Transfer Talk: Inter Miami, Barca hatch plan to thwart Messi's Saudi deal

The summer transfer window may not be open yet in Europe, but teams are getting ready for it, and there’s plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Miami, Barca to team up and land Messi?

Inter Miami CF and Barcelona have joined forces in an unexpected collaboration to thwart Lionel Messi‘s proposed move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, according to L’Equipe.

Speculation about Messi’s next destination is rife, with the 35-year-old set to leave Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent at the end of June.

– Messi models new PSG kit, is it a sign he’s staying?

Sources told ESPN in April that Al Hilal — city rivals of Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al Nassr — had made a lucrative offer to sign the Argentine superstar, and Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Tuesday that still remains. However, Inter Miami, co-owned by former Manchester United and England player David Beckham, and Barcelona have hatched a plan to intervene.

The partnership between the two clubs reportedly proposes that the Major League Soccer side sign Messi before immediately loaning him to Barcelona, allowing him to play one final season for the his beloved Blaugrana before heading off for an international swansong with Argentina at the 2024 Copa America, which will be hosted in the United States.

The deal will have the dual benefits of allowing Barcelona to circumvent the strict financial restraints they face in LaLiga while also giving Inter Miami the perfect platform to parade their new signing, but will they pull it off? Watch this space.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

LIVE BLOG

19.57 BST: Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnoto will cost €35m this summer if the Whites are to part ways with the forward, reports Ekrem Konur.

Leeds could lose several players in the upcoming transfer window following relegation from the Premier League, and 19-year-old Gnoto could be one of the players departing Elland Road this summer. Gnoto joined the Yorkshire club last summer from Zurich, however with interest present from Premier League and Serie A clubs, the Italy international looks set to be on the move.

19.30 BST: Newcastle United are ready to open talks with forward Callum Wilson over a new deal, per Football Insider. The 31-year-old netted 18 goals in the Premier League last season, finishing the season strongly with five goals in his last six appearances.

The report suggests that this late season form, coupled with the England international having just over 12 months left on his current contract, could see the Magpies approach Wilson with a new deal, as they look to secure the future of their talisman.

19.05 BST: Besiktas are increasingly interested in a move for striker Divock Origi, per Calciomercato. The Belgium international has struggled at AC Milan this season, netting just two goals across all competitions, with the Rossoneri open to offers for the 28-year-old as they look to offload fringe players to help fund transfer targets this summer.

Turkish side Besiktas are one club who have been reported to be keen on signing the former Liverpool forward, and their interest has seemingly become more intense in recent days as an exit from the San Siro for Origi looks increasingly likely.

18:30 BST: Benjamin Pavard wants to leave Bayern Munich with the defender keen on a new challenge, per BILD. The France international has reportedly informed the Bundesliga champions that he will not extend his deal at the club. Pavard’s contract with the Bavarian outfit expires in 2024, which means the club will be forced to offload the 27-year-old this summer if they are to ensure he does not leave on a free transfer next year.

The report suggests the defender is valued at roughly €35m, with his versatility in defence as either a centre-back or full-back, making him an attractive prospect to many clubs in Europe.

18.06 BST: AC Milan are close to securing a deal for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, as the Serie A giants look to agree a €15m fee with the Blues, report Calciomercato.

The 27-year-old has just one year remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge, and whilst the club has the option to extend this by a further year, the West London outfit are seemingly content with parting ways with the Cobham graduate. The report suggests that the fee between the two clubs remains the only hurdle left in the deal, as the Italian giants hope to finalise a €15m fee, alongside bonuses for the midfielder.

17.40 BST: Barcelona and Real Madrid have joined the race for Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, according to Sport. The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the brightest midfield talents in LaLiga, netting nine goals and four assists in Spain’s top-flight this season. The report indicates that the Spanish duo have joined Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich in the race for the playmaker, who has a release clause of €40m.

