CREDIT: Mirror

Transfer news LIVE: Neymar in Man Utd talks, Martial set for exit, Bayern Munich move for Rice

Hudson-Odoi returns to Chelsea

Callum Hudson-Odoi has confirmed he is leaving Bayer Leverkusen at the end of a season-long loan deal from Chelsea.

The winger’s deal at the Blues expires next summer and it is believed the club will listen to offers for a permanent exit this year.

Bayern hold Rice conversations

West Ham captain Declan Rice is a summer transfer target for Bayern Munich, according to Sky Germany.

Conversations are said to have already taken place between the German giants and the family of the 24-year-old, who act as his agents.

Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is demanding the England international as his preferred defensive midfield target. The Hammers would be more keen on selling Rice abroad as to not strengthen a domestic rival, amid sustained interest from Arsenal.

Rice is entering the final year of his West Ham contract, and the club are said to be looking for offers in excess of £120million.

Martial set for United exit.

Anthony Martial was handed a start against Bournemouth but he failed to impress and lasted just 58 minutes.

A report in The Sun claims that United have run out of patience with Martial, who has not scored in back-to-back Premier League matches in three years, and will sell him this summer.

Man United in ‘active Neymar talks’

Manchester United are in sensational talks with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Neymar, according to reports.

Neymar is seriously considering leaving the French capital this summer, six years after he stunned the footballing world by completing a world record £189million transfer from Barcelona.

The 31-year-old forward, who is contracted to PSG until 2027, was once the star attraction in France but Kylian Mbappe has since stolen his thunder and the Ligue 1 club are keen to put the former Monaco man at the forefront of their sporting strategy. They have no plans to stand in the Brazilian’s way should he push to leave in July.

Lazio might have to sell star midfielder

Lazio sporting director Igli Tare has hinted that the club might have to sell midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer.

“It was not an easy situation to deal with, knowing you are in one day and out the next, that can really affect the motivation of the players. The sooner there is clarity, the better for everyone,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

Newcastle confirm Champions League qualification

Newcastle have drawn 0-0 at home with relegation-threatened Leicester, but there are celebrations at St James’ Park.

That’s because they only needed a point to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

Bayern set Sabitzer asking price

Bayern Munich will demand £22million from Manchester United to sign Marcel Sabitzer this summer.

Sky Sports says that Bayern are open to making the Austrian midfielder’s move permanent, but want to recoup a decent amount.

Sabitzer has impressed Erik ten Hag since joining on loan in January and all parties are keen on making the deal happen.

Timber makes transfer admission

Jurrien Timber has admitted that he is in the dark over his future at Ajax amid transfer interest from Liverpool and Manchester United.

Liverpool are reportedly plotting to hijack Manchester United’s move for Timber this summer, but the defender insists that he remains unaware of any offer. He has spoken to Ajax sporting director Sven Mislintat and would be happy to stay put in Amsterdam.

“I met him (Mislintat) here at De Toekomst and then we spoke briefly and one-on-one. He spoke longer with my agent. As far as I know, Ajax wants to keep me here,” he told Algemeen Dagblad.

“Beyond that, I can hardly say anything about it. Talks about that will probably follow soon. Actually, I am now in the same situation as last year. I don’t know yet whether I will make that step now. I’m happy to be at Ajax – here you can always show yourself.”

Man Utd in ‘advanced talks’ with PSG over Neymar

Manchester United are one of several Premier League clubs to have entered talks with Paris Saint-Germain over Neymar, according to L’Equipe.

Neymar is considering leaving PSG, who are open to selling the 31-year-old Brazilian. There is reportedly plenty of interest from the Premier League, but United are the most active in talks.

United would prefer a loan, but PSG want a permanent deal. Casemiro has been chatting to his Brazil team-mate to encourage him to move.

BREAKING: Juventus hit with 10-point penalty

Juventus have been handed an 10-point deduction that will ruin their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

The Old Lady, who sit second in Serie A and face Empoli tonight, were handed the punishment at a court hearing this afternoon as the latest twist in their false accounting case. An 11-point penalty had been suggested, but the panel ultimately settled on 10.

Arsenal urged to sign Lukaku

Paul Merson believes Romelu Lukaku might be a good fit for Arsenal this summer.

He told Give Me Sport: “Ivan Toney would have suited Arsenal, but that won’t happen now because of his ban.

“Romelu Lukaku might be available. The 30-year-old is an out-and-out centre-forward. He will stay up front and back into players. That might help Arsenal.”

Man Utd in talks to extend Pellistri’s contract

Manchester United are keen to extend Facundo Pellistri’s contract, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Pellistri remains on the fringes of Erik ten Hag’s side – but has featured nine times in the second half of the season.

