Transfer rumors, news: Man City, United battle for Trincão

Manchester City and Manchester United are watching Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincão, while Liverpool are leading United in the race for RB Leipzig‘s Xavi Simons. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors, and gossip from around the globe.

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TOP STORIES

– Man United’s Amorim hits back at Rooney: ‘Easy to be pundit’
– Guardiola says Rodri could return for Man City this season
– USWNT’s Girma injured in Chelsea debut after record transfer

TRENDING RUMORS

– Both Manchester City and Manchester United are watching Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincão, says A Bola. Trincão, 25, moved to Barcelona from Braga for €31m in 2020 but struggled to make an impact and was sent on loan to Wolves and then Sporting before signing for the Portuguese club permanently.

– Liverpool are ahead of Manchester United in the race for RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, according to the Daily Star. The Reds reportedly see the 21-year-old as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, though manager Arne Slot is said to be keen on Simons even if Egypt international Salah signs a new contract. Manchester City have also made an enquiry for Simons, who could be signed for an offer in the region of €80 million.

– A move for Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui is being considered by Arsenal, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Gunners are reported to have identified the 25-year-old as a potential reinforcement in manager Mikel Arteta’s search for a striker, but it is said that La Dea would only be willing to consider offers worth at least €60m. Retegui has been in impressive form so far this season, having scored 21 goals while assisting another four in 25 Serie A matches.

– Talks between Lille and Canada international forward Jonathan David have broken down, reports Nicolo Schira. The 25-year-old is said to have rejected the Ligue 1 club’s offer to keep him, and he is now “ready” to leave them at the end of the season. David is set to become a free agent in June, although clubs from outside of France could secure his signature by negotiating a pre-contract agreement. David has scored 21 goals in 35 matches across all competitions this season.

– Bayern Munich right-back Sacha Boey has been made available for transfer, reports Sky Sport Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. The 24-year-old has made just five starts across all competitions this season, and it is reported that the Bundesliga club are open to parting ways with him if they receive a “suitable offer.” Boey remains contracted at the Allianz Arena until the summer of 2028, but manager Vincent Kompany is expected to prioritise both Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanisic next season.

– Tottenham Hotspur could be open to moving on from Yves Bissouma in the summer, according to Football Insider. Talks are reported to be set to take place with the 28-year-old’s representatives, with Bissouma keen to ensure he is promised first-team football before signing new terms at the club. He will enter the final 12 months of his contract in June, and it is said that Spurs will look to avoid losing him on a free transfer by transferring him out of the club if an agreement on a new contract can’t be reached.

– Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana wants to stay at Old Trafford, reports the Manchester Evening News. It is said that there is uncertainty regarding the 28-year-old’s future following some goalkeeping errors, but despite manager Ruben Amorim looking to sign a new shot stopper in the summer, the latest indicates that Onana wants to stay put amid hopes of improving his current form.

– Newcastle United are prepared to accept an offer of between £10m-£15m for goalkeeper Nick Pope, reports Football Insider. Pope, 32, is set to enter the final year of his contract at St. James’ Park in the summer, but whether he leaves the club is believed to hinge on if manager Eddie Howe is able to acquire a replacement, with recent reports linking Burnley‘s James Trafford with a potential switch to the Magpies.

– Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz could be moved on after one season at the club, according to Calciomercato. The Bianconeri are reported to be concerned about the 26-year-old’s recent injury problems, and he is among the players that could be offloaded regardless of whether manager Thiago Motta remains in Turin, as sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli plans ahead for the next transfer window. A mixed campaign so far sees Juventus in fifth place in Serie A, and nine points off league leaders Internazionale.

– Talks between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are set to take place regarding a permanent move for centre-back Clément Lenglet, reports Sport. The 29-year-old is reported to be keen to stay put at the Wanda Metropolitano, and with manager Diego Simeone pleased with his performances while on loan at the club, it is expected that Atleti will look to sign him on a permanent transfer if they are able to land him without a significant “economic effort.”

