Rumour Mill
Manchester United Target Branthwaite, Liverpool Eye Simons, and Newcastle Pursue Huijsen
- Manchester United are preparing a major move for Everton and England defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 22, this summer, but securing a deal may depend on their Champions League qualification.
- Aston Villa have the option to make their loan deal for Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford, 27, permanent for £40m.
- Liverpool remain optimistic that Mohamed Salah, 32, and Virgil van Dijk, 33, will extend their contracts before the summer transfer window.
- Manchester United are pursuing Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha, 24, with a £40m bid in the works.
- Liverpool are intensifying their interest in RB Leipzig and Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons, 21, who is valued at €80m (£67m).
- Newcastle have identified Bournemouth and Spain international Dean Huijsen, 19, as their primary defensive target this summer.
- Bournemouth are aiming to secure Spain goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, 30, on a permanent deal from Chelsea, while also showing interest in Liverpool and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, 26.
- Thiago Motta’s future as Juventus manager is uncertain, with internal discussions ongoing regarding his position.
- Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea are all plotting summer bids for Ajax and Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato, 19, but face stiff competition from Real Madrid.
- Liverpool are prepared to spend over £100m on a new striker, as Uruguay forward Darwin Nunez, 25, is expected to depart.
