Thursday’s European transfer round-up

Kieran Trippier in a European tug-of-war

While Kieran Trippier should have his sights set on a Champions League Final next week, it appears that the England right-back is attracting interest from some of Europe’s elite.

Along with it being reported last week that Napoli were interested in bringing the 28-year-old to the Stadio San Paolo this summer, The Daily Mirror reporting that Atletico Madrid have also shortlisted the Spurs ace.

Playing a pivotal role in England’s fourth-place finish at last summers World Cup, Trippier has made 37 appearances for Tottenham across all competitions this year and has frequently featured in Spurs’ starting XI.

Tottenham will face Liverpool on June 1st in the Spanish capital and you can see all our Tottenham vs Liverpool betting tips ahead of an all-Premier League showdown.

Although Trippier is set to set to start next month’s Champions League final at Atletico’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium, The Mirror have also suggested that Mauricio Pochettino is willing to listen to offers for the full-back.

Despite it being suggested that Carlo Ancelloti’s Napoli side are in pole position to land the 28-year-old this summer and have even made initial contact with Trippier’s representatives, The Mirror believe that Atletico have gone one step further.

Reportedly offering a €25m plus bonuses deal in order to fend off Napoli’s interest, Los Colchoneros see Trippier as a successor for the departing Juanfran.

Atletico Madrid join Napoli in Kieran Trippier transfer race |@MirrorDarren https://t.co/Z00vZPcArG pic.twitter.com/JOA7lKAMmm

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) May 22, 2019

 

Antonio Conte planning a Romelu Lukaku link up

With it appearing that Antonio Conte is inching closer to being unveiled as the new boss at Inter Milan, The Times are reporting that the former Chelsea manager is wasting no time in identifying his summer transfer targets.

Expected to be officially announced following the Italian’s matchup against Empoli on Sunday, the British tabloid believes that Conte is willing to break the bank in order to bring Lukaku to the San Siro.

Previously trying to bring Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge in 2017, Conte has remained a strong admirer of the 26-year-old and sees the striker as a perfect replacement for the out of favour Mauro Icardi.

United would be willing to part with Lukaku with Marcus Rashford having established himself as the club’s first-choice striker.

Lukaku has made no secret of his desire to play in Italy one day, even going as far as to say it would be a ‘dream’ of his as recently as April. His younger brother Jordan currently plays for Lazio.

The Belgian marksman was the top scorer at Old Trafford in his first season with 26 goals but struggled in his second year.

Lukaku scored just 15 times and failed to find the back of the net in his final eight appearances.

Antonio Conte will instruct Inter Milan to bid for Lukaku as soon as he becomes manager #mulive [times]

— utdreport (@utdreport) May 22, 2019

 

PSG want David de Gea

In the midst of rejecting Manchester United’s latest and most improved new deal, it is being reported by ESPN that PSG are planning a £60million swoop for Spanish shot-stopper, David de Gea.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s #1 only has one year left to run on his current deal after United triggered an extension, but their final salary offer was significantly below the £350,000-a-week sum he has been demanding.

Rather than risk losing the 28-year-old for nothing in a year’s time, United could decide to cash for around £60million and put the funds towards this summer’s big rebuild.

While United might not be willing to match De Gea’s demands, PSG have made it clear that they have no problem in forking out for the former Premier League champion.

Despite having former Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon as their number one this season, the French giants see De Gea as their longterm number one and a vital part in their pursuit of European success.

If PSG are able to tempt De Gea to end his eight-year stay in Manchester, then the 28-year-old will likely once again link up with midfielder Ander Herrera.

Also failing to reach a new agreement with the Red Devils, The Mirror have revealed that the former Bilbao man is closing in on a £300,000-a-week deal at the Parc des Princes.

? David De Gea has turned down Manchester United’s final contract offer. The keeper made it clear he is not extending his deal beyond next season. United have failed to meet De Gea’s market value of £350,000 a week that PSG are prepared to offer him. [The Sun] pic.twitter.com/PQGPIR8smu

— Devils of United (@DevilsOfUnited) May 22, 2019

 

Spurs in the hunt for Leeds starlet

While Tottenham may have failed to add any new additions to their squad last summer, The Daily Mail are reporting that Spurs are on the verge of splashing out £10million on one of the Championship’s brightest young stars.

Helping Leeds reach the play-off semi-finals, 18-year-old Jack Clarke is thought to be attracting interest from some of the Premier League’s elite betting tips.

Clarke only made his first start in January, in the 2-0 win over Derby County, but had already scored twice coming on as a substitute in previous games.

He made a big enough impact on the watching scouts for them to begin making immediate inquiries and Tottenham want to head off rival competition with their early bid.

Clarke is regarded as one of the best young players outside the Premier League and following Leeds’ failure to achieve promotion he could be allowed to leave.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino also has an excellent relationship with Leeds Head Coach Marcelo Bielsa having played under him at Newell’s Old Boys and for the Argentina national team and that could aid Spurs’ pursuit of Clarke.

The Mail are also reporting the Lilywhites still remain interested in both Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham and hold an interest in Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos.

#thfc have made a £10M bid for Leeds United winger Jack Clarke. [Daily Mail] pic.twitter.com/r0dJjsxE3C

— Hotspur Related (@HotspurRelated) May 22, 2019

 

Oleksandr Zinchenko hoping for a new Man City deal

Helping Manchester City secure a famous domestic sweep this season and cementing himself as Pep Guardiola’s #1 choice at left-back, Sport360 are reporting that Oleksandr Zinchenko has made it clear he wants to extend his stay at the Etihad.

With Benjamin Mendy spending the majority of the season on the sideline, the young Ukranian made 22 Premier League appearances for the Sky Blues and also held a 100% winning ratio.

Battling off competition from Fabian Delph for the spot on the left-hand side of City’s defence, his performances have put him in line for a new contract, which is expected to be extended before his current deal expires next summer.

the 22-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Wolves last summer but has now made it clear he wants to extend his stay with Guardiola’s side.

Speaking to Sport360, Zinchenko said:

“I am really enjoying my time in this team and to be playing. It’s a massive pleasure to be a part of this club so hopefully we will see what happens [with the contract]. I hope we can get better and I want to be part of this.”

Read More: See our Europa League final predictions and betting tips.

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