The summer transfer window was unlike any other; see all the major deals and check out how we graded the biggest signings. And just because the window is shut until January, that doesn’t mean the rumours won’t keep coming. Here is the latest gossip and speculation.
TOP STORY: Real Madrid to offer Hazard plus money to sign Salah
Real Madrid could look to tempt Mohamed Salah away from Liverpool with a player-plus-cash deal involving Eden Hazard, according to journalist Ekrem Konur.
Hazard, 30, has endured a difficult time since moving to the Santiago Bernabeu, with a number of injuries affecting the Belgium international’s rhythm and, as he is yet to register a goal this season, Carlo Ancelotti looks to be considering ways to move the former Chelsea forward on.
The LaLiga side have long been admirers of Salah, who has seen his contract situation unresolved since talks began at the start of the Premier League campaign. And while the Reds were reported to be preparing a £350,000-per-week deal for the Egypt international earlier this week, they might be forced to look for other options if Salah does not agree to sign a new deal.
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LIVE BLOG
09.17 BST: Paulo Fonseca is emerging as a serious candidate to take over at Newcastle United, sources have told ESPN’s James Olley.
The club confirmed on Friday that Steve Bruce will remain in charge for Sunday’s Premier League home game against Tottenham, his 1,000th match in management.
Newcastle part-owners Amanda Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi are deliberating over their next move having completed a Saudi-backed £305m takeover last week.
Sources have indicated that a shortlist has been drawn up and the club are expected to replace Bruce within the next week — he will be due around £8m in compensation — although they are yet to identify a first-choice candidate.
It is understood that one of the names under consideration is Fonseca, who was on the brink of joining Spurs earlier in the year before Spurs had a last-minute change of heart.
09.00 BST: Barcelona are the latest club to have been offered Manchester United’s Paul Pogba on a free transfer next summer, sources told ESPN.
Pogba, 28, is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season and his agent, Mino Raiola, is sounding out some of Europe’s heavyweights with a view to finding a new club for the midfielder. Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and several Premier League clubs have also been approached regarding Pogba, who can begin negotiations from Jan. 1.
Pogba has made no decision on his future and has not ruled out extending his stay at United, although he is also going to explore what other options he has available to him. Barca would consider signing the France international on a free transfer as they look to rebuild their squad under new president Joan Laporta.
However, while there would technically be no fee involved, the Catalan club are unsure whether, in their financial position, they would be able to afford the commission Raiola would demand. Barcelona’s gross debt stands at €1.4 billion. There are also doubts about whether Pogba would fit into the club’s new wage structure at a time when some of the team’s biggest earners are being asked to take pay cuts.
2:30
Julien Laurens explains the talks between Paul Pogba’s agent and Barcelona.
PAPER GOSSIP (by Adam Brown)
– Football London reports that Arsenal technical director Edu has identified Dominic Calvert-Lewin as the long-term solution up front for Arsenal. The Premier League side are preparing to lose both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette at the end of the season, and it is the Everton star who has been identified as an early candidate to replace them in the summer. The 24-year-old has scored three goals in as many games for the Toffees so far this season.
– A number of Premier League sides are reported to be monitoring the situation of U.S. men’s national team star Ricardo Pepi. A CBS report reveals that the FC Dallas striker, who has been linked with moves to Europe throughout the summer, could leave for a fee in the region of $12m-$15m. The highly rated 18-year-old has scored 13 goals this season in 22 starts.
– AC Milan have met with the representatives of Noa Lang, according to Calciomercato. It is reported that Milan director Paolo Maldini is keen on the Club Brugge forward, and hopes to get a deal over the line in January. The 22-year-old has been a standout performer this season, having contributed to eight goals in 10 starts for the Belgian Pro League side.
– Fabrizio Romano writes that Alexis Saelemaekers has signed a new deal at the San Siro. The Serie A star’s new terms will see him extend his stay at AC Milan until 2026 with a new salary to reflect his recent performances for the Rossoneri. The 22-year-old has contributed to four goals so far this season and adds versatility on the right-hand side on both ends of the pitch.
