The transfer window formally opens tomorrow. About time too, we could do with a blast of fresh air, it’s clammy in here. Some new idle conjecture and flat-out lies, please! Because much of this is getting old.
Barcelona are still seriously interested in Manchester United’s magnificently entertaining irritant Ander Herrera. They plan an imminent move for the Scrappy Doo who actually cashes the cheques he writes, although United aren’t too keen to sell. Barça are making out that they’re more interested in the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti, but let’s see.
United are also still sniffing around the Internazionale forward Ivan Perisic. The Italians say they’re not willing to part with their man, but this is all part of the dance.
Everton maintain their interest in the Málaga forward Sandro. They actually appear capable of closing deals nowadays, so hopefully we can check this one off the list sooner rather than later.
Can we say the same with confidence about crack negotiators Liverpool? Possibly, possibly not. But they are gearing up to finally make a bid for Naby Keïta of Leipzig. The German soft-drink shills want £70m; the Reds may get round to bidding £56m plus add-ons before talks fall apart acrimoniously sometime in mid August. They’re also still interested in the Hull left-back Andy Robertson. Ditto Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, despite Arsenal showing no will to trade.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte continues to stomp about with a face on, a result of his employers dragging their feet in the market. But their interest in the 26-year-old Roma and Greece defender Kostas Manolas is hotting up. A brazen attempt to flush out either Leonardo Bonucci or Virgil van Dijk? Or is Bonucci a smokescreen for Alex Sandro? It’s almost intriguing.
Real Madrid maintain their determination to land Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and Monaco’s Kylian MbapWILL SOMEBODY CRACK THAT GODDAMN WINDOW?!
Ah that’s better! Southampton are in for the £25m Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho; Watford want the Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs, while West Ham are after Jack Wilshere; Brighton would like to give Joe Gomez of Liverpool a season’s worth of defending on loan; Newcastle are looking at the Burnley striker Andre Gray; and Huddersfield want the Derby winger Tom Ince. A cool breeze, and the sweet smell of summer meadows!