Gossip: N’Zonzi tracked by Prem trio

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N’ZONZI WANTED BY PREM TRIO

Steven N’Zonzi is reported to be stalling on signing a new deal with Stoke, amid claims he is wanted by Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham.

France Football claim the midfielder is being eyed up by the trio after an impressive campaign at the Britannia, where he was an ever-present and helped guide Mark Hughes’ side to a ninth-placed finish.

Stoke stated over their weekend their confidence in the player signing a new deal.

However, with just 12 months remaining on his current deal, Stoke will have a decision to make should the player continue to delay negotiations in the hope of pushing through a move to a bigger club.

POGBA HAS HEART SET ON BARCELONA

Man City’s hopes of landing Paul Pogba look to have suffered a blow amid reports the Juventus star has his heart set on a move to European champions Barcelona.

The Daily Mail claims the Italian double winners are yet to receive a formal offer for Pogba after City officials played down reports they’d lodged a bid of £82m for the France midfielder.

City are unlikely to open the bidding that high for Pogba, but are reportedly well aware of claims that he does favour a switch to the Nou Camp.

However, the one thing in their favour is that Barcelona are banned from making any signings until January due to a world transfer embargo, and although City have drawn up a list of alternatives, they won’t give up on Pogba easily.

The 22-year-old looks increasingly likely to leave Juve this summer with manager Massimiliano Allegri saying on Monday that he won’t stand in the player’s way if he decides to leave the Serie A champions this summer.

City, however, might also have to fight off interest from Real Madrid, who have also declared their intentions in signing the former Man United youngster.

SAMPDORIA REMAIN KEEN ON BALOTELLI

Sampdoria retain an interest in Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli this summer following his season of struggle at Anfield.

Samp officials are reported by the Daily Mail to have told Liverpool, however, that they can only sign Balotelli on loan – and then want the Reds to pay a portion of his salary.

Liverpool are known to favour a straight sale for Balotelli – who scored scored just four times in 28 appearances for the Reds this season – but may have to settle for a loan if no interested parties come forward.

PSG UP STAKES IN CECH RACE

Paris Saint-Germain are hoping to trump Arsenal in the race to sign Petr Cech by offering the Chelsea goalkeeper a bumper £39million contract.

The Daily Mirror claims PSG are willing to pay the long-serving stopper a staggering £150,000 a week deal over five years in a bid to persuade him to move to the French capital.

Cech met with Chelsea officials on Monday where he is reported to have told them he wants to leave.

However, despite the approach from PSG, Cech is keen to remain in London with a move to Arsenal – for a fee of around £11million – looking most likely.

AND THE REST

Monaco have stepped up their interest in Everton’s Kevin Mirallas

Andy Cole believes Harry Kane would struggle with the pressure of the leap from Tottenham to Manchester United

West Ham players wanted Marcelo Bielsa as their new boss and not Slaven Bilic, according to Guy Demel.

QPR star Sandro has been booted out of the UK after playing without a work permit all season.

Real Madrid have been warned to forget about David De Gea if they muck about over the price.

Stoke are lining up a £7million deal for Hannover striker Jose Luis Sanmartin Mato.

Ryan Babel could return to the Premier League – with Swansea.

Dick Advocaat is set to splash the first chunk of his £40million summer war chest on Sebastian Coates.

Tottenham’s bid for Marseille midfielder Giannelli Imbula is on the rocks after AC Milan swooped with a rival offer.

Swansea are in talks with Belgian giants Anderlecht over a £12m deal for Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Arsenal and Stoke have joined the chase for Sporting Lisbon’s 23-year-old right-back Cedric – but Southampton see him as a potential replacement for Nathaniel Clyne.

Liverpool are desperate to sell Raheem Sterling so they can buy Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke and Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne.

Monaco want Chelsea midfielders Mario Pasalic and Charly Musonda as part of the deal to take Falcao to Stamford Bridge.

Harry Kane must snub a move to Manchester United to keep developing at Tottenham, according to Fabrice Muamba.

Everton will still pursue a permanent deal for Aaron Lennon despite moving to tie up a £3million transfer for Spanish youngster Gerard Deulofeu this week.

Manchester United are eyeing a bargain move for Galatasaray defender Semih Kaya.

Tottenham are closing in on a £3.5m deal to sign Burnley right-back Kieran Trippier.

Arsenal target Grzegorz Krychowiak has put England’s top clubs on red alert by making the Stellar Group his new representatives. He is being looked at by Arsenal, Manchester United, Man City and Chelsea, and has a buy-out clause of around £22m in his current contract.

Paul Clement has launched a £2m bid to take Burnley defender Jason Shackell back to Derby County.

Real Madrid are optimistic that Tottenham Hotspur will make a bid for Iker Casillas, enabling them to move the goalkeeper on and embark on a future with David De Gea as their undisputed No 1 keeper.

Manchester City are closing in on signing teenager Patrick Roberts from Fulham.

West Bromwich Albion are to open talks with James Morrison, their long-serving midfielder, over a new deal.

New Rangers boss Mark Warburton wants former Hearts captain Danny Wilson to help kickstart his Ibrox revolution.

Dutch legend Frank de Boer has urged wantaway Celtic star Virgil van Dijk not to swap the opportunity of Champions League football for a relegation battle in England.

Hibs are poised to complete the permanent signing of Martin Boyle on a two-year deal.