The January transfer window may be closed around Europe, but teams are looking ahead to the summer and there’s plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Barcelona ponder Pavard swoop
Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard remains an option for Barcelona this summer, according to Sport. Approaching the final year of his contract at the Allianz Arena, it is reported the 27-year-old France international could move on. With talks yet to be held on extending his deal, the Blaugrana have maintained their interest in his signature.
Barca coach Xavi Hernandez has made the right-back position a priority, and the Spotify Camp Nou hierarchy are beginning to craft their shortlist. Pavard is said to be one of the club’s key options, with Villarreal defender Juan Foyth and AS Monaco star Vanderson also being considered.
Pavard kept his place in the starting XI for Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge on Saturday, playing 90 minutes as Bayern Munich secured a 4-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund, which saw them leapfrog their rivals into first place in the Bundesliga title race.
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09.31 BST: Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated his wish is to continue at Real Madrid beyond this summer. Ancelotti is under contract with Los Blancos until June 2024 but has been linked with the vacant Brazil coaching job.
“I don’t know what I will do in the future,” Ancelotti said after Sunday’s 6-0 win over Real Valladolid. “For the last time I say that my contract expires in 2024 and the idea is to reach the end of my contract. If Real Madrid is happy with me afterwards, I’ll sign until 2034.”
⚪️ @MrAncelotti, en rueda de prensa
😏 “Si el @realmadrid está contento conmigo, firmaré hasta 2034″
👏🏻 “La seguridad me la da el equipo y los jugadores que tengo”
💪🏻 “Podemos pelear también este año hasta el final. No hablaré más de mi futuro”
📻 #PartidazoCOPE pic.twitter.com/ajeLCwFjwg
— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) April 2, 2023
Ancelotti was asked on TV by former Real Madrid midfielder Guti if he was going to stay next season and he said: “Do you see me worried? I love Real Madrid as you do.”
🗣️ El momentazo entre @GUTY14HAZ y @MrAncelotti en #DAZN que va a ilusionar a todo el madridismo 👏
– Dígamelo, ¿usted se queda?
– ¿Tú me ves preocupado? Yo quiero al @realmadrid como tú#LaLigaEnDAZN ⚽ pic.twitter.com/eu5dfMe3d6
— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) April 2, 2023
08.30 BST: There’s going to be a lot of movement in the managerial transfer market in the coming days with two Premier League clubs sacking their manager on Sunday.
First, Brendan Rodgers left his role as Leicester City manager by mutual agreement with the club which is battling to survive relegation from the Premier League. Leicester have lost five of their past six Premier League games and face a battle to stay in the division.
And then Chelsea sacked head coach Graham Potter after less than seven months in charge. Chelsea fell into the bottom half of the Premier League following Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa, Potter’s 11th defeat in 31 games since replacing Thomas Tuchel in September.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a move for Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson, reports Football Insider. Scouts were sent from north London to watch the 21-year-old during the 1-1 draw with Wolves on Saturday, and Spurs will be keeping close tabs on him. Johnson is enjoying an impressive run of form, having scored three goals in his past four Premier League games.
– Fresh talks have been scheduled between AC Milan and the representatives of forward Rafael Leao, writes Calciomercato. The Rossoneri remain intent on signing the 23-year-old to a new contract, with talks of a deal that could see his salary increased to €7m a season. Leao scored a brace in the emphatic 4-0 away win against Napoli in Serie A on Sunday.
– Liverpool are the latest club to join the race for Eintracht Frankfurt attacking midfielder Jesper Lindstrom, writes Sky Sport Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. A transfer fee of between €35m and €40m could be required to land the 23-year-old, who has also been linked with Arsenal. Lindstrom has contributed to nine goals in 22 Bundesliga matches.
– Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is prioritising staying at Old Trafford, reports TeamTalk. Paris Saint-Germain are reported to have been interested in his signature, but the 25-year-old is focused on staying as part of Erik ten Hag’s project. Sources told ESPN last week that Manchester United are planning to step up contract talks before the end of the season,
– Barcelona would accept a £90m transfer fee for winger Ansu Fati, according to Football Insider. Manchester City have recently been linked with the 20-year-old, while Chelsea and Manchester United are also reported to have been keeping an eye on his situation.
