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European paper talk: Barcelona join Man Utd in race for Benfica's Victor Lindelof

Wednesday 8 February 2017 12:13, UK

Benfica will 'find solutions' if Victor Lindelof leaves, according to manager Rui Vitoria
Image: Barcelona have been scouting Benfica defender Victor Lindelof

Although no deals can be finalised until the transfer window re-opens in July, clubs all over Europe have started building towards their summer recruitment.

Our friends at Football Whispers have scoured the European press to highlight the biggest stories doing the rounds...

Spain

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has insisted that star striker Antoine Griezmann "loves life" at the Vicente Calderon, and has dismissed interest in the player from Manchester United, labelling the Premier League side a "small club". (COPE)

Antoine Griezmann of Club Atletico de Madrid looks on during the La Liga match v FC Barcelona in September 2016
Image: Antoine Griezmann is happy at Atletico Madrid, says the La Liga club's president

Our Football Whispers Index currently rates United's chances of landing the French superstar at 3.0 out of five, and we believe Griezmann is the ruthless finisher Jose Mourinho's side need.

The agent of Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is in daily contact with Real Madrid in an effort to secure a switch to the Bernabeu for his client in the summer. (OK Diario)

Thibaut Courtois of Chelsea celebrates the final whistle against Sunderland
Image: Thibaut Courtois' agent has been in regular contact with Real Madrid

The Belgian's potential move to Madrid is rated at 3.3 on our Index, and we believe he is one of five Chelsea players who could be set for the Stamford Bridge exit door this summer.

Italy

Inter Milan will attempt to sign Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero in the summer, potentially partnering the Argentina international with compatriot Mauro Icardi. (Corriere dello Sport)

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Our Index rates Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea as Aguero's most likely destinations should he leave the Etihad this summer.

Sergio Aguero watches the action from the Manchester City bench
Image: Inter Milan want to lure Man City striker Sergio Aguero to San Siro this summer

AC Milan will attempt to sign 20-year-old Ivory Coast star Franck Kessie from Atalanta once they receive funds from their expected takeover in the summer. Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all been linked with the impressive defensive midfielder. (Calciomercato)

Tired of living out of a suitcase at Manchester's Lowry hotel, Paul Pogba has splashed £3m on a Cheshire mansion which used to belong to former Red Devil Javier Hernandez. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Germany

Bayern Munich have rejected an approach from Barcelona for highly rated 18-year-old attacking midfielder Timothy Tillman. (Sportbild)

France

Crystal Palace's French playmaker Yohan Cabaye rejected a move back to Ligue 1 with Marseille in January. (Le 10 Sport)

Yohan Cabaye celebrates after scoring the opening goal at Vicarage Road
Image: Crystal Palace midfielder Yohan Cabaye turned down the chance to join Marseille in January

Portugal

Barcelona are ready to go head to head with Manchester United over the signing of Swedish centre-back Victor Lindelof. The Spanish champions have recently scouted the 22-year-old and have been impressed with what they have seen. (O Jogo)

Victor Lindelof
Image: Barcelona have joined Man Utd in the race to sign Benfica defender Victor Lindelof (right) this summer

Our Index rates United's chances of landing Lindelof at 1.8, slightly better than Barcelona's 1.7.

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