Plus, Arsenal close to finalising midfield next season and Steven Gerrard is set to make more additions at Rangers
Here’s a round-up of all the top football headlines and transfer-related gossip from Friday’s newspapers…
Manchester United are set to pursue the summer signing of Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos. Kroos’ name figured prominently in recent talks held by United manager José Mourinho and the club’s chief executive, Ed Woodward, on 2018/19 squad planning. It is understood that Mourinho feels he would be the ideal addition to the side’s midfield, and that his presence in the engine room could bring out the best in Paul Pogba. (AS)
Chelsea have initiated talks with the representatives of CSKA Moscow midfielder Aleksandr Golovin. The 22-year-old has been watched by the Stamford Bridge club for over a year and has also been discussed by Arsenal. Golovin was an early summer target of many of Europe’s elite clubs, but interest in the midfielder has intensified following his impressive displays for Russia at the World Cup. (Daily Mail)
Chelsea midfielder Jeremie Boga is in talks over a move to Italian side Sassuolo. The 21-year-old Ivory Coast international has made one brief appearance for Chelsea, starting against Burnley last season before coming off after 18 minutes when Gary Cahill was sent off. He spent the rest of the season on loan at Birmingham City scoring twice in 31 appearances. (Daily Mail)
Unai Emery is close to finalising his midfield for next season following positive contract talks with Aaron Ramsey and the planned completion of a £26million deal for Uruguay midfielder Lucas Torreira. (Daily Telegraph)
Arsenal are set to complete their deal for Borussia Dortmund star Sokratis Papastathopoulos next week. Arsenal have been after Papastathopoulos for several weeks but a deal has proven more difficult to get done than expected. The 30-year-old Greece international is now expected to put the finishing touches to his £17m transfer soon. (Daily Star)
Rangers are poised to tie up a double loan move for Roma striker Umar Sadiq and Mali international midfielder Lassana Coulibaly. The Ibrox club have reached an agreement with Angers in France to bring in 22-year-old Coulibaly. Now he and 21-year-old Nigerian Sadiq will join Steven Gerrard’s posse of summer signings, pending the award of work permits. (Daily Mail)
Everton are weighing up a move for Celtic star Kieran Tierney. Left-back Tierney, 21, has been identified by Everton as a potential long-term successor to Leighton Baines, 33. And they are considering a move to make the impressive Scotland defender one of their big additions during new boss Marco Silva’s first transfer window. (Daily Mirror)
French club Lille are set to launch a £5million bid for Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic. The troubled Liga 1 side are rebuilding after the departure of coach Marcelo Bielsa and a narrow escape from relegation in the final weeks of the season. (Daily Mail)
Southampton are prepared to listen to offers for goalkeeper Fraser Forster and may allow him to leave on loan. Mark Hughes is pressing to sign Angus Gunn from Manchester City and has tied Alex McCarthy down to a new contract. (Daily Mail)
Wolves have asked about Juventus striker Andrea Favilli. The 6ft 3ins Italy U21 international spent last season on loan at Ascoli and scored five goals in 12 games before injuring a cruciate ligament in his knee. Wolves are weighing up a number of options for their attack but also want to strengthen elsewhere and are considering a bid for Swansea City defender Alfie Mawson. (Daily Mail)
Derby are considering a bid of around £12million from Leeds United for striker Matej Vydra. Championship top scorer Vydra has emerged as one of recently appointed head coach Marcelo Bielsa’s prime targets this summer at Leeds. (Daily Mail)
