Though the winter transfer window just passed and the summer window is still months down the road, that hasn’t stopped the chatter of players potentially being on the move.
Across the world of football, there remains plenty of activity and stories that have football fans talking.
Here, we look at five potential transfer candidates that could be heading elsewhere when the market reopens in June.
EDEN HAZARD
Chelsea will stall on any contract offer from the Blues in the hope of securing a summer move to Real Madrid, the Daily Mail reports. While Hazard is happy under Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge, it is believed he is ready for a change after nearly six seasons in west London. Although the Belgian would add creativity, flair and class to a star-studded attack at the Bernabeu, Chelsea will do what they can to keep hold of their prized asset for next season. The report also states that Thibaut Courtois is eager to follow Hazard to the Spanish capital.
BERND LENO
Arsenal are considering pushing through a cut-price transfer for the Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper, according to Bild. The Gunners are keen to add a shot-stopper to their ranks after the ageing Petr Cech’s shaky displays this term.. David Ospina is available as a deputy, but Arsene Wenger’s side are searching for a young man between the sticks to build the future around. Leno, who turned 26 last week, has a £13m (Dh66m) release clause in his contract – a bargain for a shot-stopper considered a future German number one.
JONATHAN TAH
Tottenham have been eyeing up another Bayer Leverkusen star in the form of Tah, according to The Mirror. The paper says the club are looking at the defender as insurance in case Toby Alderweireld leaves and have been watching several of the 22-year-old’s games recently. Alderweireld’s current contract expires next season and Spurs are yet to persuade the Belgian to sign a new deal. If the north London side sell their star centre-back in the summer, they will aim to sign £35m-rated Tah (Dh178m), who has three senior caps for Germany and could head to the World Cup.
JOSHUA KIMMICH
Manchester United and Barcelona have been dealt a major blow as the Bayern Munich man is close to agreeing a new long-term contract at the Allianz Arena. According to Kicker, the 23-year-old has been rewarded with a contract extension up until 2022 as a result of his recent sparkling form. The former Red Bull Leipzig star complained of a lack of minutes last season but has established himself into one of Jupp Heynckes’ key men this term, since stepping into the right-back spot that Philipp Lahm vacated at the end of the 2015/16 season.
RAMIRES
The former Chelsea star is eyeing a return to Stamford Bridge after quitting Jiangsu Suning in the Chinese Super League. The 30-year-old left the Stamford Bridge outfit back in January 2016 after falling down the pecking order under then-boss Guus Hiddink. But Ramires has now opened the door to a return to the Blues by admitting to Brazilian publication UOL Esporte he’d be prepared to go back. The Brazilian made 246 appearances across six seasons in the English capital and clinched five trophies, including Champions League and Premier League titles.
