Euro Paper Talk: Chelsea join race for Roma goalkeeper Alisson
Thursday 31 May 2018 13:00, UK
It's the final day of May and for a lot of players they're off on their holidays having their well-earned breaks, and for others they're gearing up for the World Cup in Russia.
But the transfer rumour mill is only just hotting up. Where might some of the biggest names be playing next season?
Our friends at Football Whispers have scoured Europe's news outlets to bring you all the headlines from the continent.
Italy
Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic has emerged as a Manchester City transfer target with Real Madrid and Barcelona also keen on the Bosnian international. Pjanic signed for the Italian champions two years ago from Roma and his valuation has doubled since his £32m move to the Old Lady. His current deal runs out in three years' time but that won't deter big-spending City from bolstering their midfield options next season. (Tuttosport)
Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar is attracting interest from a number of top clubs in Europe, but it's believed Barcelona have jumped to the front of the queue in a bid to land the 22-year-old this summer. Manchester United target Skriniar made 38 appearances in Serie A last season and is an international for Slovakia. (Calcio Mercato)
Roma goalkeeper Alisson looks set to have a few offers on the table this summer, after it emerged Chelsea have joined the race to sign the 25-year-old. There are now suggestions Thibaut Courtois could be heading for the exit door and the Blues have turned to the Liverpool transfer target. Real Madrid are also believed to be in the hunt. Courtois' current deal runs out next year at Stamford Bridge and there have been no talks over an extension. (Calcio Mercato)
Ivan Perisic, previously linked with a move to Manchester United, might be on the move from Inter Milan this summer in a swap deal. The Tottenham Hotspur target has impressed in Serie A since moving three years ago from German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg. Last season, Perisic scored 11 goals and made nine assists. Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembele could form part of the swap deal, with his current contract running out in 2019. (Corriere dello Sport)
Mario Balotelli has emerged as a shock Arsenal transfer target. The Italian, who has previously been with Manchester City and Liverpool, has been a success with Ligue 1 side Nice and scored 26 times last season. Balotelli looks certain to leave the French side this summer with his contract expiring. Napoli and Fiorentina are also keen. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Spain
Brazil legend Cafu has suggested Roma goalkeeper Alisson might head to Real Madrid this summer. The Liverpool transfer target, 25, has been in excellent form this season and would be a big addition to the Anfield side, but could they be pipped by the Champions League winners? Cafu made his prediction in conversation which was posted on Twitter by a Real Madrid account for Arab-based fans @RM4Arab. (Marca)
Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay is open to talks over Real Madrid transfer target Alvaro Odriozola, but is yet to receive a call from the Champions League winners. The 22-year-old full-back has been capped twice by Spain and could be the subject of a €40m move to the Bernabeu. "Up until now nobody has called and so we are not going to talk about hypothetical situations," Aperribay told a news conference on Wednesday. "Real Madrid have not called us and so we will not talk about what has not happened and no-one has said will happen. If they call us then we will speak but they haven't called." (AS)
Real Madrid and Brazil legend Ronaldo is on the verge of completing the purchase of Spanish second division club Real Valladolid for €30m. At the start of this year, the 41-year-old told Brazilian media of his intent to buy a club in Spain or England. He said: "I want to have experience managing a great club. I am thinking about buying a team in the second division in Spain or England. I want to do something innovative. I think I'm ready for that challenge." (AS)
Barcelona are attempting to step up their efforts to sign Ajax midfield maestro Frankie De Jong, but the Dutch side are hoping to keep him for one more year. Representatives from the Catalan giants are believed to be in close dialogue with their former winger Marc Overmars, who is Ajax's technical director. De Jong, 21, is a central midfielder and has been capped by the Netherlands all the way to Under-21 level so far. (Mundo Deportivo)
Cristiano Ronaldo's mother would prefer her son to return to Manchester United - if he decides to leaves Real Madrid. In an interview with French television station RMC Sport, she was asked about the possibility of the 33-year-old moving to Paris St Germain - and even though she would welcome the move to the French capital, she would rather her son went back to Old Trafford. "I like Paris," she said. "I come every now and again. The last time was when my son received the Ballon d'Or. It was a great honour. when I arrived I was treated well by everyone. Convince Cristiano to sign for PSG? To be honest, it wouldn't annoy me, but I would prefer him to return to Manchester United." (Sport)
France
New Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel is keeping a close eye on Ousmane Dembele's situation at Barcelona. The pair worked together at Borussia Dortmund previously, with the German coach a big fan of the attacking midfielder. Dembele had a mixed first season at the Camp Nou, and even though an offer isn't believed to be imminent, Tuchel is keeping the French international in mind for a potential move in the future. (Le 10 Sport)
Nice want Patrick Vieira as their new manager, but if they fail to agree a deal with New York City, they may turn their attentions to Lille boss Christophe Galtier. The former French defender was previously in charge of St Etienne for eight years. Nice general manager Julian Fournier is said to have been in New York for the last few days, attempting to strike a deal for Vieira, who was previously linked with a return to Arsenal before they appointed Unai Emery. (Le 10 Sport)
Germany
Benjamin Hubner will not be moving to the Premier League from Hoffenheim this summer. The 28-year-old defender was an Everton transfer target, among others, but the player's agent has now quashed any chance of leaving the Bundesliga, after Hoffenheim secured Champions League football for next season. (Kicker)
Werder Bremen's Thomas Delaney is on the verge of completing a move to Borussia Dortmund for around €20-25m. The midfielder, 26, has been highly sought after following an impressive first season in the Bundesliga. Delaney, a Denmark international, came through the ranks at Copenhagen previously. (Sport Bild)
