tottenham and Liverpool.
PSG HOPING TO LAND LOBOTKA
Paris Saint-Germain are interested in Celta Vigo midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, reports El Desmarque.
Napoli and Tottenham are also keen on the 23-year-old Slovakian, with the Italian side reportedly making a bid of €40 million (£35m/$46m) for his services.
Lobotka made 38 La Liga appearances for Celta last season, and can play a variety of positions in central midfield.
LENGLET SET TO JOIN BARCA ON JULY 1
Sevilla defender Clement Lenglet will become Barcelona’s first summer signing on July 1, according to Sport.
Barca will pay the French defender’s €35 million (£31m/$41m) buyout clause, and Lenglet will sign a five-year deal with the Liga champions.
The Catalans also hope to sign a central midfielder and a striker before the transfer window closes.
GOAL.COM