The summer transfer window is still a way from reopening in Europe, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Bayern eyeing Frimpong among other full-backs
Sky Sports Deutschland have offered an insight into Bayern Munich’s efforts to strengthen at full-back.
Beginning with the right flank, the Bavarian giants are closely monitoring Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and state that he could become a notable candidate under certain conditions.
The 23-year-old has played an important role in ensuring Xabi Alonso’s side top the Bundesliga ahead of Bayern, and the Dutchman’s release clause is believed to be between €40 million and €45 million.
Bayern would be increasingly likely to move for Frimpong if a manager is appointed that uses a back three.
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Moving to the left, Alphonso Davies wants to leave to join Real Madrid with Bayern demanding between €50m and €60m for the 23-year-old.
There hasn’t been an official offer yet, but a transfer is increasingly likely with Davies demanding a salary package worth up to €20m-per-year — a figure Bayern won’t meet.
Sky Sports Deutschland says that AC Milan’s Theo Hernández is a top candidate to replace the Canada international and the Frenchman is open to a change after five years with the Serie A club.
Bayern are expecting to have to offer between €60m and €70m for the 26-year-old and initial discussions have taken place.
Girona’s Miguel Gutiérrez is seen as a possible alternative, with the 23-year-old being allowed to leave LaLiga’s surprise title contenders due to a release clause set at €30m to €35m.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Real Sociedad centre-back Robin Le Normand is on the radar of Atletico Madrid, reports MARCA, with Los Colchoneros having looked at the 27-year-old for some time. The valuation for Le Normand is around €40m so Atleti could aim to bring down that valuation by including Javi Galán, who is currently on loan at La Real.
– Fenerbahce want €25m for Sebastian Szymanski amid interest from Napoli, as reported by Calciomercato. Gli Azzurri see the 24-year-old midfielder as somebody who can replace Poland teammate Piotr Zielinski when he leaves as a free agent upon the end of his Napoli contract in the summer. Szymanski is aware of the interest.
– VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy doesn’t want to decide on his future yet, reports Florian Plettenberg, who adds that the 27-year-old is not expected to make up his mind until late April or early May. Stuttgart anticipate his departure due to a €20m release clause but will offer a higher salary to try and keep him if they qualify for the UEFA Champions League, while Guirassy is on Bayern Munich’s list of options.
– Juventus could look to the transfer market for a striker during the summer due to frustrations regarding Dusan Vlahovic, according to Calciomercato, with no specific replacement being named. While the 24-year-old has scored 15 Serie A goals this term, it is felt that he is indecisive against top teams in the league.
– Nottingham Forest centre-back Felipe has announced on his Instagram page that he will retire at the end of the season. Part of the 34-year-old’s statement said: “I’ve been thinking a lot over the last few months and, together with my family, have made a decision about my future in football. There were great moments lived, a career I can only be thankful for, playing in great clubs, four different countries, the Brazilian national team and a lot of history to tell for the rest of life. But it’s time to leave the lawns and the idea is to put an end to the season here in Nottingham Forest, England.”