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The summer transfer window may not be open yet in Europe, but teams are getting ready for it, and there’s plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Chelsea’s Kovacic could head to Man City
Manchester City are looking to sign Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, according to The Daily Mail.
Kovacic, 29, is reportedly ready to leave Stamford Bridge and would be keen to join City, with Pep Guardiola a big admirer of his. With Mauricio Pochettino set to become Chelsea manager, the club could see several player departures such as Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, and Edouard Mendy, as they look to raise funds and balance the books after £600m of spending in recent transfer windows.
Premier League champions-elect City will look to add to their squad at the end of the season and are waiting to see whether Ilkay Gundogan will to choose to stay, with the 32-year-old’s contract running out this summer and Barcelona keen to sign him on a free transfer.
City have also discussed West Ham United’s Declan Rice — though Arsenal are deemed favourites to sign the Hammers captain — and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, with Real Madrid head of the queue there.
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08.28 BST: Spain striker Fernando Llorente has posted an emotional message after confirming his retirement from football.
Llorente, 38, played for Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur and Napoli, winning three Serie A titles, two Italian Cups and a Europa League, but had been without a club since his contract with Eibar expired last year. He also won the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship with Spain.
He wrote on social media: “I dreamed of becoming a professional footballer from a very young age. Who would have thought that I’d end up living out that dream, complete with all the wonderful opportunities that football has brought me throughout my career? I’ve been so lucky to be able to dedicate myself to doing the thing that I love for so many years.
“It’s been a long road, and with work, sacrifice, humility and passion, I’ve enjoyed being part of truly great teams, where I always performed with pride and gave my all. I would like to thank everyone for the opportunities they have given me, and the fans for their love and support over all these years. I feel deeply privileged to have had so many fantastic experiences through football, and to have met so many great people along the way. THANK YOU.”
08.00 BST: Manchester City have not given up hope of agreeing a new contract with Ilkay Gundogan and have not been informed that he intends to leave this summer, sources have told ESPN.
Gundogan’s deal is set to expire in June and if fresh terms are not agreed, the Germany international will leave the Etihad on a free transfer. His contract situation has alerted Barcelona and at least one club in Italy but City would also like the 32-year-old to stay for at least another season.
Sources close to Gundogan insist he is focused on finishing the campaign with City, who are still in the hunt for three trophies, and will only make a decision about his future at the end of the season.
City are keen to keep the former Borussia Dortmund star, in part because of doubts about other midfielders in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
1:49
Dawson: Mood at Man United could disintegrate if they miss top 4
Rob Dawson feels the mood at Manchester United is on a knife edge as the race for the top 4 heats up.
PAPER GOSSIP (by Danny Lewis)
– Manchester United and Chelsea are both hoping to capitalise on the clause in Napoli centre-back Kim Min-Jae‘s contract that means he can be signed for €48m during the first two weeks of July, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Preparing to lose the 26-year-old, Napoli are already looking to bring in Jurrien Timber from Ajax.
– Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all monitoring the situation of Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze, according to Ekrem Konur. Not only has the 24-year-old winger impressed with his attractive style of football, but he has also recorded 10 goals and three assists in the Premier League this season.
– With Juventus preparing to do without midfielders Leandro Paredes and Adrien Rabiot, Calciomercato has stated that the Bianconeri are looking at Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, who is said to be valued in the region of €35m-€40m. There is also set to be competition from Liverpool and Napoli, with the latter potentially having mentioned the 25-year-old during a meeting to plan their future.
– Newcastle United are monitoring the situation of 19-year-old Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto, according to Ekrem Konur. Football Insider has also suggested that Newcastle are looking at Manchester City centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis, with Burnley also wanting to sign the 21-year-old after his impressive loan spell helped them earn promotion. Fulham and West Ham are also tracking him.
– Brentford have a verbal agreement for the signing of SC Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken and will activate his release clause worth around €13m, reports Florian Plettenberg, who adds that the 29-year-old’s contract should run until 2028. The Daily Mail have also suggested that the Bees have opened talks over a move for Seongnam FC’s 18-year-old centre-back Kim Ji-Soo, whose release clause is £560,000.
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