Transfer Talk: Bale’s Madrid exit has United bracing for Pogba raid
Former Real Madrid manager Santi Solari says he only has “good words” for Gareth Bale who now looks set for a move to the Chinese Super League. (1:19)
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Gareth Bale’s impending move to China is set to open up substantial funds for Real Madrid’s summer transfer kitty, and The Mirror claims Manchester United are preparing themselves for a Madrid onslaught after manager Zinedine Zidane ordered Bernabeu bosses to bring in Paul Pogba.
Bale’s departure frees up wages of around £600,000 a week, which will allow Real to prepare a lucrative financial package in an attempt to entice Pogba to make the switch to La Liga.
Reports claim that United have no interest in selling their World Cup-winning midfielder, but it is believed that stance will not deter Madrid, who will have to smash their transfer record if they are to sign the Frenchman.
Zidane has made no secret of his admiration of compatriot Pogba, while the 26-year-old admitted in March that it would “be a dream” to join the Galacticos.
Calciomercato claims Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri isn’t quite convinced with his midfield options at the club and is hoping sporting director Fabio Paratici can land at least one of his three main targets.
The trio in the frame are Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of Lazio, Real Madrid’s Isco and Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian Eriksen — the latter of whom has just a year left on his contract in north London, meaning the Serie A champions could potentially secure yet another bargain in the transfer market.
Such a signing requires Juve to push some of their current crop out the door, however, with Sami Khedira and Blaise Matuidi reportedly out of favour in Turin.
It is believed former Chelsea boss Sarri is looking to swap out the more defensive-minded midfield role in the side for an attacking 10-goal-a-season player.
Newcastle United appear to have dropped out of the running to sign Tottenham Hotspur left-back Danny Rose, after Steve Bruce’s side turned their noses up at the England international’s wage demands, says The Sun.
The 29-year-old reportedly earns £60,000 a week at Spurs, and with the Magpies targeting players on around £50,000 a week, it seems they have been priced out of a move for the Champions League runner-up.
That news will be a welcome development for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, with the former believing they are now in pole position for the one-time Leeds man, thanks to their financial clout in the wage department.
Rose didn’t travel with the Spurs squad for their preseason tour of Asia, and boss Mauricio Pochettino will not stand in his way should a suitable offer come in.
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It’s hard to imagine a guy with a CV like the one Dani Alves has would have to post a plea on social media that he is in search of work, but that’s what happened on Saturday when the Brazil international posted this message on Instagram.
The former Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Barcelona standout has won club and international trophies the world over from Champions League crowns to league titles in Spain, Italy and France, but that hasn’t moved the needle for any prominent clubs to make a move for the free agent.
And Alves isn’t short on references to go with his résumé, either. After making his Insta post, he received shoutouts of support from Neymar, Renato Augusto and Douglas Costa vouching for the player’s quality and his ability to still be a top player for a top club.
One final show of support came from Alves’ partner Joana Sanz, who suggested the 36-year-old look for work with second-tier Spanish side Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Although we’re not sure if that idea was more for Alves’ benefit or his partner’s!
– Speaking of good references, The Sun reports that Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn, who scored an outrageous goal against Charlton on Saturday, has the backing of Sir Alex Ferguson for a move to Manchester United. McGinn’s father is a friend of Sir Alex’s, and the former United boss has urged the Red Devils to bring the Scotland international to Old Trafford.
– The never-ending saga surrounding a move to Manchester United for Leicester defender Harry Maguire is currently, and still, never-ending. The Leicester Mercury says Brendan Rodgers hasn’t seen any acceptable offers for the England international, while the Mail adds the timing of the payment on a rumoured £80m fee continues to be a sticking point.
– Wolves are looking to build on their impressive seventh-place finish last season in the Premier League by raiding AC Milan for Patrick Cutrone to help their cause, according to The Express. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side made their first acquisition of the summer on Saturday with the addition of Jesus Vallejo on a season-long loan from Real Madrid.
– The Sun claims Newcastle are looking to seal a cut-price deal for Amiens defender Emil Krafth. The 24-year-old Sweden international, who also had a four-year spell at Serie A side Bologna, could be set to make the switch to St James’ Park for around £1m.
– Fulham manager Scott Parker is looking to make further additions to his squad ahead of the new season, and The Sun claims he is interested in signing Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter — who also is Parker’s brother-in-law. The 29-year-old is out of favour on the south coast, and he could be available for around £8m.
– Reports in The Sun claim Turkish giants Galatasaray are in the running to sign former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill on a free transfer, and they are hoping that a little help from Blues legend and former Gala striker Didier Drogba can persuade the 33-year-old to make the switch.