Chelsea in talks with Barcelona over Coutinho

The winter transfer window is closed, but now is the time to look to summer! Here are the new rumors circulating in the big European leagues and beyond.

TOP STORY: Chelsea in talks with Barcelona on Coutinho

Barcelona wants to sell Philippe Coutinho, just over two years after spending 160 million euros to sign it from Liverpool, but Sport accounts they will accept half of these fees now and Chelsea are interested.

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Coutinho, 27, is on loan to Bayern Munich for the season and the German champions have a 120m option in his contract, which they would not have accepted.

Tottenham and Manchester United have been linked to the Brazilian playmaker in the past, alongside the less likely Arsenal and Leicester, but Chelsea have been in touch with agent Kia Joorabchian and are “negotiating” on a transfer.

Coutinho may have doubted joining another Premier League club in the past, but he’s now at the point where he just wants to quit his Barcelona nightmare and an offer of 80 million could see that dream come true.

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10.45 BST: ESPN announced to you last week that Manchester United are ready to make a new offer to sign with Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer, but now his future stepfather Keje Molenaar has poured cold water over the hopes of the Premier League club.

“These are just rumors, that’s all, there is nothing more to say,” he said. Tuttojuve. “Matthijs doesn’t regret having chosen Juve, him and Annekee at all [De Ligt’s fiancee] are really having fun in Turin and maybe spending a little more time in Italy. “

09.52 BST: He has been linked to Manchester United and Tottenham in the past, but the young West Brom Nathan Ferguson could be configured to join Crystal Palace.

Ferguson, 19, had to move 12 meters in January before a knee problem was raised in his medical examination. Now his contract must expire in summer, L’Express & Star says Palace will return to close the deal.

09:00 BST: Real Madrid striker Cesar Gelabert attracts Arsenal’s interest, explains AS.

Gelabert, 19, has yet to make his first team debut, but is a Spanish U19 international and has a contract that ends in the summer.

Lyon and Borussia Dortmund are also fond of the versatile striker, but the boss of the Gunners, Mikel Arteta, would be confident to land the teenager.

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FifPro Secretary General Jonas Baer-Hoffman explains the financial impact of covid-19 even on the biggest clubs.

PAPER TALK (by Harry Kettle)

Martinez will shock Bayern and return to Bilbao

Javi Martinez was linked to a return to Athletic Bilbao in the summer, Sky Sport Germany Reports.

The popular defensive midfielder has been with Bayern Munich since in 2012 when he made the leap to Bilbao, a club with which he has made more than 200 appearances. Although he enjoyed his stay in Munich, it seems that the change could soon be envisaged for the 31-year-old player.

Bilbao is considered one of the first to sign alongside Getafe, but much could depend on European qualification if the season can be concluded in the coming months.

Spanish clubs want Ceballos

Valencia and Real Betis both keep an eye on progress Dani Ceballos, Marca’s reports.

The midfielder is currently on loan from Real Madrid Premier League club Arsenal, but is expected to return to the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the current campaign – when possible.

Valencia were close to reaching a finish line deal for Ceballos, but Madrid’s insistence on not wanting to sell it to a rival put an end to these plans. On the other hand, a return to the former Real Betis club could be a valid option for Ceballos as he continues to try to pursue more first-team opportunities away from the European giants.

AC Milan interested in Ajer

AC Milan to continue signing for Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer, Calciomercato reports.

The youngster has flourished since his arrival in Glasgow, to the point where he attracts a lot of attention from a series of top European clubs. Milan is at the top of this list, his scouts would have held him in great esteem.

He still has two years on his current contract, but market developments in the coming months could open the door for Milan to get started and reach an agreement.

Tap-ins

– Young Manchester United Angel Gomes hinted he might end up staying at Old Trafford despite rumors of him moving, Mirror reports. The Red Devils have tried to lock Gomes to a long-term deal, and while Chelsea still hope they could make a difference, the teenage sensation seems poised to commit to United.

– The Mirror reports this Arthur Melo should stay in Barcelona and become a big part of the club’s future plans. Spanish giants are ready to listen to offers from Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic, but as far as Melo is concerned, Barça has rejected any potential interest from a series of clubs as they try to consolidate their position as a cohesive member of the first team.