Gossip: James to Liverpool, Mbappe fee, Wilshere

Matt Stead

BOND, JAMES RODRIGUEZ
James Rodriguez promises to be one of the main characters featuring on the transfer window merry-go-round this summer.

The Real Madrid forward has been rather heavily linked with moves to Chelsea and Manchester United in recent weeks, but a new Premier League challenger has emerged for his signature.

According to the Daily Mirror, Liverpool have ‘reignited’ their interest in the Colombian. Rodriguez is reported to have fallen out with coach Zinedine Zidane, and could seek solace in England.

The Mirror add that he is valued at around £65million, which seems pretty steep for Liverpool. But they go ahead with their claim that, provided they qualify for the Champions League, they would be confident of being able to sign him. Because they don’t have enough skilful players in forward positions.

 

MORE MBAPPE
Speaking of players who will be mentioned at least once every hour this summer, there has been further revelations with regards to the future of Kylian Mbappe, one of the top young goalscorers in Europe.

Obviously, the Daily Express are the ones who have come into this information. They notoriously have loads of contacts in Monaco. And they claim that the Ligue Un leaders want £130million for their star striker.

While Monaco acknowledge that a number of their squad is likely to leave this summer, Mbappe is not thought to be available. What’s more, the French striker doesn’t want the move. He believes his chances of making the international squad for the 2018 World Cup are better served staying.

 

ITALIAN JOB
Over to the Daily Mail now, who have some news concerning that lad Jack Wilshere. A move to AC Milan could be on the cards, it seems.

Wilshere has one year remaining on his current Arsenal contract, and is a target for Crystal Palace, Watford, Benfica and Roma, as well as Milan. Considering he is reluctant to prolong his stay at Bournemouth, the two Premier League clubs seem unlikely destinations.

But it is a recommendation from David Beckham which appears to have swayed the England international, who has also ‘noted how’ Joe Hart has enjoyed ‘success’ in Torino. Hmm.

If Arsene Wenger stays and decides that Wilshere is surplus to requirements, then Milan is his destination. And according to the Daily Star, the man who will replace the 25-year-old could be Ross Barkley. They report that both Arsenal and Tottenham will compete for the Everton midfielder’s signature. Sexy.

 

AND THE REST
Chelsea are prepared to offer 26-year-old forward Eden Hazard, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, a new deal…Manchester United are willing to spend £60m on 25-year-old Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez…Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is confident of signing Tottenham left-back Danny Rose, 26, for £50m this summer, with Manchester United’s Luke Shaw, 21, likely to replace him…AC Milan and rivals Inter Milan are interested in signing 33-year-old midfielder Yaya Toure, whose contract with Manchester City expires in the summer…Galatasaray are keen to sign Tottenham’s 22-year-old forward Vincent Janssen, who has scored just one goal from open play since joining Spurs last summer.