Manchester United and Newcastle United look set to battle it out to sign unsettled Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, while Manchester City‘s James McAtee has been lined up to swap places with Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip from around the globe.
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TOP STORIES
– Sources: Vitor Roque loan from Barcelona to Palmeiras likely off
– Man United announce 200 more redundancies in latest cuts
– Leicester sack two assistants as Van Nistelrooy remains in place
TRENDING RUMORS
– Premier League duo Newcastle and Manchester United are positioning themselves to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, according to TEAMtalk. The Magpies are believed to have sent scouts to watch the 27-year-old recently with “strong” interest in him, though they could face “stiff competition” for the Nigeria international’s signature from Man United. Lookman’s future with La Dea remains uncertain after a public spat with manager Gian Piero Gasperini, in which the player felt “deeply disrespected” after being singled out as “one of the worst penalty takers” following a miss against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League.
– Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City have been given a boost in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, reports the Daily Mail, with the Bundesliga side having lined up City starlet James McAtee as his replacement. The trio are all believed to be looking at the 21-year-old Germany international and expected to test the waters with a set of bids in the summer. Wirtz has been in impressive form this season, with nine goals and 10 assists in only 23 league appearances.
– Paul Pogba may have given a hint as to his new club by attending Inter Miami CF’s opening match of the new MLS season. The 2018 World Cup winner is a free agent after leaving Juventus following his suspension for taking a banned substance. That suspension was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, meaning the former Manchester United midfielder is eligible to make a return to competitive football next month. The 31-year-old was at Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with New York City FC on Sunday, posing for a postmatch photo with Serena Williams.
– Arda Güler‘s future is “up in the air” according to Diario AS, having failed to play a single minute in six of Real Madrid’s last seven games. Coach Carlo Ancelotti was asked about the Turkey playmaker’s lack of involvement in a news conference last weekend, and gave an abrupt answer, saying “he’s fine, and ready to play.” AS reports that Güler “isn’t resigned” to not playing for the rest of the season, although he understands that young players go through “difficult moments” at a club like Madrid.
– Manchester City are interested in FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, according to Foot Mercato. It is reported that the Citizens have already begun talks with the Portuguese Primeira Liga club over a move for the 25-year-old, whom they have identified as a replacement for current starter Ederson amid plans to make several changes to their squad in the next transfer window. Costa, Portugal‘s first-choice keeper at the international level, is said to be on the radar of “several” clubs in Europe.
EXPERT TAKE
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DONE DEAL
– The son of former Brazil striker Adriano has signed for a European club. Adriano Carvalho, known as ‘Adrianinho’, has left Serrano in his homeland to sign for Portuguese third-tier club Academica de Coimbra.
OTHER RUMORS
– Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will hold talks with manager Pep Guardiola to decide if he should extend his 10 seasons at the club beyond the summer when his contract expires. (Daily Mirror)
– Talks between Tottenham Hotspur and midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur over a new contract have begun, with Spurs keen to sign the 27-year-old Uruguay international to new terms as his current contract set to enter the final 12 months this summer. (Daily Mail)
– Internazionale are set to part ways with forward Joaquín Correa in the summer when his contract expires, with the Nerazzurri are reportedly disappointed with the 30-year-old’s performances. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
– Spain striker Álvaro Morata, who joined Galatasaray on loan in January, after his move to AC Milan last summer didn’t work out, has said he’d like to end his career at Getafe, the club he played for as a teenager. (Marca)
– Argentina youth international Claudio Echeverri will train with Manchester City for the first time this week after making his pre-agreed move from River Plate, and could be available for this weekend’s FA Cup tie against Plymouth Argyle. (Daily Mail)
