The summer transfer window won't reopen in Europe for another month, but there are plenty of moves in the works and rumors floating around. Transfer Talk brings you the latest news on rumours, comings and goings and of course, closed deals!
TOP STORY: Manchester City eyes West Ham's Paquetá
Manchester City are believed to have reached a personal agreement with the West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetáalthough the Premier League champions are still in talks with the Hammers officials about a fee, according to the Footmercato journalist. Santi Aouna.
Paquetá is a top priority for City manager Pep Guardiola as he looks to build on a record fourth consecutive league title, and the champions are expected to hold talks with the West Ham board in the coming weeks. Guardiola admitted on Sunday that he is closer to “the end” of his City tenure than the beginning, but Paquetá's arrival could provide a timely boost as the Citizens attempt to make it five in a row next season.
City officials attempted to sign the midfielder last summer but backed out of the deal after it was revealed the FA had opened an investigation into alleged betting violations by Paquetá.
City are prepared to return with a similar offer of around £85m, which would cover the Brazilian's release clause, although they hope talks with West Ham's board could reduce that fee.
Paquetá has scored eight goals for the Hammers this season and recorded a further seven assists in all competitions. His contract in east London ends in 2027, although West Ham have the option to renew it for a further year.
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PAPER GOSSIP
– Aston Villa are interested in signing the attacking midfielder Conor Gallagher from Chelsea, according to the Telegraph. The Blues could be forced to part with the 24-year-old academy product in an effort to alleviate his financial concerns. Villa, which they hope to include John Duran In the deal, they would also need to raise funds through player releases to be able to afford Gallagher and avoid their own financial penalties.
– Marco Reus is looking at other options despite previous reports claiming he had agreed a deal with MLS side Charlotte FC, according to Transfermarkt. The 34-year-old Germany international was believed to have agreed to a move to the United States, but the Borussia Dortmund legend is now said to be considering a number of alternatives, including clubs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, among others. Reus remains focused on the Champions League final, which will take place on June 1, but it is clear that he has several different paths to choose from.
– Australia international Martin Boyle He appears set to leave Hibernian and move to the A-League, according to FTBL. The 31-year-old, who scored 57 goals in 10 seasons at Hibs, is being courted by Melbourne City and Perth Glory.
– Newcastle United are interested in signing the Barcelona winger raffinand manager Eddie Howe hopes to play the former Leeds United player alongside his compatriot. Bruno Guimaraes, according to the Mirror. The Magpies are looking to add more strength to their squad for the 2024-25 season and have been linked with a move for Raphinha, who is likely to leave the Camp Nou this summer. The 27-year-old could form a potent partnership with Guimarães, although he was seen waving what many felt was “a goodbye” to fans following Newcastle's 4-2 win over Brentford on Sunday.
– Emerson Real is among the players expected to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, and the 25-year-old has emerged as a surprise target for Bayern Munich, according to Sport. Bayern is looking to reinforce the squad in certain areas this summer and, with Joshua Kimmich He is rumored to be leaving at the end of the campaign, but Royal could fill a gap at right-back.
– Everything has changed at AC Milan this summer and, as many expect Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca to fill the vacant position, his first step on the bench will be for his compatriot. Tiago Santos. This is stated by Calciomercato, which considers that the Lille full-back is among the best rossoneri main priorities. The right-back area is a cause of concern for Milan, and they are believed to have made a verbal offer for the versatile defender, whose contract expires in 2028.
