Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz edges closer to Lyon transfer despite interest from Tottenham

Sport360 staff 09:24 25/06/2017
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  • With the transfer window set to open next month, the frenetic nature of speculation has already begun.

    Rumours are starting to gather pace and we take a look at the latest stories doing the rounds in the media.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Get in touch with your thoughts on Twitter and via Facebook.

    MARIANO DIAZ

    The talented Dominican Republic striker is edging closer to the Bernabeu exit door, with Lyon poised to conclude a deal for his services.

    Having broken into the Real Madrid first-team last season after three seasons with the club’s Castilla side, Diaz is reportedly not part of Los Blancos’ plans moving forward and they are willing to cash in.

    While Tottenham have shown some interest in the 23-year-old forward, Lyon are ready to table a bid in the region of €15m to bring Diaz to Ligue 1 as a direct replacement for wantaway star Alexandre Lacazette.

    According to Marca, once Real are happy with the terms offered, Diaz is free to leave the Spanish capital for a new venture.

    RATING: 8/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: Diaz showed flashes of his full potential for Real Madrid last term, netting five goals in 14 appearances – and clearly has an eye for goal. But, it looks like his future lies away from Spain and Lyon could be a perfect move for him.

    MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 30: Mariano Diaz Mejia of Real Madrid CF celebrates after scoring Real's 5th and his 3rd goal during the Copa del Rey last of 32 match between Real Madrid and Cultural Leonesa at estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 30, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

    Ready to say goodbye to the Bernabeu: Diaz.

    SAUL NIGUEZ

    Barcelona are keeping tabs on the Atletico Madrid midfielder if their pursuit of Marco Verratti fails, according to AS.

    Paris Saint-Germain star Verratti, who on Saturday denied giving any update on his future to La Gazzetta dello Sport, is Barca’s big summer target but Ernesto Valverde is monitoring Saul in case that deal doesn’t happen.

    The 22-year-old central midfielder was a key man at the heart of Diego Simeone’s midfield last term, and while Atletico would be very reluctant to sell, the Catalan giants are expected to flex their financial muscles as soon as they find out about Verratti’s plans.

    RATING: 8/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: Saul very much fits the mold of Barcelona’s midfield philosophy but don’t expect Atleti to allow the player to leave easily, even if big money is offered.

    MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 06: Saul Niguez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring their opening goal during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and SD Eibar at Estadio Vicente Calderon on May 6, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

    Star performer: Saul.

    DIEGO COSTA

    While Atletico may have to face up to the prospect of losing Saul, they are reportedly a step closer to bringing the Chelsea hitman back to Madrid.

    Costa recently revealed his willingness to leave Stamford Bridge club and return to Atleti, the club where he spent four years between 2010 and 2014.

    According to AS, Blues boss Antonio Conte wants to move for the Spanish forward sooner rather than later and it is now up to Atleti to put a package together to secure the deal.

    Although Antoine Griezmann is now staying with the Red and Whites, Atleti are not expected to pass-up the opportunity to re-sign him.

    RATING: 8/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: Costa hasn’t been short of interest since declaring his desire to leave west London and is likely to do everything within his powers to force a move to his former employers.

    LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Diego Costa of Chelsea celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 27, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

    Instrumental last season: Costa.

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