The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, 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: Man United interested in Benfica’s Silva
Manchester United are looking at a move for Benfica center-back António Silva, according to Rudy Galetti.
The Red Devils are believed to be exploring the market to resolve their defensive issues this summer, with replacements being lined up amid the expected departures of Harry Maguire (31) and Raphaël Varane (30).
Silva, 20, has continued his rise after impressing in the Champions League last season, providing displays that have caught the attention of top clubs around Europe, with Bayern Munich linked with interest in his signature last month.
He has also begun to feature more regularly for the Portugal senior national team, having played in a part in March’s international friendlies alongside Sporting CP defender Gonçalo Inacio, who is also reported to be on the shortlist of the Old Trafford hierarchy.
Manager Erik ten Hag’s side surrendered a 3-2 lead after initially coming back from 2-0 down on Thursday to suffer a 4-3 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
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PAPER GOSSIP (by Adam Brown)
– Real Madrid have placed Lille defender Leny Yoro at the top of their summer transfer wishlist, says Sport. The 18-year-old is reported to be their “main objective” in the next transfer market, with manager Carlo Ancelotti already assessing potential options to reinforce his defense. Yoro is said to be keen to join the LaLiga club as soon as possible, and would prefer not to be signed as part of a deal that sees him loaned back to his current team for a season.
– Bologna will only consider offers in the region of €70million for striker Joshua Zirkzee, reports Gazzetta dello Sport. Zirkzee’s form this season has seen many clubs across Europe interested in the 22-year-old’s signature, and it is believed that AC Milan could negotiate for him during talks over Alexis Saelemaekers, who manager Thiago Motta’s side are interested in signing on a permanent basis.
– Leeds United could consider parting ways with versatile midfielder Archie Gray this summer, reports Football Insider. The Championship club are said to be open to moving him on if they fail to offload some of their players currently on loan, such as Jack Harrison, who is currently at Everton. Gray, 18, has attracted interest from several clubs recently, with clubs in the Premier League as well as in Europe believed to be watching him.
– Talks have been planned between AC Milan and the representatives of Wolfsburg centre-back Maxence Lacroix, writes Nicolo Schira. The Rossoneri are reported to have watched the 23-year-old on three occasions this season, and it looks as though he is beginning to move up their shortlist as one of their top options to reinforce their defense this summer.
– Clubs in England are watching on-loan Utretcht forward Adrian Blake, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 18-year-old, who is currently on loan with the Eredivisie side from Watford, has found some impressive form of late, having scored in Wednesday’s 5-1 league win over PEC Zwolle. Blake has also been a regular for the England U19s this season, with five appearances since debut last September.