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European Paper Talk: Juventus favourites to sign Matthijs de Ligt

Barcelona are looking into add Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt to their squad
Image: Could Matthijs de Ligt be on his way to Italy?

The transfer window may now be closed until the summer, but that doesn't mean the rumour mill has stopped turning.

So we asked our friends at Football Whispers to scour the European media to bring you the latest news and gossip from the continent.

Italy

Juventus are the frontrunners in the race to sign Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt. The 19-year-old has become Europe's most sought-after player after de Jong was snapped up by Barcelona. And, while Barca, Manchester City and Liverpool are all interested in the Dutch international, agent Mino Raiola's excellent relationship with the Italian champions gives them an edge over their rivals. (Calciomercato)

Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri has revealed his decision not to start Paulo Dybala for Sunday's win at Sassuolo was 'tactical'. The Argentine was introduced as an 83rd-minute substitute but was left on the bench for last week's draw with Parma. Dybala has regularly been linked with a move away from Turin, with Manchester United and Barcelona among those most often touted as potential destinations for the 25-year-old. (Calciomercato)

And Juve will target one of Real Madrid pair Isco or James Rodriguez - currently on loan at Bayern - if Dybala leaves in the summer. The Bianconeri are also believed to have agreed a deal to sign Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey. (Tuttosport)

Spain

Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong - who will join Barcelona in the summer - is a doubt for this week's Champions League clash with Real Madrid. The 21-year-old was forced off in the second half of Ajax's defeat to Heracles at the weekend and will be assessed ahead of Real's visit to Amsterdam on Wednesday night. (Marca)

Adrien Rabiot for PSG
Image: Adrien Rabiot is a reported target for Manchester United

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot is a Manchester United transfer target. The Frenchman, who is out of contract in the summer, was tipped to join Barcelona but the Catalans have cooled their interest after signing Frenkie de Jong. United, however, remain in the frame, with Juventus and Bayern Munich also said to be in contention for the 23-year-old's signature. (AS)

Also See:

Lyon left-back Ferland Mendy is attracting interest from PSG. The 23-year-old, who was linked with Barcelona over the weekend, has impressed for Les Gones this season and is seen by both clubs as a viable long-term option. (Mundo Deportivo)

Germany

Bayern Munich are interested Red Bull Salzburg's 18-year-old midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian broke into Salzburg's first-team in 2018 and has been tipped for a big future and Bayern, who last week confirmed the capture of German striker Jann-Fiete Arp from Hamburg, are heading the queue for his services. (Sport BILD)

The Bavarian giants, clearly building for the future, have also been linked with a move for Monaco starlet Hannibal Mejbri. The 16-year-old is determined to leave the Ligue 1 side and has reportedly already turned down advances from Manchester United. (Sport BILD)

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