It’s getting close, it’s getting very, very close. In just under two weeks, the Premier League will make its glorious return. The thrills and spills, the heartbreak and hysteria, the unpredictable drama that makes it simply the best domestic league in world football.
It’s been a funny old transfer window this summer, given that there was that World Cup thing going on for a bit last month, and the fact the deadline now comes at the start of the season gives managers far less time than usual to conduct their business.
As always in pre-season, rumours have been rife throughout the past few weeks, with all Premier League sides being linked with a host of talented players (unless you happen to be Spurs, that is). So here’s the best of today’s whispers rapidly doing the rounds…
6. Manchester United Plot to Hijack Everton’s Move for Yerry Mina
Look away now, Everton fans.
Having already missed out on Bordeaux prodigy Malcom after being blown out of the water by Roma (who then got the same treatment from Barcelona – ouch!), it looks like Manchester United could be ready to steal Barcelona man Yerry Mina from under their noses.
Marco Silva’s side were believed to be in pole position to sign the Colombian World Cup star, but according to the Sun, United will lodge a £35m bid to bring him to Old Trafford.
5. Real Madrid Make U-Turn in Quest to Sign Eden Hazard
Well, well, well, the long drawn out Eden Hazard to Real Madrid saga takes another twist!
Los Blancos were believed to have set their sights on making the Chelsea talisman their marquee signing of the summer, but given the Blues’ staggering demands of £200m, the Bernebéu boys appear to have backed off.
According to the Express, Real Madrid will not be making Hazard a Galáctico this summer after all, and will instead look to pursue more affordable options.
4. Wolves Look Set to Miss Out on AC Milan Striker Andre Silva
Given all the gorgeous weather and the scores of Portuguese footballers roaming the streets of late, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Wolverhampton had somehow been transported to sunny southern Europe.
While the club have seen an influx of talent from O Rectângulo join in recent time, they do look set to miss out on AC Milan striker Andre Silva.
According to Calcio Mercato, Galatasaray have stolen a march on the West Midlands side, agreeing a fee for the Portugugal international with the deal now on the verge of completion.
3. West Ham Are Still Chasing Swansea City’s Alfie Mawson Amid Fulham & Burnley Interest
Full credit to West Ham, they’ve bounced back from being the laughing stock of the Premier League last season to conducting one of their finest transfer windows in recent memory this summer.
And according to the Daily Star, they intend to plough on with their recruitment. The club are believed to be locked in intense negotiations with Swansea City, with defender Alfie Mawson the object of their affections.
Fulham and Burnley are also believed to be keen on the 24-year-old, but the Hammers are currently favourites to seal the deal.
2. West Ham Also Plot Improved Bid for Domagoj Vida
Appalling choice of haircut aside, Vida showed just the kind of grit with Croatia at the World Cup that West Ham were sorely lacking last season, and could be a very shrewd signing indeed.
According to the Express, the Hammers haven’t been deterred by Be?ikta? turning down their initial £22m bid, and will return with an improved offer this week.
However, as French side Monaco had an offer worth nearly £27m rejected, it’s likely that West Ham will need to stump up at least £30m to make the deal happen.
1. Brighton Edge Closer to Signing Reading Defender Liam Moore
It’s the stuff that all avid Football Manager players fear – the dreaded transfer request.
Brighton target Liam Moore looks to be edging closer to sealing his move away from Reading, after, according to the Argus, handing in a transfer request and missing his side’s pre-season clash against Crystal Palace.
The Seagulls now look set to put the finishing touches to the deal, which will see the defender leave Reading after spending two seasons with the Royals.
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