Chelsea to move for Dortmund's Hummels?
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: Chelsea to chase Mats Hummels
It’s been a while since the pages of Transfer Talk have led with a rumour about German international Mats Hummels. Right on time, the Mirror ended our Hummels drought with news that the Borussia Dortmund centre-back will be a target of presumptive new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte after he leaves the Italian national team following the 2016 Euro.
Hummels has been in fine form for Dortmund this season, as Thomas Tuchel’s charges continue their chase of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga table. He has been linked to moves to the Premier League in previous windows, and with his contract set to expire in 2017, it’s time for Dortmund to re-up with the 27-year-old or sell him to turn a profit.
As for Hummels, he would have to size up his own priorities, as the move would ostensibly amount to a big payday, but he would be giving up Champions League football next season, as BVB are in and Chelsea are looking like at best a long shot to finish in the top four in the Premier League.
Man United ready to pay up for Ibra
Yesterday, we brought news that Paris Saint-Germain were pursuing a move for Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge, should star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic indeed jettison the capital this summer. That prospective move could prove to be a very smart one if the Daily Star is correct with their latest about the Sweden international.
The outlet claims Manchester United are ready to offer Ibra a mega deal worth £24 million pounds over two years to inject some star power into the lineup at Old Trafford and to snub rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, who are also mooted suitors.
The move could set up a reunion of sorts in Manchester if, as has been widely reported, Jose Mourinho does indeed take over for Louis van Gaal in the summer. The Portuguese managed Zlatan at Inter Milan during his tenure there from 2008-10.
Friday’s Daily Star back page:
Zlat’s Our Man#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/wk4kkk9JAH– Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) March 24, 2016
Bellerin a target for Barcelona?
The result on the field didn’t go Arsenal and Hector Bellerin’s way against Barcelona in the Champions League, but it appears the 21-year-old’s performances in the Gunners’ 5-1 aggregate loss reminded the Catalans of one that got away.
Bellerin, who came up through the Barca youth academy before moving to Arsenal, has been a rock at right-back for Arsene Wenger. Now Mundo Deportivo claims he could be set for a move back to the club of his youth, especially if Dani Alves were to be let go or leave during the summer. Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also said to be smitten with the talented youngster, who just signed a new contract through 2019 with the Gunners.
Tap-ins
– The Mirror reported Real Madrid are ready to part ways with Isco, and the Premier League or Serie A could be his new home. The report said Zinedine Zidane has been unimpressed with Isco’s attitude since taking over as Los Blancos boss. Juventus and Man City are at the top of the list of suitors for the 23-year-old.
– A bit of Major League Soccer transfer news here, as the Seattle Sounders have signed former U.S. international Herculez Gomez to help the team’s attack. The Sounders are winless in their first three matches of the young MLS season and have mustered just two goals in those outings.
– A number of names have turned up as possible replacements for Remi Garde at Aston Villa, including former Man United and Everton boss David Moyes. Garde seems to be on borrowed time at Villa Park, with the team headed for almost certain relegation. Now the Sun reports that former Swansea City manager Gerry Monk is in contention if and when the job opens up.
