Transfer gossip: Ramirez, Hernandez, Verratti

Stuart Appleby 10:54 08/05/2017
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  • Could Ramirez be moving to Goodison Park?

    With only a few weeks to go until the end of the season, transfer gossip is beginning to gather pace!

    Here, we look at three key transfers that could happen this summer as clubs and players alike look for new moves and opportunities.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Share with us your thoughts – get in touch via Twitter and Facebook.

    SANDRO RAMIREZ

    Everton boss Ronald Koeman is lining up a summer move for Malaga striker Sandro Ramirez.

    The Dutchman watched the former Barcelona prodigy score in Malaga’s 3-0 victory over Celta Vigo last night and was, according to social media, pictured with the 21-year-old’s agent (see below).

    Ramirez has been in fine form this term, smashing in 14 La Liga goals in 29 appearances – sparking plenty of interest in his signature.

    But it looks like the Toffees are at the front of the queue to sign the striker as Koeman begins in earnest to plan for next season.

    It is thought Everton want to land the ex-Barca star regardless of whether they manage to keep hold of Romelu Lukaku or not.

    RATING: 8/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: The Blues are desperate for more firepower up top and goals from an alternative source other than Lukaku is a necessity. With the Belgian likely to leave Goodison Park this summer, Ramirez could fit the bill as his replacement.

    THEO HERNANDEZ

    Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are locked in battle to sign Atletico Madrid defender Theo Hernandez.

    The 19-year-old left-back, who has spent this season on loan at Alaves, has been courting plenty of interest after a set of solid performances for the La Liga club.

    Hernandez is due to return to Atleti at the end of the campaign but it remains to be seen whether the French star will be guaranteed regular first-team football next term with Diego Simeone’s men.

    Both Barca and Atleti’s city rivals Real have shown an interest in the defender, with the former having already spoken to the player’s representatives according to Footmercato.

    While Liverpool and Manchester City have also been linked with his services, it is likely Hernandez will decide to stay at Atletico – especially given he has been part of the Vicente Calderon club since the age of 10.

    Indeed, his father, Jean-Francois Hernandez, played for the red and whites in the early 2000s.

    For now, Atleti management are expected to sit down with the player and discuss his long-term future once he returns from his spell with Alaves.

    RATING: 7/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: You would think Atleti would be unwilling to part with a player they have invested lots of time into. Expect to see Hernandez on loan at the Mendizorrotza Stadium next season too.

    MARCO VERRATTI

    Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti will not be leaving the club at the end of the season, according to the Italian’s agent.

    The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona but PSG are not prepared to allow the Italy international to end his five seasons in the French capital.

    Indeed, Verratti’s representative, Donato Di Campli, told TMW Radio: “He is in a club that loves him and in a city that loves him. I have not spoken to Barcelona, at the moment (nothing is happening).”

    RATING: 6/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: Verratti is a key man for Unai Emery’s side but if there was one team that might tempt him to leave the Parc des Princes, it could well be Barcelona.

    WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON?

    Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez has yet again been linked with Bayern Munich in the English press.

    It’s set to be an interesting summer at the Emirates Stadium and the Chilean will have a decision to make over his future.

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