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN’s resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen explores why Xavi Simons could move on in six months’ time, having just signed for RB Leipzig.

One of the difference-makers in the German Bundesliga last season, Simons hasn’t quite managed to reach the same heights this campaign in a somewhat discontinuous Leipzig side. Even so, the creative midfielder remains among the elite offensive playmakers in the league.

Among a myriad of attacking skills, the 21-year-old predominantly stands out for his high volume of take-ons (aided by excellent balance and a low point of gravity), a quick instinctive football brain — he is brilliant at setting up and executing swift combinations — and his ability to finish from the edge of the penalty area.

Usually positioned in free role, tucked in to the left behind the central attackers, Simons represents a constant threat. Always prompt to receive the ball between the lines, the rhythm of the Leipzig attacks tends to immediately gain pace and urgency when he gets on the ball. Being able to turn quickly when in possession adds a notch of unpredictability with his elevated vision and capability to pick the right movement for a well-calibrated pass or a right-footed shot.

Always keen to get on the ball, Simons impulsiveness also makes him a target for a tactical foul — which has resulted in 20+ fouls won in the Bundesliga this season.

Though he has struggled to make the expected impact in the Champions League this campaign, Simons is still the main creative point of reference in the side. While PSG never really gave him a chance, he starred at PSV Eindhoven — though many worried whether he would cope with the physical transition from the Dutch league to German football. However, those murmurs were soon silenced as he has proven to have a fine attitude and effectiveness in his defensive work too.

OTHER RUMORS

– Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has informed AC Milan that the Bianconeri intend to activate the €14m permanent option clause for on-loan centre-back Pierre Kalulu. (Calciomercato)

– Benfica are lining up a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers right-back Nélson Semedo. (Record)

– A deal to sign Nice striker Samba Konate has been agreed by RB Leipzig. (Sky Sport Deutschland’s Philipp Hinze)

– Liverpool and Manchester City are interested in Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz. (Ekrem Konur)

– Manchester United are open to a player-exchange deal involving Victor Osimhen and Rasmus Hojlund. (Calciomercato)

– Liverpool are monitoring Ajax right-back Anton Gaaei, 22, and forward Mika Godts, 19, as well as 18-year-old Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato. (TBR)

– Bayern Munich want midfielder Joshua Kimmich to lower his demands as they look to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena. (Suddeutsche Zeitung)

– Manchester United are plotting a summer move for former Liverpool target Martín Zubimendi. (GiveMeSport)

– Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion are leading the race to sign Romania right-back Andrei Ratiu from Rayo Vallecano. (Mundo Deportivo)

– Chelsea will sign Denner Evangelista from Corinthians for a fee of €10m plus €4m in add-ons. The 17-year-old full-back will join the Blues in 2026 after staying at his current club on loan, and sign a contract until 2032. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Chelsea are also attempting to secure the signature of Gremio’s 16-year-old midfielder Gabriel Mec. (TBR)

– Barcelona are looking to Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu to reinforce their defensive options. The 26-year-old right-back has a release clause of around €25m, with Villarreal due to receive 50%. (Sport)

– Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and West Ham United are all keen on signing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has scored nine goals in his last eight league matches. (Ekrem Konur)

– Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in signing 21-year-old attacker Ian Subiabre from €30m from River Plate, alongside West Ham United, Aston Villa, Benfica and Villarreal. (Caught Offside)

– Arsenal are keen to offer Thomas Partey a one-year extension amid interest from Juventus and Barcelona. (Caught Offside)

– Tottenham Hotspur will pass up their option to sign Timo Werner permanently this summer. The Germany international joined Spurs on loan in January 2024 before the agreement was extended for a further season. There has been tentative interest in the 28-year-old striker from the MLS, with the New York Red Bulls contemplating a move. (Mirror)

– Columbus Crew are closing in former Nashville SC midfielder Amar Sejdić, who is currently a free agent. (Tom Bogert)