Transfer news UPDATES: Philippe Coutinho to SNUB Man Utd, Man Utd prepare Kalidou Koulibaly bid
Posted Saturday, March 23, 2019 by Express.co.uk
Man Utd prepare Kalidou Koulibaly bid
Manchester United are considering a mega-money deal for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
That’s according to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim the Red Devils could offer ï¿¡128.5million.
Koulibaly, 27, has been linked with a number of Europe’s elite including Chelsea, Barcelona and real Madrid.
But the report suggests United have made the towering centre-back their top priority and are prepared to spend big money to bring him to Old Trafford.
The next step for Xhaka?
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has hinted that he’s looking for a new challenge.
Xhaka, 26, has missed just five Premier League games under Unai Emery but his comments while away on international duty with Switzerland are concerning.
"I'm very ambitious, I want to take the next step, Arsenal does not have to be the last stop," he told Tagblatt.
VVD’s charm offensive
Agent Virgil van Dijk has praised Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt amid claims Jurgen Klopp wants him at Anfield.
Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with the 19-year-old, who plays alongside Van Dijk for Holland.
"He's obviously an excellent defender, that's clear," Van Dijk is quoted as saying by the Liverpool ECHO.
"He can still improve a lot and he realises that, but playing like he does at that age is fantastic and I'm really happy to play besides him."
Adrien Rabiot
Adrien Rabiot leaving PSG could spark a move for Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera, says Shaka Hislop.
Rabiot is out of contract at PSG in the summer and will leave the club at the end of his deal.
Herrera is also coming towards the end of his Manchester United contract and has been linked with a free transfer to PSG.
“This is a strange one,” Hislop said. “I like Herrera a lot, though he’s found his opportunities a little bit limited, particularly over the last 12 months, let’s say.
“Does that mean a move to PSG is on the cards? I’m not quite sure.
“I’m going to put this down as a miss right now, simply because I think it’s uncertain exactly what happens at Manchester United in the medium term and still very unsure about what happens at PSG.”
Jadon Sancho update
Manchester City will NOT stand in the way of Manchester United if their fierce rivals launch a move for Jadon Sancho, it has been reported.
According to the London Evening Standard, City DO have a buy back option on Sancho.
But they are unlikely to break their transfer record to take him back to the Etihad.
The ï¿¡60m spent on Riyad Mahrez last summer remains the most City have paid for a single player.
And, with Sancho valued north of that figure, they will not fight Manchester United for the 18-year-old.
Eden Hazard contract hope
Eden Hazard could still sign a new contract at Chelsea if Real Madrid do not come calling in the summer, claims European football expert Gabriele Marcotti.
“[Hazard joining Madrid is] not inevitable,” Marcotti said on ESPN FC. “We always need to remind ourselves of this, whether it’s Hazard or [Paul] Pogba.
“Real Madrid do not have infinite resources, despite what people think.
“They’ve spent a lot of money on Eder Militao already. They can only buy one, possibly two, A-list superstars on top of that.
“And beyond that if they want to buy more they need to go and get rid of players. Chelsea are respecting that, if the offer comes in the summer, he’s going to go.
“If it doesn’t come, because he’s only got a year left on his deal, if it doesn’t come and they’re not that interested in him, and Chelsea offer him a new contract, which they will, then he’s going to stick around.”
Chelsea could lose Hudson-Odoi to Liverpool
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp remains interested in signing Chelsea starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Bayern Munich are known admirers of Hudson-Odoi and are thought to be frontrunners to secure his signature.
But Liverpool have not given up hope of signing the 18-year-old either, according to Sport Bild.
Hudson-Odoi has yet to start a Premier League game for Chelsea but has still been called up to the senior England squad by Gareth Southgate this week.
Coutinho to snub Man Utd
Barcelona will listen to offers for Philippe Coutinho.
That’s according to Goal, who claim the Catalan giants are prepared to take a heavy loss on the Brazilian playmaker.
Barcelona signed Coutinho, 26, for an initial ï¿¡103million but could have to pay a further ï¿¡39m if add-ons are activated.
It’s reported that Barca will consider bids in the region of ï¿¡68m for the Manchester United target.
But Goal suggest PSG are the most likely suitors with the player ‘put off’ the idea of returning to the Premier League.
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