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With the winter transfer window done and dusted, all attention returns towards the pitch ahead of what promises to be an exciting second half of the season in all the major European leagues.
Several prominent teams ventured into the market to recruit reinforcements, while others did not. A number of high-profile players also switched clubs over the course of the month-long window.
Now, clubs will begin to prepare for the summer transfer market - where most of the major business happens. Expectedly, transfer speculation has failed to end with the window, and several new rumours and stories have emerged.
Today's top transfer stories feature some giant clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, among others. They also feature some popular superstars who are being touted to move to different clubs in the summer.
On that note, here is a look at the top transfer news, stories, rumours, and updates for the day:
Mauricio Pochettino 'disappointed' with Spurs' transfer activity
At the start of the season, Tottenham Hotspur attracted a fair amount of attention for being the only club among the top six to have not made any signings in the summer transfer window.
Currently, with the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli injured, Spurs seem to be in dire need of reinforcements. However, Spurs failed to make a single signing yet again, and manager, Mauricio Pochettino is rather disappointed with the state of affairs, as per Goal.com.
Speaking about the matter, he reportedly said:
“Of course I wanted to strengthen the squad but if we cannot sign, I need to stick with the project of the club.
“Of course I am disappointed because we are in a very good position and maybe with a help from some players we can remove the excuse that we are not a real contender. But we are there, we are close, in a very good position and we will fight to the end to be as high as we can.
Bayern Munich to return for Callum Hudson-Odoi in the summer
Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi has turned many heads with his performances for the Blues in the limited opportunities that he has been given. Keen to find more playing time, Hudson-Odoi has reportedly submitted a transfer request amidst speculation of a move to Bayern Munich.
Ultimately, Chelsea, who were determined to keep the player, successfully prevented a move from happening last month. However, the Englishman has reportedly convinced Bayern's Sporting Director that he is the right fit for the club, which will prompt the Bavarian giants to return for him in the summer.
Reports from Sky Sports claim that this is what Bayern's CEO, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, allegedly believes. Speaking to Goal.com, Rummenigge reportedly said:
"I guess Hasan [Salihamidzic] is a bit like Uli [Hoeneß]. We also had transfers in the past that didn't work at the first attempt but at the second. And that's what we will work on now."
"To lay down a marker costs money. We want the best quality players here at Bayern and Hasan is absolutely convinced of that player."
Thibaut Courtois prefers Eden Hazard over Neymar at Real Madrid
Real Madrid have consistently been linked with a number of the best superstars ever since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club. However, the Spanish giants have made no big-name signings yet, but are believed to be waiting for the summer transfer window to make their move.
Chelsea's Eden Hazard and Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar seem to be the top two choices for the club, and the team's goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois would reportedly prefer playing alongside his former Chelsea teammate, Hazard, once again, as per reports from Goal.com.
According to the report, while speaking to a Belgian newspaper, Courtois was asked for his opinion and he reportedly said:
"I [would] choose Eden, of course. I really like him, but the choice is up to the board. I do not know what will happen. That is not a question for me, but for the chairman and the management."
Juventus plan €45m offer for Marcelo
Juventus signed Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid ahead of the ongoing season but reports from Tuttosport claim that the Italian giants could raid Madrid yet again in the summer for left-back, Marcelo.
The Brazilian defender has seemingly fallen down the pecking order at Madrid and is believed to be keen on a move away from the club. Marcelo was previously linked with a move to Juventus, but no move materialised.
However, the report claims that Juventus are intent on reuniting him with Cristiano Ronaldo, and are reportedly planning to make an offer of €45 million for the 30-year-old. The deal will reportedly see him earn €12 million per season.
Real Madrid to offer Karim Benzema + €120 million for Neymar
As Real Madrid contemplate the possibility of a trophy-less season, the club's authorities will undeniably be working behind the scenes to make amends ahead of next season. The general opinion seems to be that Madrid will almost certainly bring in a big-name player to aid the side.
Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar is believed to be one of the top candidates and has previously been linked with a move to Madrid as well.
Now, according to reports from Spain (via Goal.com), Madrid have reportedly decided to pursue Neymar, and will reportedly make a cash+player offer for the Brazilian superstar. While the cash component is believed to be approximately €120 million, the player chosen to go the other way is allegedly Karim Benzema.
