Manchester United are set to jump to the front of the queue after joining the race to sign a £110m-rated midfielder, while Friday’s Transfer Gossip claims two Serie A clubs are eyeing a swoop for a versatile Chelsea star.
TEN HAG MAKES PLAY FOR GENERATIONAL MIDFIELDER
Manchester United have joined the race to sign Borussia Dortmund and England midfielder Jude Bellingham this summer, according to reports on Friday.
A report in the Daily Telegraph claims that the Red Devils are prepared to seal a Premier League and British transfer record deal for the 19-year-old.
Bellingham is arguably the hottest midfield property on the market after becoming a major Bundesliga star and shining on the international stage with the Three Lions.
Despite his tender age, Bellingham has already made 164 club appearances and has also won 22 England caps.
Liverpool were known to have been leading the race for the player for some time. Indeed, Bellingham’s father has also preferred Anfield as the player’s next destination.
However, a report on Thursday appears to have ruled the Reds out of a move for the Real Madrid target.
Manchester City are also known to be monitoring Bellingham’s situation, as they are set to lose free agent Ilkay Gundogan this summer.
Ten Hag wants Bellingham on board
But the Telegraph reports that United are expected to emerge as frontrunners after throwing their hat in the ring for the generational talent.
They claim that Erik ten Hag has “genuine interest” in bringing Bellingham to Old Trafford. Indeed, a source close to the player claims “everything is open”, despite Dortmund trying to keep the midfielder for another season.
However, if they do decide to cash in, Bellingham will earn Dortmund a huge profit.
The Bundesliga giants want at least £110million for their star man as they expect some form of a bidding war to ensue.
That would see Bellingham break the £100m British record fee paid by Manchester City for Jack Grealish.
If United do swoop to bring in Bellingham, it will give Ten Hag a centre-piece to build his ‘new’ United team around and prove that the Red Devils are well and truly back in the mix for top trophies.
SERIE A DUO CHASING TOP CHELSEA STAR
Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is attracting Serie A interest, with the Blues ready to listen to offers for the player.
Football Insider claims that AC Milan and Roma are both keen on striking a deal for the versatile England international.
The midfielder’s current contract runs until the summer of 2024, with an option for a further year. Chelsea, meanwhile, rate Loftus-Cheek at around the £20m mark.
The 27-year-old has played a total of 26 competitive matches for Chelsea this season either in midfield or at right wing-back.
But with Chelsea spending around £530million on new arrivals in the last two windows, it leaves the likes of Loftus-Cheek fearing for any sort of game time going forwards.
The fact that Blues are also unlikely to have European football next season will also make it harder for minutes in an already huge squad at Stamford Bridge.
SHOCK LUKAKU MOVE ON THE CARDS
Real Madrid are reportedly ready to make a move for Chelsea attacker Romelu Lukaku this summer.
Romelu Lukaku, Inter Milan striker
The Spanish giants are after a top-quality back-up for Karim Benzema, and reports on Friday suggest that could be Blues flop Lukaku.
Carlo Ancelotti is known to be a big admirer of the Belgium international, who is currently on loan at Inter Milan.
It’s already been revealed that the 29-year-old does not have a future in west London beyond this summer. And it appears that a surprise switch to the Bernabeu could be instead.
Lukaku has had a season to forget in Italy, scoring just five goals in 18 games for Inter although injuries have played a part in him not getting more game time.
That has led to Inter to decide against pursuing a permanent move for the striker, leaving the door open for Real.
