This one is beginning to gather pace.
After Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal yesterday afternoon, United boss Louis Van Gaal admitted he would have a tough job on his hands to keep goalkeeper David De Gea, as Real Madrid begin to make eyes for the 24-year-old.
De Gea has been a long term target for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who want to bring him back to his home town, but while Van Gaal did admit he may have played his final United game at Old Trafford, he said United would fight to keep him.
“With every individual transfer it is a process, and it is a process for David De Gea.
“He shall not leave us so easily, because we have a great club. But, of course, he is Spanish, his girlfriend is Spanish, he can go to another great club and that is for him to decide.”
The Independent report this morning that United will swoop for want-away Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech should De Gea depart this summer.
Cech has fallen down the pecking order at the Blues following the emergence of Thibaut Courtois, and the club have said the 32-year-old is free to speak to other clubs, although it’s believed they will hold out for around £10m.
The paper say that Hugo Lloris has been United’s first choice to replace De Gea, but that Cech may be an easier acquisition.
They also say that United’s big summer target is Thomas Muller of Bayern Munich.
Muller stirred the pot last week by saying he has a special relationship with Louis Van Gaal, after the Dutchman introduced him to the Bayern first team, and it’s thought United will use that relationship as bait to lure the German superstar to Old Trafford.
The World Cup winner won’t come cheap however, with United expected to have to fork out between £30-40m to take him to the club.
Asmir Begovic is also an option, but the Mirror say that the Stoke keeper is closer to Liverpool’s radar, as the Potters consider cashing in on the Bosnian international.
Begovic’s contract is expiring in 12 months, and he is no closer to renewing it, leaving Stoke to either sell up now, or risk losing him for nothing.
It’s believed the club are preparing for life after Begovic by dropping him for young keeper Jack Butland, getting him ready to be first choice next season.
Another player on the wishlist at Anfield is Man City flop Stevan Jovetic.
The Montenegrin international, still just 25, has failed to live up to his price tag at City after several lengthy injuries, and The Mirror say Brendan Rodgers is ready to offer him a fresh start at Anfield.
Liverpool could land the striker for around £12m, almost half what City paid for his services just two years ago.
Rodgers is keen to shake things up in his misfiring strike force, and is also expected to complete the signing of Burnley’s Danny Ings on a free transfer.
The Mirror also say that Rickie Lambert is set to depart after a disappointing year at his boyhood club.
They say he could be heading back to the south coast to join Premier League new boys Bournmouth.
Bournmouth boss Eddie Howe has said he’s looking for English players with Premier League experience, and it’s thought the 33-year-old England striker fits the bill perfectly.
Man City have been dealt a blow in their bid to sign Wolfsburg Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian, who spent two years on the books at Chelsea, has starred for the German side this season, but The Mail quote the club’s president that the player is “unsellable”, and will definitely be a Wolfsburg player next season. However, he then completely contradicts himself by saying the player could leave.
Football, ladies and gentlemen.
“At the moment, I’d call him unsellable,” Klaus Allofs told a German TV station.
“I am 100 per cent convinced he will play for us next year.
“However, in football things can develop so rapidly, that you can’t say this now.”
The Sun say that Yaya Toure could be in line for a shock move to the middle-east.
Toure is expected to leave City at the end of the season, with Inter Milan favourites to sign him, but it’s now though a lucrative offer from Al Gharafa in Qatar could sway him.
The Sun say the club are offering him as £8m, with the minute income tax a big factor for Toure.
And finally, The Express say Man City manager Manuel Pellegrini has told James Milner he still has a major role to play with the club.
Milner has been holding out on a new contract amid fears for his place in the side and has been a free transfer target for both Arsenal and Liverpool, but the manager has publicly called for Milner to stay with the club.
“James can play 10 positions and always do well. It is a decision James must take at the end of the season as to what is best for his future.
“He is an important player for our team because he is an intelligent player, who can play in several positions and always gives 100 per cent.
“I can think that being at Manchester City is best for him, but it is important what he thinks. I want to keep him.”
