Transfer Talk: Mbappe’s wage demands could scupper Real move،
The winter transfer window has now closed in Europe's top leagues, but there are plenty of moves afoot and gossip swirling as summer approaches. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumors, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Is Mbappé's transfer to Madrid threatened?
That of Kylian Mbappé Paris Saint-Germain's proposed move to Real Madrid has hit a stumbling block over wages, according to the Independent.
Sources told ESPN on Saturday that the 25-year-old World Cup winner would swap Paris for Madrid this summer, but the latter suggests that The Whites and Mbappe are still no closer to accepting the details of his contract.
Mbappe has apparently decided it is time to leave the French capital, and it appears he has opted for the Bernabeu before moving to England, but Madrid's offer so far appears to have disappointed both the player and his entourage.
Madrid have been courting Mbappé for some time and thought they were close to landing him two years ago, only for the striker to stay at the Parc des Princes.
PSG still have an offer on the table for the France international, although it is not a big improvement on his existing contract. The leaders of the French championship of course hope that he stays, but that seems unlikely.
Liverpool and Arsenal have already expressed interest in Mbappé, but neither club is willing to shake up their salary structure for him.
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Paper gossip
– Manchester City agreed to sign Barcelona target Savio from Troyes in summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The talented Brazilian is currently on loan at Girona after joining Troyes for a record fee in 2022. He is yet to play a single game for the French side, and although a number of other English and German clubs were also interested in the 19-year-old. old, he will now spend the rest of the season at Girona, currently in the race to win La Liga, before joining Manchester at the end of the campaign.
– Christian Eriksen could leave Manchester United as early as this week, which would see him join Galatasaray, according to The Mirror. The Turkish transfer window remains open until February 9 and Eriksen has reportedly held discussions with Galatasaray over a move from Old Trafford. The 31-year-old joined United on a free transfer from Brentford in the summer of 2022 and has since made over 50 appearances under United boss Erik ten Hag. However, the Dane has only made three appearances since mid-November, and with the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo ahead of him, it appears Eriksen's playing time at United will be limited, hence this change.
– Tottenham Hotspur goal Lloyd Kelly has rejected several offers for a new contract at AFC Bournemouth, but Spurs could be beaten to his signature by one of a number of Italian and German clubs. That's according to Football Insider, who believe Spurs could miss out on Kelly as he can discuss a free summer transfer with foreign sides now he is in the final six months of his contract. AC Milan and Juventus lead the race for the defender, but there is also interest from Germany. Bournemouth are keen to retain Kelly who has made 14 appearances this season and 130 in total during his time on the south coast.
– Everton potentially lose two key players this summer, with Football Insider suggesting Newcastle United are preparing a case on Amadou Onanaand Manchester United are favorites to land Jarrad Branthwaite. Onana, 22, was the subject of interest in January, but the Toffees were unwilling to let the midfielder leave due to their precarious league position. Newcastle are now planning a move for the Belgium international at the end of the season. Meanwhile, United are favorites to sign defender Branthwaite, 21, who has enjoyed a superb season with the Merseysiders. The England Under-21 international has made 26 appearances in 2023-24 and could be the perfect long-term replacement for the outgoing side. Raphaël Varane.
– Orlando City SC moves closer to permanent signing of 32-year-old Colombian striker Louis Muriel of Atalanta, according to Moretto Mat. With the MLS window still open, the Lions hope to take advantage and land an experienced Serie A striker. Now 32, Muriel has enjoyed profitable spells in front of goal at Udinese, Sampdoria and Fiorentina.
