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European Paper Talk: Philippe Coutinho becomes a Paris Saint-Germain transfer target

Philippe Coutinho's strike in the Copa Del Rey semi-final was his first Barcelona goal at the fifth attempt
Image: Philippe Coutinho has reportedly become a Paris Saint-Germain transfer target

The transfer window might be closed but the rumour mill is in full swing ahead of what promises to be yet another summer of huge spending around Europe.

Our friends at Football Whispers have scoured the continental press to bring you the latest transfer rumours.

Spain

Philippe Coutinho has become a Paris Saint-Germain transfer target as they look to keep Neymar out of Real Madrid's clutches. The former Liverpool star is close friends with the PSG man and the Ligue 1 club believe signing Coutinho would ensure the world's most expensive player remains in Paris for years to come.

PSG would be willing to offer Kylian Mbappe as part of any deal, with Neymar supposedly jealous of the French teenager. (El Pais)

Real Madrid want to make Vinicius Junior part of their first-team squad from next summer. The Brazilian had been expected to stay at Flamengo until the summer of 2019, but the La Liga side want to take him on their pre-season tour of America. If he impresses, he'll stay part of the squad. If not, they'll loan him out to another European side. (Marca)

Fernando Torres wants to stay with Atletico Madrid despite being left out of their squad for Sunday's win over Sevilla. The forward has been linked with a switch to Dalian Yifang, but is unwilling to move to the Chinese club. Nico Gaitan and Yannick Carrasco are, however, likely to swap the Wanda Metropolitano for Dalian Yifang this week. (Marca)

Atletico Madrid's Spanish forward Fernando Torres reacts during the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and UD Las Palmas at the
Image: Atletico Madrid forward Fernando Torres wants to stay at the club

Real Madrid's first signing next summer will be Omar Mascarell. The former Real Madrid player has a clause in his contract with Eintracht Frankfurt which allows him to return to the Bernabeu for €4m (£3.5m). He is unlikely to stay with the Spanish side though as they believe they can sell the 25-year-old on for a much higher price. (AS)

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Italy

Inter Milan haven't scheduled a meeting for renewing Mauro Icardi's contract despite the Argentine striker being a Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United transfer target.

The 25-year-old has a €110m (£96.5m) release clause his contract and the Nerazzurri want to increase it to €200m (£175m). However, they are yet to discuss a new deal as they are unhappy with Icardi's wife and agent, Wanda Nara, talking about her husband's future last week. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Inter would want at least €80m (£70m) for defender Milan Skriniar. The Slovakian was subject of a €65million (£57million) bid in January, believed to be from Manchester City, and the Nerazzuri are braced for more bids in the summer. They are steadfast in their desire to keep Skriniar at San Siro. (Tuttosport)

Federico Bernardeschi could require surgery after picking up a knee injury in the win over Torino. He'll be out for about three weeks, but if scans in that time aren't encouraging, he may need surgery, which would keep the Juventus forward out for the rest of the season. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

France

After Neymar was taken off against Marseille, PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola admitted it was concerning. "I'm worried about Neymar," he said. "His ankle was pretty swollen. He is an important player for us and I hope he will come back soon." (L'Equipe)

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Neymar left the field in tears on a stretcher after being injured in PSG's Ligue 1 match with Marseille and could miss the Champions League clash with Real Madrid

Unai Emery, however, thinks Neymar should be ready for PSG's second leg of their Champions League tie against Real Madrid. The PSG boss said: "We're optimistic, we need a bit of patience. In regards of his participation in the match against Real, if I had to say yes or no, I would say yes." (Le Parisien)

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