Monday 11 June 2018 10:45, UK
We are only a few days away from the start of the 2018 World Cup and as excitement builds, clubs are frantically trying to get deals over the line.
The rumour mill is in full motion and there are transfer rumours aplenty. Our friends at Football Whispers have scoured the European media to round up the latest transfer news.
Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Antero Henrique is working on a deal to bring N'Golo Kante to the French capital as they look to strengthen defensive areas of their midfield. The midfielder's agent, Karim Douis, is thought to be open to the move, and thinks it will be favourable for his client. Chelsea would look at Kante's compatriot, Tanguy Ndombele, as a possible replacement. (Paris United)
Lyon attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir had gone as far as choosing a shirt number at Liverpool before the transfer was called off. The No 10 shirt has been vacant at Liverpool since the departure of Philippe Coutinho in January, and it's likely that Fekir would have taken this number. Lyon announced last night that the Frenchman would be staying with the club next season as they embark on a Champions League campaign. (L'Equipe)
Brazil goalkeeping coach Claudio Taffarel has revealed the current mindset of Liverpool transfer target Alisson as he goes into the World Cup as Brazil's No 1. The Roma stopper has been heavily linked with Jurgen Klopp's side, and even more so since Loris Karius' display in the Champions League final, but he would command a hefty fee.
Taffarel told Italian radio that the Roma keeper is "very happy at the club and the rumours of a transfer are just rumours. I don't know what will happen, but he said he'd be content to remain at Roma." (Tele Radio Stereo)
Chelsea full-back Davide Zappacosta is a transfer target for Inter Milan, who will try to convince the 26-year-old to return to Italy with an offer of first-team football. The former Torino player has been second choice to Victor Moses for much of his time at Chelsea, and will want to remain in the Italy squad under new manager Roberto Martinez. (Tuttosport)
Barcelona youth player Joel Lopez has turned down a contract at the Catalan club in order to move to Arsenal's youth set-up. The 16-year-old left-back was highly regarded in Spain and Barca tried to convince him to stay, but Arsenal have promised progress through the ranks and an eventual shot at the first team. Arsenal's Head of Football Relations, Raul Sanllehi, spent 14 years at Barcelona and is thought to be behind the deal. (Sport)
Barcelona are also looking at replacements for backup goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, as the Dutchman has attracted interest from Liverpool, as well as Chelsea and Napoli. If Alisson is considered too expensive by the Liverpool hierarchy, they will look at other options for players they think are on a similar level, but more realistically priced. Cillessen is one such player, and could look to move if given first-team assurances. (Mundo Deportivo)
Wolverhampton Wanderers continue to scour the continent for players who fit their European style of football, and have identified Benfica's Raúl Jiménez as their latest transfer target. The Mexican forward will wear the No 9 shirt for his country at the World Cup, and is wanted on loan by the newly promoted side. (Record)
Barcelona are looking to move early for Ajax utility man Frenkie de Jong amid interest from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. The 21-year-old is comfortable in both defence and midfield, and would be seen as an ideal player for the Barcelona team.
He would also fit nicely into a Pep Guardiola side, and Barcelona are looking to make their move this summer to prevent him joining their former player and manager in Manchester. (De Telegraaf)
