European paper talk: Luka Modric to leave Real Madrid?
Monday 6 May 2019 13:48, UK
Real Madrid are considering letting Luka Modric leave the club, plus more from Monday's papers across Europe.
With that in mind, we asked our friends at Football Whispers to round up all the latest news, views and gossip from across the continent.
Spain
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane may allow Luka Modric to leave the club having grown concerned by the midfielder's form. The Croat won the Ballon d'Or last year after leading his country to the World Cup final, but he has struggled with Los Blancos this season. (AS)
Gareth Bale's potential Real Madrid exit has been further complicated by Manchester United's failure to qualify for next season's Champions League. The Welshman, whose price tag continues to make a sale difficult, had been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford. (AS)
Filipe Luis could yet extend his stay at Atletico Madrid by another year, despite the expectation that he would leave the club this summer. Lucas Hernandez's move to Bayern has left Atleti short at left-back, so the experienced Brazilian could be needed next season. (Mundo Deportivo)
United's failure to reach Europe's most prestigious competition could have more consequences, too. Paul Pogba, whose contract has been decreased by 25 per cent after the failure to reach the Champions League, could now be closer to a big-money move to Real Madrid. (AS)
Former Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked by Los Blancos in October, is among the favourites to be the next Real Betis manager. Current boss Quique Setien has come under pressure after a poor end to the season, and Lopetegui was spotted in the crowd during Los Verdiblancos's 1-0 defeat at Eibar on Sunday. (AS)
Italy
Juventus will prioritise the signings of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot and Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer, although they will face tough competition for both. The Old Lady could also look to bring in James Rodriguez, who has been on loan at Bayern, from Real Madrid. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
The Serie A champions could face a battle to keep hold of their manager, though. PSG are said to be weighing up a move for Juventus coach Max Allegri, who has now been at the club for five years. Allegri is expected to stay with Juve, but could be viewed as an eventual replacement for Thomas Tuchel at PSG. (Corriere dello Sport)
Former Liverpool winger Suso's future at Milan could be in doubt because of a dispute over a potential contract extension. The Spaniard, who has been a key player for the Rossoneri this season, wants €5 million per season, but any new deal is likely to depend on whether the club qualify for the Champions League. (Tuttosport)
Germany
Borussia Dortmund remain interested in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Julian Brandt, who was one of the standout performers in Sunday's 6-1 thrashing of Frankfurt. The 23-year-old, who could yet guide his side into the top four of the Bundesliga, could be available for as little as €25m. (Bild)
But Brandt has been reluctant to discuss any potential transfer. "I have said everything, I want to finish the season as good as possible," he said after the Frankfurt win. "My contract is until 2021. That's why everything is good at the moment and every fan can look forward to the next two weeks. That means: as it stands, I stay." (Sky Sports in Germany)
France
Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic is a Paris Saint-Germain transfer target and the midfielder has publicly voiced his admiration of the Ligue 1 champions. "PSG is among the best European clubs. In the Champions League, they want to take a step. It's a club where all players are ready to go," said the Bosnia international. (Canal+)
PSG's desire to bring in players could mean the end for some of their existing squad members. Angel Di Maria could be considered surplus to requirements and has been linked with a potential move to Atletico Madrid. Barcelona and Inter are also believed to be interested. (L'Equipe)
Thomas Meunier could be another PSG player on his way out, with Everton targeting the €30 million-rated Belgian full-back. (TF1)
Portugal
Benfica youngster Joao Felix has been left out of Portugal's Under-20 World Cup squad, fuelling speculation that he could be involved with the senior side at this summer's UEFA Nations League finals. The 19-year-old midfielder has been linked with a big-money move to several European heavyweights, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. (Record)
