Real Madrid set to enter talks with Icardi as Inter Milan line-up new contract offer

Sport360 staff 10:49 15/02/2018
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  • Mauro Icardi is being linked with a move to Real Madrid.

    The transfer window is heating up and we have our daily transfer gossip column to keep you in the loop.

    Here, we look at the top headlines doing the rounds in Europe’s media on Thursday.

    LOS BLANCOS IN FOR MAURO ICARDI

    Real Madrid are set to enter talks with Mauro Icardi‘s representatives before Inter Milan can offer the Argentine lucrative new terms at the San Siro.

    The Whites have been running the rule over the striker for some time and could launch a summer bid for his services, however, Inter have put together a big-money financial package to tempt the 24-year-old to stay.

    Reportedly, the Nerazzurri are willing to increase Icardi’s current salary from €4.7m per season to €6.5m while the Black and Blues also want to bump up his release clause from €90m to close to €200m.

    Inter are worried that Madrid could meet his existing buyout clause in the summer and would command a lot more for his services.

    Real are desperate for firepower up top and are seeking a long-term replacement for Karim Benzema.

    RATING: 8/10

    VERDICT

    Icardi is a big personality and presence Madrid need up top to help club legend Cristiano Ronaldo. Expect the Whites to rev up their interest after the World Cup in Russia.

    FERRARA, ITALY - JANUARY 28: Mauro Emanuel Icardi of FC Internazionale looks on during the serie A match between Spal and FC Internazionale at Stadio Paolo Mazza on January 28, 2018 in Ferrara, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

    Captain Icardi is Inter’s talisman.


    SPURS AND TOFFEES TRACKING STEVEN BERGWIJN

    Tottenham and Everton are locked in a battle to sign PSG winger Steven Bergwijn, according to reports.

    The Premier League duo have scouted the 20-year-old flying Dutchman, who has impressed this term – scoring five goals in 22 Eredivisie appearances.

    Bergwijn’s ability to operate from either flank is seen as a major plus and it is expected he will win full international honours sooner rather than later.

    However, PSV will be reluctant to cash in on the attacker cheaply, given the investment they have made in bringing the player through the academy since the age of 13.

    RATING: 7/10

    VERDICT

    Bergwijn is of course still developing but definitely has the pace, skill and trickery suited to the Premier League. A fee of around £25m could well be enough to tempt PSV to part with the youngster but he still has some developing to do before he is ready for regular first-team football in England.

    EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - JULY 26: Steven Bergwijn of Eindhoven runs with the ball during the friendly match between FC Eindhoven and PSV Eindhoven at Philips Stadium on July 26, 2016 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

    Hot prospect: Bergwijn.


    OLD LADY TARGETING JACK WILSHERE

    Juventus are hopeful they can convince the Arsenal midfielder to move to Turin in the summer.

    The 26-year-old boyhood Gunner is out of contract at the end of the season and eligible to talk to other clubs, with his recent upturn in form attracting a string of admirers.

    The reigning Serie A champions want to bring the England man to the club and could soon open official talks with the maestro.

    Wilshere has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this term but given an agreement over a new deal is no closer, he is set to leave the north London side.

    RATING: 7/10

    VERDICT

    Arsenal can really ill afford to let Wilshere go on a free but they may have no choice if both parties fail to reach an agreement soon. A move to Italy, however, is unlikely to enhance his future ambitions with England.

    LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Jack Wilshere of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on February 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

    Turin bound? Jack Wilshere.

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