European paper round-up: Jurgen Klopp a Juventus target if Massimiliano Allegri leaves
Friday 15 February 2019 10:58, UK
The transfer rumour mill is well underway in Europe, with news on Jurgen Klopp, Lionel Messi, Mauro Icardi and Matthijs de Ligt.
Our friends at Football Whispers have been scouring the continent for the latest big news, and here's what Europe's leading newspapers are saying...
Italy
Juventus are likely to target either Zinedine Zidane or Jurgen Klopp if Massimiliano Allegri leaves the club. The Italian has been coy over his long-term future, leading many to speculate that he may step down in the summer. While Zidane, who won two Serie A titles with Juve as a player, is out of work, prising Klopp away from Liverpool would be a significant challenge. (Tuttosport)
Mauro Icardi's fallout with Inter continues to dominate the sports pages in Italy. The Argentine striker is said to feel 'literally destroyed' after having the captain's armband taken away from him. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)
According to Italian journalist Valer De Maggio, Icardi already has an agreement to join Juventus in the summer. "I think Inter know Icardi has already an agreement with Juventus," De Maggio said. "Marotta is a top director." (Radio Kiss Kiss)
And while Icardi was enjoying Valentine's Day with Wanda Nara, his wife and agent, Lautaro Martinez, tipped as his successor at the San Siro, fired Inter to a 1-0 win over Rapid Vienna in the Europa League. (Corriere dello Sport)
Ajax general manager Edwin van der Sar has seemingly confirmed Matthijs de Ligt is a Juventus transfer target. "Will De Ligt go to Juventus? I can say that there's only one team in Italy who want him," said Van der Saar. (Rai Sport)
Roma are preparing to offer rising star Nicolo Zaniolo an 'anti-Juventus contract'. The 19-year-old has emerged as one of Italian football's most exciting prospects and is being eyed by some of Europe's top clubs but the Giallorossi are determined to tie him down to a new deal until 2024 with a significant pay increase. (Calciomercato)
Spain
And club president Josep Maria Bartomeu is confident Lionel Messi will sign a contract renewal and retire at the Camp Nou. "He is a one-club player and the relationship between him and the club will continue forever," Bartomeu said. (Marca)
Real Madrid pair Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos are both set to be sanctioned. Bale is being investigated by La Liga after his supposedly offensive celebration in last weekend's win over Atletico Madrid while Ramos could be slapped with a ban for allegedly intentionally getting himself booked in Wednesday's Champions League win over Ajax. (Marca)
Barcelona's pursuit of de Ligt hinges on Samuel Umtiti. The La Liga champions will prioritise a deal for the Ajax defender if Umtiti requires an operation on his knee. De Ligt is also being chased by Juventus. (Mundo Deportivo)
Barcelona are preparing to offer Jordi Alba a contract extension. The 29-year-old is tied down until 2020 and, while there has been no progress in recent weeks, Barca are aware of Alba's importance to Ernesto Valverde's first team. (Mundo Deportivo)
Germany
Luka Jovic is 'flattered' by speculation linking him with Barcelona but insists he is happy at Eintracht Frankfurt. "I am flattered by the interest of such important clubs," the 21-year-old said. "But right now, I'm only thinking of Frankfurt and I am really happy at this club." Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Liverpool are also credited with an interest in the player. (Sportbuzzer)
Bayern Munich have ruled themselves out of the race to sign wantaway Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot. The Frenchman, who is out of contract in the summer, is running out of suitors after Barcelona opted for Frenkie de Jong. Now, the Bundesliga giants consider the 23-year-old's contract 'financially lavish.' (Kicker)
France
Franck Ribery says he deserved to win the 2013 Ballon d'Or. The French winger finished third behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. "Even today, I think I deserved it," the 35-year-old said. "I still haven't digested it. I did everything to have it. I ticked all the boxes. I won all I could win with Bayern. I couldn't do better." (L'Equipe)
