Barca pave the way for Man United’s signing
Manchester United are the new favourites to sign PSG’s central defender Marquinhos as Barcelona have dropped out of the race to the Brazilian. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, PSG are ready to negotiate a deal for Marquinhos, who previously hinted at a long-term stay in Paris.
In a recent interview with Canal+, Marquinhos said: "My future? I will be here next season to win back the title, I will 100% be Parisian."
Also read: Daily transfer news and rumours roundup - 17th May 2017
United manager Jose Mourinho is adamant in signing a new central defensive partner for Eric Bailly next season with both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones expected to be sold this summer. Marquinhos currently tops Mourinho’s wishlist and the Red Devils will need to pay beyond €60m to sign the 23-year-old.
Bellerin house-hunting in Barcelona
According to a recent report from Diario Gol, Barcelona have all but secured the signing of Arsenal’s right-back Hector Bellerin after the Spaniard was spotted hunting for a new house in the city of Barcelona.
The Catalan side have chased the Arsenal right-back ever since the injury to Aleix Vidal and are expected to make a £30million bid for Bellerin this summer. Barcelona are expected to sign at least 4-5 new players including a right-back before the start of next season.
Meanwhile, AS Monaco’s Djibril Sidibe has been earmarked as a backup if Bellerin decides to stay at Arsenal.
Neymar hints at Camp Nou stay
Neymar has put an end to the recent speculations linking him with a move away from Camp Nou by claiming that he will be at the club for the foreseeable future after enjoying his best season for Barcelona.
In a recent interview with France Football, Neymar said: “It’s an excellent season for me. I think it’s my best since I arrived at the club. I am scoring goals and creating goals.”
Despite being strongly linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, Barca are hopeful of agreeing on a new deal with their number 11 and keeping him at the club for the seasons to follow. Neymar is also a target for Barcelona’s arch-rivals, Real Madrid.
Messi pulls out of contract negotiations
Lionel Messi has reportedly pulled out of negotiations regarding his new contract despite club chief Jordi Mestre strongly hinting that the Argentine is close to putting pen to paper. According to Mundo Deportivo, Messi has ended the contract talks abruptly and his main concern is the delay in announcing the club’s new manager.
Messi previously had his doubts about Barcelona’s transfer plans and wants at least five new players at Camp Nou before signing the new contract. As per the reports, current Athletic Bilbao manager, Ernesto Valverde, is the favourite for the job but Messi is seeking further reassurances before committing his future to the club.