United want to tie down the Uruguayan winger until June 2028.

Chelsea make £70m bid for Vlahovic

Chelsea have reportedly submitted a £70million (€80m) bid for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

ESPN reports that the Serbian striker is the Blues’ number one priority this summer, despite making a limited impact at Juve since joining from Fiorentina.

Incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino has been told a top-class No9 will be signed this summer and Vlahovic is the man earmarked for the role.

More Man City targets

It’s not just Brighton pair Alexis Mac Allister and Julio Enciso that Manchester City are interested in this summer.

Mirror Football understands that Joshua Kimmich, Declan Rice and Josko Gvardiol are on their radar, with Aymeric Laporte and Kalvin Phillips potentially leaving.

Man City to hijack Mac Allister move to Liverpool

Manchester City are ready to take on arch-rivals Liverpool in the battle to sign Brighton World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.

Fresh from their third straight Premier League title win, City are set for a summer spending spree to keep the chasing pack at arm’s length and continue their domestic dominance.

Boss Pep Guardiola has identified the £60million-rated Argentina midfielder as the ideal replacement for Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva, both of whom are set to leave City this summer. And Guardiola could make it a double Seagulls swoop, with the City boss also said to be a huge admirer of Brighton’s 19-year-old Paraguay sensation, Julio Enciso.

Man Utd and Newcastle on alert after Neves comments

Manchester United and Newcastle could still be in the running for one of their main transfer targets, with a race to sign Ruben Neves expected to spark into life following Champions League qualification.

Barcelona have been heavily linked to the Wolves midfielder in recent weeks, with a swap deal potentially involving Ansu Fati being widely reported. However, they will now have to compete with the financial might of the Premier League, with both United and Newcastle expected to pursue a deal to sign the Portuguese international.

This comes amid both clubs’ expected qualification for the Champions League next season, with the two sides needing just a point from their remaining two league matches to qualify. This means that they can now offer assurances to any potential summer target, with their place at the top table of European football almost certain to be confirmed for next season.

Villa linked with Martial deal

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has emerged as a target for Aston Villa.

Football Transfers are reporting the France international has dropped onto Villa’s radar amid the uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag is thought to be open to selling Martial in the summer transfer window as he continues to overhaul his squad with a number of new signings planned.

Villa, meanwhile, have lofty European ambitions under Unai Emery and could bring in Martial on loan, with a view to buying the 27-year-old.

Sheikh Jassim makes Man Utd takeover backup plan

Manchester United bidder Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani could end up turning his attentions to West Ham if he fails with his record-breaking approach.

The banker, chairman of Qatar Islamic Bank, is going toe to toe with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in an attempt to take the reins at Old Trafford. He marked out his intentions early in the process, pushing for a 100 per cent takeover, and remains in contention as the Glazer family weigh up their options after launching a final take it or leave it offer.

Ratcliffe, the INEOS billionaire involved in fellow European sides Nice and Lausanne, shot up the Times’ Rich List to become the UK’s second richest person. If the Englishman’s bid proves successful, though, it appears Sheikh Jassim might not give up on his hopes of owning a Premier League club.

Schmeichel set for summer switch

Kasper Schmeichel could be set to leave Nice this summer after one year at the Ligue 1 outfit.

Schmeichel, 36, left Leicester at the end of last season and made the switch to the Sir Jim Ratcliffe-owned side in search of a new experience and challenge.

According to L’Equipe, his training schedule, coupled with a lack of leadership, are raising tensions at the club. His freedom has annoyed some of his team-mates, who are having to follow a strict routine. It is understood Schmeichel also fails to motivate the group despite his invaluable experience in the game.

Liverpool enter Guehi race

From one London-based Premier League club to another now as Crystal Palace try their hardest to retain the services of defender Marc Guehi.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham have all been credited with an interest in the past and according to the Daily Mail, Liverpool have now entered the race to sign him.

However, it is claimed that the Reds would not have the funds required for a deal with Palace demanding £50m.

West Ham confirm Rice price

West Ham will cash-in on Declan Rice this summer but only if they receive a huge bid.

According to Sky Sports, they will allow the midfielder to leave if they receive a £120m offer from a Champions League club.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked with him.

Klopp confirms Arthur exit

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Arthur Melo will leave Liverpool after his horrendous loan spell at Anfield.

He said: “I would like to wish the best to Arthur as his loan period comes to an end — his professionalism and ability were clear to all who worked with him.”

The Brazilian has made just one appearance this term.

Liverpool ‘agree’ Mac Allister deal

Alexis Mac Allister could be a big summer transfer arrival at Anfield, with the Brighton midfielder being linked to Liverpool as part of their expected pursuit of midfield reinforcements.