Los Blancos reportedly view Veiga as an ideal replacement if the deal for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham collapses, whilst Barcelona are also eager, however, the Catalan club are under pressure to comply with LaLiga Financial Fair Play rules, ahead of next season, meaning a deal may not be possible.

17.12 BST: Newcastle United have entered talks with Bruno Guimarães over a new long-term deal at the club amid Barcelona and Liverpool interest in the midfielder, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Following an impressive season in which the Brazil international netted five goals, alongside five assists, Guimarães has attracted attention from across Europe. However, after helping Newcastle to Champions League qualification for the first time since the 2002/03 season, Eddie Howe & Co. are reportedly eager to secure the long-term future of the midfielder, with talks over a new deal ongoing.

16.35 BST: Manchester United are ready to make an offer to sign FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, says A Bola.

Costa, 23, is highly rated and has a release clause in his contract which requires a €75m bid.

The Portugal international is viewed as a long-term successor to David de Gea, whose contract expires this summer.

15.37 BST: Man United full-back Diogo Dalot has signed a new contract until 2028, with the option of another year.

Dalot, 24, has made himself a regular in the first team this season after spending 2020-21 on loan at AC Milan.

“Playing for Manchester United is one of the highest honours that you can have in football,” he said. “I’ve grown so much and my passion for this incredible club has only increased since the day that I joined.”

15.29 BST: Leicester City were relegated at the weekend, so midfielder James Maddison and winger Harvey Barnes are in high demand, according to The Sun.

Maddison, 26, was linked with a move to Newcastle last summer and is again, while Tottenham are also keen.

Both players could be signed for £40m, though that fee may be dropped if they haven’t moved on by the start of next season.

14.56 BST: Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has said comparisons with his former teammate and coach Pep Guardiola are not helpful for his own managerial career.

Xavi has led Barca to a first LaLiga title since 2019 in his first full season as coach at Spotify Camp Nou, but he has had to fend off criticism of the way his team have played at times.

Barca recorded 1-0 wins on 11 occasions in LaLiga this season while keeping a league-record equalling 26 clean sheets, but there is a demand for them to be more exciting in attack due to the bar set by now-Manchester City coach Guardiola during his time as coach between 2008 and 2012.

“The figure of Guardiola is weighing me down as a coach,” Xavi told Catalan media outlet TV3. “I don’t think it’s fair [to constantly make the comparison]. It happened to me when I was a player as well. Everyone has to turn the page.”

While Xavi said he does not feel there has been universal support for what he has achieved at the club, he does feel valued internally, with a new contract until 2026 expected to be agreed soon.

“Yes,” he said when asked if renewal talks were progressing well. “We will come to an understanding sooner rather than later. I know the club will make as much of an effort as they can and there won’t be any problems. I’ll end up renewing and hopefully I can continue here for many years.”

13.46 BST: Harry Maguire will hold talks with Erik ten Hag to discuss his Manchester United future after the end of the season, sources have told ESPN.

Maguire has endured a frustrating campaign at Old Trafford, making just 16 starts in all competitions and only eight in the Premier League. After falling behind Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane in the pecking order at centre-back, Maguire is set to evaluate his options before making a decision about where to play next season.

Sources have told ESPN that United are willing to listen to offers to sign the 30-year-old and anticipate interest from West Ham, who made an enquiry about his availability during the January transfer window.

Ten Hag is open to keeping Maguire as part of his squad but understands the England international may seek a move away to find more regular games. Maguire has been named in the England squad for fixtures against Malta and North Macedonia in June but when asked about his lack of game time at United, manager Gareth Southgate said pointedly that “it’s not a situation that can continue forever.”

Maguire has a contract at Old Trafford until 2025 plus the option of another year and United will be looking for a sizable transfer fee for a player signed for £80m from Leicester City in 2019.

Sources have told ESPN that even if Maguire departs, signing another defender this summer is not high up on United’s list of priorities. Ten Hag has a long-standing interest in Ajax’s Jurrien Timber, who can play at right-back and centre-back, but feels that other areas of the squad are in need of strengthening first.

