In our weekly talk cock sessions, we look at the latest transfer news, gossips, and highlights that have football fans all over the world buzzing with excitement.
Chelsea and Manchester City interested in Rayan Ait-Nouri
Chelsea and Manchester City are reportedly interested in Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, but would have to pay £45million for the youngster’s signature. The 21-year-old defender has impressed a great deal in his time at Molineux, and it wouldn’t be too surprising to see him earn a big move in the near future. Still, Wolves are not going to make it easy for the likes of Chelsea and City to sign Ait-Nouri, as he’d cost £45m. Ait-Nouri could be a fine signing to improve Chelsea’s left-back options next season, with Marcos Alonso unconvincing for some time, while Ben Chilwell has had injury problems in his time at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United improve offer for Frenkie de Jong
Manchester United have reportedly improved their offer for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The Netherlands international has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag, who managed the player when they were together at Ajax. A recent report stated that talks were progressing, and it now seems there’s been a major breakthrough. De Jong’s sale now looks set to be confirmed soon, with the deal likely to come to €70million-plus-bonuses. If accurate, this looks like great news for United and new manager Ten Hag. De Jong looks crucial to helping Ten Hag implement his style of play, with the 25-year-old’s ability on the ball likely to see him become key to controlling games for United and helping them dominate possession better than they have in recent times.
Tottenham interested in Piero Hincapie
Tottenham are reportedly interested in a transfer deal for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie in a potential £34million deal. Spurs manager Antonio Conte wants the club to keep on strengthening, with Hincapie emerging as a key target as part of the club’s rebuild this summer. Still, the Ecuador international won’t come cheap, with Leverkusen after £34m for the player. A report explains that a signing like this one, or a similar defensive player, is seen as key for Conte as he hopes to put together a squad that can genuinely challenge for the Premier League title next season. This could mean that with a few signings and a full season under Conte, they may be genuinely able to get quite a bit closer to the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool in 2022/23.
Real Madrid eyeing up a future move for Erling Haaland
According to surprise reports from Spain, Real Madrid are already eyeing up a future move for Haaland, who has just completed a move to Man City from Borussia Dortmund this summer. The Norway international will have a €150million release clause in his contract that becomes active in two years’ time, and Real will look to trigger that clause in the summer of 2024. Haaland has been a world class goal-scorer in his career so far, and City fans will be thrilled that he’s joining them, though it might be a bit of a worry that they could end up having him for only two seasons. Haaland seems ideal for the Spanish giants, and it will be interesting to see if City have a plan in place to replace the 21-year-old in a couple of years if he does decide he wants a move to the Bernabeu.
Paris-Saint Germain keen on Kalvin Phillips
Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain have reportedly made contact with Premier League side Leeds United over a possible deal for midfielder Kalvin Phillips. Phillips, 26, has seen his name linked with a whole host of clubs, including both Manchester clubs, but with his roots so far embedded into the Elland Road turf, it is going to be difficult for any side to prise the England international away from Yorkshire. Despite his loyalty to the white shirt though, with just two years left on his deal and by far one of the club’s most expensive players, this summer could see Leeds United forced into a difficult decision. Although Leeds United won’t be keen to see bids come in, while the chasing pack deliberate over a potential summer approach, it is Paris-Saint Germain who look to have taken the advantage.
Newcastle United rejected Merih Demiral
Newcastle United reportedly passed up the chance to sign centre-back Merih Demiral. Despite scouting him extensively, Eddie Howe’s Magpies opted against making a move for the Turkey international, even when invited to do so. Demiral, 24, burst onto the scene when he signed for Juventus from Sassuolo in 2019. Despite being tipped to become a really important player for the 36-time Serie A champions, Demiral’s time at the Allianz Stadium has fallen a long way short of expectations. Following a formal announcement on the club’s official website, Demiral will now become a permanent fixture at the Gewiss Stadium, leaving the Magpies to pursue alternative defensive targets.
