Transfer News: Manchester United ready to activate €70 million release clause for Spanish midfielder, Barcelona want Borussia Dortmund star as Luis Suarez replacement, 4 April 2019

Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's Daily Transfer Roundup. Though the summer transfer window is a couple of months away, the groundwork for a successful summer transfer window has to be laid now and that is exactly what the top European clubs are up to. As such, the rumour mill is buzzing.

Without further ado, let's take a look at the top transfer news, rumours and updates that made headlines on 4 April 2019.

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Also see : Copa America Schedule, Copa America Standings

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Maurizio Sarri hails Callum Hudson-Odoi amid transfer speculation

Maurizio Sarri

Maurizio Sarri's stringent ways have come under much criticism this season as he refuses to budge despite results and the fans urging him to. One of the players who have suffered as a result of Sarri's was is Callum Hudson-Odoi. However, Sarri has now heaped praises on the youngster after his debut in Chelsea's resounding win over Brighton.

Sarri told Sky Sports that Callum Hudson-Odoi can go on to become one of the best players in Europe. He was also quick to add that the youngster will do well to keep improving as nobody can become the best player in Europe at the age of 18. Sarri did not hold back from praising the youngster's attitude either.

"He's a good boy. Of course, now, he can risk stopping to improve because he can risk thinking that he is a player at 100 per cent, but that's not true. It's impossible to be at the top when you are 18,"

"He needs to improve, he can improve, and I want him to improve. He can become one of the best players in Europe. Callum is ready to play in every match, even the most difficult matches. He improved a lot over the season. I am really happy for him. Not only in attack, but in defence. For this team, the future is could be good with Callum."

Eric Bailly emerges as a target for Real Madrid

With there being much speculation around the future of Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos walking into the twilight of his career, Real Madrid are looking at potential signings that can shore up their defence. According to the latest reports, they are eyeing out of favour Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly.

Zinedine Zidane reportedly holds the Ivory Coast international in high regard after having seen him play during his time at Villareal. Bailly's inconsistent performances which bordered on the capricious on occasion has seen him fall down the pecking order with the likes of Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones being preferred over him.

Real Madrid are now being linked with a £35 million move for the 24-year-old who had impressed immensely in his first two seasons before injuries hampered his progress. Bailly has failed to impress under the new Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and is expected to be sold in the summer.

Barcelona want Borussia Dortmund striker Alexander Isak

Barcelona have restored their interest in 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund striker Alexander Isak who is currently on loan at Dutch Willem II. The lanky striker has already scored 10 goals in 9 games in the Eredivisie and is continuing to impress in the international circuit as well.

Isak, who is touted as a successor to Zlatan Ibrahimovic was Sweden's most decisive player on the pitch as they took on Norway in the recent international break. Isak was sent on loan to Dutch Willem II in the winter transfer window and has taken to the Eredivisie like fish to water.

Borussia Dortmund are willing to listen to offers and the European elite have taken note. Isak is also reportedly of the opinion that after spells in the Bundesliga and the Eredivisie, he is ready to make the big step up. The reports claim that Isak values his career more than monetary benefits and that's why he chose Borussia Dortmund when Real Madrid were also looking to sign him.

Isak is being eyed as a long-term replacement for the ageing Luis Suarez whose best days are clearly behind him.

Manchester United willing to activate Rodrigo's release clause

Manchester United are in the hunt for a central midfielder and Solskjaer wants the club to sign a youngster who holds great promise for the future. As such, recent reports are claiming that the Red Devils are willing to pay £60 million (€70 million) to secure his services in the summer.

Rodrigo was reportedly eyed by Barcelona in the summer. However, he ended up joining Atletico Madrid from Villareal. The 22-year-old signed a 5 year deal with the Rojiblancos. Now Manchester United are ready to shell out top dollar in order to sign him.

Manchester United will face tough competition from European giants like Bayern Munich, Manchester City and PSG- all clubs who will have no qualms about breaking the bank when it comes to reinforcing their squads.

Manchester City want Rodrigo to replace the ageing Fernandinho. Rodrigo has been compared to none other than Sergio Busquets for all his efforts at the heart of the Atletico Madrid midfield.