Bale for sale, Lukaku in demand
THE transfer window is open with speculation surrounding some of the biggest names in the game such as Neymar, Paul Pogba and Philippe Coutinho. During this time of the year, football fanatics must be weary of false information being spread by websites looking to increase their viewership and hence profits. All major clubs will have to be active in the market in order to be as strong as possible during the upcoming season. The following is a wrap of some of the biggest transfer speculation this off-season. ■ Neymar wants to leave PSG with the French club's manager Thomas Tuchel having admitted that he knew even before the recent Copa America tournament that the Brazilian wanted to leave. Neymar failed to report for pre-season training with the club earlier this month which resulted in disciplinary action. ■ Manchester United have bolstered their ranks with the addition of British youngsters Aaron Wan Bissaka and Daniel James. However, the duo of Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba have been linked with moves away from Old Trafford. Pogba, who joined United from Juventus in 2016, has told teammates that he wants to leave, according to French source L’Equipe. The Frenchman has been linked with Real Madrid who are embarking on a squad overhaul after having underachieved last season. United remain strongly linked with a move for Harry Maguire. ■ Lukaku has been linked with a move to Inter Milan whose manager Antonio Conte even admitted that it is his “will and hope” for the Serie A club to sign the Belgian striker. Inter look set to sell Mauro Icardi this summer with Lukaku being eyed as a replacement. ■ Tottenham clearly needed to strengthen to end their 11-year trophy drought next season. The Lilywhites have signed French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele who replaces Mousa Dembele. The 22-year-old joins for a fee of £55 million. Tottenham parted with defender Kieran Trippier who joined Atletico Madrid for £20 million and he becomes the first English player to play for the Spanish club in 95 years. Spurs need to also sign a new striker to provide cover for Harry Kane after releasing Spaniard Fernando Llorente. ■ Christian Eriksen has indicated a desire to leave Tottenham, having recently told Danish publication Ekstra Bladet: “I feel that I am at a stage of my career where I would like to try something new.” The Dane has one year remaining on his current deal with Spurs and has been linked with Real Madrid and Manchester United. ■ Philippe Coutinho is linked with a return to former club Liverpool. The 27-year-old moved to the Camp Nou in January 2018 but has been rather underwhelming since with Barca’s style not really suiting his natural playing style. ■ The Blaugrana may be open to allowing the Brazilian to leave. They are looking to bolster their side, having already added Antoine Griezmann to their ranks. While Ernesto Valverde’s side won the La Liga comfortably, they suffered a humiliating Champions League exit at the hands of Liverpool and lost the Copa del Rey final against Valencia. Valverde knows that he has some serious work to do if he wants to keep his job for the long term. ■ David de Gea is set to remain at Manchester United after signing a sixyear contract with the club. Speculation was rife surrounding the future of the Spaniard as he stalled on signing a new contract and was linked with moves to PSG and Juventus. The news will be a huge boost for United fans as the ‘keeper has been their best player since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. De Gea will now earn £375 000 per week and has also indicated a desire to be appointed new Red Devils’ captain, saying: “Of course I’ll be really, really happy to captain. It’s my ninth season, I feel like one of the most experienced players.” ■ Manchester City have parted with club legend Vincent Kompany who has joined Belgian club Anderlecht in a player/manager role. The Citizens have bolstered their side with the addition of Rodri for £63 million, with the youngster being viewed as a long-term successor to the ageing Fernandinho. ■ Gareth Bale is involved in a spat with Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, with the Welshman’s agent Jonathan Barnett saying: “He shows no respect for a player that has done so much for Real Madrid.” Zidane has confirmed that Madrid are in talks with an unnamed club over a sale of Bale. ■ James Milner has revealed that he is uncertain over whether he will remain at Liverpool, with talks over a new contract yet to begin. The 33-year-old’s current deal at Anfield is due to expire at the end of next season.