Premier League transfer news: Major update on Man Utd's pursuit of €1billion superstar, Buffon and Hazard wanted by PL clubs and more – May 18, 2018

Gianluigi Buffon Press Conference
Premier League bound? Buffon during a recent press conference

Hello and welcome to the Premier League transfer roundup for the day. Once again, it is Manchester that makes the majority of the headlines – and so without any further ado, we shall spill the beans!


#5 New West Ham manager

Hebei China Fortune v Shandong Luneng Taishan - 2018 China Super League
Heading back to England? Pellegrini has spent the last two seasons in China

It has been reported by Chilean newspaper Pauta that Hebei China Fortune manager Manuel Pellegrini could return to the Premier League as the new manager of West Ham United.

Meanwhile, there were also reports suggesting that Rafa Benitez was also being targeted by the Hammers as their search for a new manager begins following David Moyes' departure on Wednesday. Newcastle are yet to receive any official approach for their Spanish boss, according to Chronicle Live.

#4 Jorginho's next club

SSC Napoli v Torino FC - Serie A
City want him

Jorginho's agent has made a little bit of clarification regarding his client's future, opining that he could move to Manchester City should Napoli allow it.

Jorginho's agent Joao Santos told Sky Sports: "Jorginho is still under contract but if Napoli finds an agreement with City, the player will go to Manchester. Finding an agreement with the English club will not be a problem considering the importance of the team."

"But, I repeat, that will depend on the decisions of Napoli as the player is tied for another two years."

#3 Manchester calling Eden Hazard

FBL-ENG-PR-NEWCASTLE-CHELSEA
Hazard could potentially leave Chelsea for pastures new this summer

According to The Sun, Manchester City are monitoring the situation of Chelsea winger Eden Hazard after the star's; reluctance to sign an improved deal until quality players arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer. City are not hesitant to make a bid over £100m to persuade him to move.

Meanwhile, Don Balon report that Pep Guardiola is ready to snatch a highly-touted Barcelona target, by making an offer for Antoine Griezmann which will surpass €100m. The Frenchman, who scored a brace during their UEFA Europa League final win on Wednesday, has been heavily linked with a move to the La Liga champions.

#2 Ronaldo update ft. Martial

Barcelona v Real Madrid - La Liga
Manchester calling, once again

Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Manchester United for a while now but Don Balon now state that despite being Mourinho's main target this summer, Florentino Perez is not prepared to negotiate a deal for the Portuguese star who has a €1 billion release clause.

Meanwhile, Daily Mail understand that Chelsea have two targets this summer in the form of Manchester United's Anthony Martial and Nice's midfielder Jean Michael Seri, the latter of which is also being tracked by Arsenal.

#1 Buffon to Premier League

Gianluigi Buffon Press Conference
Buffon, pictured here during a recent press conference to announce his Juve departure

Okay, this might be the weirdest rumour we have read in a while but The Sun seem to have won the cake as they claim Gianluigi Buffon is contemplating offers from two Premier League teams: Liverpool and Manchester City.

After Buffon's announcement that he is set to leave the Old Lady but not yet prepared to retire altogether, there is a chance that he could play in England's top-flight given he also confirmed that he's not going to join another Italian club, nor is he prepared to drop down quality of league to play regularly in future.

Liverpool don’t entirely have world-class goalkeepers and could be a viable option for him.

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Edited by Mosope Ominiyi