Tuesday’s transfer news and rumours: Manchester United set Paul Pogba asking price as Liverpool chase as Romelu Lukaku nears departure
Review all the day’s news, rumours, gossip and done deals
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and more are set to be busy in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal are set to push on with their first signing of the summer with a bid for Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser set to be lodged following this week’s Europa League final. A new centre-back is high on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s priority list at United with Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Leicester’s Harry Maguire both options. Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka is another on the Norwegian’s radar.
It won’t just be incomings at Old Trafford, however, with Paul Pogba a high-profile target for Real Madrid and Alexis Sanchez on his way out with Inter Milan and Juventus fighting it out for his signature – if he drops his wage demands. And Liverpool could be active too as they look to go one better after failing to win the Premier League title by just a single point.
Review all the day’s transfer stories:
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load
Over to Manchester now to champions City where they are set to make their first signing of the summer.
Portuguese newspaper Record report that they are closing in on right-back Joao Cancelo from Juventus.
The deal is apparently nearly done with the Portuguese international set to arrive for £52m.
Meanwhile, with Vincent Kompany's departure confirmed, City are turning their attention to Harry Maguire, the Mail says.
It is reported the Leicester and England defender is Guardiola's top pick to replace his former captain, but the Foxes are likely to be reluctant to sell.
Manchester United may have to double their valuation of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to sign the full-back, as there currently remains a huge difference between their stance and Crystal Palace's.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified the 21-year-old as a key signing this summer, but initial hopes that the player's openness to go to Old Trafford could lead to an uncomplicated deal have been misplaced.
Palace feel under absolutely no pressure to sell Wan-Bissaka, and would want a fee of over £70m to even consider the prospect.
United had been hoping to complete the signing for at most £40m, but that now looks way off.
It is understood other clubs have already been put off by such a high valuation, but United will persist with the pursuit.
Over to Liverpool now and something of a left-field option.
The Reds aren't expected to be big players this summer after a busy offseason last year.
But one man they could apparently be looking at is former German international Max Kruse.
With Daniel Sturridge on his way out Jurgen Klopp is in the market for a new striker and according to Sport1 the Werder Bremen star could be the man.
Tottenham are keen on adding some help for Harry Kane up top this offseason.
According to the Daily Star that man is Celta Vigo's Maxi Gomez.
The 22-year-old Uruguayan international has a £43m release clause in his contract.
To Manchester United and the Daily Star report that the club have set their price for Paul Pogba.
Real Madrid are desperate to sign the French international this summer with Zinedine Zidane understood to be personally pushing for the move.
And the paper reports United will accept a £138m offer.
Over to you, Zinedine.
Xavi has been appointed head coach of Al Sadd, the Qatari club have announced.
The 39-year-old former Barcelona and Spain midfielder retired as a player with Al Sadd earlier this month after making more than 100 appearances.
Via Twitter, Al Sadd confirmed: "Officially: £ Xavi coach for the team from the beginning of next season.
Xavi will start his duties with a team which includes Sergio Oriol, Ivan Torres, Oscar Hernandez, Jose Manuel, David Baratas, Antonio Lobo, Sergio Garcia, Antonio Tramulas."
To Chelsea where Marcos Alonso could be on his way out.
The Spaniard saw his first-team opportunities limited down the stretch with Maurizio Sarri opting for Emerson more regularly at left-back.
And Atletico Madrid are keen to take advantage, according to AS.
To Arsenal where a new goalkeeper is on the menu.
With Petr Cech walking off into the sunset - and quite probably to Chelsea - at the end of the season the Gunners need a new back-up for Bernd Leno.
Bild report that Germany U21 goalkeeper Markus Schubert, who plays for Dynamo Dresden, is a target and could move to the Emirates on a free transfer.
BREAKINGAfter two years out of management, former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has returned to football as head coach of Marseille.
The club has confirmed the appointment of the Portuguese, who replaces Rudi Garcia, and it's understood that his assistant will be none other than former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments