Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Real Madrid eye Reece James amid Chelsea clear-out

Real Madrid eye James amid Chelsea clear-out (AS)

According to a report from Spanish outlet AS, Real Madrid are plotting a sensational swoop for Chelsea full-back Reece James by taking advantage of the club's financial situation.

James is contracted in west London until 2028 and is one of the most loved figures among the squad and staff. But Chelsea could be forced to offload several players in the summer to meet FFP requirements, and Madrid will reportedly offer to lighten the load.

While the La Liga giants recognise it would be a complicated move to pull off, the England international is highly regarded in Madrid's circles. They could therefore try their luck with a club who handed them the likes of Eden Hazard and Thibault Courtois in previous seasons.

Amrabat wants to join Barca

Moroccan World Cup hero Sofyan Amrabat will push for a move away from current employers this summer, writes Footmercato.net, and is reportedly "dreaming of going to Catalonia".

The Tuscan club blocked all offers for the midfielder in January - including those from the Blaugrana - but it is thought their position will loosen post-season.

Amrabat is said to want to try his luck in Spain's top flight, as Atletico Madrid are also attentive to his situation.

Newcastle monitoring Christensen situation

Newcastle are keen on bringing in Barcelona centre-back Andreas Christian, reports Spanish outlet Sport, who has impressed since joining Catalonia from Chelsea this term.

Any move, though, may hinge on the Magpies securing Champions League football, given that they currently place fifth in the league.

Christensen, meanwhile, is said to be happy to fight for his place at Barca, although a significant offer could change that stance.

Bayern to rival Juve for Hojlund

Highly-rated Denmark and Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund looks set for a move away this summer, and Tuttomercatoweb reports that Bayern Munich will challenge Juventus for his signature.

Juve are long-term admirers of the Dane and see him as a replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, who could be offloaded elsewhere in return.

But Bayern are arguably in greater need of a new front man having never really replaced Robert Lewandowski this campaign, and it is thought new coach Thomas Tuchel could push for a move for Hojlund.

Arteta factor giving Arsenal the edge in Rice race

Mikel Arteta is thought to be a key factor behind Arsenal leading the race to secure the signature of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice this summer, writes the Evening Standard.

The Spaniard has a track record of turning young stars into world beaters, such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, and is spearheading an ambitious Arsenal project which is thought to be aligned with Rice's goals.

Gomez's agent confirms Newcastle contact

Haydn Dodge, the agent of Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, has confirmed that Newcastle have enquired about his signing this summer.

Dodge told CaughtOffside (via Sports Mole): "It is quite well known that Newcastle United have long admired defender Joe Gomez as they look to bolster their centre-half options ahead of several players being out of contract this summer."

Leipzig won't let Olmo leave on a free

Dani Olmo's contract at RB Leipzig expires in June 2024 and the player is thought to have been in contact with Barcelona boss Xavi over a potential move at the end of next season.

However Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl confirmed this did not feature in the club's plans, telling reporters (via RBLive.de): "Of course, our goal is for these [contract] talks to come to a positive conclusion as soon as possible. "Olmo leaving without a fee is not the plan. That's not a scenario we're dealing with. We're thinking in a completely different direction."

Giroud to sign new Milan contract next month

Olivier Giroud will sign new deal with AC Milan in April. Full agreement in place as expected after the World Cup, now the parties have agreed also on final clauses 🔴⚫️🇫🇷 #ACMilan

€3.8m salary net plus add-ons for the next season, per @SkySport. It will be completed soon. pic.twitter.com/KVQ05MeN7M

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 29, 2023

Man City and PSG make bids for Vuskovic

Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have made their opening bids for highly-rated Hajduk Split defender Luka Vuskovic, according to 90min.

The Croatian outfit are reportedly holding out for €15m for the 16-year-old, who they are resigned to letting go in the summer despite his contract expiring in 2026.

City's reported offer of €12m is therefore likely to fall short, while PSG's bid is as yet unknown.

Chelsea urged to sign Abraham

Chelsea are in the market for a striker and could turn to former Blue and current Roma wantaway Tammy Abraham, who scored 30 goals in 82 appearances for his boyhood club between 2019 and 2021.

And ex-Chelsea forward Chris Sutton thinks the deal makes sense, telling Betting Sites (via football.london): "Tammy Abraham is an out and out No.9 and Chelsea decided to let him go. That was a bit of a strange one, but of course they expected Lukaku to come in and have a stormer which he didn't do. Buying Tammy back is one of those that I could see happening.

"I think he's done pretty well at Roma. The criticism of Chelsea is that while they have lots of creative players, they don't actually have somebody to stick the ball in the net. So I actually think £68m would be a smart piece of business to bring Tammy Abraham back to Chelsea.”