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Good evening and 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 7, 2018:
La Liga
Zinedine Zidane in line to replace Unai Emery
After getting dumped out of the Champions League, Unai Emery is expected to receive his marching orders sooner rather than later. Marca has now reported that PSG have lined up the man to take over from Emery that shattered the club's ambition of winning the holy grail this season.
Zinedine Zidane is PSG's no.1 choice to replace Emery at the club with club owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi particularly wanting the Frenchman to return to his homeland and manage the Parisians.
Gareth Bale set to quit Real Madrid
Last night's decision of the Madrid management to drop Gareth Bale from the starting lineup has not gone well with the Welshman. El Confidencial has reported that Bale is now looking to quit the Spanish giants in the summer and is eyeing a move to the Premier League. His agent Jonathan Barnett has reportedly started the procedure for his exit from the Bernabeu.
Serie A
Manchester United favourites to sign Blaise Matuidi
There is not a day going in the transfer world right now when Manchester United are not linked with a midfielder. With Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick set to be off the playing roster next season, United are being linked with a new midfielder every single day.
Today's the turn of the Daily Star to do the reporting and they have tipped United to be the favourites to sign Juventus' Blaise Matuidi in the summer. The Frenchman also has the odds of 6/4 to join the Old Trafford outfit.
Paulo Dybala to sign a new contract with Juventus
According to the Sun, Paulo Dybala is on course to sign a new five year deal with the Bianconeri, which will see him in Turin until the summer of 2023. The most important aspect for Juventus from this extension will be the fact that the new deal will not feature a release clause for the Argentine. This is set to be a huge blow for the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid who were linked with the star forward.
Bundesliga
Timo Werner chooses Manchester United over Liverpool
In an interview with Four Four Two, Werner has revealed that he dreams of playing in the Premier League and has also admitted where his preference lies. United and Liverpool are the two sides that have been linked with the 22-year-old forward but the RB Leipzig man has committed his allegiance to the Red Devils.
Werner said, "Manchester United and Liverpool were the teams I watched quite a lot in England. When Alex Ferguson was the coach, United won everything and were outstanding. In Liverpool, it’s also their stadium and the atmosphere. But, when I have to decide, I’m more Manchester United than Liverpool."
Arsenal to make a move for Bernd Leno
A dismal run of form for Petr Cech has made Arsenal look for his replacement soon. German publication Bild has claimed that Bayer Leverkusen's Bernd Leno is high on Arsenal's wishlist.
The 27-year-old custodian has a contract with Leverkusen until 2020 but reportedly has a release clause of around €25 million, which should not be a thing of worry for the Gunners. Napoli are also linked heavily with the German international as they search for a replacement for Pepe Reina.
Premier League
Laurent Koscielny on Atletico Madrid's radar
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a centre back in the summer and have been long-term admirers of Atletico Madrid's Jose Gimenez. But the latest advancement reported by El Gol Digital has claimed that Atletico are set to demand Laurent Koscielny in a swap deal for the Uruguayan Gimenez. Diego Simeone is said to be a huge admirer of the French defender and is keen on working with him.
Manchester United enter Abdoulaye Doucoure race
The Mirror understands that Jose Mourinho is set to rival the likes of Spurs and Arsenal for the signature of Watford's Abdoulaye Doucoure. The 25-year-old midfielder has caught the eye with his consistent showings and is the Hornets' top scorer with seven goals. United are targeting two central midfielders in the summer, with Doucoure now being one of the prime targets.
Ligue 1
Liverpool closing in on Thomas Lemar
The good folks at Le10Sport have revealed that Liverpool have made progress in their negotiations with AS Monaco for the acquisition of Thomas Lemar. After a failed summer pursuit, the Reds are said to be closing in on the blockbuster signing. A financial agreement is reportedly met between the two sides with the Frenchman now expected to don the Liverpool colours next season.
FC Barcelona monitor Ferland Mendy
France Football reports that FC Barcelona are interested in making a move for Lyon's Ferland Mendy. The 22-year-old left back has been scouted on numerous occasions by the Catalans this season. Barcelona are looking to offload Lucas Digne in the summer and rope in Mendy to provide able competition to Jordi Alba as the club's no.1 left back.
