The coronavirus pandemic has made the summer transfer window uncertain, but here are the rumours floating around Europe’s big leagues and beyond.
TOP STORY: Koulibaly on the cusp of Man City dream
Working under Pep Guardiola appears to be an opportunity too good to turn down for Kalidou Koulibaly, who has been linked with a £72.5m move to Manchester City. The Napoli defender is on the cusp of agreeing a deal with City, according to Mundo Deportivo, amid pressure for Guardiola to improve his defensive line after Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions on Thursday.
Guardiola has a proven track record in developing some of the finest centre-backs, and that is said to be a big pull for the Senegal international in wanting to join City.
The reported £72.5m fee is a relative bargain after Napoli club president Aurelio De Laurentiis initially valued the 29-year-old at £90m.
Hakimi’s 14-year Madrid career coming to an end
The Guardian reports that Real Madrid full-back Achraf Hakimi, in the second of a two-year loan at Borussia Dortmund, is close to joining Inter Milan for £35.8m.
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Should the move go ahead, it would end Hakimi’s 14-year spell with Madrid, having progressed through the club’s academy before making his La Liga debut in October 2017. But a change of scenery might be for the best after Madrid reportedly informed the 21-year-old he would only act act as a backup to Dani Carvajal should he extend his stay.
Antonio Conte is said to be a big admirer of Hakimi, and Inter are reportedly confident in securing a deal. The report also adds that the Nerazzurri are hopeful of signing Brescia‘s Sandro Tonali for £31.8m.
Hart to make Celtic move
Joe Hart could feature in the Scottish Premiership next season after the Telegraph reported that Celtic are considering a move for the goalkeeper this summer.
The former England No. 1 is a free agent following his release from Burnley, and Neil Lennon is open to signing the 33-year-old, but any move is likely to be dictated by the Hoops’ ability to re-sign Southampton‘s Fraser Forster on loan. Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl reportedly will make an assessment of Forster in preseason, meaning a move for Hart is unlikely to happen any time soon.
Tap-ins
– Udinese remain firm favourites to prize Matty Longstaff away from St James’ Park this summer. The Express reports that while Longstaff has been offered a competitive fresh contract by Newcastle, talks between the 20-year-old and the Italian club earlier this season remain relevant and he could yet be tempted away from his hometown club.