European Paper Talk: Juventus close in on Matthijs de Ligt

Our friends at Football Whispers have scoured the continental media to round up the latest transfer news from across Europe.

Spain

Matthijs de Ligt looks to be one step closer to sealing a move to Juventus in the summer. The 19-year-old Netherlands defender has already met with vice-president Pavel Nedved and Fabio Paratici, the sporting director, putting the Italian side in pole position, just ahead of Barcelona. (Sport)

Linked with various clubs during the summer, PSV Eindhoven's Hirving Lozano has spoken of his desire to one day play in England. "I really like United. In Spain, my favourite team is FC Barcelona. I hope that one day God will give me the opportunity to play in the Premier League." (Mundo Deportivo)

After their clash with Getafe, Valencia coach Marcelino has decided to leave Chelsea loanee Michy Batshuayi out of his match-day squad. The hope is the decision, as well as a number of messages he was sent through the media, will provoke a positive reaction from the Belgian forward. (Marca)

Real Madrid are weighing up whether to trigger their option to buy back centre-back Mario Hermoso from Espanyol for €7.5m (£6.5m), The 23-year-old is youth product from the capital club and the Catalan side need the funds to balance the books. (Marca)

Italy

Long mentioned as a Manchester United transfer target, Slovakia defender Milan Skriniar has commented on his prolonged contract talks with Inter Milan. "My extension? We are still at the same point. At this moment, we play every three days, so we do not have much time to discuss, but we will! Inter do not have to worry." (Sport Mediaset)

Roma striker Patrik Schick could soon be on his way out of the Italian capital, with a swap deal with Arsenal for Aaron Ramsey an option for the Serie A club. Sevilla and Valladolid in Spain are also interested, but the alternative deal with the Gunners is an intriguing option, especially after Danny Welbeck's recent injury. (Corriere dello Sport)

Rumours surrounding the future of Juventus defender Daniele Rugani escalated this week when his girlfriend posted an image of his English lessons on social media. He has been previously linked with a move to London to reunite with his former boss at Empoli. (Italian press)

Germany

Pini Zahavi, the super agent who helped complete Neymar's move to Paris Saint-Germain, was behind a failed attempt to move Robert Lewandowski to Real Madrid last summer. The 76-year-old met with the player's agent at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Vienna, but because the Poland striker did not have a buy-out clause with the German club and they refused to negotiate. (Der Spiegel)

Uli Hoeness, president of Bayern Munich, dreams of one day signing one of the world's best young strikers, but does not hold out much hope: "I dream of seeing him in Bayern, for (Kylian) Mbappe I would have no financial limit, but the problem is, he doesn't want to join us." (Bild)

France

Mentioned as a potential signing for Real Madrid or AC Milan, Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants a challenge if he is to return to Europe. "I do not know what I'm going to do. I know that many European clubs are interested, but I am happy here, I love my life, my family too. And I need a challenge, a reason to keep playing: I do not want to come to a club just because I'm Zlatan Ibrahimovic." (L'Equipe)

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