Transfer News: Chelsea, Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal And Latest Gists

With the end of the season coming closer to an end, it means that transfer speculation will continue to intensify as clubs consider their next moves in the direction of their choice.

There are now just three weeks left of this elongated Premier League season and thoughts are beginning to turn towards how teams will strengthen in the transfer market ahead of the next campaign.

With Manchester United closing in on a Champions League qualification spot there may be money to splash at Old Trafford this summer, and the rumours linking Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish with a move to the club continue to persist.

Meanwhile, Arsenal is strongly rumoured to be preparing a bid for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey, while Liverpool’s interest in Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara is becoming apparent.

With all that plus the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea also keen to strengthen, it is set to be a busy few months.

Pellegrini Set For Real Betis New Job

Former West Ham and Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini looks set to be named the new manager of La Liga side Real Betis.

According to reports in Spain the 66-year-old will be handed a two-year deal by Betis, who have been without a manager since they sacked Rubi on June 21.

Pellegrini has been out of a job since he was dismissed by West Ham in December.

Palace eye Edouard

Crystal Palace are said to be preparing a £25m bid for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.

Manager Roy Hodgson is known to be keen to add some further attacking threat to his squad.

And according to the Scottish Sun, he has identified the 22-year-old French forward as a potential candidate.

He is likely to be a man in demand following his 28 goals for Celtic last season, however, and he has also recently been linked with Leeds.

Enrique backs Coutinho Liverpool return

Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique thinks the club should re-sign Philippe Coutinho this summer.

The Brazilian playmaker has struggled for form since leaving the club to join Barcelona in 2017 and spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, who decided against signing him permanently.

But Enrique thinks a return to Anfield would make sense for both parties.

Speaking to Stadium Astro, he said: “We need a playmaker, a number 10, who is going to be better than Coutinho for us?”

“He knows the club, he knows the city, he’s going to perform straight away because he’s been a Premier League player.

Arteta would welcome Messi move

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says it would only be a good thing for the Premier League if Lionel Messi were to play in the division.

Recent reports have suggested the Argentinean star is growing disillusioned with life at Barcelona and could look to leave the club next summer.

The likes of Manchester City have been linked with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner in the past and may look to make a move if the rumours are proved to be true.

When asked about the possibility of Messi coming to England Arteta said: “I have no clue. It’s not a question for us but obviously, if he joins this country I think it would be a huge plus for the league and everybody to have the opportunity to enjoy him.”

Mina linked with Valencia

Everton centre-back Yerry Mina could be the subject of a £15m bid from Valencia this summer, according to The Sun.

The Colombian defender has been an important player for the Toffees this season, making 26 appearances in the Premier League.

But the report suggests he could be tempted with a return to La Liga, and that Everton would consider offers if they are able to find a replacement.

Bailey set for talks over future

Bayer Leverkusen star Leon Bailey is due for talks with club representatives this week in order to discuss his future, according to The Athletic.

The Jamaican winger has impressed in the Bundesliga this season, scoring five goals and creating three assists, and he has been linked with Manchester City as a replacement for Leroy Sane.

It is believed Leverkusen are open to letting the player leave, but only if they receive a bid of around £25m.

United set Sancho deadline

Borussia Dortmund has set Man Utd a transfer deadline if they wish to sign Jadon Sancho – but they will not be budging on price.

Reports suggested United were only willing to stretch to £50million for the winger in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

That falls some way short of Dortmund’s £100m valuation, and they are not prepared to accept anything less as they feel they could still command that figure next year.

Sancho’s contract runs until 2022, which means Dortmund would be in a weaker bargaining position at the end of next season.

Nevertheless, German publication Ruhr Nachrichten report that Dortmund has still demanded United make their approach to get the deal done by the end of the month or forget about it for another year.

Flick desperate for Thiago to stay

Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick says he is trying his best to convince midfielder Thiago Alcantara to stay at the club.

Reports over the weekend suggest the 29-year-old has agreed a £31m move to Liverpool.

