The coronavirus pandemic made the summer transfer market unlike any before it, but there were still plenty of deals done, and you can check out the major ones here. The window might be closed across the top leagues in Europe, but here are the best rumours from around the globe.
TOP STORY: Pogba could leave Man United as a free agent
Manchester United have already lost Paul Pogba at the end of his contract once and, according to The Athletic, it could happen again.
– Marcotti: Pogba’s not criticizing Man United
The France international is reportedly reluctant to renew his contract with the Red Devils, which ties him to Old Trafford until 2022. However, making an immediate exit does not seem to be the World Cup winner’s plan, despite the lack of playing time so far this season.
The report suggests that United know they have three transfer windows to sell Pogba, if they want to see a return on the £89 million it cost them to bring him back from Juventus in 2016.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Pogba remains an “important” player for United despite suggestions from France coach Didier Deschamps that the midfielder is unhappy at Old Trafford. The 27-year-old has accepted he is going through a “difficult” period in his career but Solskjaer insists he remains central to his plans.
Pogba caused controversy during the break when he said his time away with France is a “breath of fresh air.”
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11.07 GMT: Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has hit out at the agent of Miguel Almiron after he claimed the midfielder would have moved to Inter Milan or Atletico Madrid during the summer but for the pandemic.
“His comments were outrageous, bordering on ridiculous,” Bruce said. “A two-bob agent who is so amateurish… why would you put your client in that situation? If it was Almiron knocking on my door then I would listen, but an agent probably trying to profit again after two years is hugely disrespectful to the club. Miguel is a great pro and a great lad, but his agent leaves a lot to be desired.”
10.17 GMT: Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is keeping his cards close to his chest over reported interest in Isco and Sami Khedira.
“Isco is a rumour from the press, from the media. It’s not a rumour that went out from our side,” Ancelotti said. “We are not talking about the market in this period, we are talking about the problem that we had and we are working to try and solve this problem. Apart from this, Isco was my player at Real Madrid and was a fantastic player. He is a Real Madrid player.
“I have a good memory of Sami Khedira, he was with me at Real Madrid and was a fantastic professional. I would love to work with him, but unfortunately he’s not the only one! I’ve had fantastic players in my career, I’ve had good memories of them. But to come here to Everton is another thing to consider.”
09.30 GMT: The Daily Mirror says that Arsenal are ready to step up their interest in FC Salzburg midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungary international has been on the radar of many top clubs after two stellar seasons for the Austrian club, and he has a release clause of £23m. But the Mirror reports that Arsenal only want to pay that fee in monthly instalments, rather than up front, and that could be a sticking point.
PAPER ROUND
Pirlo wants Locatelli at Juve
Andrea Pirlo is crazy about Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli and wants him at Juventus, reports Tuttosport.
Despite having previously shown interest in Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, it would appear that the Bianconeri will pursue the Italy international instead.
Sassuolo reportedly are unwilling to let the 22-year-old leave during the January transfer window because of the impact his departure could have on the second half of the season. However, there could be a possibility for the transfer to be completed in the summer.
Sule dreams of Man United move
Bayern Munich centre-back Niklas Sule “dreams of playing for Manchester United one day,” according to Bild.
The Red Devils have had their defensive troubles this term, and it now seems as though there could be a target waiting to be snapped up if they are willing to make an offer.
Considering David Alaba appears to have one foot out the door of the Allianz Arena, this news likely won’t be well received by Bayern. Sule has made eight starts and one substitute appearance for the German champions so far this campaign, so the departure of both defenders could be calamitous.
Tap-ins
– There has been talk in recent days of clubs wanting Isco, but Marca now writes that the Spain international wants to leave Real Madrid. After months of consideration, the midfielder told his father and agent that he is open to leaving the Bernabeu in January, and Madrid are said to be happy to facilitate the transfer as long as a suitable offer comes in for the 28-year-old.
– Internazionale would prefer to sign Napoli’s Arkadiusz Milik than Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud, reports Calciomercato. The Nerazzurri are said to have met with Milik’s representatives and will attempt to bring him in once the winter transfer window opens. However, Napoli may force them to wait until the summer, when Inter would be able to sign him for free. That is because Gennaro Gattuso’s club feels they can win the Scudetto and don’t want to strengthen a direct rival.