The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for another month, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Palhinha race heating up
Barcelona and Manchester United have joined Bayern Munich in the race for Fulham midfielder João Palhinha, according to Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol.
The Cottagers value the 28-year-old at double the £30 million that the German giants have offered for him so far, and they are able to negotiate from a strong position as Palhinha doesn’t have a release clause in his contract.
That has left the door open for Barca and United, although it will be difficult to complete a deal for the Portugal international with the Blaugrana facing severe financial issues, and the uncertainty surrounding the managerial situation at Old Trafford.
Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg has followed the report up by saying that Palhinha only wants to join Bayern as doing so would fulfil a big dream for him. He adds that there are currently not any talks being held with any other clubs regarding the midfielder.
Palhinha — the No. 23 midfielder in this year’s FC 100 — is waiting for the total agreement between Fulham and Bayern, with the hope being that a deal can be sealed before the start of the Euros as his camp waits for the green light.
Despite Solhekol’s statement on the Cottagers’ demands for Palhinha, Plettenberg suggests that Bayern sporting CEO Max Eberl is pushing to complete a deal for a fee in the region of €45m.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Internazionale are considering a move for AS Roma attacking midfielder Paulo Dybala, reports Tuttosport, with the 30-year-old having a release clause worth €12m.
– Napoli want to replace Victor Osimhen with Romelu Lukaku if the Nigeria international leaves the club, reports Corriere dello Sport, which adds that there is Saudi Arabian interest in both players. Napoli’s other potential alternatives for the striker position are Girona’s Artem Dovbyk, who has a €40m clause, VfB Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy, who has a €17.5m clause, Sporting CP’s €100m-rated Viktor Gyökeres, and Feyenoord’s Santiago Giménez.
– Bayern Munich have reached a verbal agreement with Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah on a contract that will run until 2029, reports Sky Sports Deutschland. Chelsea’s Levi Colwill is the first alternative if Bayern are unable to sign Tah, but the two defenders could both be brought in with Dayot Upamecano and Matthijs de Ligt possibly leaving the Allianz Arena.
– Aside from Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino, Barcelona are now looking at Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller to strengthen their midfield, reports Diario Sport, which says that new manager Hansi Flick requested for him to be considered after the pair worked together at Bayern Munich. Flick feels that the 23-year-old can link Barca’s defence and attack, and could be available for around €25m.
– Manchester United are poised to compete with Tottenham Hotspur to sign Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze, according to Football Insider. Spurs have held a long-term interest in the 25-year-old but he is now high on the Red Devils’ list of options for the summer transfer window.