Aubameyang to snub Van Gaal's Man United?
The summer transfer window will be opening before you know it, and rumours around the world are picking up steam. As always, Transfer Talk has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest gossip. See the latest deals here.
TOP STORY: United fear Van Gaal will drive Aubameyang away
Manchester United’s decision on whether to sack Louis van Gaal might be more important than The FA Cup final this weekend against Crystal Palace, as the Mail alleged that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will snub the Red Devils if the Dutchman remains in charge.
There is growing concern at Old Trafford that Van Gaal’s style is becoming a real turn-off for Europe’s best players and United risk losing out on Dortmund’s star striker as a result. The Gabonese has banked 36 goals in just 44 matches this season, which has alerted plenty of suitors around Europe.
With a plethora of options at the 26-year-old’s disposal, the Mail believe United have grave concerns about whether Van Gaal will prevent them from acquiring the best talent in the transfer market.
Europa League loss could cost Liverpool Gotze
Mario Gotze could be set to knock back Liverpool after Sevilla swept them aside in the Europa League final to clinch the trophy with a 3-1 victory and prevent the Reds from qualifying for the Champions League.
The German international was reportedly ready to reunite with former boss Jurgen Klopp if Liverpool lifted the cup and lined up in Europe’s premier competition, but he will now have doubts, according to newspaper Bild (via the Star).
Gotze’s Bayern contract has one year left to run, and the Bundesliga giants appear ready to cash in on the former Dortmund star, though Liverpool might now be disappointed, as they cannot offer the 26-year-old European football next season.
Yaya Toure edges closer to Inter
Yaya Toure appears ever closer to a move from Manchester City, and the Mirror said former boss Roberto Mancini is ready to welcome him with open arms at Inter Milan.
The Ivorian’s monstrous wages — reportedly worth £220,000 per week — were always likely to be a stumbling block for the Nerazzurri, but the 32-year-old’s agent has confirmed that negotiations are underway.
Toure has just one year left on his deal, and City are keen for a clean break and not a loan, as the former Barcelona midfielder nears the end of the line at the Etihad.
Leicester lose to Napoli for Lapadula?
Leicester City target Gianluca Lapadula could be set to join Napoli and give the Foxes a setback as the transfer season begins, though the Partenopei remain short of Pescara’s valuation for their strikers.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Aurelio De Laurentiis’ club have offered £4.6 million and add-ons for the 26-year-old, though the Dolphins will demand north of £6 million for their star striker, who has bagged 24 goals in 39 games this season in Serie B.
Claudio Ranieri spoke glowingly of Lapadula and mentioned that the Foxes have been following the breakout star for some time, but with Napoli able to also offer Champions League and a chance to feature in Serie A, Leicester are up against it to acquire his signature.
Tap-Ins
– Barcelona left-back Adriano could be set for a move this summer, with Lazio thought to have agreed a £1.5 million deal, and the Aquile have offered the Brazilian a four-year deal, according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.
The 31-year-old made just 19 appearances for Barca this season, and with only a year left on his contract, he could be set to move to the peninsula, with Roma his likely landing spot.
– This summer is a monumental period in West Ham’s history, so it seems strange that they are ready to ditch one of their longest serving players in James Tomkins. Crystal Palace appear prepared to give the 27-year-old a fresh start at Selhurst Park.
The Mirror said Tomkins is reluctant to depart ahead of the move to the Olympic Stadium, but the Hammers want to give their squad a makeover this summer, with Palace’s result in The FA Cup final with Manchester United to decide whether they play in the Europa League next season. Should the Eagles claim victory, Tomkins would bag European football with Alan Pardew’s side, but if the Red Devils are victorious at Wembley, Slaven Bilic will earn a spot in the Europa League next season.
– As seems to be the case in modern football, young players are inclined to make outrageous demands, with the market dictating that other clubs will overpay for their talent in the hope they unearth a diamond. This has led to Manchester United and City circling with Reece Oxford pushing for an outrageous new deal at West Ham, according to the Sun.
Having just made his debut for the Hammers this year, the 18-year-old wants an astonishing £40,000 per week contract, as well as a £1 million signing-on bonus. West Ham have so far stood firm, but the prospect of losing one of their brightest prospects could force them to relent.
