David Moyes & Pep Guardiola could be involved in transfer negotiations this summerplaceholder image
David Moyes & Pep Guardiola could be involved in transfer negotiations this summer | Getty Images
A round-up of the biggest new Premier League transfer rumours - with news from Everton, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and more.
The summer transfer window may be a few months away, but the gossip columns aren’t any quieter for that – and to help keep you up to date with all the latest Premier League transfer rumours, we’re back with our daily round-up of some of the biggest stories you might have missed over the past 24 hours, starting with a report involving Everton and Manchester City.
According to Sports Boom, Everton have made “tentative enquiries” about the possibility of setting up a "sensational” reunion with Manchester City defender John Stones, who made his name with the Toffees over the course of three impressive seasons before leaving for the Etihad back in 2016.
Stones’ career is said to be “at a crossroads” with his current contract set to expire at the end of June, and the 31-year-old is apparently “weighing up” his options. It’s not clear whether he will be offered an extension by his current employers or not, but Everton are alleged to be an option should he move on.
His wage demands could, apparently, be a stumbling block, while the story also bizarrely comments that he might “command a significant transfer fee” – apparently the reporter didn’t check his contract details. In any case, Everton aren’t the only team interested in Stones, with Bayern Munich mentioned as a possible option.
The 3AM Verdict: We’re not convinced by the Bayern link, to be honest, which appears to be based on the claim that Vincent Kompany is a fan of the player rather than any sources which suggest that a move is genuinely on the cards. In any case, a reunion with Everton makes sense if Pep Guardiola decides not to keep him around – but we wouldn’t rule that out as a possibility just yet.
Liverpool ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United in race for Serie A star
Let’s move on to a report from Caught Offside now, which claims that Liverpool are among three Premier League sides who are “interested” in signing Juventus midfielder Khéphren Thuram this summer, along with Arsenal and Manchester United.
Juventus have seemingly made it clear that they want to keep the Frenchman at the club and view him as a long-term building block, but their financial situation isn’t the best and that could lead them to begrudgingly sell one of their star players. That could be good news for Liverpool, who are “particularly interested” in the 24-year-old.
United apparently view Thuram as an option as they work to replace the outgoing Casemiro, while Arsenal hold “cautious” interest – both teams are said to be “assessing” the viability of a deal. Liverpool, meanwhile, are apparently preparing a €45m (£39m) package, although that could be as much as €30m below the eventual asking price.
The 3AM Verdict: Thuram is a name we expect to crop up a lot over the coming months, with Liverpool among the sides likely to hold an interest if the terms of a deal are reasonable enough – but our confidence that a move happens is relatively low, partly because all of the teams involved in the chase are looking at numerous other options, and partly because Juventus will likely do everything they can to avoid a sale. One to watch, but not one to hold your breath for.
Aston Villa & Wrexham among sides chasing Fulham star
Let’s wrap today’s transfer rumour digest up with a story from TeamTalk, who reckon that three teams are “competing” to sign Fulham attacking midfielder and impending free agent Harry Wilson – Aston Villa, Everton and, more surprisingly, upwardly-mobile Wrexham.
Villa are said to be “leading the pursuit” as it stands, with the likelihood that they will be able to offer European football said to be a “major draw” for the 28-year-old Wilson. Everton, meanwhile, are “firmly in the frame,” while Wrexham have “ambitions” to sign him should they get promoted, which remains a possibility. Wilson was born in Wrexham.
Wilson will have the option of staying at Craven Cottage but as his contract winds down, he is said to be “seriously considering taking on a new challenge.” Clearly he will have plenty of options if he does decide to move on.
The 3AM Verdict: We’d be more than a little surprised if he went to Wrexham even if they do come up via the Championship play-offs, which is obviously far from certain. Villa will have a clear edge if they do make a bid thanks to their league position, but we expect Wilson to have a number of offers, with these three sides unlikely to be his only suitors after an excellent season.
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