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Nick Judd, Transfer writer
The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for another month, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Modric, Kroos might stay put at Real Madrid
Luka Modric has agreed in principle to stay at Real Madrid for one more season after agreeing to a reduced salary, while a similar deal could now follow for teammate Toni Kroos, reports MARCA.
Modric, 38, has been in improving form in the second half of the season and boss Carlo Ancelotti understands what the Croatian brings to the team regarding ability and leadership on and off the pitch.
Modric’s agent admitted on Saturday that his client will “most likely stay one more season” with his existing deal due to expire on June 30, and this despite Madrid’s initial plans to let him leave this summer.
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Modric and Kroos are considered big earners in the squad, and though Modric has played just 2,140 minutes this campaign, his presence is considered a positive influence on the dressing room culture.
Kroos is also likely to stay if given a chance, with the 34-year-old still excelling in the centre of Madrid’s midfield. The Germany international has racked up the sixth-highest number of minutes in the squad in 2023-24, and he has proved he can still hold his own at the highest level.
Madrid have lifted another league title and have reached the UEFA Champions League final, both of which have prompted Ancelotti, and the Madrid hierarchy, to want to keep the side together.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Bayern Munich, Inter, Roma, West Ham United and Wolfsburg are all tracking FC Salzburg defender Oumar Solet, reports Footmercato. The 24-year-old Frenchman has one year left on his contract, and Salzburg aren’t prepared to risk letting him leave for free in 12 months. Solet has reignited his career this season in the Austrian Bundesliga, playing 20 games and scoring one goal. He saved some of his best performances for the Champions League, prompting Bayern’s interest.
– Borussia Dortmund have joined Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Napoli in the chase for Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, reports the Mirror. They believe the 22-year-old, who is also wanted by Getafe, is keen to move abroad once again, but not back to the club he is currently on loan. Dortmund in particular are considering a double swoop for both Greenwood and Jadon Sancho, who finishes the season with the Champions League finalists. The striker’s contract comes to an end in 2025, which means United are hoping to agree a deal this summer before he’s able to leave for free next summer.
– Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglu is gearing up for a busy summer in which as many as eight players could leave the club, reports the Mirror. The Spurs boss is looking to have a clear out to change the culture of the squad, and Emerson Royal, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Giovani Lo Celso and Bryan Gil are among those expected to depart. AC Milan have already expressed an interest in 25-year-old full-back Emerson while Feyenoord and Brighton are long-term admirers of Spanish winger Gil. The north Londoners are also prepared to listen to bids for Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Ryan Sessegnon and Oliver Skipp.
– Everton are expecting offers for defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the next few days, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur all keen on the 21-year-old England international, reports the Daily Mail. City and United are said to be willing to offer over £50 million for the centre-back, but the Toffees are likely to want more for a player who has been one of their star performers this season. Everton are reluctant to lose players such as Branthwaite and Amadou Onana, who is also rumoured to leave, but they also need to bring in much-needed revenue to appease their financial worries. United could be willing to offer a player in their proposed deal, but they also have other targets including Marc Guehi and Jean-Clair Todibo.
– Manchester United are planning to let Casemiro leave in the first of several summer exits as they look to raise funds for new faces, according to Football Insider. United are hoping to recoup a fee and save on the 32-year-old’s wages by allowing him to leave after what has been a disappointing second half of the season. Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton and Anthony Martial are also among those expected to leave.