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 Utd looking to Branthwaite
Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is on Manchester United’s radar ahead of a possible move in the summer, according to The Telegraph.
Under the watch of new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team, the Red Devils have identified the heart of their defence as a key area to strengthen in the next transfer window.
This comes with Raphaël Varane only having one full season left on his contract and being the subject of interest from the Saudi Pro League, while there have also been injuries at the heart of manager Erik ten Hag’s defence this term.
Branthwaite is highly regarded at Old Trafford and is being considered as a possible solution for their defensive dilemma. The 21-year-old has impressed for Everton this season after spending last term on loan at PSV Eindhoven and was even called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad during the recent internationals.
United have not yet pushed forward with their summer plans, but Branthwaite is likely to be considered at the end of the season, which is when their transfer budget will be set based on whether or not they qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
The fallen Premier League giants also want a striker to support Rasmus Hojlund, will look at right-backs, and will aim to bring in a midfielder if Casemiro departs once the season has ended.
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PAPER GOSSIP
– Robert Lewandowski wants to stay at Barcelona this summer and currently has no plans to leave, reports Florian Plettenberg. Even so, the report adds that there is interest from Saudi Arabia and clubs from across Europe, with Atletico Madrid also monitoring the 35-year-old’s situation.
– Barcelona are remaining calm regarding the future of Lamine Yamal despite Paris Saint-Germain showing interest in the exciting winger, according to Mundo Deportivo. The 16-year-old is reportedly keen to stay with the Blaugrana with his contract running until 2026 and including a release clause worth €1 billion, while it is also understood that he will sign a contract to stay until 2030 upon turning 18.
– Philadelphia Union have reached an agreement for 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan to join Manchester City when he turns 18, says The Athletic, with the deal being heavy on add-ons and include a percentage of the funds earned from a future move. The attacking midfielder is currently finalising a homegrown contract that will keep him with the MLS club until the move.
– After AS reported that Las Palmas centre-back Mika Mármol is among the defenders being looked at by Atletico Madrid, Diario Sport have now suggested that Girona are also interested in the 22-year-old. He has a release clause worth €10m and Barcelona will be watching how things develop, as they are owed half of the funds earned from his next move.
– Monza want to permanently sign Daniel Maldini once the attacking midfielder’s loan from AC Milan ends and have already begun to lay the foundations for their offer, reports Calciomercato. The Rossoneri want between €4m and €5m for the 22-year-old son of Milan legend Paolo, who has three goals and an assist in six matches for Monza.