Paper Talk: Granovskaia works magic as Tuchel agrees first Chelsea signing

Marina Granovskaia Chelsea director

Chelsea look to have secured their first signing of the Thomas Tuchel era with a Brazilian star due to arrive, while Easter Monday’s transfer gossip claims an Everton regular wants to move to Italy with two suitors named.

FIRST DEAL FOR TUCHEL ‘AGREED’

Thomas Tuchel is reportedly on the brink of securing his first signing as Chelsea manager with a deal being agreed to sign Gabriel Menino from Palmeiras.

Menino, 20, is one of his country’s most exciting midfield talents and is said to be on the brink of a national call-up. Blessed with a terrfic engine, he has drawn comparisons to Yaya Toure.

Now Brazilian sports reporter Paco Belmonte claims Chelsea have struck a deal to bring Menino to Stamford Bridge. He will be the first signing of the Thomas Tuchel era.

According to The Sun, Chelsea will pay Palmeiras an initial £13m, with add-ons taking the deal to nearer £20m.

Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also hot on the midfielder’s trail. But Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia has jumped ahead of them by presenting an offer that Palmeiras could not refuse.

Thomas Tuchel: Manager of the Month an award for whole team

Thomas Tuchel: Manager of the Month an award for whole team

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel says his Manager of The Month award is recognition for the whole team and not just him.

Chelsea plan to announce his signing in the coming days, with Menino officially signing from July 1.

It’s not known whether Tuchel plans to immediately play Menino or send him on loan to gain more experience.

His signing will increase speculation that one of Matteo Kovacic or Jorginho will be moved on this summer.

MINA WANTS OUT AT EVERTON

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Yerry Mina Everton

Everton centre-half Yerry Mina is keen to leave and move to Serie A with Inter Milan and Fiorentina planning moves. (The Sun)

Borussia Dortmund are sweating over the fitness of Jadon Sancho ahead of the Champions League quarter-final with Manchester City. (The Sun)

Borussia Dortmund will definitely sell Erling Haaland this summer if they continue to struggle in the Bundesliga and miss out on a Champions League spot. (The Sun)

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers is hoping to sign Scotland midfielder Callum McGregor, 27, from former club Celtic. (The Sun)

Wolves will prevent Raul Jimenez representing Mexico at the Olympics if he fails to return from his skull fracture before the end of the season. (The Sun)


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AND MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP

Antonio Rudiger Chelsea

Sunderland’s billionaire owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is planning a £60m transfer spree if the Black Cats go up to the Championship. (The Sun)

Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock is hoping to snatch striker Ched Evans from Preston. (The Sun)

David Moyes concedes West Ham will consider offers for Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek this summer. (Daily Mirror)

Rio Ferdinand is tipping Liverpool to finish in the top four following their impressive win at Arsenal on Saturday. (Daily Mail)

Thomas Tuchel ordered Antonio Rudiger back to the dressing room after a training ground bust up with Kepa Arrizabala on Sunday. (Daily Mail)