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Good evening and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. Despite the season now entering its final month, top clubs are keeping their eyes open on potential transfer targets.
And as always, there are stories which make headlines irrespective of the transfer window being open or shut. After scorching through papers and sources from all over Europe, we have managed to find transfer stories that made headlines on May 18, 2018:
#1 La Liga
Real Madrid to sign four defensive players worth €250 million
Though the current focus is on Real Madrid's pursuit of Neymar and Mohamed Salah, it is believed that the Bernabeu side are also planning a major overhaul in defence. Don Balon has claimed that Florentino Perez has sanctioned €250 million for four defensive players this summer.
The list includes David De Gea, Samuel Umtiti, Alvaro Odriozola and Marcos Alonso. De Gea is valued at €100 million, Umtiti at €60 million, Odriozola at €40 million and Alonso at €50 million.
Ayoze Perez linked with Real Betis
According to the Sun, Real Betis have made Newcastle United striker Ayoze Perez as their top summer target. The Magpies are keen on holding onto their star man who has scored 35 goals in 100 appearances for them.
#2 Serie A
Liverpool and Manchester City want Gianluigi Buffon
Juventus and Italy veteran Gianluigi Buffon recently announced that he will leave Juventus this summer. The Sun has now revealed that Liverpool and Manchester City are looking to rope in the 40-year-old custodian.
Liverpool are reportedly in the market for a goalkeeper whereas Manchester City are looking for a Claudio Bravo replacement.
Napoli demand €120 million Kalidou Koulibaly
With Manchester United and Chelsea interested, Napoli have slapped a hefty price on centre back Kalidou Koulibaly. Football Italia has reported that Napoli will demand €120 million for Koulibaly for any potential deal this summer.
#3 Bundesliga
Chelsea open to the idea of selling Alvaro Morata
The Mirror understands that Chelsea are looking to offload Alvaro Morata after just one season in London. Borussia Dortmund are reportedly interested and are tipped to make a €80 million move for the striker.
Dortmund's interest began in the striker after Chelsea reportedly blocked their move of making Michy Batshuayi's loan move permanent. Chelsea believe Batshuayi still has a future at Stamford Bridge.
Hannover to make a move for Kevin Wimmer
After their relegation, Stoke City are expected to sell a number of their costly signings. £18 million summer signing Kevin Wimmer is reportedly on Hannover's radar who are keen on signing the Austrian international. The Daily Mail reports that Stoke will have to incur huge losses on the defender.
#4 Premier League
Manchester City interested in Eden Hazard
If the Chelsea superstar decides to leave the Blues this summer, Manchester City are reportedly ready to pounce on him. The Sun has claimed that City are ready to make a £100 million plus bid for Hazard and are also willing to satisfy his £300,000 per week demands.
Chelsea make Anthony Martial their top summer target
As mentioned above, there is a real threat that Eden Hazard may leave Chelsea this summer. Preparing a contingency plan, the Blues will then reportedly target Anthony Martial if Hazard leaves Stamford Bridge.
The Daily Mail has claimed that Martial will be a direct replacement for Hazard and is said to be keen on a move from Manchester United where he has been used sparingly by Jose Mourinho this season.
#5 Rest of the world
Manchester United initiate talks with Djibril Sidibe
According to Le 10 Sport, Manchester United and AS Monaco will shortly begin negotiations for the transfer of Djibril Sidibe. United are in the market for a fullback and have reportedly set their sights on the versatile Frenchman. Sidibe can play on the right as well as on the left flank.
Leicester City reach an agreement with Ricardo Pereira
Leicester Mercury reports that the Foxes and FC Porto have reached an agreement for the transfer of defender Ricardo Pereira. Leicester have reportedly agreed a deal of €20 million for the Portugal international along with €5 million in add-ons. Pereira has previously worked with Leicester boss Claude Puel at Nice.
