Manchester United have been told they have a clear path to sign a midfield star, while Liverpool have upped their pursuit of a Lyon star, according to Thursday’s European papers.
MAN UTD INVITED TO MOVE FOR FERNANDES
Manchester United have been invited to up their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes, reports in Portugal claim.
Fernandes’ agent was set to jet into England for talks with Manchester United after A Bola claimed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were frontrunners to sign the player, who scored or assisted 50 goals in 53 appearances last season in the Primeira Liga.
Fernandes’ agent was reportedly set to jet into England for talks with United after A Bola claimed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were frontrunners to sign the player, who scored or assisted 50 goals in 53 appearances last season in the Primeira Liga.
The player himself though, who has also been linked with Man City and Tottenham, gave nothing away when interviewed after the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday.
Reports have also suggested that the Red Devils are dragging their heels over a potential deal and may instead be keen to strengthen in other areas.
Now, Portuguese outlet Correio de Manha (via Sportwitness) state that a move to Old Trafford ‘appeals’ to the player, and the Premier League club ‘can advance’ to make the signing.
No official bid has yet been received by Sporting from United, while agent Jorge Mendes has apparently been pushed out of negotiations.
This is a boost for Ed Woodward and co., as Mendes was apparently keen on taking Fernandes to Manchester City this summer.
A fee of €80million (£71m) has been quoted for the former Sampdoria and Udinese playmaker, who has a release clause of €100m.
Meanwhile, O Jogo claims United will look to push through a move for Fernandes regardless of whether they sell Paul Pogba.
AND THE REST
Liverpool have renewed their interest in Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir but will not pay the £53m fee they agreed with the Ligue 1 club for the 25-year-old France international last summer. (Le Progres)
Fekir has been offered a five-year, €4m-a-season deal by Liverpool. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Manchester United are set to offer a new deal to young defender Luca Ercolani. (TMW)
Lazio have placed two Premier League stars – namely Arsenal’s Calum Chambers and Newcastle’s Jamal Lascelles – at the top of their wishlist as they look to strengthen their defence. (Il Messaggero)
Sheffield United are a possible destination for Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery. (Kicker)
Atletico Madrid’s chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has confirmed France striker Antoine Griezmann will move to Barcelona this summer. (Sport)
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has been in contact with Florentino Perez over a transfer for James Rodriguez. (Corriere dello Sport)
Barcelona are willing to slash their asking price for goalkeeper Jasper Cillessenby more than £35m. (AS)
Arsenal are reportedly looking to push through the £27m signing of Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Saint-Etienne’s 18-year-old French defender William Saliba. (Le10Sport)
Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici has arrived in London to conclude a deal for Chelsea’s Italian manager Maurizio Sarri. (Calciomercato)
Denis Suarez has made it clear that he wants out of Barcelona, stating: “What I want is to leave Barca and play.”
RB Leipzig boss Ralf Rangnick has emerged as a surprise contender to succeed Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea. (Bild)
Juventus are willing to sell full-back Joao Cancelo this summer, with a possible swap deal involving Manchester City’s Danilo on the cards.
Manchester United’s Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku has said Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte is the “best manager in the world” and that, along with the Premier League, Serie A is the league he “always dreamed” of playing in. (ESPN)
Bayer Leverkusen are considering a move for Real Madrid prodigy Martin Odegaard. (Bild)
Champions League newcomers Napoli are hoping to tie down Josip Ilicic to a new contract amid interest from Napoli. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Boca Juniors are willing to offer 23-year-old Argentina winger Cristian Pavon in a deal to sign Eduardo Salvio from Benfica. (TyC Sports)
The post Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd invited to complete €80m deal as agent gets boot; Liverpool offer five-year deal to France star appeared first on teamtalk.com.