Reports in Argentina suggest that a deal has been agreed for Mac Allister to join the Reds this summer in a £60million move. Talks are believed to be ongoing, with a potential £100,000 per week contract being discussed as per Argentine publication La Nacion, while fellow Spanish language outlet TyC are reporting that a deal is done.

Roma eye Tielemans

Jose Mourinho’s Roma could provide competition for a number of Premier League sides after being linked with a move for Leicester star Youri Tielemans.

According to Gazetta dello Sport, the Belgian international is one of a number of options being considered by the Italian giants including Houssem Aouar.

Tielemans is out of contract at the end of the campaign and has been linked with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Tottenham plot Raya swoop

Tottenham remain interested in Brentford goalkeeper David Raya this summer but are so far refusing to match the Bees’ demands.

Thomas Frank has confirmed that the club will demand £40m for the Spanish stopper. However, according to Mail Online, the North London club will only be willing to offer £20m for him.

He has just one year remaining on his contract with Brentford.

Arsenal’s Rice advantage

Arsenal could find an advantage in the pursuit of Declan Rice this summer, with West Ham manager David Moyes reportedly open to a potential swap deal to fill the void left by the England international’s departure.

Arsenal are believed to hold three key names in a potential swap deal, with Reiss Nelson, Folarin Balogun and Albert Sambi-Lokonga all likely to be an attractive option for Moyes. Nelson’s contract expires next month, while the latter two are expected to be subject to wider transfer interest in the coming months.

Xhaka confirms Arsenal exit decision

Granit Xhaka has dropped a heavy hint that he will be quitting Arsenal.

The Swiss international said speculation over his future will be cleared up this week ahead of the Gunners’ final game against Wolves. Xhaka, 32, has been linked strongly with a move to Bayer Leverkusen and it appears that he has made a decision.

Forest willing to pay big for Henderson

Nottingham Forest are reportedly willing to pay £30m for Man Utd goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

The Red Devils’ academy graduate has been on loan at the City Ground this season with Forest keen to sign him on a permanent deal.

They would be willing to pay up to £30m to make that happen, with Keylor Navas set to depart at the end of the campaign.

Spurs to make Slot approach

Tottenham appear to have decided on their prime candidate for a new manager.

According to The Athletic, the North London side have decided to firm up their interest with a formal approach for Feyenoord coach Arne Slot.

The Dutch boss is reportedly keen on a move.

Kudus set to leave Ajax

Ajax star Mohammed Kudus appears set to leave Amsterdam this summer after turning down an extended deal.

The forward was on the verge of a move to Everton in the summer but a deal fell through. He has continued to shine for Ajax, as well as for Ghana at the World Cup. Arsenal, Man Utd and Newcastle are all credited with an interest in him.

According to The Athletic, he has told the club that he wants to leave when the transfer window opens.

Lukaku ‘comfortable’ with Inter

Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta has claimed that Romelu Lukaku is ‘comfortable’ with the Italian giants amid questions over his long-term future.

“Romelu loves the shirt he wears, he is very comfortable at Inter,” he said. “These are fundamental aspects, this desire of his to be with us. But he is on loan until June 30. He will return to Chelsea, and we don’t know what will happen on a technical level at that club. At the moment we are at the window.”

Man Utd eye Gunners wonderkid

Manchester United are eyeing a move for Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri as he attempts to make a decision over his long-term future.

The 16-year-old is highly-rated within the Gunners youth set-up but is yet to put pen to paper on a long-term deal. According to The Athletic, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City could all swoop for him if he leaves North London.

Arsenal eye Gundogan

Arsenal are targeting Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan as he attempts to reach a decision over his future.

The German is out of contract this summer and could be set to leave the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer. Spanish giants Barcelona have been linked with a swoop for his services should fresh terms not be agreed upon.

Man Utd deal ‘practically done’

Manchester United are reportedly very close to clinching a deal for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, with a house already lined up for the Serie A winner.

Il Mattino has reported that despite Napoli’s insistence on wanting him to stay at the club, negotiations are at an advanced stage. Indeed, a ‘villa’ has seemingly been identified for Min-Jae to live in, situated in the neighbourhood of Alderley Edge.

The South Korean player, 26, only joined Napoli last year. But he’s been pivotal in their historic title win, making 33 league appearances at centre-back.

Martial urged to leave United

Anthony Martial was handed a start against Bournemouth but he failed to impress and lasted just 58 minutes.

And speaking to Lord Ping, ex-United hero Dwight Yorke has argued the writing was on the wall for Martial when he went on loan to Sevilla in January 2022: “Martial has been here for seven years now, he’s looked good in spells and was very promising,” said Yorke.

