With the dust settled in Europe's big five leagues, the transfer gossip is heating up. Things are starting to get real, transfer fans.
De Gea going, Bale coming to Old Trafford?
The dreamiest transfer rumour at this stage of the game refuses to die (thankfully) and is gaining some steam, according to the Daily Star. The U.K. tabloid is reporting that Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has already said his goodbyes to teammates as he readies for a summer move to Real Madrid.
Louis van Gaal and chief executive Ed Woodward have done their best to keep De Gea between the posts at Old Trafford, offering the 24-year-old a deal reportedly worth £200,000-a-week. So far, the Spaniard has been coy about his future, but the Madrid native seems like he well and truly could be gone after turning in a season for the ages for the United faithful.
Fear not, though, Red Devil supporters, one star's departure makes way for a new one (or two). Despite the Express saying that Real Madrid have turned down Man United's £110 million offer for Gareth Bale and Rafael Varane, the intent is there and a De Gea departure would surely add to Van Gaal's transfer budget this summer and clear way for the Welshman and his French teammate.
One day's rebuffed offer is the next day's done deal at this glorious time of year.
Costa may get Argentine strike partner
Although Transfer Talk said yesterday that Diego Costa was homesick for his former Atletico Madrid days, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho flat out denied that reality and said the Spaniard was perfectly happy to stay on at Stamford Bridge.
More good news Diego, you may be getting a nice addition over the summer to help keep you happy for another campaign with the Blues next season. The Daily Star cite Calcio mercato web on a report that Mourinho is ready to make a £30 million move for Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain, who notched 51 goals in 98 games for the Serie A club.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are all in the market for Higuain as well, who is even more likely to fancy a move after Napoli lost out on the final Champions League spot to Lazio over the weekend.
Monreal to stay at Arsenal, Campbell going
Fresh off their FA Cup winning weekend, the transfer winds are already swirling around Arsenal. The Express are reporting that left-back Nacho Monreal, who played a key role at times for Arsene Wenger this campaign and has one year remaining on his contract, says he has no plans to leave the Emirates.
Not so for Joel Campbell, who has been with Arsenal since 2011 in a perpetual state of loan to one club or the other. The Costa Rican has never found a home in Wenger's regular rotation and was loaned to Villarreal in January as part of the deal that brought Gabriel Paulista to North London. The 22-year-old is rumoured to be headed to Fenerbahce this summer in a £8 million deal.
Finally for the Gunners, the speculation surrounding a move for Porto's Jackson Martinez isn't losing steam, in part because of statements like this one from the Colombian: "I'm leaving Porto. I'm focused on the national team at the moment, but I'm waiting to see what my future holds."
Alba thrilled with Barca stay
Full-backJordi Alba comments on the news that he has a new contract with Barcelona that runs through 2020.
Douglas getting Newcastle trial
Elche youth side player Callum Douglas is set for a summer trial with Newcastle, according to the Daily Mail. The 16-year-old boyhood Magpies fan was born in England and played with Wallsend Boys Club before moving with his family to Spain.
Douglas has 45 goals with Elche's youth side this season and has some pretty solid moves for a young player. Although the trial is confirmed, it's unlikely that Newcastle will make any signings until they have a new manager for next season in place, which means the club could lose out on Douglas as Valencia and Elche are keen to sign the rising talent.
Wolfsburg: De Bruyne staying
Having just starred for Wolfsburg in their 3-1 DFB Pokal win over Dortmund, the club's brass were quick to say that sought-after transfer target Kevin De Bruyne won't be going anywhere this summer.
Wolfsburg's chairman Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz has warned Europe's top clubs that they can look, but not touch the 23-year-old, or any of his successful side for that matter.
Tap-Ins
- Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is potentially an odd man out in countryman Louis van Gaal's plans for the club next season and the 10-goal scorer admits the situation is both strange and difficult.
- Despite a tough end to the season -- a 6-1 loss to Stoke City -- and missing out on Champions League places in the Premier League table, reports out of Liverpool seem to suggest that Brendan Rodgers will remain at the club next season.
- One of Rodgers' biggest headaches ahead of the summer is the future of Raheem Sterling. According to ESPN FC sources, however, Liverpool have told Arsenal that they will do a deal for the want-away winger if both Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs are included.
- Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has signed for Panathinaikos after leaving AC Milan. The 32-year-old was out of contract after 18 months at the San Siro and has been quickly snapped up by the Super League runners-up.