As the summer window draws ever closer, the transfer rumours and gossip continue to spread.
Top Story: Pep to coach Qatar in 2022 World Cup
Readers of Germany's Sport Bild recently received an eye-opener.
According to the Guardian, the German newspaper published a story indicating current Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola could be enticed by a lucrative deal to coach Qatar's national team in the 2022 World Cup, which the country will host.
Keep in mind Qatar, which will not have to quality for the sport's biggest event as hosts, have never participated in a World Cup finals tournament. But money talks, and the paper said the 44-year-old Guardiola, who spent time in Qatar as a player, is listening.
Liverpool, Manchester United and City want Walcott
Once upon a time, Theo Walcott was Arsenal's golden boy. However, after nearly a year out due to injury and the emergence of other, equally glittery options at Arsene Wenger's disposal, Walcott is at a crossroads in his Emirates career, the Mirror insisted.
With no talk of a new Arsenal deal (his contract expires in 12 months) and seemingly no space for him in the starting XI, Liverpool are poised to profit from the Gunners' logjam in attack, while Manchester United and City are also interested in the 26-year-old winger's situation.
You can add us to that list as well.
Real Madrid link doesn't have Alaba's attention
The noise surrounding David Alaba's possible interest in Real Madrid hasn't been a distraction for Bayern's do-everything dynamo just yet.
According to ESPNFC's Stephan Uersfeld, the Austrian left-back/central midfielder/whatever-he-wants-to-be has gotten Los Blancos' attention of late, with Spanish paper Marca revealing the player's father/agent has sat down with club representatives to discuss a possible transfer.
Hmmm ...
Alaba, however, wasn't trying to hear any of it when asked by Austrian newspaper Laola. "I'm not concerned about that," he said. "I feel great at FC Bayern, and there are several important challenges waiting for us in the next weeks."
Porto make proposal for Santos star Lucas Lima
Portuguese giants Porto, those expert collectors of sensational South American talent, have another in their sights, it seems.
If Brazil's Diario de Sao Paulo are to be trusted, the two-time European champs have made a €13.2-million bid for Santos playmaker Lucas Lima, who is considered one of the best players currently in Brazil.
The club has targeted the 24-year-old star for the summer window. Santos, which recently gave the world Neymar and Lazio rising star Felipe Anderson, as well as Selecao members Danilo and Alex Sandro, own just 10 percent of the player's economic rights. In typical South American fashion, representatives from Doyen Sports, the fund which possesses an 80-percent stake in the Brazilian, were the first to inform the tiny Sao Paulo club of Porto's generous offer.
Tap-ins
- Legendary Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi has shunned MLS' retirement package for that of Qatari club Al Sadd.
- Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos has a signed a one-year extension that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2018-19 season.
- Chelsea captain John Terry has also extended his stay with the Blues, with a one-year re-up that will tie him to the club until the end of next season.