Transfer Talk: Man City eye Branthwaite as the next Stones،
The summer transfer window won't reopen in Europe for some time, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumors, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Branthwaite, the starlet of Everton's urban circle
Manchester City have joined the race to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaiteaccording to the Daily Mail.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a stellar season with the Toffees and has become a target for a number of clubs across Europe, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid.
However, although City already have a number of top centre-backs, they view Branthwaite as a rising star, similar to John Stones; a local talent who is comfortable on the ball and plays from the back with both feet. Stones moved from Everton to City for £47.5 million in 2016.
Branthwaite is valued at around £60 million and has received his first call-up to the England senior squad for this international window, where he is expected to feature at some point against Belgium on Tuesday evening.
Already an established member of the England Under-21s, a strong performance from Gareth Southgate could further boost the young centre-back's reputation.
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Paper gossip
– West Ham United prepare move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to Football Insider. Arsenal are long-time admirers of England international Toney, but the Hammers are hoping to make a statement by signing the 28-year-old and beat the Gunners and Chelsea to his signature. The Hammers want to add a focal point to their attack with Danny Ings'uncertain future and Michel Antonio regularly injured. Toney scored 36 goals in 78 games for the Bees, including four in 10 after returning to action following his ban for playing offences.
– Juventus hope to confirm signing of Lazio attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson in the coming weeks, according to Calciomercato. Lazio have offered the Brazilian a new contract, but the 30-year-old is thought to be insufficient and is interested in a move to Turin to give himself a better chance of winning silverware. Anderson is out of contract this summer and Juve's offer of €3 million per season is more than Lazio offered, although he would be settled in Rome.
– AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan is wanted by a number of major European clubs, but the Rossoneri are hoping to keep the 28-year-old by offering him an improved contract. This is according to Calciomercato, who claim that Milan are ready to double the French international's salary to €5.5 million per year. Maignan is already under contract until 2026, but his consistency has seen him followed by several clubs including Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Milan will be hoping their improved offer, coupled with their nearly £100 million valuation, will be enough to repel interested parties.
– Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães has hinted he will leave the club, but not this summer. Teamtalk say that despite Newcastle's inconsistent form this season, coupled with their potential need to balance the books, Guimarães is happy in the north-east of England. However, the 26-year-old's admission that he has “other goals” following Brazil's 1-0 win at Wembley on Saturday night has alerted the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool. Recruited in January 2022 for £40 million, Guimarães' elite performances, particularly in European action, have impressed his potential suitors.
