Monday 13 May 2019 21:34, UK
Many clubs across Europe, especially those whose seasons have finished, will have already turned 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 manager Ernesto Valverde has attempted to cool speculation over his future, insisting that he retains the support of club president Josep Bartomeu. Valverde's future was plunged into uncertainty after Barca's Champions League semi-final collapse against Liverpool. "I have spoken with Bartomeu, and I feel supported by him and by the club," Valverde said. "I know that after a result like that there are always a lot of comments, but we must not overreact to the situation like a child having a tantrum." (Football Espana)
Barcelona have also progressed with their negotiations with Ajax over the transfer of Matthijs de Ligt. The newly-crowned La Liga champions have acted quickly following speculation that Liverpool have stepped up their own pursuit. A delegation from Barca travelled to Amsterdam last week but it is thought that the Catalan club and De Ligt's representatives have not yet agreed on a deal. The 19-year-old’s team-mate, Frenkie de Jong, has already agreed on a move to the Nou Camp. (Mundo Deportivo)
Gareth Bale's Real Madrid career seems to be over after Zinedine Zidane dropped the Welshman from his squad for Sunday’s defeat to Real Sociedad. There is said to be a ‘complete breakdown’ in the relationship between player and manager. Bale, who is under contract at Los Blancos until 2022, wants to stay but Zidane is keen to offload the 29-year-old. (AS)
Italy
Manchester United are willing to entertain a potential swap deal involving Alexis Sanchez and Juventus playmaker Paulo Dybala. Talks between the clubs have already taken place but United will likely have to fork up a sum of money for the Argentine's services too given his reported £85m price-tag. (Corriere di Torino)
Antonio Conte is edging closer to joining Inter after reportedly agreeing to terms on a three-year contract. The former Juventus and Chelsea boss is poised to replace Luciano Spalletti at the end of the season having turned down the chance to take the Roma job. (La Repubblica)
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has emerged as a candidate for the Roma job. Claudio Ranieri will depart at the end of the season and having missed out on Conte, the Giallorossi have turned their attention to former Inter and Napoli boss Benitez as well as current Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Sampdoria boss Marco Giampaolo is also being considered. (Il Messaggero)
France
Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette admits he is 'flattered' by reported interest from Barcelona. The Frenchman, who joined the Gunners for £46.5m in 2017, has scored 19 goals in all competitions this term and hopes to round off Unai Emery's first season at the helm with Europa League success. Reports in Spain have suggested that Barca will move for the 27-year-old if they fail in their bid for Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann. (Telefoot)
Germany
Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac's future remains in doubt with the hierarchy keen to challenge for the Champions League next season. Kovac is on the verge of clinching the Bundesliga title in his first season at the helm but club president Uli Hoeness is said to have been disappointed with their Champions League round-of-16 exit to Liverpool. (Bild)
RB Leipzig are hoping the imminent arrival of Julian Nagelsmann as head coach will help convince striker Timo Werner to stay. The 23-year-old Germany international, who is out of contract in 2020, has been strongly linked with a move to Bayern Munich. However, while Leipzig want over £50m, Bayern value him closer to £30m. (Suddeutsche Zeitung)
