The transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs is closed, but you can click here to review all the deals. Transfer Talk will continue to scour the world’s media and set correspondents loose to see what’s on the agenda for the summer.
Pogba to follow Hazard to the Bernabeu as Bale makes Madrid sweat
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has identified Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba as his main transfer target, and is pressing ahead with efforts to sign his compatriot this summer, according to reports in The Mirror.
Pogba has been earmarked by Zidane as the man to build his new-look Real side around, and with the Spanish giants confident that a deal for Chelsea forward Eden Hazard is as good as done, their focus has now turned to the unsettled United midfielder.
Those deals place the future of Madrid winger Gareth Bale into further doubt, but the Welshman is reportedly happy to sit on his astronomical deal at the Bernabeu instead of taking a pay cut by moving elsewhere.
Interest in 29-year-old Bale is widespread, but most of the clubs keen to secure a deal would have to break their wage structures if they were to accommodate for his £500,000-a-week wages.
Premier League giants keen on Hakim
Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with The Mirror reporting the Morocco international is a target for Arsenal and Liverpool, as well as the two Manchester clubs.
Ziyech is one of many Ajax stars that have made a big impression during the Dutch side’s exploits in the Champions League this season, and his 19 goals and 20 assists in all competitions have put Europe’s elite on red alert.
Manchester City see the 26-year-old as a potential replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, with the German’s contract talks at the club stalling, while United are keen to make Ziyech part of their summer revamp.
And the price certainly won’t be putting off any potential suitors, with the Amsterdam club demanding a very modest £25 million for their main creative hub.
Pepe prepping for summer switch
The agent of Lille winger Nicolas Pepe has announced that talks regarding a summer transfer have begun.
Ivory Coast international Pepe has been involved in the most goals in France’s Ligue 1 this season, and the Mirror claims his record of 19 goals and eleven assists has alerted the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.
A £75 million price tag is likely to put off Gunners boss Unai Emery, however, with the Spaniard under orders to keep spending low this summer. Such a fee wouldn’t put off Chelsea, as they look to replace the outgoing Eden Hazard, but an impending transfer ban could put any potential acquisitions on hold.
But despite the interest, Pepe’s agent Samir Khiat has said that there are no clear frontrunners for his client’s signature, despite mentioning Bayern Munich in the same breath.
“Today, there are no favourites, be it Bayern Munich or another club. We have not decided on which league.”
Tap Ins
– Manchester United defender Antonio Valencia appears to have said his goodbyes to fans on social media. The Ecuador international, who has been linked with a reunion with former United colleague Wayne Rooney at DC United, took to Instagram to post an image of the Sir Alex Ferguson stand at Old Trafford, with the caption “Thank You.”
- The Express claims Leeds United will target Liverpool pair Harry Wilson and Ryan Kent if they win promotion to the Premier League. Welsh international Wilson has earned rave reviews at Championship side Derby, while Kent has impressed while on loan at Steven Gerrard’s Rangers this season.