
Transfer News Rumors
Mathieu didn’t want Barca move
Former Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu has admitted that he didn’t want to move to Camp Nou in 2014 because he knew he would have to “polish the bench”.
Defour announces retirement
Steven Defour has confirmed he will retire at the end of the season.
The midfielder numbers Standard Liege, Porto and Burnley among his former clubs.
The 32-year-old is currently on the books of Mechelen, but says he longer has the resolve to keep fighting back from injuries.
Calleja replaces Abelardo at Alaves
Alaves have confirmed Javi Calleja as the successor to Abelardo Fernandez.
Daka catches Milan’s eye
AC Milan have trained their sights on RB Salzburg forward Patson Daka.
Irrespective of whether Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs a new deal, Milan want to boost their attacking options.
According to Milan Reports, the Rossoneri have dispatched scouts who have been deeply impressed with a forward who is also being tracked by Liverpool.
Ajax monitoring Santos defender Kaiky
Ajax are keeping tabs on Santos teenager Kaiky.
The 17-year-old defender has progressed through Brazil’s youth levels, and is now part of the first team at Santos.
He has a contract at Santos until 2023, and UOL says Ajax are monitoring the situation ahead of a possible bid.
Koopmeiners confirms Roma interest
Teun Koopmeiners has confirmed AS Roma have expressed interest in signing him from AZ Alkmaar.
Liverpool have been linked with the Dutch midfielder, but he has suggested Roma are ahead in the chase.
“There is interest [from Roma], but we will see what will happen next,” the 23-year-old told NOS.
Abelardo leaves Alaves
Alaves have parted company with coach Abelardo Fernandez.
Calhanoglu’s Milan contract talks hit buffers
Hakan Calhanoglu’s contract talks with AC Milan have hit a roadblock.
According to Sky Italia, the talks are at a stalemate – with Juventus circling to step in for the Turkey midfielder.
The two sides are some way apart, and Juventus are ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal in the chase should he depart the San Siro.
Atlanta signs Jack Gurr
Zidane addresses Salah to Madrid rumours
With Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah recently stating that he could not rule out a move to Spain in the future, Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has been questioned on the Egyptian’s comments.
Pep refuses to rule out £100m signing
Pep Guardiola cannot rule out Manchester City spending £100 million ($139m) on one player in the next transfer window, with the Citizens linked with Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku.
Toon midfielder turns down MLS move
Newcastle’s Kyle Scott has turned down an offer to join Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati, according to Queen City Press.
It is claimed that the 23-year-old is likely worried that he will not get regular playing time in the US due to FC Cincy having plenty of options in the middle of the pitch.
Orlando City are also said to have registered an interest in Scott, but could not match his wage demands.
Hickey opens door to Celtic move
Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey has left the door open for a future move to Celtic.
A boyhood Bhoys fan, 18-year-old Hickey was snapped up by the Serie A side last summer amid interest from a plethora of European giants.
Speaking to The Herald regarding his choice to pick a move to Italy over the others, he said: “Celtic came in a lot and I was excited and happy about it.
“I don’t know if it was the right option for me, though, because of the deal or something.
“I’m a Celtic supporter and it was massive for me, but I just didn’t think it was the right time to go there.
“I wouldn’t ever rule it out down the line, who knows.”

Barca expect Haaland deal to be ‘very difficult’
La Liga giants braced for tough striker search
ESPN reports that Barcelona remains keen on Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland but expect a deal to be “very difficult”.
Funds are in short supply at Camp Nou and finding the money required to land one of the most sought-after talents in world football will not be easy, despite all parties being open to discussions.

Zaha knows ‘where he wants to be’
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson admits Wilfried Zaha knows “where he wants to be” as transfer talk starts to ramp up again ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Ivorian forward, who was heavily linked with Arsenal in the recent past, is said to be registering on recruitment radars at Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and Everton.
Liverpool looking into Koopmeiners deal
Reds keen on landing Wijnaldum replacement
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Teun Koopmeiners is, according to Calciomercato, an option that Liverpool are ready to explore.
The Reds are in the market for reinforcements in their engine room as Georginio Wijnaldum is set to depart this summer when his contract comes to an end.
Spurs set to push for Skriniar
Jose Mourinho is ready to spearhead Tottenham’s pursuit of Inter defender Milan Skriniar, claims Football Insider.
The Slovakia international has seen a move to the Premier League mooted for some time and is now a top target for Spurs.

Raiola calls Haaland reports ‘fake news’
Mino Raiola has hit back at reports regarding Erling Haaland’s future on social media.
A whole host of top clubs have been credited with an interest in Haaland, who has enjoyed a rapid rise to stardom since joining Borussia Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020.
The striker’s father Alf-Inge and Raiola were spotted holding talks with Barcelona and Real Madrid officials last week, and it has been reported that they will also sit down with potential suitors from the Premier League, but the super-agent has moved to try and quash the ongoing speculation.
Read the full story on Goal.
Paredes could leave PSG this summer
Leandro Paredes could leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer – according to Calcio Mercato.
The Argentine is not in Mauricio Pochettino’s long-term plans and the French champions may seek to use him as a makeweight to bring in new players in the summer.
Paredes has previously been linked with Juventus and Inter, and only has two years left to run on his current deal at PSG.
Dortmund plan to keep Haaland but open to Sancho offers
Borussia Dortmund are planning to keep Erling Haaland for next season but will listen to “exceptional offers” for Jadon Sancho, according to the club’s CEO, Hans-Joachim Watzke.
Haaland is attracting attention from top clubs across the continent ahead of the summer transfer window after an outstanding 2020-21 campaign at Westfalenstadion.
Watzke claims Dortmund haven’t given any thought to selling the Norwegian, but does admit that Sancho could end up leaving if they receive a suitable bid when the market reopens.
Read the full story on Goal.
Milan interested in Anderlecht’s Lokonga
Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is the subject of interest from Milan – according to Calcio Mercato.
The Rossoneri are considering a summer swoop for the 21-year-old, who is currently valued at around €12 million (£10m/$14m).
Lokonga, whose current deal at Anderlecht is due to run until 2023, has scored two goals in 24 Belgian Pro League outings this term.
Dybala edging closer to Juve exit (Calcio Mercato)
Italian giants withdraw extension offer
Paulo Dybala is edging closer to the exit door at Juventus – according to Calcio Mercato.
The Bianconeri have withdrawn their original extension offer, which would have seen the Argentine become one of the top 20 best-paid players in Europe.
Dybala is holding out for even more lucrative terms, which could lead Juve to sell the midfielder before he becomes a free agent in 2022.
