Clubs are slowly turning their eyes toward the summer window, and Transfer Talk has the updates on all the latest rumours.
Chelsea keeping tabs on Spurs’ Toby Alderweireld
There’s another name in the frame to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld — Chelsea have entered the fray, according to the Mirror.
It says the Blues “are ready to move for the contract rebel centre-back regardless of whether Antonio Conte remains in the manager’s chair” at Stamford Bridge.
The Premier League champions want to freshen up their squad and, along with Alderweireld, are looking other players whose contracts are coming towards an end “including Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey.”
The Mirror adds that “the futures of a number of Chelsea players are in the balance, including defenders David Luiz and Gary Cahill, plus keeper Thibaut Courtois and winger Eden Hazard.”
The news comes as the Mail reports that Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are all keen on Belgium international Alderweireld amid speculation that talks over a new Spurs contract have ground to a halt.
Alderweireld’s deal expires next summer, with PSG monitoring the situation as they consider a defensive overhaul.
United boss Jose Mourinho wants to strengthen his back line, but the Mail says Spurs are not keen on Alderweireld joining a domestic rival.
Tottenham have the option to extend the central defender’s deal by a further 12 months, but that would mean a £25m release clause can be triggered in summer 2019 and they “may listen to offers in the region of £40m” at the end of the season.
Newcastle ready to join chase for Luke Shaw
With the departure of Luke Shaw from Manchester United looking all but inevitable, another potential destination has emerged.
The Chronicle reports that Newcastle “will attempt to sign Shaw,” whose relationship with United boss Jose Mourinho seems to have disintegrated.
It says manager Rafa Benitez “discussed the defender’s position with United officials prior to the opening of the January window.”
Benitez was told then that United would want at least £20 million for the England international, and subsequent attempts to engineer a loan deal were unsuccessful.
But the Chronicle says recent developments mean United might now accept a lower fee and Benitez “remains desperate to sign a new left-back.”
Shaw was taken off at halftime in United’s FA Cup victory over Brighton, with Mourinho — who had questioned his commitment last year — singling him out for criticism after the game.
Chelsea, Tottenham, Leicester and Southampton are also reported to be keeping an eye on developments.
Tap-ins
– Liverpool continue to be linked with Roma keeper Alisson, and their hopes of signing him could have been boosted by claims that he is not willing to commit to a new contract.
The Sun says the Brazil international — who is also drawing interest from Real Madrid, PSG and Napoli — “will decide his future at the end of the campaign before heading off to the World Cup.”
– With uncertainty surrounding the Leicester future of playmaker Riyad Mahrez, Basel winger Mohamed Elyounoussi has emerged as a potential replacement, according to the Leicester Mercury.
Norway international Elyounoussi, who can play on the wing or centrally, has scored seven goals this season and has previously been linked with a move to the Foxes.
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