Lionel Messi wants €200 million superstar at Barcelona, Real Madrid to offer Marco Asensio in exchange for €85 million superstar and more: Transfer Roundup, 25 May 2019

Lionel Messi has asked Barcelona to make a huge signing
Lionel Messi has asked Barcelona to make a huge signing

Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's Daily Transfer Roundup. With the transfer window now open, there is no shortage of excitement on and off the pitch. We are in for a busy summer with top clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United among others, looking to rebuild.

Without further ado, let's take a look at the top transfer news, rumours and updates that made headlines on 25 May 2019

Thomas Tuchel signs extension, admits Kylian Mbappe and Neymar could leave

Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel

Paris Saint-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel admitted that he wants to keep hold of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr. but also said that he is not naive enough to entirely dismiss the possibility of their departures.

Tuchel's latest comments come on the back of Mbappe quipping that he has reached a 'turning point in his career' and that he is considering his future at Paris Saint-Germain. Tuchel said,

"As a coach, I do want them to continue, but this is football, we are not naive,"

"Many clubs want to transfer many players. But if you ask me, the manager, yes, I want them here next season. But if not, we will find solutions.

"I was a bit hesitant after what Mbappe said. He has ideas, he is very intelligent, but he is encouraged, like all PSG players, to assume responsibility."

After putting pen to paper on a new 2 year deal at PSG, Tuchel said,

"I am very happy and proud of my extension and my commitment to Paris Saint-Germain. Thank you to the president and the whole club for the confidence they show me and my staff.

“This only reinforces my goal of bringing this team to the top of its ambitions thanks to everyone's work. I am also very touched by the support marks of the fans. I am convinced that the best is coming for our club. "

Manchester United target Joao Felix provides update on future

Joao Felix is being compared to a young Cristiano Ronaldo
Joao Felix is being compared to a young Cristiano Ronaldo

In the modern world of football, we know better than to take a player's word regarding his immediate future but Manchester United target Joao Felix has denied all claims and said that he is very happy at Benfica.

Manchester United are desperate to reinforce their squad and landing a good attacking midfielder is a priority. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is also looking to sign young players and Joao Felix fits the bill. However, the youngster's latest comments are a big blow to the Old Trafford outfit.

Speaking to Benfica's website, Felix said,

“I’m good here, I’m very happy, I love the club, I adore these fans who adore me.

“I want to enjoy the moment, play football, have fun doing what I like, and then, over time, things happen naturally.

“I am very happy in Benfica.”

Chelsea name price for Eden Hazard

Chelsea are under no pressure to sell Hazard
Chelsea are under no pressure to sell Hazard

Chelsea have slapped a whopping £130 million price tag on Eden Hazard. This is quite an audacious and perhaps, prohibitory move from Chelsea's part as Hazard's current contract will run out next year and he will leave the club on a free.

Real Madrid are not willing to offer more than €100 million for a player whose contract will run out at the end of the next season. Chelsea will, however, only sell Hazard for the right price. The Blues are facing a transfer ban which they cannot sign any new players.

Chelsea are thus in a tricky spot. If they sell Hazard, they won't be able to get a replacement. However, if they keep him, they lose out on close to €100 million. Chelsea, however, are reportedly ready to take that risk and Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia is handling the negotiations.

Real Madrid to offer Marco Asensio in exchange for Christian Eriksen and €70 million

Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen

Florentino Perez has been trying to work out a deal to rope in Danish international Christian Eriksen from Tottenham Hotspur. However, he remained reluctant to raise the offer above €80 million- a figure that Spurs do not approve of.

However, Real Madrid have, according to the latest reports, decided to revise their offer and include Marco Asensio in the deal. Mauricio Pochettino admires the young Spaniard and he is likely to take to life at Tottenham quite easily given his technical ability.

However, Perez is only willing to part with one of Real Madrid's most gifted youngsters if he receives another €70 million plus Christian Eriksen. The report adds that Tottenham Hotspur and not pleased with Real Madrid demanding such a hefty sum in addition to Eriksen going the other way. Spurs are more interested in a straight swap deal that does not include money.

Lionel Messi wants Barcelona to sign Kylian Mbappe

Paris Saint-Germain v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg
Paris Saint-Germain v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg

Barcelona are eyeing a deal for Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe. Lionel Messi has told the top brass that he would be delighted to partner up with the Frenchman up top for Barcelona. The Cules are willing to offer €150 million and Philippe Coutinho in order to convince PSG to part with the 20-year-old.

The arrival of Philippe Coutinho in Paris could further the Ligue 1 Champions' chances of retaining Neymar Jr. whose future continues to be the subject of much speculation. In case, PSG decide to reject Coutinho, Barcelona are willing to include Ivan Rakitic in the operation.

Rakitic is one player who has been widely tipped to move away from Barcelona in the summer. Barcelona are not entirely convinced with the consistency of Dembele and are looking to bolster their attack as multiple previous signings made in that same regard have failed to work out.

Quick Links