12.57 BST: Real Madrid are in advanced talks to sign Joselu on a season-long loan from Espanyol, a source has told ESPN.

Joselu joined Espanyol after suffering relegation with Alaves last season but included a clause in his contract which would allow him to move on loan to another club if Espanyol were relegated.

Espanyol’s relegation was confirmed last weekend after a draw against Valencia which has accelerated negotiations for the Spain international to return to the Bernabeu.

The 33-year-old striker played for Castilla between 2010 and 2012, winning promotion to the second division in his second season at the club. He also made his first-team debut under Jose Mourinho that season and scored in an 8-1 victory over Almeria.

Joselu, who has scored 16 goals in LaLiga this season, would arrive at Madrid to fill the void left by the departure of Mariano.

12.30 BST: What’s gone wrong at Juventus?

11.28 BST: Bild reports that Paris Saint-German want to sign Bayern Munich defender Lucas Hernandez.

Hernandez, 27, signed for Bayern for €80m in 2019 from Atletico Madrid and has impressed in the Bundesliga. The France international suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament at the 2022 World Cup but PSG are keen to bring him in now he has recovered.

The report claims that Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel wants Hernandez to sign a new contract, with no transfer offer yet made to the German club.

11.12 BST: Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos has the quality to play at Manchester United, according to Portugal teammate Bruno Fernandes.

Ramos, 21, has been linked with the Red Devils after scoring 19 goals and setting up seven more in 30 appearances to help Benfica win the Portuguese league title. Also reported target of Real Madrid, Ramos is under contract with Benfica until June 2026 and has a €120m release clause.

“I think Goncalo has all the conditions to play in the Premier League,” Fernandes told Sport TV. “If he continues to work as he has worked so far, I believe he has the potential to become one of the best strikers in the world. He is already close to that level, but he still needs to go to a more competitive league and prove it there, something I believe he has all the capabilities to do.

“He has a lot of intensity, presses very well and is very good inside the penalty area. He is strong. Obviously he is still very young and will improve a lot.”

Asked if Ramos could succeed at United, Fernandes said: “Here, the best always come in handy, be it Goncalo or someone else. I think he has all the qualities to play in the Premier League, and when I say in the Premier League, I also mean Manchester United. I think he could become a great reference in the coming years, but it is still not in my hands to be sporting director. When it is, I will make those decisions.”

10.33 BST: Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte has turned down a move to Paris Saint-Germain and will instead join Chelsea this summer, according to A Bola.

Ugarte, 22, is expected to leave Sporting at the end of the season, with both PSG and Chelsea prepared to pay his €60m release clause.

The Uruguay international reportedly prefers a move to the Premier League and, with Chelsea having already confirmed the appointment of coach Mauricio Pochettino earlier this week, his transfer could be completed this weekend.

Ugarte joined Sporting in the summer of 2021 from Famalicao and was part of Uruguay’s 2022 World Cup squad.

10.00 BST: Brentford have signed goalkeeper Mark Flekken from Bundesliga side Freiburg.

Flekken, 29, kept 13 clean sheets in 34 Bundesliga matches and the Netherlands international could replace David Raya if he departs this summer.

“We’re very happy to have signed Mark,” head coach Thomas Frank said. “He’s a player with a lot of quality who will strengthen our goalkeeper group. He has big experience and joins us after two great seasons with Freiburg, who have just had a top season in the Bundesliga, finishing fifth and qualifying for the Europa League.

“He was a big part of the team there and now he’s coming to us and will hopefully make the group better and the team better. He’s a very good shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet. His distribution is very impressive.”

09.50 BST: Alvaro Morata is in talks to sign a contract extension with Atletico Madrid, according to AS.

Morata, 30, is under contract with the Rojiblancos until June 2024 and the club are prepared to offer him a three-year contract extension. But the deal would see the Spain international striker have to accept a cut in wages.

