Welcome to another edition of Football Transfer News, brought to you by Last Word on Football. Today, we shall take a look at the latest updates on James Maddison and his up and coming move to Leicester, Barrios or not to Spurs, Issa Diop’s West Ham move, the continuing Gareth Bale saga and Palace’s pursuit of Michail Antonio.
Canary Maddison to Become a Fox
Leicester have launched a successful £22m bid to for Norwich star James Maddison. Sky Sports report today that only a medical lies between Maddison and the Foxes. Leicester have beaten Premier League rivals Everton and Southampton who were both keen on young Maddison.
21-year-old Maddison scored 15 goals for the Canaries last season. This makes him among the most wanted players outside the Premier League. The Foxes were the preferred destination of Maddison, being closer his roots in Coventry. The Canaries will welcome the £22m fee, needing to balance the books. After failing to regain entry to the Premier League last season, the purse strings have tightened.
City Move for Fox Mahrez
Leicester are preparing to lose star man Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City this summer, with the Champions expected to pay around £60m. James Maddison will be part of a revamp at the King Power Stadium. The Foxes are evidently backing manager Claude Puel in the transfer market. This is necessary if Leicester are to get a second crack at Champion’s League football.
West Ham Swoop in for Diop
West Ham are close to agreeing a deal worth up to £22m to sign defender Issa Diop from Toulouse. A deal was agreed in principle last week for the highly-rated 21-year-old centre back. Sky report today he is due a medical at the London Stadium.
Diop, 20, who made 37 appearances for Toulouse last season, is also captain of France’s Under-23 side. Though he lacks Premiership experience, the youngster is highly rated and could be a key signing for Pellegrini if he settles well.
Pellegrini has his work cut out at West Ham this summer. He is aiming to build a squad of players capable of making a vast improvement on their dismal Premier League campaign last term.
Barrios to Spurs, or not?
Tottenham are rumoured to be imminently signing another young starlet, defensive midfielder Wilmar Barros from Boca Juniors for around £15m. The young Colombian is currently on international duty, with 10 caps under his belt.
Barrios was said to have been under the watchful eye of Mauricio Pochettino for some time. Some suggested a provisional agreement was already in place. Fans became excited as they realised the youngster was following Spurs on social media.
However, careful examination revealed he follows several other clubs, including Manchester City and Real Madrid. Mirror Sport report that Barros has recently refused to comment on his future as he prepares for his country’s first game against Japan.
Mario Götze Still on the Radar for Tottenham
Spurs are also keeping tabs on the situation with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Götze this summer. The 26-year-old has suffered injury and illness in recent seasons. The result being his missing out on Germany’s squad this summer in Russia. He could, therefore, be available for as little as £18m.
The club are also rumoured to be readying another move for 24-year-old Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes. They were looking getting the Portuguese player on loan last summer.
Hodgson Targets Hammer Antonio for Palace Move
Moving South of the river, Crystal Palace are reportedly preparing to snatch sign Michail Antonio from West Ham.
Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini is intent on signing “better players” this summer, following the Hammer’s dismal performance last season. Antonio could be one of the players heading for the exit door this summer. The Mirror is reporting that the 28-year-old winger was told he won’t be featuring in the Hammers’ long-term plans and Pellegrini are willing to listen to offers for him.
Hit the Road, Jack
West Ham are now favourites to sign unhappy Gunner Jack Wilshere. The Hammers rumoured to be offering £130,000-a-week according to SunSport. Wilshere suggested on social media last week that he could leave Arsenal. Manuel Pellegrini is said to be very keen on the former England star, as he re-builds the Hammers.
Is the Bernabeu Bale’s Real Favourite?
On the continent, the Gareth Bale saga continues. Manchester United had become favourites to sign Bale after years of pursuing the 29-year-old. However, United boss Jose Mourinho looks set to miss out. According to ESPN, Bale is keen to prove himself to Lopetegui, opting to stay at the Bernabeu and fight for his place.
The Welshman had fallen out of favour with former coach Zinedine Zidane. Ergo, the change of leader could see him remain at the Bernabeu. Bale was heavily linked with a return to north London. Just in time to adorn their new stadium, ESPN claims we will see many disappointed Spurs fans.
Fekir Still Looking at Leaving Lyon
The prospect of Nabil Fekir leaving Lyon could still materialize this summer, despite his Liverpool move falling through at the last. Having called off his Anfield switch, Lyon are still open to letting the captain leave. The Sun claims he is being been offered to other Premier League sides – at a cost of £66m. Fekir is on duty with France at the World Cup, so any confirmation over his future may still be some way off.
Leicester have had a bid of about £20m for Norwich attacking midfielder James Maddison accepted.
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— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 18, 2018
