A round-up of the latest Premier League transfer rumours - with news from Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle, Sunderland, Everton and more.
With the start of the summer transfer window creeping closer by the day, we’re here to keep you in the loop with our round-up of the biggest (and wildest) new Premier League transfer rumours which you might have missed over the past 24 hours – starting with a story involving both Liverpool and Chelsea.
According to Caught Offside, the Reds are set to “accelerate” their plans to get in ahead of Chelsea for the signature of Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs, who Liverpool are said to have identified as their “top target” to replace Alisson Becker, with the Brazilian seemingly likely to join Juventus this summer.
Liverpool’s interest is said to not only said to be “concrete” but also “getting stronger” – is anything stronger than concrete in gossip column terms? – and they’re worried that Chelsea will make a move as they look for someone to take the gloves off of Robert Sánchez. We’ve heard that story a few times, but this particular report has nothing new to add on that side of the equation.
There’s no word on whether Roefs has any strong feelings about his future at the stage nor any suggestion that he’s planning to force his way out of the Stadium of Light. It’s suggested that it would take a bid of around £35m to bring Sunderland to the table.
The 3AM Verdict: We believe Alisson is likely to leave, which will give Liverpool a decision to make about Giorgio Mamardashvili. We aren’t sure which way they’ll come down on giving the Georgian the number one job as it stands, but Roefs would be a very sensible target if they decide to find some fresh blood. Chelsea certainly are keeping tabs too, and Sunderland will do well to hang on to the Dutchman this summer – although we believe the transfer fee could end up being closer to £50m.
Newcastle ‘in talks’ to sign £20m shot stopper
Liverpool and Chelsea aren’t the only teams in need of a new goalkeeper – Newcastle are trying to find a new shot-stopper too, it would seem, and transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri reckons that they’ve got one target in their sights already: 20-year-old Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen.
The youngster, who is Reims’ first choice in the second tier of French football, apparently visited Newcastle’s facilities a fortnight ago and has already “given his agreement in principle” to join Eddie Howe’s side, where he would apparently been seen initially as a back-up but as potential long-term competition for the number one jersey.
In terms of negotiations between the clubs, Newcastle are said to be “in talks” with Reims over a deal which Tavolieri believes could be worth £20m plus add-ons. If his report is accurate, this deal sound pretty close to done.
The 3AM Verdict: If this was rumoured before Tavolieri reported it, then it passed us by, but unless he’s missed the mark then it does sound like a deal could be done quite quickly. Jaouen is unproven at the top level but has a massive frame and some impressive stats behind him in Ligue 2 – we may find out how he gets on in the Premier League very soon.
Everton & Aston Villa get ‘boost’ over £21.7m star
Let’s wrap up with a story from Sport Witness which claims that Everton and Aston Villa have been handed a “boost” in their apparent pursuit of Juventus defender Federico Gatti – who is “nearing the exit” and could be sold for just €25m (£21.7m).
The 27-year-old is an eight-cap Italy international but has struggled to get in the Juve side this season and now “wants to leave” as a result, with the Old Lady unlikely to stand in his way as they look to balance the books during a difficult financial period.
There’s said to be “interest” from unnamed Turkish sides, so Everton and Villa could have competition if they make a move, but there’s further good news for them – Gatti himself isn’t too keen on the idea of a trip to Turkey and would seemingly prefer to ply his trade in the Premier League.
The 3AM Verdict: A perfectly sensible rumour, all told, albeit one that we haven’t seen from enough sources to fully buy in to just yet. Juventus are shopping several players around to balance their bank account, and Gatti is no longer wanted by Luciano Spalletti so we suspect he’ll go somewhere. Whether that’s England, we don’t know.
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