Manchester United are plotting a shock raid on Chelsea for a player Todd Boehly is loathe to lose, Liverpool will beat Barcelona to a defensive colossus, while Saturday’s Transfer Gossip claims a Tottenham raid on Crystal Palace is gathering pace.
CHELSEA STAR KOVACIC ON MAN UTD RADAR
Manchester United are exploring a potential deal for Mateo Kovacic this summer, according to a report.
The Chelsea midfielder has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League over recent years. But with his deal at Stamford Bridge expiring in summer 2024, a departure could be on the cards.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is adamant that the club will not suffer a repeat of the situations that saw Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen depart as free agents early in his reign.
As such, the Blues will put the midfielder – as well as teammate Mason Mount – up for sale if he does not soon agree a new deal.
Kovacic, who turns 29 in May, has a number of options were he to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
The likes of Liverpool have been strongly linked, while Manchester City are also admirers of the Croatian.
However, 90min reports that Manchester United are now also firmly on his trail.
They claim that Erik ten Hag senses a golden chance to snare the battling midfielder to play alongside Casemiro. The Brazilian has been a brilliant addition for United since a £70m move from Real Madrid.
And finding a solid partner for him in midfield is one of the club’s major summer targets.
Kovacic move to Man Utd would hurt Boehly
The Blues rate Kovacic at around £40m despite his deal expiring in just 15 months. And while Boehly is eager to claw back some of his £500m spree so far, a number of sales will be considered this summer.
However, the exit of Kovacic – and particularly to a Premier League rival – is something that Boehly is keen to guard against. While he does need to lighten the bodies in the squad, Kovacic is still seen as a big part of their plans.
But should he refuse to agree an extension, the possibility of him leaving this summer will seriously increase.
As it stands, Kovacic and his representatives are currently weighing up their options. And while extending his stay at the Bridge cannot be ruled out, nor too could departing for another Premier League side.
And with United seen as being potential title challengers next season, the Croatian may well fancy the move to Old Trafford.
LIVERPOOL HOPES GROW ON EVAN NDICKA SWOOP
Liverpool feel they have a strong chance of signing Evan Ndicka this summer after Barcelona seemingly dropped their interest in a deal.
The Reds are gearing up for a summer of change at Anfield after an underwhelming season. As a result, plans for a major summer transfer window assault are already underway.
Their major focus lies in strengthening in midfield, with at least two players sought there this summer.
Jude Bellingham is a top target, though any deal for the Borussia Dortmund star is likely to cost well in excess of £100m.
As a result, the Reds are also exploring a number of alternatives with this feature examining the whopping 49 midfield signings they’re being linked with.
However, Jurgen Klopp also wants to strenghen his central defence this summer too.
Both Joel Matip and Joe Gomez have performed below expectations, with the former at risk of departing this summer. Indeed, with just a year left on his deal, Liverpool will not stand in his way if a sizeable offer emerges.
As a result, they are looking at a possible move for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Ndicka.
Ndicka likely to leave on free transfer
The powerful 6ft 4in Frenchman has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s meanest and toughest defenders.
But with his deal expiring this summer, he is eligible for a free transfer away.
That race was seemingly being led by Barcelona. However, with finances tight this summer, they are likely to be beaten to the punch by Liverpool.
Now Mundo Deportivo claims Barcelona do not intend to challenge Liverpool for his signature. And that will seemingly give Klopp a clear path to finalise his free-transfer signing.
The 23-year-old will then compete with Ibrahima Konate for the right to partner Virgil van Dijk in defence.
TOTTENHAM RAID ON CRYSTAL PALACE GATHERS PACE
Mauricio Pochettino will reportedly raid Crystal Palace for his first signing if he returns to the Tottenham hotseat.
The north London side are contemplating their next boss amid growing claims Antonio Conte’s spell is over. The Italian’s deal expires this summer though there are claims he will be removed from office early.
Now back in Italy after publicly berating the club, his early departure is expected to soon be confirmed by Spurs.
As a result, chairman Daniel Levy is reportedly mulling over a number of options to take charge.
Pochettino is reportedly a leading candidate with an emotional return on the cards. That could, though, be scuppered by Julian Nagelsmann, with the former Bayern Munich coach now reportedly their top target.
However, a return to Tottenham for Pochettino would certainly appease supporters.
And should that happen, Tottenham’s former head of elite identification and player development David Webb believes a raid for Wilfried Zaha is likely.
The forward looks likely to leave Crystal Palace this summer as a free agent. And with Pochettino trying to sign him for Spurs in the past, he now has a clear path to him.
Speaking to The Sun, Webb said: “[Zaha’s] had good offers from abroad like Saudi Arabia but I think his ideal one would be to test himself in the Premier League at a higher club. Poch was a big fan of his.
“I still think he’s attractive for a couple of years because he’s still got great attributes for the Premier League.”
