European Paper Talk: Chelsea to scout Serie A duo Franck Kessie and Andrea Conti
Saturday 1 April 2017 11:57, UK
We are less than three months from the summer transfer window and the rumour mill is in full operation.
Our friends at Football Whispers have scoured the European press to bring you the latest transfer news from across the continent.
Italy
Chelsea scouts will be in Genoa tomorrow to watch Atalanta pair Franck Kessie and Andrea Conti. The former has emerged as a target for a number of clubs - and is repeatedly labelled 'the new Yaya Toure'. (Corriere dello Sport)
Atalanta play a 3-4-3 formation similar to Chelsea's and while right wing-back Conti has not received the same attention as his team-mate, he is solid defensively. (Corriere dello Sport)
Talk of Antonio Conte leaving Chelsea continues and the former Juventus boss has apparently broken off contract talks with the Stamford Bridge outfit.
He has reportedly requested guarantees regarding transfers, with Inter Milan monitoring the situation closely. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
The agent of former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi says the striker "could absolutely return to Italy and is looking for an ambitious club".
The 30-year-old has recovered from injury and spent this season on loan at Celta Vigo, scoring three goals in 26 competitive appearances.
His contract with Fiorentina expires in June, and Lazio are the favourites ahead of Genoa. (La Nazione)
Spain
Athletic Bilbao are hopeful of persuading Arsenal full-back Nacho Monreal to move to San Mames this summer.
The 31-year-old's Basque heritage means he fits their criteria of only pursuing local players. (AS)
Barcelona are increasingly likely to activate their €12m buy-back clause on Gerard Deulofeu. The 23-year-old grew up in the club's La Masia academy, but has taken a huge step forward since being sent to AC Milan on loan back in January, scoring one goal and providing three assists in nine Serie A games. (Mundo Deportivo)
Bayern Munich want to sign Atletico Madrid forward Yannick Carrasco to replace Douglas Costa, with boss Carlo Ancelotti said to be "fascinated" by the possibility of a deal for the Belgian. (AS)
France
Ligue 1 side Marseille intend to sign Bafetimbi Gomis permanently from Swansea City. The club hope the Welsh side's desire to sell the French striker this summer will allow them to sign him for a relatively low fee. (L'Equipe)
Germany
Bayern Munich have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Julian Brandt that could be worth up to €30 million.
The news will come as a blow to Liverpool who had been strongly linked with the winger. However, it is unclear whether the 20-year-old will join Bayern this summer or next, with his current club hoping to retain him for the 2017/18 season. (Bild)
Portugal
Jackson Martinez seems set to leave Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande, with Galatasaray emerging as favourites to sign him.
The striker had previously been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, but now looks likely to make a summer move to the Turkish giants. (O Jogo)
Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!
