Man United, Liverpool to battle for Ter Stegen
The winter window might have shut, but the rumour mill rolls on. As always, Transfer Talk has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest rumours and gossip. See the latest deals here.
TOP STORY: Manchester United, Liverpool set for Ter Stegen fight
According to the Sun, Manchester United are eyeing up Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen as a potential replacement for David De Gea if the Spaniard leaves in the summer. De Gea was at the heart of a summer long transfer saga last year that ended with the keeper staying at Old Trafford after a deal with Real Madrid fell through on the last minute of deadline day.
But with United looking unlikely to be in the Champions League next season, Madrid could come back in for the Spanish goalkeeper. De Gea signed a new contract after it was clear he would be staying at the club, but United chiefs are looking at Ter Stegen as the man to step in and become their new No. 1.
Liverpool, however, have also been linked with a move for the German as Simon Mignolet continues to cause doubt in between the sticks. Jurgen Klopp rates Ter Stegen and is ready to make a bid of £13 million to prise him away from the Nou Camp. The stopper is under contract until 2019, but could be tempted by a Premier League move as he is reportedly frustrated at playing understudy to Claudio Bravo at the Nou Camp.
Chelsea on red alert for Marquinhos ‘PSG exit
The Mirror claims Chelsea have been put on red alert after Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos revealed he could leave the club this summer. The Brazil international was one of the players that the Blues moved for as an alternative on the final weekend of last summer’s transfer window when it became clear that Everton would not sell fellow centre-back John Stones, but PSG refused to do business at the time.
However, Marquinhos has not been able to break into the French champions’ side this season, with David Luiz and Thiago Silva cementing their place as first choices. Chelsea look set to part ways with club legend centre-half John Terry this summer and, when asked about his own future, Marquinhos said: “My future is in Paris? At the moment, yes. But I can only speak of the present.
“Everyone knows you have to have a reflection at the end of the season.”
Arsenal want Jorginho, according to agent
Napoli midfielder Jorginho is a summer transfer target for Arsenal, but has also caught the attention of Real Madrid, the player’s agent has confirmed in the Daily Mail. The Brazilian was linked with a move to the Premier League in January and his agent Joao Santos has admitted the reports are correct. However, the 24-year-old has also received ‘compliments’ from Spanish giants Real Madrid after his impressive form for the Italian side this season.
“Interest from Arsenal? It’s true,” Santos told Radio Kiss. “After the game against Palermo, compliments arrived from Real Madrid as well.”
Santos insisted Jorginho’s focus remains with Napoli while he is keen to break into Antonio Conte’s Italy squad ahead of next summer’s Euros in France. The former Verona star was born in Brazil but has dual citizenship and also an Italian passport having moved to the country at a very young age.
Tottenham mooting move for Malli
Tottenham are set to raid the Bundesliga yet again this summer for Mainz attacking midfielder Yunus Malli. The Turkish 24-year-old — who is rated at £8 million — has netted 10 times in 28 appearances this season for the club who are currently sixth in the German top flight.
Mauricio Pochettino, with an eye on beefing his squad up in anticipation of a Champions League campaign next season, is a big fan of Malli’s, according to the Mirror, but Tottenham’s interest is being rivalled by their Europa League last-16 opponents Borussia Dortmund in addition to Gary Neville’s Valencia. The North London club explored the possibility of signing Malli in January, but decided to wait until the end of the season as Mainz were refusing to sell.
Tap-Ins
– The Express reports that Chelsea are set to terminate Alexandre Pato’s loan deal, despite the Brazilian having only joining the club in January. Pato was signed from Corinthians until the end of the season, but has yet to make an appearance for the Blues due to his poor fitness levels.
– West Ham want to arrange a cut-price deal for Liverpool flop Christian Benteke, claims the Sun. The Belgian is on £120,000-a-week at Anfield but the Hammers would limit their spending to £80,000 — similar to Andy Carroll’s wages.
– Now from Sky Sports, Porto president Pinto da Costa has lamented the club’s signing of Iker Casillas from Real Madrid as “a complete fiasco,” after the goalkeeper failed to live up to expectations in Portugal.
