The football world is awash with gossip! Transfer Talk is monitoring the whispers ahead of all the summer moves. Check out the latest deals and potential deals here.
TOP STORY: Costa to sit out six months to secure Atleti move
Diego Costa is prepared to miss six months of football to secure a move to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea despite their transfer ban, according to Marca.
The Spain forward has revealed how Antonio Conte informed him he was not needed next season at Stamford Bridge, though La Furia Roja boss Julen Lopetegui has insisted the 28-year-old’s place at next summer’s World Cup will not be in jeopardy.
Atletico will put together a special preseason training programme that will last until January, when Costa can be registered, in the ultimate sacrifice for Diego Simeone.
Roma to force Liverpool into record move for Salah
Roma are standing their ground in negotiations with Liverpool for Mohamed Salah, writes the Telegraph, with the Giallorossi holding out for more than £35 million.
The Reds had a £28m bid rejected for the Egyptian international, but manager Jurgen Klopp is determined to add another exceptionally fast wide player to pair with Sadio Mane.
Roma’s director of football Monchi has even admitted a sale is possible but insisted Liverpool must adhere to their terms.
Mourinho finalises summer wish list
Jose Mourinho has entirely assessed his squad and identified exactly where Manchester United must strengthen, reveals the Independent, and the Portuguese prepared a list of 25 players for the club to sign back in March to avoid any setbacks or failed pursuits.
Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata, Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic and an as-of-yet-unidentified defensive midfielder were the priorities to go with Swedish centre-back Victor Lindelof, who signed from Benfica on Thursday.
Mourinho wanted United’s business mostly complete by the beginning of July, but the club have encountered a recurring problem.
That is that selling clubs know United have deep pockets and are willing to push them to pay over the odds, more so than other clubs. The report even reveals how United believe, for example, that Torino and Italy striker Andrea Belotti could join another team for less than the Granata are demanding from the Red Devils.
Morata agent attends talks to secure United deal
The most celebrated arrival at Old Trafford this summer is likely to be Real Madrid’s Morata, and AS reports that Mourinho will have some joy soon as the player’s agent met with club officials to finalise terms on the 24-year-old’s exit.
The Spaniard’s agent, Juanma Lopez, spent more than two hours at the Bernabeu on Wednesday set to see the clubs discuss the final detail required: the transfer fee.
Morata has agreed to terms with the Red Devils, but the sticking point could be Los Blancos holding out for a huge €90m fee, though a compromise seems inevitable at this stage.
Tap-ins
– Chris Smalling has been offered around as Mourinho looks to ruthlessly trim his squad, reports the Mirror. The England international will find it increasingly difficult to start for the Red Devils after Lindelof’s arrival from Benfica. West Ham and Everton are thought to be among the clubs contacted concerning Smalling’s availability.
– Liverpool target Emre Mor has been given permission to speak to other clubs by Borussia Dortmund, according to agent Muzzi Ozcan. “Dortmund still want Emre however, they are not against him leaving on loan either,” Ozcan is quoted as saying by Turkish-Football. “We have been permitted to hold talks with other clubs regarding a move.”
– And finally, in something of a shock, Fenerbahce want to make an audacious move for Leicester duo Jamie Vardy and Ahmed Musa, reports DHA (via the Mirror). The Foxes will be reluctant to lose their talisman, but Fenerbahce have identified Vardy and Musa to replace Emmanuel Emenike and Moussa Sow.