Butland to finally solve Liverpool’s keeper woes
Liverpool is lining up a £40 million move for Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland in a bid to end their goalkeeping nightmare, according to the Mirror.
The 24-year-old could depart this summer with the Potters struggling to beat the drop in a relegation scrap, though Liverpool will still likely need to beat the world record fee for a goalkeeper — set by Manchester City last summer after signing Ederson for £37m from Benfica.
Jurgen Klopp has chopped and changed between Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius this season, with the German finally earning a run as the side’s No. 1.
But it is unlikely to prove to be enough to convince the Reds not to venture into the market again for a shot-stopper, with Roma’s Alisson another target.
Serie A trio plot shock Wilshere move
AC Milan lead a number of Italian clubs eager to make a move to bring Arsenal star Jack Wilshere to Serie A once his contract expires.
The Gunners midfielder has been stalling on a new deal at the Emirates and could walk away for nothing in search of a new adventure. With Arsenal only offering £90,000 per week, £30,000 less than his current wage, Wilshere is exploring his options.
The Rossoneri caught a glimpse of Wilshere’s potential in Arsenal’s 2-0 win in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League tie on Thursday.
Juventus and Sampdoria will join Milan in the hunt, report the Express, as Wilshere weighs up a surprise move abroad.
Griezmann house hunting in Barcelona
The clearest sign yet that Antoine Griezmann will sign for Barcelona this summer has emerged after reports the Atletico Madrid star’s partner Erika viewed properties last week.
Sport claims that Mrs. Griezmann viewed places in Castelldefels and Avenida de Pearson.
The Blaugrana could sign the Atleti star for just €100m, due to a clause in his contract, which would set up a mouthwatering array of options for Ernesto Valverde.
Griezmann would join Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi, Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele to give Barcelona Europe’s most lethal attack.
PSG make Kante top priority
Paris Saint-Germain has made N’Golo Kante one of their top summer signing targets.
As well as the Chelsea man, PSG are monitoring Monaco’s Fabinho with an eye on replacing veteran Thiago Motta.
Furthermore, they are following Alex Sandro, with Layvin Kurzawa heading for the exit door.
Allegri ready to replace Wenger
Massimiliano Allegri has his heart set on replacing Arsene Wenger as Arsenal manager this year.
Wenger has come under criticism once again as his side have fallen 13 points behind the final Champions League qualification spot and could be sacked.
Allegri has long been linked as a potential replacement and the British tabloid claims he has indicated he is ready to make the switch to the Premier League, even taking English lessons in preparation.
United ready to double Sandro’s wages
Manchester United is prepared to double Alex Sandro’s wages in a bid to lure him from Juventus.
The Mirror claims the Brazilian left-back could make £145,000 per week at Old Trafford with the Old Lady likely to command a £70m fee.
Jose Mourinho still wants to keep Luke Shaw, but despite an impressive run as a stand-in left-back, Ashley Young is unlikely to win the job long-term.
The Bianconeri could also be offered Matteo Darmian in return to sweeten the deal.
City joins Real, Inter in Lautaro chase
Manchester City is the latest club to show an interest in Racing Club striker Lautaro Martinez.
Atletico Madrid are said to be leading the chase to sign the 20-year-old, who has 12 goals in 14 games this season, but Real Madrid, Inter and AC Milan are also lurking.
The Racing captain is set to leave the club at the end of the season and City could pitch in with an offer after scouting him recently.
Arsenal in Lafont running
Napoli leads the way to sign France Under-21 goalkeeper Alban Lafont, L’Equipe reports, though Arsenal and Roma are also closely following his situation.
The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the up-and-coming superstars of the game in his position and is under contract with Toulouse until 2020.
