As the summer window draws ever closer, the transfer rumours and gossip continue to spread...
Luiz Adriano ready to leave Shakhtar?
Luiz Adriano has been a revelation for Shakhtar Donetsk this season, banging in a remarkable nine goals in seven Champions League appearances for the Ukrainian champions.
So, you can imagine the eyes of various managers across the globe lighting up upon hearing the news that the 27-year-old striker is ready to leave Shakhtar once his contract expires in December.
"My plan is to respect the contract, which has not been renewed and will expire in December 2015," the Brazilian international said, according to TalkSPORT.
"I am in a good moment of my career and we'll do what will be best for me and for the club.
"With my contract set to expire and many good performances, it'll be difficult to stay in Ukraine."
Arsenal and Liverpool are said to be front-runners for Adriano's signature.
Alves seeking Barca stay
Dani Alves' name has made the Transfer Talk pages regularly in recent months, as the Barcelona right-back tries to figure out if he'll be staying or going from the Camp Nou. According to AS.com, the Brazilian would greatly prefer the former if he can get a three-year deal for the same salary he makes right now.
Thus far, though, there's been no indication from the Barca brass as to what they are thinking regarding Alves' future. The rumour mill, not surprisingly, has been in full effect. Early reports indicated that he might be heading to Paris Saint-Germain, but that mooted move was quickly scuppered. Inter Milan and Liverpool are also keeping tabs on the situation.
Alves has been getting plenty of minutes for Luis Enrique this season -- 2,722 minutes across all competitions -- and the Spaniard has said he wants his preferred choice at right-back to agree a new deal.
Time, as always, will tell.
Swans' Taylor attracting interest
Liverpool is just one of several Premier League clubs who have an eye on Swansea City left-back Neil Taylor. Both Crystal Palace and West Brom made moves for the 26-year-old during the January window and Aston Villa and Newcastle have made inquiries as to Taylor's availability this summer, according to ESPN FC sources.
Taylor helped the Swans win promotion to the Premier League in 2011 and since has proven himself to be one of the competition's most consistent defenders. He's missed just one game so far this season.
Felipe burning bright
Rumours continue to swirl around Lazio's star-turn Felipe Anderson, despite the 21-year-old signing a contract extension last month.
The Brazilian tyro has been in startlingly good form of late, having directly contributed to 16 goals in his last 12 appearances -- leading ESPN FC's James Horncastle to declare the Aquile's man an even bigger prize than Transfer Talk's other Serie A darling Paulo Dybala.
Stefano Castagna, Anderson's agent, spoke to Radiosei on Wednesday, telling them that the starlet was pleased to be linked with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea, but was happy playing for Lazio regardless of whether they can offer him Champions League football or not.
"It's a good sign that Manchester City are coming to see him, as that means he is doing very well. He has just signed a new deal and is very happy in Rome.
"I see no particular problem in keeping him, even without Champions League qualification. Playing in that tournament would be ideal, but the Europa League is good too."
Lazio are currently sitting third in the Serie A table, and if Anderson keeps up his exquisite form, there is little doubt that he can guarantee himself a spot Europe's elite competition next season.
Tap-ins
- The Mail says that Gareth Bale is ignoring all the speculation over his future at the Bernabeu and is committed to staying at Real Madrid for the foreseeable future.
- Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos -- currently on loan at Bayer Leverkusen -- wants to leave the Bundesliga, with Liverpool the most likely destination, according to the Metro.
- West Ham are stalling on signing Alex Song on a permanent deal from Barcelona after his recent dip in form, says the Daily Mail. Expect half the Premier League to make a move if the Hammers don't make up their mind soon!
- Publishing powerhouse, the Stoke Sentinel, have revealed that Charlie Adam in keen on staying at the Britannia if the powers at Stoke City want to keep him.
"I love it here," said the 29-year-old. "Some people seem to think I'm going to go in the summer, but I'm not going anywhere.
"I've still got a year on my contract and I will see it out, and if the club wants to see me about a new contract then I will speak to them.