Tottenham register interest in Raphinha, which could affect their pursuit of Richarlison, while Inter have renewed Romelu Lukaku confidence – both in all the latest Transfer Gossip.
TOTTENHAM EYE RAPHINHA TRANSFER SWOOP
Leeds United winger Raphinha has become a transfer target for Tottenham following interest from Barcelona and Arsenal, according to a report.
The Brazil international is one of the Premier League’s players in demand this summer. Having proved the Whites’ talisman last season amid their relegation fears, he has attracted attention from elsewhere.
Leeds would like to keep Raphinha but accept he could look for a bigger challenge elsewhere. What’s more, the Elland Road club would find it hard to turn down significant profit on the attacker.
Barcelona have for some time been the frontrunners to sign Raphinha. More recently, Arsenal came in with interest in the 25-year-old, only to receive a firm ‘no’ from Deco, the player’s agent.
However, The Athletic claims that Raphinha could yet still move to north London with Tottenham.
Spurs are keeping close tabs on the winger’s situation as they weigh up a bid. But it is part of a ploy by Tottenham director of football Fabio Paratici.
Paratici likes to have a back-up transfer option in case another deal falls through, with Everton’s Richarlison – Raphinha’s international team-mate – the other transfer candidate for Spurs.
However, The Athletic adds that Tottenham boss Antonio Conte does not want to sign both.
In any case, there is a growing feeling that Barcelona will be unable to afford a move for Raphinha.
They are facing huge debts and would likely need to sell a first-team star to fund the move.
Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong has been mentioned as Barca’s fall guy. At this stage, though, he looks more likely to stay at Camp Nou.
INTER GET RENEWED LUKAKU CONFIDENCE
Inter have renewed confidence over a deal for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, a report has claimed.
The Belgium international supposedly wants to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after a season of struggles back at the Blues.
He arrived back in the Premier League for £97.5million, but Inter cannot afford anywhere near that to seal his return to Serie A.
Chelsea are therefore asking Inter to pay a reported £21million loan fee instead.
Previous reports have claimed that Inter are nevertheless anxious at paying that much for Lukaku.
According to Gianluca di Marzio, though, Inter are ready to bite the bullet and pay for Lukaku. The striker could yet take a pay cut to seal his move back to Italy’s top flight.
They are also after Argentina attacker Paulo Dybala, who is leaving Juventus as a free agent.
If both players arrive, the report adds that Inter could look to shift former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko.
TRANSFER GOSSIP – WOLVES CONFIDENT OF PALHINHA DEAL
Wolves reportedly feel confident that they will win the race to sign Sporting midfielder Joao Palhinha, despite fresh Fulham interest.
Portugal international Palhinha had links with Tottenham last summer, but it is Wolves who are leading the charge this time around.
Sporting want around £21million for the 26-year-old, with Wolves reportedly close to sealing a deal.
And despite late interest from Fulham, The Sun claims that the Molineux club expect to win the race for Palhinha.
Indeed, the newspaper reports that Fulham’s offer for the midfielder is ‘considerably less’ than Wolves’ and should not affect proceedings.
Wolves boss Bruno Lage sees Palhinha as the ideal replacement for Ruben Neves, who is being heavily linked with a move away.
