The winter transfer window is closed, but now it’s time to look ahead to the summer! Here are the new rumours floating around Europe’s big leagues and beyond.
TOP STORY: Juve plan Higuain, Icardi swap
The next step in the career of Mauro Icardi is one of the ongoing subplots of the summer, and today Gazzetta Dello Sport is suggesting that he could move to Juventus, with Gonzalo Higuain heading to Paris in the other direction.
Inter Milan striker Icardi is currently on loan at Paris Saint-Germain, yet his future continues to be enshrouded in mystery. He has a €70 million buyout clause, and it’s reported that PSG could utilise it, before selling him on.
The Italian outlet believes Juve could be the club to buy him, particularly if they can convince PSG into taking Higuain as part of the deal.
Juve are said to be interested in adding more players into the negotiations too, including Miralem Pjanic and Alex Sandro. All three players could be used as further makeweights to ensure the Turin-based club get their hands on Argentine star Icardi.
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PSG and Chelsea targeting Donnarumma
More news out of Paris, where PSG sporting director Leonardo is keen to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, reports Tuttosport, but he faces pressure from Frank Lampard at Chelsea.
Both clubs are said to be interested in the Milan star, though both prefer a swap deal. Leonardo is hoping to include Alphonse Areola in any negotiations, while Lampard is thinking along the same lines, and wants to offer Kepa Arrizabalaga in any deal.
However, the Rossoneri are, according to Tuttosport, said to be intent on selling Donnarumma for cash, if they’re to lose the keeper at all.
That could involve a huge fee, which could put off Chelsea. However, PSG could still be tempted, given that it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that they could receive a huge sum in return for Neymar if the Brazilian’s protracted move to Barcelona happens this summer.
Zizou has eyes for Alaba
Zinedine Zidane is preparing a bid for Bayern Munich star David Alaba, reports Bild.
Alaba has been repeatedly linked with a move to Spain, though it’s Barcelona and not Real Madrid who are supposed to have been monitoring the defender’s situation.
However, with the Austrian’s contract negotiations stalling, Zidane is said to be keen to pounce, with Alaba himself not against the idea of changing club.
Real Madrid will have to find a reasonable transfer fee, and a sizeable salary, if they want to tempt Alaba away from Munich however, while Bayern are keen to keep Los Blancos at bay.
Alaba is one of several players, including Manuel Neuer, with whom they’re holding contract talks. Madrid, meanwhile, are in the process of trying to offload up to seven players as they prepare for a summer of change.
Tap ins
– Chelsea’s left-back search may be reverting back to square one after Brazilian outlet Gauchazh reports that PSG are close to agreeing a move for FC Porto defender, and Blues target, Alex Telles. The former Gremio defender appears to be heading to the French capital after Porto accepted an offer of £28.1m. It means that Lampard will have to go back to his wish list in his efforts to find a new left-back, which includes the more expensive Ben Chilwell.
– Rangers are trying to make loan star Ianis Hagi‘s temporary move to Ibrox a permanent one, reports the Daily Mail. Hagi joined Rangers from Genk in January, with an option to buy him in the summer, and the club are looking to make that happen for £4.3m. Hagi has attracted glances from Real Madrid and Lazio but it seems likely the Romanian will stay in Scotland.