The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Bayern interested in Barcelona’s De Jong
Bayern Munich are interested in a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong, according to Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg.
It is reported that the Bundesliga side view the 26-year-old Netherlands international as an ideal solution in their search for a centre-midfielder, and they are continuing to keep tabs on his situation while they assess their options.
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De Jong remains contracted with the Blaugrana until the summer of 2026 on a deal that was initially worth €12million-per-year before he accepted deferments to help with the team’s financial situation. It is believed that his high salary is a stumbling block that Bayern would look to negotiate.
He has remained a key player in manager Xavi Hernandez’s side this season, with his 30th appearance across all competitions made on Sunday against Real Madrid in a 3-2 El Clasico defeat.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, reports Team Talk. The Blues are said to have made contact with the Eagles, with manager Mauricio Pochettino keen to add a “creative spark” to his attack for next season. They could face competition from the Red Devils, though, with the Old Trafford hierarchy also keen on the 22-year-old, who contributed to his 11th league goal of the season in the 5-2 win over West Ham on Sunday.
– Al Nassr are preparing to make contact with the representatives of Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, according to Rudy Galetti. The 32-year-old is reported to be seen as one of the priority options for clubs in the Saudi Pro League this summer, with Cristiano Ronaldo‘s side one of the clubs at the front of the queue for his signature. He will enter the final year of his contract in the summer.
– Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric wants to stay at the club for one more year, reports AS. The 38-year-old is currently in the final months of his deal at the Santiago Bernabeu, but despite being linked with a potential move to Saudi Arabia, the latest indicates that he now wants to stay after being handed more minutes in manager Carlo Ancelotti’s first team. Modric played 90 minutes on Sunday as Los Blancos enjoyed a 3-2 victory in El Clasico over Barcelona.
– Juventus are looking to hand forward Kenan Yildiz to a new four-year contract extension amid interest from Europe, writes Corriere dello Sport. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Borussia Dortmund are all reported to be keen on the 18-year-old, who the Bianconeri view as a long-term part of their future project. The Turkey international made his 23rd Serie A appearance of the season in last Friday’s 2-2 draw with Cagliari.
– Tabs are being kept on FC Porto midfielder Alan Varela by Bayern Munich, reports Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. The Bundesliga club see the 22-year-old, who was previously offered to them, as a potential option in the summer, though it is reported that he is currently not one of their top priorities. Varela has been one of the standout performers for Porto this season, having made 40 appearances across all competitions.
