As always, Transfer Talk has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest gossip. See the latest deals here.
TOP STORY: Real, Chelsea to swap Morata for Hazard?
Eden Hazard’s Euros took a turn for the better against Hungary with a dazzling display that signalled a return to his very best, which might be bad news for Chelsea.
Real Madrid appear keen to acquire the Belgian star and the Mirror suggest they will float a swap deal with Alvaro Morata moving in the opposite direction and the Blues also receiving £35 million.
The Champions League winners value Morata at £40m, which effectively values Hazard at £75m. Chelsea could be open to such a deal if James Rodriguez is also included in such a deal, but Hazard’s form of last season is likely to be an anomaly and Antonio Conte will be keen to retain one of the only world class players at his disposal right now.
Mourinho not giving up on Neymar yet
Jose Mourinho is determined to prize Brazilian superstar Neymar away from Barcelona this summer, with Mundo Deportivo reporting via the Daily Star that Manchester United will go back to the Blaugrana after reportedly seeing a £158m bid rejected.
Barca are attempting to tie the Brazilian superstar down to a new deal soon, which means United are up against it in terms of time as the club are bound to increase the 24-year-old’s buyout clause.
If this fantastical move were to happen, Neymar could line up on the opposite flank to Anthony Martial, who enjoyed a stunning debut season at Old Trafford, while United also appear likely to sign a new centre-forward to lead the line.
United to land Zlatan by end of week
Speaking of which, the Zlatan Ibrahimovic saga appears to be nearing a conclusion and the BBC tips United to get their man by the end of the week.
The 34-year-old is likely to sign a one-year contract to join Mourinho, who will hope he sees the form the Sweden international displayed in a PSG shirt last season.
Having reached the 50-goal mark for Les Parisiens, United are acquiring one of the few world-class strikers left in the game and Ibra could be joined at Old Trafford by fellow target Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Armenian provided 32 assists for Dortmund last season, and United are said to be ready to pay €42.5m to BVB for his services.
Barca to sign Umtiti
Barcelona appear close to reinforcing their defence with Lyon’s Samuel Umtition the verge of a £25m move to the Camp Nou.
Lyon, who have already found the 22-year-old’s replacement in Marseille’s Nicolas Nkoulou, could sign off a deal on Thursday and solidify their position in order to maintain star striker Alexandre Lacazette beyond the summer.
Marc Bartra has already left for Dortmund, while Thomas Vermaelen could depart too, signalling the importance of bringing in a fresh face at the back.
Tap-Ins
– Crystal Palace have stepped into the race for Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, with the Eagles agreeing a fee, though Everton remain in the hunt according to the Express.
The France international’s agent will meet officials from the Toffees this week with the 31-year-old earmarked as a replacement for custodian Tim Howard, who has now returned to Major League Soccer.
– Bournemouth, fresh from securing Chelsea’s Nathan Ake on a season-long loan, appear ready to add Le Havre forward Lys Mousset.
French newspaper L’Equipe says the 20-year-old will join the Cherries by the end of the week. Mousset, who can also play out wide, scored 14 goals in 28 games in Ligue 2 last season.
– Manchester City midfielder Jack Byrne has joined Championship side Blackburn Rovers on a season-long loan.
The 20-year-old, who joined City when he was 15, spent last season on loan with Dutch club SC Cambuur, scoring four goals in 27 games.
