Paper Talk: Chelsea ready to offer £50m for Real Madrid defender
Chelsea are ready to offer £50m for a versatile Real Madrid defender, while Friday’s transfer gossip reveals that Newcastle are preparing to meet the £67.4m release clause for a Porto attacker.
REAL DEFENDER A TOP CHELSEA TARGET
Chelsea are reportedly willing to offer €60million (£50.04m) to sign defender Ferland Mendy from Real Madrid in next summer’s transfer window.
Catalan outlet El Nacional states that the Blues have reignited their interest in Mendy, who joined Real from Lyon in 2019 and has become a key figure at the Bernabeu.
The 26-year-old left-back has become a mainstay of Real’s back four, although he only returned to action this month after a long-term injury.
Mendy has played 71 times for Real, scoring three goals and adding four assists in that time.
However, reports have emerged that the player’s future is now uncertain, especially will Real potentially activating their buy-back option on Tottenham star Sergio Reguilon.
El Nacional states that the Blues were keen on signing Mendy over the summer, when they were also looking to offload Marcos Alonso.
The Spain international continues to be linked with a Stamford Bridge exit, despite excelling under Thomas Tuchel, with Inter Milan keen on a deal.
Thomas Tuchel reveals Chelsea are holding talks about a move for Erling Haaland
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted the club have held talks about the possibility of making a move for Erling Haaland, with more news on Mason Mount and Antonio Rudiger.
Mendy’s versatility certainly appeals to Tuchel. Like club skipper Cesar Azpilicueta, he is also able to play as a centre-back in a three-man defence.
The Blues are also said to be willing to pay Real’s steep asking price, as Tuchel looks to add another impressive defensive signing.
The fact that the club still have doubts over the futures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, who are both out of contract next summer, makes a move for Mendy very plausible.
As Man United struggle, can Spurs, Arsenal or Leicester gatecrash the Premier League top four?
NEWCASTLE CHASING PORTO WINGER
Newcastle are interested in Porto and Colombia winger Luis Diaz. They are preparing an offer to meet his release clause of £67.4m. (Sport TV)
Bruno Fernandes is a shock injury doubt for Manchester United’s game against Liverpool. (The Sun)
Former Everton boss Roberto Martinez is interested in returning to the Premier League to manage Newcastle. (The Sun)
Phil Neville is plotting a mass clear out at Inter Miami as the problems engulfing David Beckham’s club continue. (The Sun)
Giorgio Chiellini has criticised the timing of Cristiano Ronaldo’s high-profile Juventus exit. (The Sun)
Marc Overmars has emerged as a potential director of football at Newcastle United. (The Times)
SALAH NEW DEAL RUMOURS INTENSIFY
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has been snapped with his agent Ramy Abbas Issa ahead of this weekend’s clash with Manchester United. (Daily Mirror)
Borussia Dortmund are angry that Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has openly talked about his club’s interest in signing Erling Haaland. (Daily Mirror)
Liverpool will hold talks aimed at reducing the time their key players are away at the Africa Cup of Nations. (Daily Mirror)
Marcus Rashford is hopeful of being fit to play for Manchester United in Sunday’s clash with arch rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford. (Daily Mail)
Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati reportedly turned down Manchester United, Liverpool and PSG to commit his future to the Nou Camp. (Daily Mail)
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he was not worried that Emile Smith Rowe, who was the subject of two bids from Aston Villa in the summer, would leave the Gunners. (Metro)
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AND MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP
Newcastle are to offer Paulo Fonseca £6m a season after he impressed Amanda Staveley in an interview. (Daily Telegraph)
Chelsea fear Romelu Lukaku will not be able to play again before the next international break. The striker is expected to miss at least two to three weeks with the ankle injury he suffered against Malmo. (Daily Telegraph)
Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere is open to a move to MLS with Inter Miami. (talkSPORT)
Karamoko Dembele has suffered a fresh setback in his bid to return from injury and has had to have surgery. (Scottish Sun)
St Johnstone look set to swoop for Israeli star Tomer Altman after he impressed on trial … if they can get a work permit for him. (Scottish Sun)
Former Rangers striker Jonatan Johansson is in the frame to take over as Charlton Athletic manager. (Scottish Sun)