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European Paper Talk: Philippe Countino and Marcus Rashford set for swap deal?

Philippe Coutinho has been linked with a swap deal to Manchester United
Image: Philippe Coutinho has been linked with a swap deal to Manchester United

With the end of the season rapidly approaching, many clubs across Europe, especially those with little to play for, will be turning their attention to the summer and planning for the 2019/20 campaign.

So, 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

Barcelona could offer Philippe Coutinho or fellow Brazilian Malcom to Manchester United as part of a deal for Marcus Rashford. The La Liga leaders remain interested in the striker, whose contract expires in 2020. (Mundo Deportivo)

Marcus Rashford featured in United's 3-0 defeat at Barcelona on Tuesday
Image: Marcus Rashford featured in United's 3-0 defeat at Barcelona on Tuesday

Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt will wait until the season ends to make a decision about his future. The 19-year-old is wanted by a number of top European sides but Barcelona remain confident he will follow Dutch teammate Frenkie de Jong to the Camp Nou. (Sport)

Jan Oblak has signed a new contract with Atletico Madrid, keeping him at the Wanda Metropolitano until the summer of 2023. However, his buyout clause has risen by just £15m and now stands at £100m. (AS)

Germany

Arsenal are considering a summer move for Hoffenheim midfielder Kerem Demirbay. The 25-year-old midfielder has been a Liverpool transfer target in the past and has a buyout clause of around £25m in his contract. (Bild)

Hertha Berlin want former Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner to take charge of the club this summer when Pal Dardai steps down from the role. (Sky Germany)

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Thorgan Hazard is intent on joining Borussia Dortmund. The Belgian winger hopes to complete a move away from Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of the season but is out of contract in 2020 and is prepared to move when a free agent. (Kicker)

Thorgan Hazard for Monchengladbach
Image: Thorgan Hazard has set his sights on joining Borussia Dortmund this summer

Filipe Luis, meanwhile, will turn down a move to Dortmund this summer when his contract with Atletico Madrid comes to an end. The Brazilian is hopeful of securing a move to Barcelona to become Jordi Alba's deputy. (Sport Bild)

James Rodriguez's future remains uncertain with Bayern Munich yet to decide if they'll take up the £36m option in his loan deal from Real Madrid. The Colombian's agent, Jorge Mendes, wants the midfielder's future sorted before the end of the season. (Sport Bild)

Italy

Milan may use Portugal striker Andre Silva as a makeweight in their move for Marseille star Florian Thauvin. The French winger has struck 15 goals and claimed nine assists this season. (Tuttosport)

Should Thauvin arrive at San Siro, Spain international Suso will be made available for transfer. The former Liverpool winger has a £33m buyout clause in his contract and has previously been a Tottenham and Chelsea transfer target. (Tuttosport)

Former Chelsea target Suso could head for the AC Milan exit this summer
Image: Former Chelsea target Suso could head for the AC Milan exit this summer

Francesco Totti has spoken to Antonio Conte about taking charge at Roma. The Italian coach is determined to return to his native Italy this summer but has also been linked with Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan. (La Repubblica)

However, Bayern Munich are also interested in replacing current head coach Niko Kovac with Conte and will approach the former Chelsea boss at the end of the season. (Corriere dello Sport)

France

Thomas Tuchel wants Paris Saint-Germain to recruit four players this summer. The German coach has identified Lille star Nicolas Pepe as a primary target and also will demand a centre-back and two midfielders. (Le Parisien)

One of those midfielders may be Julian Weigl. Tuchel worked with the German at Borussia Dortmund who are willing to sell the 23-year-old in the summer for around £22m. (France Football)

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