Rumor Mill: Bayern close to Pepe; Manolas to United gossip; Mane rumors resurface

Ok

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New maneja

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Didn’t see this coming

Benfica’s midfielder Florentino is in Manchester City’s radar as an option for the midfield. The youngster, born in 1999, has broken into the Portuguese’s side first team this season, making 9 appearances and scoring one goal. The Citizens are evaluating Florentino as a possible reinforcement for the present as well as for the future, considering him as an option to replace Fernandinho, should the 33-year-old Brazilian leave the club.

-source: Gianluca Di Marzio

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Almost smoke

Greek centre-back of interest to Solskjaer Manchester United are considering paying the £31 million (€36m) release clause of Roma defender Kostas Manolas, according to Leggo’s Rome edition. United are known to be in the market for a new centre-back this summer, with the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Raphael Varane both being linked with a move to Old Trafford. But according to this report, Manolas features highly on United’s wishlist because of his affordability. Juventus are also said to be weighing up a move for the Greek international.

-source: Goal

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Return of the prodigal son

Raúl de Tomás wants to return to Real Madrid this summer, but not at all costs. The Madrid youth product, who is currently on loan at fellow LaLiga club Rayo Vallecano, only wants to go back to the Bernabéu if he has assurances about his chances of challenging for a place in Zinedine Zidane’s team. The centre-forward isn’t demanding a starting spot; far from it. He’s well aware he’ll have to beat off top-quality competition to play. He just wants to be sure he’s facing an even fight.

-source: Diario AS

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Oh Mane Mane

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is on the list of ‘luxury targets’ for Real Madrid this summer, according to a report in El Confidencial. Returning Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is said to be a long-term admirer of the forward – who has netted 54 goals in 115 appearances for the Merseyside club. Last month, France Football reported the Coach, who returned to the Madrid hot seat this month, is a fan of the Senegalese attacker and he subsequently is an objective for Los Blancos. A similar report followed in Marca that Mane was a ‘primary target’ for Madrid while the latest information claims that the club will pursue a deal should the player express a desire to join them.

-source: Football Espana

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PSG slayer

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Competition

Tottenham and Everton are both keen on a deal for Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes this summer, according to reports. The Merseyside club paid a season-long loan fee of €2.5m to land the Portuguese international but do not exercise an option to sign the midfielder permanently. However, a report in The Daily Telegraph claims Spurs are prepared to pay €35m to land the Portugal international, with chairman Daniel Levy approving the move.

-source: Football Espana

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Perisic

Inter winger Ivan Perisic is the subject of interest from West Ham, according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport. The Croatian is also on Arsenal and Tottenham’s radar, after being heavily linked with a summer exit at San Siro. Perisic has contributed six goals and three assists in 28 Serie A appearances for Inter this season.

-source: Goal

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Double trouble

Feeling strengthened by clues that filter from Portugal. Juventus and Benfica, thanks to the mediation of Mendes, a few months ago are treating on a double track: Ruben Dias and Joao Felix. Both Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo’s squad mates.

-source: Tuttosport

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Genesio replacements

The succession race of Bruno Genesio, who Saturday announced his departure at the end of season, is open. A trio like Lyon makers: Patrick Vieira, Christophe Galtier, and Marcelo Gallardo.

-source: Le Parisien

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Not easy

Mino Raiola, the agent of Paul Pogba, has been told by Manchester United directors that the French midfielder will not be allowed to leave Old Trafford easily. In fact, the English side want to extend his current contract, which runs to June 30, 2021, and have argued that the departure of Jose Mourinho should mean he no longer has any issues at the club. That said, Pogba is keen on the idea of playing for Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid. For such an operation to come to fruition, Los Blancos would have to splash significant cash and the sporting point would be 150 million euros.

-source: Marca

Manchester United will make Paul Pogba their club captain to ward off interest from Real Madrid. The France international has been heavily linked with a move to the outgoing European champions this summer, most strongly by the press in both Spain and France. However, fresh reports in Diario AS say Pogba will be made club captain to replace Antonio Valencia – who will leave Old Trafford this summer when his contract expires. The report also claims the former Juventus star could be offered a new and improved contract at the club which would see him remain at United throughout his prime years.

-source: Football Espana

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Chosen

Real Madrid are keen on Luka Jovic and Eintracht Frankfurt would prefer to sell to them over any of the other sides currently linked with the Serbian striker. The icing on the cake is the very good relationship the German club have with Real Madrid and they would prefer to do business with them over anyone else in Spain.

-source: Diario AS

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Agreed

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Off