“But you can’t be going on loan at the age of 26 or 27, that’s for people who are 21 years old or younger. Once Martial went on loan, that should have indicated that his time is done at the club, like how it did when Jesse Lingard went on
Ronaldo offered Euro return

Businessman Markus Schon is exploring an unusual deal which could see him finance a move for Cristiano Ronaldo to join Bayern Munich this summer.

Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr midway through the season after leaving Manchester United by mutual agreement. He has scored 13 goals for his new club, who sit second in the Saudi Pro League, but reports of a return to Europe continue to follow the veteran around.

Bayern were linked with a swoop for Ronaldo before the striker joined Al-Nassr, only for CEO Oliver Kahn to rule out such a move. Now, though, a new opportunity has been put before the German title challengers.

Liverpool expect Koopmeiners competition

Juventus are likely to rival Liverpool for Teun Koopmeiners, according to Calciomercato (via The Echo).

The Dutchman is one of a number of midfielders linked with the Reds, along with the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Alexis Mac Allister.

Atalanta are expected to demand up to £35m for the 25-year-old, who joined from AZ in 2021.

Balogun hits milestone amid exit talk

Folarin Balogun scored his 20th league goal of the season today, becoming the first under-21 player in one of the big five European leagues to do so this season.

The Arsenal striker, on loan at Reims, has been linked with a summer switch with West Ham among the destinations mentioned

His effort wasn’t enough to seal a win against bottom-of-the-table Angers, who twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against Will Still’s men.

Only three players have more goals in Ligue 1 this term, including former Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette.

Lille want Man Utd target Orban

Lille are keen on Gent striker Gift Orban as a potential replacement for Jonathan David, according to Get French Football News.

Nigerian striker Orban has been averaging a goal a game since making his mid-season move to Belgium, helping Gent qualify for Europe.

He has also attracted interest from the Premier League, with Man Utd among the clubs linked, but Lille are readying themselves for David’s potential summer exit and looking at alternatives.

Liverpool dealt Gravenberch blow

Bayern Munich do not plan to offload Liverpool-linked midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, according to Fabrizio Romano.

“They don’t want to negotiate at this stage, so if at some point this summer, Bayern will decide to put him on the market and to negotiate, Liverpool will be there for sure,” Romano told Givemesport.

“Otherwise, I think it’s going to be complicated because, as of today, Bayern have no intention of opening talks.”

Barca ‘reach Neves agreement’

Barcelona have struck an agreement with agent Jorge Mendes over a move for Ruben Neves.

That’s according to Sport, who suggest the Wolves star could move in a swap deal involving Ansu Fati, wih Barca also receiving €30m.

The deal is far from settled, though, with no word yet on whether Spain international Fati is prepared to agree to the switch.

Arteta’s Cancelo issue

Joao Cancelo’s proposed move to Arsenal might not be as straightforward as hoped, with questions being asked over a swoop for the Manchester City man.

Cancelo has spent the second half of the season on loan at Bayern Munich after seeing his stock fall at the Etihad Stadium. Premier League champions City appear prepared to let the Portugal international move on, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is said to be a fan.

City are also exploring a swap deal with Bayern, which would see Joshua Kimmich move to Manchester. And there are two other big reasons why that might end up being a better arrangement for those involved.

Lukaku prepared to take pay cut to stay at Inter

Romelu Lukaku will accept a drop in salary to extend his Inter Milan loan for a second season, according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Football Italia).

The Belgian has spent an injury hit season on loan at his former club, but could end the campaign as a Champions League winner.

Even a pay cut might not be enough, though, with Inter reportedly needing both Champions League qualification and a discount from Lukaku’s parent club Chelsea to guarantee a deal.

Van Dijk prepared for summer changes

Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk has spoken about the future as Jurgen Klopp’s side prepare for a season without Champions League football.

“Players are leaving, players come in and will be ready. I think everyone that can come in and improve us will help the football club and push us all. It’s always good,” he says.

“If I’m a player on the rise and I have options to go to the next step and Liverpool is knocking on my door, then I would be very, very interested. I don’t think it’s going to change much if we’re not in the Champions League”

West Ham keen on Arsenal trio in Rice deal

Arsenal’s move for Declan Rice could see as many as three Gunners move to West Ham, according to Football Transfers.

West Ham’s higher-ups are believed to prefer a cash sum for the captain,with a fee of between £85m and £95m mooted.

However, manager David Moyes is reportedly keen on three fringe players – Reiss Nelson, Folarin Balogun and Albert Sambi Lokonga – with a player or players plus cash deal an option.

CREDIT: Mirror