Liverpool are leading Manchester United in the race for RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons, while Newcastle are open to offers to sign goalkeeper Nick Pope. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors, and gossip from around the globe.
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TRENDING RUMORS
- Liverpool are ahead of Manchester United in the race for RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, according to the Daily Star. The Reds reportedly see the 21-year-old as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, though manager Arne Slot is said to be keen on Simons even if Egypt international Salah signs a new contract. Manchester City have also made an enquiry for Simons, who could be signed for an offer in the region of €80 million.
- Newcastle United are prepared to accept an offer of between £10m-£15m for goalkeeper Nick Pope, reports Football Insider. Pope, 32, is set to enter the final year of his contract at St. James' Park in the summer, but whether he leaves the club is believed to hinge on if manager Eddie Howe is able to acquire a replacement, with recent reports linking Burnley's James Trafford with a potential switch to the Magpies.
- Both Manchester City and Manchester United are watching Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao, says A Bola. Trincao, 25, moved to Barcelona from Braga for €31m in 2020 but struggled to make an impact and was sent on loan to Wolves and then Sporting before signing for the Portuguese club permanently.
- Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz could be moved on after one season at the club, according to Calciomercato. The Bianconeri are reported to be concerned about the 26-year-old's recent injury problems, and he is among the players that could be offloaded regardless of whether manager Thiago Motta remains in Turin, as sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli plans ahead for the next transfer window. A mixed campaign so far sees Juventus in fifth place in Serie A, and nine points off league leaders Internazionale.
- Talks between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are set to take place regarding a permanent move for centre-back Clément Lenglet, reports Sport. The 29-year-old is reported to be keen to stay put at the Wanda Metropolitano, and with manager Diego Simeone pleased with his performances while on loan at the club, it is expected that Atleti will look to sign him on a permanent transfer if they are able to land him without a significant "economic effort."
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN's resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen explores why Xavi Simons could move on in six months' time, having just signed for RB Leipzig.
One of the difference-makers in the German Bundesliga last season, Simons hasn't quite managed to reach the same heights this campaign in a somewhat discontinuous Leipzig side. Even so, the creative midfielder remains among the elite offensive playmakers in the league.
Among a myriad of attacking skills, the 21-year-old predominantly stands out for his high volume of take-ons (aided by excellent balance and a low point of gravity), a quick instinctive football brain -- he is brilliant at setting up and executing swift combinations -- and his ability to finish from the edge of the penalty area.
Usually positioned in free role, tucked in to the left behind the central attackers, Simons represents a constant threat. Always prompt to receive the ball between the lines, the rhythm of the Leipzig attacks tends to immediately gain pace and urgency when he gets on the ball. Being able to turn quickly when in possession adds a notch of unpredictability with his elevated vision and capability to pick the right movement for a well-calibrated pass or a right-footed shot.
Always keen to get on the ball, Simons impulsiveness also makes him a target for a tactical foul -- which has resulted in 20+ fouls won in the Bundesliga this season.
Though he has struggled to make the expected impact in the Champions League this campaign, Simons is still the main creative point of reference in the side. While PSG never really gave him a chance, he starred at PSV Eindhoven -- though many worried whether he would cope with the physical transition from the Dutch league to German football. However, those murmurs were soon silenced as he has proven to have a fine attitude and effectiveness in his defensive work too.
OTHER RUMORS
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens question why Enzo Maresca said Chelsea will ask Cole Palmer if he is still "happy" if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
- Manchester United are open to a player-exchange deal involving Victor Osimhen and Rasmus Hojlund. (Calciomercato)
- Liverpool are monitoring Ajax right-back Anton Gaaei, 22, and forward Mika Godts, 19, as well as 18-year-old Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato. (TBR)
- Bayern Munich want midfielder Joshua Kimmich to lower his demands as they look to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena. (Suddeutsche Zeitung)
- Manchester United are plotting a summer move for former Liverpool target Martín Zubimendi. (GiveMeSport)
- Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion are leading the race to sign Romania right-back Andrei Ratiu from Rayo Vallecano. (Mundo Deportivo)
- Chelsea will sign Denner Evangelista from Corinthians for a fee of €10m plus €4m in add-ons. The 17-year-old full-back will join the Blues in 2026 after staying at his current club on loan, and sign a contract until 2032. (Fabrizio Romano)
- Chelsea are also attempting to secure the signature of Gremio's 16-year-old midfielder Gabriel Mec. (TBR)
- Barcelona are looking to Rayo Vallecano's Andrei Ratiu to reinforce their defensive options. The 26-year-old right-back has a release clause of around €25m, with Villarreal due to receive 50%. (Sport)
- Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and West Ham United are all keen on signing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has scored nine goals in his last eight league matches. (Ekrem Konur)
- Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in signing 21-year-old attacker Ian Subiabre from €30m from River Plate, alongside West Ham United, Aston Villa, Benfica and Villarreal. (Caught Offside)
- Arsenal are keen to offer Thomas Partey a one-year extension amid interest from Juventus and Barcelona. (Caught Offside)
- Tottenham Hotspur will pass up their option to sign Timo Werner permanently this summer. The Germany international joined Spurs on loan in January 2024 before the agreement was extended for a further season. There has been tentative interest in the 28-year-old striker from the MLS, with the New York Red Bulls contemplating a move. (Mirror)
- Columbus Crew are closing in former Nashville SC midfielder Amar Sejdić, who is currently a free agent. (Tom Bogert)