The summer window opens May 17, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds.
United confident over £40 million Alderweireld move
After sources told ESPN FC that Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld could be on his way to Manchester United, the London Evening Standard took it a step further, saying United “are now confident they will win the race” for him.
It reports that the Old Trafford club “are ready to spend in excess of £40 million” on Alderweireld, with Tottenham poised to bring in Ajax’s Matthijs de Ligt as a replacement.
Spurs have been unable to agree to a new contract with the Belgium international, whose deal expires in two years, and Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have been suggested as other potential destinations.
But the Standard says United are favourites because “they are willing to give the 29-year-old a long-term deal into his mid-30s.”
Spurs are willing to let Alderweireld go because clubs are ready to spend more than the £25 million he would be able to leave for under a clause in his contract next year.
The Standard says Chelsea, with Alderweireld set to elude them, will switch their defensive focus to Newcastle’s Jamaal Lascelles.
Gunners ready to swoop for Freiburg defender
It seems to be a case of no manager, no problem for Arsenal as far as transfers are concerned.
The Telegraph reports that the Gunners “are pushing ahead with a move for Freiburg defender Caglar Soyuncu,” even though there is no confirmation of who will succeed Arsene Wenger as boss.
It adds that none of the managerial candidates interviewed were asked their opinion of Soyuncu, 21, despite the Londoners’ being “prepared to agree a deal worth up to £35 million.”
Although Soyuncu is interesting other Premier League clubs, they “have been told in recent days that he is destined to join Arsenal.”
Meanwhile, the Mirror says Arsenal have held discussions with Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri over a move, but London rivals Chelsea are likely to sign the £40 million-rated Ivory Coast international.
The Gunners had been interested in Seri last summer, but despite uncertainty currently surrounding the managerial position at both clubs, Chelsea have edged ahead.
Leicester face fight to keep Maguire
Defender Harry Maguire has caught a few eyes with his performances for Leicester, and the Mirror reports that “several Premier League big hitters intend to monitor his displays for England at the World Cup.”
It says Maguire, Leicester’s Player of the Season, is interesting Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and is likely to be in demand despite signing a five-year contract at the King Power Stadium when he arrived from Hull last year.
Leicester, however, “are likely to dig their heels in over any potential sale — but centre-back Maguire is known to be ambitious.”
Tap-ins
— On-loan Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has made a huge impression since arriving from Sparta Prague in January, and now Sky Sports says Rafa Benitez will sign him permanently.
It reports that the Slovakia international has a clause in his contract that gives Newcastle the option to buy him for £4 million.
— Championship returnees Wigan want Leicester defender Callum Elder to make his loan move full-time but face competition, according to the Mail.
It says left-back Elder, who helped Wigan win the League One title, is interesting a number of other Championship clubs.
— On-loan Hibernian striker Jamie Maclaren has told the Edinburgh News that he does not want to return to parent club Darmstadt 98.
The Australia international, who controversially missed out on a World Cup call-up, has scored eight goals in 13 matches since joining Hibs in January.
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