Transfer Talk: Manchester United target Benfica’s João Neves،
The summer transfer window won't reopen in Europe for some time, but there are plenty of moves afoot and plenty of gossip flying around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumors, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Man United target Benfica's Neves
Manchester United have identified Benfica midfielder João Neves as a priority target this summer, reveals Rudy Galetti.
The Red Devils are reportedly looking for midfield reinforcements this summer, with the club opting not to trigger the option to appoint the Fiorentina midfielder. Sofiane Amrabat permanent loan agreement. The 27-year-old has struggled to impress at Old Trafford, although the Morocco international could also be on the move this summer with AC Milan expressing interest.
Alongside Amrabat, the future of Scott McTominay And Christian Eriksen remains uncertain, which could see United undergo a midfield transformation this summer. It appears that United have selected several midfielders as targets, including Juventus. Adrien Rabiot and that of Monaco Youssouf Fofana join Neves as potential targets for the summer transfer window.
However, the tweet indicates that Neves is considered the priority target. The 19-year-old has played 27 times in La Liga Portugal this season, scoring three goals and two assists, attracting the attention of several European clubs.
Alongside Manchester United, Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea have both been linked with the Portugal international, who Benfica could struggle to keep this summer.
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GOSSIP PAPER (by Rajan Hothi)
– Barcelona keen to secure permanent deal for Manchester City defender João Cancelo, but they face competition from Saudi Arabia, according to Sport. It is reported that City are keen to offload the Portugal international permanently this summer, with Barcelona keen to complete a deal. However, with a reported value of 50 million euros, Barcelona will struggle to reach this figure which opens the door to a possible move to Saudi Arabia. The report reveals that City are aware that clubs in Saudi Arabia are monitoring the situation. Al Hilal are cited as an interested party, who would be able to make an approach that Barcelona could not match.
– Liverpool set to open contract talks with defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, amid interest from Real Madrid, according to Football Insider. The 25-year-old is heavily linked with a move to The Whites in recent days, after contract negotiations failed to progress with Liverpool. Alexander-Arnold is under contract at Anfield until 2025, with the report suggesting that with the arrival of Richard Hughes as sporting director, alongside Michael Edwards as football CEO, contract negotiations are expected to progress after the European Championships in Germany this summer.
– Tottenham, Internazionale and Juventus are among the clubs monitoring the Genoa striker Albert Gudmundsson, reports Tuttosport. The 26-year-old has scored 12 goals and four assists in all competitions in Italy this season, attracting the attention of several European clubs. Although Spurs are reported to have sent scouts to monitor the Iceland international, Genoa are hoping to launch a bidding war this summer, with the Italian side seeking more than €30 million. The report also states that AC Milan and Roma are monitoring the situation.
– Atletico Madrid are closely monitoring the situation of the Barcelona defender Iñigo Martinez, reports Relevo. Although Martinez would be happy with the Catalan team, he would prefer an increased role. Martinez has not been identified by Barcelona as a player to be landed this summer, although the club are said to be open to the idea of a potential departure. With the Atleti defender Mario Hermoso Expected to leave as a free agent this summer, manager Diego Simeone is keen to add to his defensive options. The report states that Atleti are long-time admirers of Martinez and are prepared to strike this summer if the possibility of a move opens up.
– Internazionale are hoping to complete a deal for Athletico Paranaense goalkeeper Bento Matheus Krepski, but face competition from Chelsea, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The 24-year-old has attracted the attention of several major European clubs, with Inter desperate to complete his transfer. Yann Sommer is 35 years old and may be on the verge of retirement, which has prompted the Italian team to look for a new goalkeeper this summer. However, the report reveals that Chelsea have also expressed interest in Bento, while Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also in the race.