But speaking about his player, Flick said: ”The thing is, I always have hope. I’m actually always very positive about things.

“I also know, of course, that when you’re at a certain age and you’ve already played in the Spanish league with Barcelona and in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, you feel the need to experience another big league.

“That is quite normal and that is also human. I’m trying my best to make sure Thiago stays here and that you can convince him to stay.”

Weghorst keen on Arsenal move

Wolfsburg striker Wout Weghorst has admitted he is flattered to be linked with a move to Arsenal.

The 27-year-old scored 16 goals in the Bundesliga this season and speculation has linked him with a switch to the Emirates.

He said: “That would be nice, wouldn’t it. That would be a good thing, of course, that fits in the perfect picture.”

Newcastle and West Ham have also been linked with the player in the past.

James is available for  as little as £22m

Real Madrid flop James Rodriguez could be available this summer for as little as £22m, according to Marca.

The Colombian attacking midfielder has once again failed to make an impression at the Bernabeu this season, making just eight La Liga appearances and scoring one goal.

The club is desperate to get the player off their wage bill, and as a result are willing to accept offers of around 1/3 of what they paid for him in 2014, which could interest the likes of Manchester United and Everton.

Bruce hopes for Longstaff breakthrough

Steve Bruce is hoping a contract agreement can be reached with young midfielder Matty Longstaff.

The 20-year-old’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the month, and he has been offered a lucrative £35,000-a-week contract by Italian side Udinese.

Bruce said: “Before we clear off we hope to have clarity on it. For me, the boy should play his football here. He will be involved on Wednesday against Man City. I hope we can get it over the line.”

Owen: Liverpool will regret missing out on Werner

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes the club chose not to swoop for German striker Timo Werner due to having Divock Origi among their ranks but thinks they will live to regret the decision.

Origi struggled to make an impression in a rare start during Liverpool’s uninspiring 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday and speaking to Premier League Productions Owen stated his concerns about their options next season.

“Will Origi and Takumi Minamino be there next season? Yes, they will,” Owen said. “Origi’s just signed a new contract and Minamino’s only just signed.

They are there and they’re fixed but that doesn’t mean you can’t question whether they should be.

“Timo Werner was obviously a player that Liverpool was linked to and he’s eventually gone to Chelsea. I think that type of player would have been brilliant for Liverpool.”

Bayern want Bellerin

Bayern Munich is considering an offer for Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin, according to German publication BILD.

The German giants are keen to strengthen their full-back positions and see the Spaniard as a possible solution to their problem.

The 25-year-old is also being linked with PSG, and the Gunners may have a battle on their hands to keep hold of him this summer.

Aubameyang hints at Arsenal stay

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has appeared to confirm he will sign a new contract at Arsenal with his latest gesture on social media.

The forward’s future has been up in the air for months with his deal now already into its final year.

Aubameyang featured on an Instagram Live video with his brother Willy, which has since been uploaded to Twitter.

In it, fans were able to send the striker questions and comments, with one supporter taking the opportunity to put Aubameyang on the spot.

“Blink if you’re gonna sign,” the fan said.

Aubameyang then winked at the camera shortly after, before doing it again in a more exaggerated manner with a big smile on his face.

mage: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang/Instagram)

Matic signs on

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has signed a new contract with the club.

The Serbian midfielder has put pen to paper on a deal which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2023.

The 31-year-old said: “I am very happy that I will continue to be part of this great club.

“As a player, I still have a lot more to give and achieve in my career and to do that with Manchester United will be a huge honour.”

Solskjaer hints at Ake move

Cameras appear to have picked up Ole Gunnar Solskjaer telling Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake that he is interested in the player following Manchester United’s 5-2 win over the Cherries.

BT Sport caught the conversation as part of their match coverage, with the Norwegian appearing to tell Ake: “We need a left-footed centre-back, so keep going”.

United likely won’t be alone should they make a move, with former club Chelsea and Manchester City both having kept tabs on Ake over the past 18 months.