Barcelona locked in battle with Manchester United and Bayern Munich to sign Benfica star Nelsen Semedo

Sport360 staff 12:06 14/06/2017
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  • Hot prospect: Semedo.

    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.

    Do you think any of the following deals will happen?

    Share your thoughts!
    Get in touch on Twitter and via Facebook.

    NELSON SEMEDO

    Barcelona remain locked in battle with Manchester United, Manchester City and Bayern Munich to sign the Benfica star, according to reports in Spain.

    The Catalan giants have wasted no time in drawing up their plans for next season and new boss Ernesto Valverde sees the 23-year-old right-back as a must-have purchase.

    Semedo, who flourished for the Portuguese giants last term, is thought to be keen on a switch to La Liga according to Marca – and the club that gets closest to his €50 million valuation will secure his signature.

    Barca, who are believed to have contacted the defender’s representatives, are desperate to strengthen their backline – particularly on the right-hand side – which was occupied by Sergi Roberto for large parts of last season.

    RATING: 8/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: The Portugal international favours a move to the Nou Camp and a switch will very much boil down to whether Blaugrana can come up with an attractive financial package for Benfica to cash in. If they don’t, expect there to be a number of clubs waiting in the wings to sign him.

    GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA

    The highly sought-after AC Milan shot stopper is no closer to a move to Manchester United this summer, according to reports in Italy.

    The Red Devils have been monitoring the 18-year-old’s situation at the San Siro side, with rumours aplenty speculating he will not sign a new contract and leave the club.

    However, according to Tuttosport, Milan – with new investment behind them – want to keep the homegrown talent at the club.

    Rossoneri general manager Marco Fassone is thought to be working hard behind the scenes to tie up a new deal for Donnarumma, but until then, Jose Mourinho’s men will be waiting in the wings…especially if Real Madrid sign David de Gea.

    RATING: 6/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: The teenager has already proved he is more than just a prospect and would be a good signing for any top side – but it’s likely he’ll stay at Milan for another season, at the very least.

    FLORENCE, ITALY - JUNE 03: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy in action during the training session at Coverciano at Coverciano on June 03, 2017 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

    The youngster has also become a key man for Italy.

    KYLIAN MBAPPE

    The Monaco superstar has added to the rumour merry-go-round regarding his future by saying potential suitors Real Madrid have been trying to sign him since he was 14-years-old.

    Speaking to the media following France’s victory over England on Tuesday night, the 18-year-old striker was pressed on his future and again wasn’t shy in hiding his admiration for Los Blancos.

    “They have been trying to recruit me since I was 14,” Mbappe told Canal + following yet more speculation Real will land the hitman this summer.

    RATING: 8/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: It is no secret that Real Madrid are desperate to sign Mbappe, with all parties involved seemingly convinced a mega-move could take place in the coming weeks. Expect much more activity on this story.

    France's midfielder Kylian Mbappe (R) shoots towards England's goalkeeper Jack Butland during the international friendly football match between France and England at The Stade de France Stadium in Saint-Denis near Paris on June 13, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

    Mbappe was a constant thorn in England’s side.

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