Another day in football, another wave of transfer rumours to keep up on. Take a look at the most recent names and gossip being floated around in the media.
Will any of the following deals happen?
Liverpool might have their guard up to prevent Barcelona from signing key man Philippe Coutinho but according to Tuttosport, it’s another midfielder who could be prised away from them.
Juventus have reportedly set their sights on Emre Can who has not renewed with the Merseyside club.
It’s no secret that Juventus are on the look out for a defensive midfielder and after missing out on Nemanja Matic who eventually joined Manchester United, Can is a worthy alternative.
The Liverpool midfielder was a regular feature in Jurgen Klopp’s first team towards the back end of last season but when Jordan Henderson is fit, the German struggles to book a starting berth. With only a year left on his contract, Can is yet to sign an extension and may be weighing up his options. It would be hard for him to tunr down an offer from Juventus, where he would more or less be guaranteed trophies.
Emre Can
ESPN report, Barcelona have made contact with Real Sociedad for Inigo Martinez, the Basque club have confirmed.
However, they are reluctant to sell the centre-back in this transfer window. As a result, Barcelona will have to pay the 26-year-old’s reported €32 million buyout clause in order to complete the signing this summer.
Barcelona need reinforcements in defence and Martinez fits the bill. The defender is comfortable with the ball at his feet and can play the ball out from the back.
He’s Spanish, has had plenty of La Liga experience and at 26, is into his best years as a centre back. It’s hard to think of many more defenders in the market who would be a better fit. He’s an improvement from Jeremy Mathieu at the very least. Most reports from Spain suggest the deal is as good as done.
Inigo Martinez
Chelsea are set to challenge Liverpool for Virgil van Dijk by offering £50 million for the Southampton defender, according to The Times.
Antonio Conte identified Van Dijk as a transfer target in January and has persuaded the club to make a firm bid, with Chelsea optimistic that a deal could be agreed before the start of the Premier League season next weekend.
After being burned once, Liverpool are understandably being cautious over making any approach for Van Dijk but if they don’t act, Chelsea may well stroll in and snap him up.
The defender is still keen on signing for Liverpool, it is understood, but if deadline day approaches and he’s still training by himself at Southampton, he’d be tempted to accept Chelsea’s offer.
Virgil Van Dijk
