Teams and players are now focusing on the Euros, making sure they have tweaked their formations and strategies. Coaches are hoping their players will not be distracted by rumours that are swirling around this time of year.
But clubs will not stop until they have improved upon their squads. Jamie Vardy has been in the news for the last few days now with Roy Hodgson pleading with clubs not to distract his player.
But there is big news coming from Manchester United and Real Madrid, most notably a new twist in James Rodiguez’s transfer saga. Here is the roundup of all the news and rumours.
Serie A
– According to reports from Tuttosport, Juventus are targeting Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian. Despite only joining the Red Devils last year, Mourinho is not convinced the 26-year-old will fit into his system and might be ready to offload the player.
– Reports in Italy are also suggesting Napoli are closing in on a deal for Piotr Zielinski. The Polish international currently plays for Empoli and according to Corriere dello Sport the club are in deep talks with the player’s representatives despite interest from Liverpool.
– Club legend Francesco Totti has signed a 1-year extension with AS Roma. After a lot of speculation about his future where he did not feature as regularly as he would have liked there were several reports he was looking to leave, but now the one club man has decided to remain where he feels he belongs.
Premier League
– Manchester United confirmed the signing of 22-year-old centre-back Eric Bailly from Villarreal as the Ivorian became Jose Mourinho's first signing this season. With so many rumours regarding the impending transfer of Zlatan Red Devils’ fans will be relieved the club have secured their first signing.
– According to The Sun Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic has told Antonio Conte he wants to leave the club and join rivals Manchester United. Matic had a poor season in 2015/16 and lost his first team place to John Obi Mikel. It will be a big blow if he does leave the Londoners.
– Another report from The Sun informs us that Arsenal are set to announce the signing of Nigerian teenage sensation Kelechi Nwakali. The 18-year-old will make the move from the Diamond football academy in his hometown for a reported fee of £3 million. They are also reportedly close to signing Bolton’s young defender Rob Holding according to Express.
– Ruben Neves the teenage captain of Porto is being lined up up Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool. The young man has made a name for himself and is rated as one of the best talents in Europe. According to Portuguese paper Record, Porto will demand £31million for the 19-year-old
La Liga
– According to Sport, Barcelona are planning an improved bid worth €8 million with additional incentives of 4 million for Las Palmas defender Mauricio Lemos. Palmas rejected a previous bid from the Catalans but they are set to submit an improved offer.
– Sport have also suggested that despite Barcelona's interest in Samuel Umtiti Luis Enrique is not in favour of bringing him to the Camp Now.
– AS have claimed Zidane has told Florentino Perez that he wants to sell James Rodriguez but the president is reluctant to do so because of the popularity and commercial success he brings from South America. Perez says in order for them to compete with Barcelona for support from the continent he needs Rodriguez to rival Barcelona’s Messi Suarez and Neymar.
– AS have also claimed Zidane wants to bring back loanee Fabio Coentrao from Monaco. The Portuguese was loaned after being unable to break into the first team but Zidane wants him as backup for Marcelo
Rest Of the World
– Sevilla coach Unai Emery might be leaving the Europa League winners with Paris Saint-Germain eyeing up his signature. According to Marca, the French giants will pay the €2 million release clause to make him their new manager.
– Despite James Rodriguez not wanting to leave and Madrid reluctant to sell, PSG are ready to make a €90 million bid for the Colombian. Rodriguez has been in fine form in the Copa America scoring two goals in his two games.
– Douglas Costa was asked if he would join Pep Guardiola at Manchester City if an offer came in for him but he revealed to Globo Esporte his former manager has a clause in his contract that prevents him from buying players from Bayern Munich
