Real Madrid want German star, United and Liverpool to battle for Spurs midfielder, and more: Transfer round-up - 2nd March 2018

Zinedine Zidane Announced As New Real Madrid Manager
Real Madrid identify midfield reinforcement

Hello, ladies and gents! Welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. Despite the season now entering its business end, top clubs are also 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. Though the transfer world has been slow today to churn out news, we have managed to get a bunch of stories that made headlines on March 2nd, 2018:


La Liga

Real Madrid enter Emre Can race

Juventus' efforts to sign the Liverpool midfielder on a pre-contract agreement have so far proved to be futile. Don Balon understands that Real Madrid are ready to take advantage of the situation and beat the Bianconeri to the signing of Emre Can.

Florentino Perez is reportedly looking at the prospect of signing Can on a free transfer and sees the German midfield engine as a potential replacement for Matteo Kovacic or even Toni Kroos.

FC Barcelona in advanced talks with Gremio

Goal.com has reported that representatives from Gremio are on their way to Barcelona to conclude the negotiations for the sale of Arthur Melo. The 21-year-old midfielder has long been courted by the Catalans and is high on Ernesto Valverde's list.

Arthur has over 50 appearances for Gremio and was his side's best player when they won the Copa Libertadores in 2017.

Serie A

AC Milan v UC Sampdoria - Serie A
Mino Raiola wants his client to leave AC Milan

Mino Raiola wants Donnarumma to leave AC Milan

Despite signing a new four-year deal last July, Gianluigi Donnarumma has been advised by his agent Mino Raiola to leave AC Milan in the summer. He has made over 100 appearances for the Rossoneri since making his debut in 2016.

In an interview with RAI (as quoted by Goal.com), Raiola said, "Gigio made a choice, to stay at AC Milan, and I respect it. (But) in my opinion, Gigio should leave Milan."

Juventus coy on Emre Can's signing

Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta has conceded the fact that Emre Can may not join the Turin based side this summer. Out of contract in the summer, Can has been heavily linked with a move to Serie A.

Talking to the press yesterday, Marotta revealed, "We know that there are other clubs in the race to sign him. If he decides to come to Juventus, we will be happy, but if he decides to join another team, we will take another chance."

Bundesliga

Real Madrid CF v Borussia Dortmund - UEFA Champions League
On Spurs' radar

Tottenham Hotspur eyeing Marco Reus

Marco Reus will have one year left on his Borussia Dortmund contract at the end of the season. Reports from The Mirror claim that the German international has not yet decided to pen a new deal with the club, and that Spurs are tracking Reus' situation at the moment and are readying a mega-money move for him.

Set to move into a new stadium next season, the Lilywhites are looking for a blockbuster signing in the summer.

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur v Newport County  - The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round Replay
Wanyama wanted by United and Liverpool

Manchester United and Liverpool to battle for Victor Wanyama

According to the Mirror, the Kenyan midfielder is demanding a new contract from Spurs at the end of the season. He has three years left on his current deal but is looking to secure his future in London. But the club has no such intentions of handing out an improved deal to the holding midfielder.

United and Liverpool are in the know-how about Wanyama's situation and are looking to steal him away from Spurs. Both Mourinho and Klopp are set to be in the market for a midfielder next season and Wanyama may start a transfer battle between the eternal rivals.

West Ham United to offer a new deal to Manuel Lanzini

The Argentine playmaker has been linked with Liverpool in recent weeks as a direct replacement for Philippe Coutinho. Evening Standard has reported that the Hammers are set to offer Lanzini a new improved deal to fend off interest from Liverpool. They are also looking to secure the future of the talented duo of Declan Rice and Reece Oxford.

Rest of the world

SS Lazio v OGC Nice - UEFA Europa League
Super Mario back to England?

Mario Balotelli has offers to return to England and Italy

Despite scoring 21 goals in 29 matches this season, Mario Balotelli is looking to leave Nice at the end of the season. He is reportedly eyeing a move to England or Italy which has now been also admitted by his agent Mino Raiola. Astonishingly, Raiola believes that Balotelli is worth €100 million.

Talking to RAI (as quoted by Goal.com), the agent said, "Mario is ready to come back to Italy. He is one of the 10 best strikers in the world, and the number one in Italy. I'm already negotiating with many teams in England and Italy."

Vancouver Whitecaps to sign Jordan Mutch on loan

ESPN reports that Crystal Palace midfielder Jordan Mutch is set to join MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps on a year-long loan spell. The 26-year-old midfielder does not feature in Roy Hodgson's plans at Selhurst Park and has not made a single appearance under the veteran manager. The move is expected to be announced by Saturday.

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