Neymar wants a return to FC Barcelona, David Alaba to spark a transfer battle between Madrid and Barcelona and more: Transfer round-up, March 9, 2018

Barcelona v AS Roma - Pre Season Friendly
Will the reunion happen in 2019?

Hello people! 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. Let's take a look at all the major transfer happenings that made headlines on March 6, 2018:


La Liga

Clso
Close to a move to Barcelona

Neymar wants a return to FC Barcelona

In a sensational claim by Mundo Deportivo, it has been reported that Neymar is regretting his move to PSG and is now looking for a return to Barcelona. He has reportedly expressed his desire to his former colleagues and is now looking to make his case in front of the Barcelona boardroom.

The report also mentions that Neymar is eyeing a return to the Catalans in 2019. This advancement will come as a huge blow to Real Madrid. Meanwhile, according to AS, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has kept Neymar's valuation at staggering €400 million.

FC Barcelona close to announcing the arrival of Arthur Melo

Goal understands that Barcelona and Gremio have struck a deal for the transfer of midfielder Arthur Melo. The 21-year-old is set to join the Catalans in 2019 with Barcelona paying €30 million to the Brazilian side up front and €10 million further in add-ons. He has been on Barcelona's radar since the past year when he helped Gremio win the Copa Libertadores.

Serie A

SSC Napoli v AS Roma - Serie A
Gary Cahill's successor?

Chelsea favourites to land Kalidou Koulibaly

The Daily Star has tipped Chelsea to be the front-runners to sign Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer. The Senegalese defender is considered as one of the best in his position and has long been tracked by both Chelsea and Arsenal. With Gary Cahill and David Luiz expected to depart in the summer, Koulibaly is seen as a potential summer reinforcement.

AC Milan interested in Pepe Reina

With Gianluigi Donnarumma's future still in the dark, AC Milan are looking to rope in Pepe Reina from Napoli who is out of contract in the summer. Reina has more than 100 caps for Napoli but is now reported to be looking for a new challenge.

Milan's sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli has admitted to Sky Italia that, “We did inform Napoli that we want to speak to Pepe Reina’s agent because we want to see if there’s a possibility of bringing the player to Milan."

Bundesliga

FC Bayern v AC Milan - 2017 International Champions Cup China
Alaba is set to trigger an El Clasico off the field

FC Barcelona to rival Real Madrid for David Alaba

According to Le10 Sport, FC Barcelona are ready to make a move for Bayern Munich's David Alaba at the end of the season. Real Madrid have also been linked with the left-back for a while now.

But it is now believed that Barcelona representatives are set to meet Alaba's entourage before the World Cup and want to sign him as soon as possible. Lucas Digne is expected to be offloaded in the summer with Alaba now tipped to play a major role in Barcelona's future years.

Simon Mignolet on Borussia Dortmund's radar

A Belgian publication, DH has reported that Borussia Dortmund are interested in securing the services of a new keeper in the summer transfer market, and Simon Mignolet might just be the man. Mignolet has fallen off the pecking order at Anfield and is now the club's second choice keeper in all competitions. The shot-stopper has also recently made a change of agents to aid a summer move away from Liverpool.

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur v Juventus - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg
On Manchester United's hitlist

Manchester United could sell Paul Pogba

The folks at the Independent have revealed that the Manchester United ownership has total belief in the management of Jose Mourinho and are set to back him up in each of his transfer decisions.

The club has reportedly informed Pogba and his camp that if the manager takes a call on offloading the Frenchman in the summer, the club will go ahead with the gaffer's call. Since United's 2-0 loss to Spurs, the relationship between Pogba and Mourinho has taken some serious beating.

Eric Dier monitored by the Red Devils

Another day another midfielder has been linked with a move to Old Trafford. This time it's the turn of Tottenham Hotspur's Eric Dier, who is now being touted as a direct replacement for the retiring Michael Carrick.

Transfermarketweb has claimed that United are set to open the bidding at £55 million, a price they feel will compel Spurs to think twice. The Lilywhites' Daniel Levy is a tricky negotiator but United are determined to test his resolve.

Ligue 1

Manchester City v Chelsea - Premier League
Next PSG boss?

PSG earmark Antonio Conte

Paris Saint Germain are reportedly readying an offer to lure Antonio Conte to the Parc Des Princes next season. Unai Emery is set to receive the sack soon and the Daily Mail understands that the Qatari owners now want Conte to take over from the former Sevilla manager.

Conte's issues with the Chelsea board along with the Blues' league struggles has put the Italian on the brink of losing his job at the end of the season.

Nabil Fekir linked with a move to Real Madrid

Don Balon claims that Nabil Fekir of Lyon is Real Madrid's top choice to replace Gareth Bale. The Welshman is slowly running out of time in Spain with Los Blancos ready to offload him at the end of the campaign. Madrid supremo Florentino Perez has been impressed by the Frenchman and wants him to add more goals to the side. Fekir has scored 21 goals in all competitions this season.

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