Gossip: De Gea, Kroos, Belotti, Van Dijk, Hart

DE GEA OUT? THEN GIVE US KROOS
There is a growing sense – according to The Independent – that David De Gea would like to make that long-awaited move to Real Madrid this summer. There have even been reports this week that the Spaniard has been dropped by Jose Mourinho because of a row between the pair.

But United are said to believe that they are in a strong position to bargain with Real and ask for one of their stars in return. Casemiro is said to be a no-go but Toni Kroos could be the man they target as a long-term successor to Michael Carrick. But how willing will Real be to sell a player who has notched 11 La Liga assists this season?

CHELSEA BID £51M FOR BELOTTI
We were labouring under the impression that clubs had to wait for the transfer window to open before making bids but TuttoSport claim that Chelsea have bid £51m for the Torino striker who has hit 24 goals in Serie A this season. The bid has apparently been turned down; they probably think he is worth slightly more than Tottenham left-back Danny Rose.

Antonio Conte is said to be a big fan of the Torino striker, whose ability with his head makes him a perfect fit for English football. But would he take him over Romelu Lukaku?

Meanwhile, the Daily Star say that ‘CHELSEA are watching £25m-rated Sporting Gijon defender Jorge Mere with a view to a summer swoop’. So there.

KOEMAN WANTS VAN DIJK
Well, of course he does. But the problem is that Southampton want £55m for Virgil van Dijk, what with him being brilliant and everything.

The Liverpool Echo say: ‘The Blues boss wants to be reunited with the 25-year-old defender after he signed him for Southampton in 2015, but would be reluctant to match the Saints eye-watering £55m asking price.’

You know who wouldn’t be reluctant? Chelsea and Manchester City. Especially if the alternative is Ben Gibson for £35m.

AND THE REST
Italian side Torino want to take Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart on loan for another season…but City will not countenance that…Turkish side Galatasaray are hoping to secure a deal for Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony…Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce admits it would be hard to down a big offer for Wilfried Zaha…Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has made Stoke centre-back Ryan Shawcross mhis top transfer target.