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Hello folks! 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 because of the focus on the European draw, we have still managed to get a bunch of stories that made headlines on March 16, 2018:
Premier League
Liverpool and Arsenal chase Lucas Vazquez
The Real Madrid winger is an underrated part of Zinedine Zidane's squad who has time and again proved his worth with consistent performances. But despite his good run, Vazquez has not been entrusted with a regular starting berth.
The Mirror reports that Liverpool and Arsenal are ready to take advantage of this situation and are set to make a big money move for the 26-year-old.
If Real Madrid does go all out in their pursuit of Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, then Vazquez can be used as a makeweight in the deal.
Chelsea keeping tabs on Aaron Ramsey
After raiding Arsenal in January for Olivier Giroud, Chelsea are set to go back to their bitter rivals in the summer.
Another report by the Mirror suggests that Chelsea are keeping tabs on Aaron Ramsey who will have just one year remaining in his contract at the end of the season.
The Welshman has not yet hinted on signing an extension and may decide to join the Blues in a major summer overhaul at Stamford Bridge.
Serie A
Juventus keen on Anthony Martial
The Bianconeri are being strongly linked with a summer move for Manchester United's Anthony Martial. According to Premium Sport, Juventus vice president Paulo Nedved recently held a meeting with the investors where the topic of signing Anthony Martial was raised.
The Frenchman has a contract with United until 2019 and is valued at around €65 million. Martial can prove to be an inspired signing for the Turin in their bid for European success.
Inter Milan closing in on Stefan De Vrij
Football Italia has suggested that Inter Milan and De Vrij are in the final stages of agreeing to a deal which will see the Dutchman plying his trade at the San Siro next season. De Vrij is set to be a free agent soon and Inter have been quick in trying to get hold of the centre back.
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich contact Mauricio Pochettino
Former Liverpool midfielder and German international, Dietmar Hamann has claimed that Bayern Munich have contacted Mauricio Pochettino to take over from the retiring Jupp Heynckes in the summer.
Talking to Sky (and as quoted by Goal.com), Hamann said, "I know Bayern have been in contact with Pochettino and that he was an option - and might still be."
Stuttgart keen on holding onto Benjamin Pavard
After joining in from Lille in 2016, Benjamin Pavard has now become a regular at Stuttgart which even saw him earning an international cap with France. His good form has not gone unnoticed with the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund all keeping tabs on the defender.
But Goal.com understands that Stuttgart are keen on holding onto their prized asset and will not listen to any offer below €30 million.
La Liga
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona to battle it out for Clement Lenglet
According to Sport, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are looking to rope in Sevilla's Clement Lenglet in the summer. Both the clubs have been left impressed by the form shown by the Frenchman in La Liga.
Zinedine Zidane wants him to challenge Varane and Ramos for the starting spot whereas Barcelona are looking to loan Yerry Mina next season and are hence wanting Lenglet to replace the Colombian. Meanwhile, it is believed that Lenglet has a €30 million release clause with Sevilla.
West Ham United eyeing Karim Benzema
In the most astonishing transfer rumour of the day, West Ham United are linked with making a move for Real Madrid's Karim Benzema. Diario Gol claims that Benzema's time at the Bernabeu is coming to an end with the club looking to offload him for around €60 million.
The Hammers are ready to pay the desired amount with manager David Moyes keen on landing a big name in the summer. The Scot is looking to pair Benzema with Javier Hernandez up front.
Rest of the world
Everton keen on Leo Lacroix
Sport Witness has revealed that Everton are interested in Leo Lacroix and have approached the player with a summer move in mind. The centre-back is currently on loan at FC Basel from Saint Etienne and has shone during his time in Switzerland. Everton are impressed by his form and are looking to make a £7 million offer for the 26-year-old.
Arsenal interested in Brazilian starlet
According to UOL Esporte, Arsenal have been impressed by Corinthians youngster Maycon and are looking to sign him up at the end of the season. A deadline day move to Shakhtar Donetsk in January had fallen through which has now created an opening for the Gunners to swoop in. Arsenal are expected to bid around £9 million for the youngster.