AC Milan and Juventus, where Morata spent two successful seasons on loan, are closely monitoring the player’s situation. He has scored 13 goals in 35 league appearances this season to help Atletico qualify for the Champions League.

09.11 BST: Real Madrid will not exercise their option to sign right-back Vinicius Tobias permanently, according to UOL.

Tobias, 19, has played the last two seasons on loan at Real Madrid Castilla, Madrid’s B team, from Shakhtar Donetsk.

Madrid hold an option to acquire Tobias on a permanent transfer for €20m but consider the fee too high for a player that has not broken into the first team.

The Brazilian, who has made 40 appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid Castilla this season, is under contract with Shakhtar until June 2026. He is now evaluating offers from other European clubs, including Sporting CP.

08.28 BST: Napoli are monitoring dozens of managers as a successor to Luciano Spalletti but Luis Enrique is not among them.

According to Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis, Luis Enrique wants to coach in the Premier League next season.

“Luis Enrique is a great coach, he did very well at Barcelona, ​​but I think he has the Premier League in mind,” De Laurentiis said. “Unfortunately, some leagues are more attractive than ours. I can tell him that there is no gulf [of Naples] there and the food is not as good as ours, but not more than this…

“We are monitoring coaches for the 4-3-3, I have evaluated a dozen profiles and I will choose the best one to continue the Napoli cycle”.

08.00 BST: Juventus are leading the race to sign Christian Pulisic, sources told ESPN, with Chelsea prepared to offload the United States forward for a £20m fee this summer.

Although Chelsea have now confirmed the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach at Stamford Bridge on a two-year contract, sources have said that the arrival of the former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain boss will not signal a U-turn on the club’s decision to listen to offers for Pulisic.

Pulisic, a £58m signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, has 12 months remaining on his contract at Chelsea. With the club needing to reduce the size of their squad and wage bill after spending £585m on new players since a consortium purchased the club a year ago, sources have said that Pulisic is high on the list of potential departures.

A number of clubs have been approached about the prospect of signing Pulisic, with sources telling ESPN that Manchester United, Newcastle, Napoli, AC Milan and Galatasaray have all been made aware of the player’s likely fee and salary, which sees him earn £13m per year at Chelsea.

But Italian club Juve have emerged as the front-runners, despite their reluctance to match Pulisic’s Stamford Bridge pay deal.

PAPER GOSSIP

– Liverpool are interested in Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone, reports Bild. The Reds are reported to have already made an enquiry about the 22-year-old, identifying him as a potential midfield upgrade. Kone is also seen as a less costly alternative to Borussia Dortmund‘s Jude Bellingham, who has been linked with a €150m move to Real Madrid or Manchester City.

– Villarreal are keen on Real Madrid centre-back Nacho Fernandez, says Marca. It is reported that the Yellow Submarine are actively on the lookout for a defender as they prepare for a summer where they could part ways with Pau Torres. The report indicates that the 33-year-old Nacho, whose deal at Madrid expires next month, could be at the top of their shortlist. Internazionale are also believed to hold interest in his services.

– Inter striker Lautaro Martinez is on the radar of Real Madrid, writes Ekrem Konur. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are keeping close tabs on the 25-year-old Argentina international, as Los Blancos continue their search to identify a long-term replacement for 35-year-old Karim Benzema in the No. 9 position. Lautaro has previously been linked with Arsenal.

– Atletico Madrid are willing to listen to offers for forward Joao Felix, says the Here We Go Podcast. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a positive spell on loan in the Premier League with Chelsea this season but the latest indicates that Los Colchoneros would be willing to part ways with him on a permanent basis. According to Atletico president Enrique Cerezo, incoming Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino does not see Felix as part of his future plans.

– Liverpool have made an approach to sign Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram, according to L’Equipe. The 22-year-old has been on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs recently, but it is reported that the Reds are looking to position themselves at the front of the queue to land him as soon as the transfer window opens.