Today's Gossip: World Record Bid For Eden Hazard, Mbappe Keen On Bernabeu Switch
Real Madrid are ready to break the world transfer record to sign Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.
And while they are determined to land Manchester United keeper David De Gea, their prime target is Chelsea wing ace Hazard. Madrid insiders have briefed there have been no fewer than three separate meetings this year between club representatives and Hazard’s entourage.
Real made it clear to the Belgian they are prepared to smash the world record by paying £100million to tempt him away from Stamford Bridge. Hazard has been promised a role as Real’s advanced playmaker, operating in the hole between the normal front three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.
It is understood that the conversations between Hazard’s representatives and Real have been extremely detailed with discussions of tactics and formations.
While Hazard has publicly maintained he is happy in London, Real believe he is ready to push for a move because of his respect for Zidane, whom he views as a footballing idol.
Mbappe Dreams Of Bernabeu Switch
The 18-year-old has not yet decided if he'll remain at Monaco for another season, but he is clear that whenever he does move on from the Stade Louis II that he wants to join Real Madrid.
His dream to play at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu is so strong that he has resisted the first serious interest to come his way, even turning down the chance to work with Pep Guardiola and to join forces with Gabriel Jesus in an exciting front two.
That is partly because of the Zinedine Zidane factor, with the French youngster keen to work with his idol.
Dmitri Rybolovlev, the Monaco owner, is still determined to cash in on his star players but the need to sell isn't as great as in previous summers and that makes Mbappe the man in charge of his own future.When the time does come, a fee of 120m euros is likely to do the trick.
In Other News
After signing his new deal, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been given the task of finding his successor, with Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe in pole position to take over when the Frenchman leaves. (Daily Star)
Gunners forward Alexis Sanchez, 28, and midfielder Mesut Ozil, 28, both want in excess of £350,000 a week to stay at the club. Both players are entering the final year of their contracts. (Daily Mirror)
Manchester City will bid more than £50m for Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk and are prepared to offer the 25-year-old Dutch international a five-year contract worth £180,000 a week. (The Times - subscription required)
Manchester United have turned down a £60m offer from Real Madrid for goalkeeper David de Gea, 26. (Sky Sports)
The Red Devils will battle with Tottenham to sign Fulham full-back Ryan Sessegnon, 17, who could be available for around £15m. (Daily Mirror)
But Liverpool have now ended their interest in Sessegnon and will pursue other targets at left-back, including Hull City's Andrew Robertson, 23. (Liverpool Echo)
Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann, 26, says his future "will be decided soon" amid reports of an £86m move to Manchester United. (ESPN)
Chelsea are in talks with Monaco about a £42m deal for midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, 22. (Independent)
Blues midfielder Nemanja Matic, 28, wants to be reunited with former manager Jose Mourinho at Manchester United. (Manchester Evening News)
The Premier League champions are confident of keeping defender Cesar Azpilicueta, 27, who has been linked with a move to La Liga giants Barcelona. (Daily Mail)
Real Madrid are considering a move for Italy centre-back Leonardo Bonucci, 30, who is currently with Real's Champions League final opponents Juventus. (Marca)
Everton are close to completing a deal for Southampton's 27-year-old right-back Cuco Martina. (Independent)
The Toffees are expecting offers from Chelsea and Manchester United for striker Romelu Lukaku, 24, and believe their £100m valuation will not dissuade them. (The Times - subscription required)
If Lukaku does leave, Everton want Malaga striker Sandro to replace him - but their hopes of signing the 21-year-old could rest on whether Atletico Madrid, who are also pursuing the Spaniard, have their transfer ban overturned. (Liverpool Echo)
Managerless Sunderland hope to be given permission to speak to Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes soon about taking over from David Moyes. (Daily Express)
Crystal Palace have contacted Mauricio Pellegrino, 45, about replacing Sam Allardyce as manager. The Argentine, who was Rafael Benitez's assistant at Liverpool, stepped down as Alaves boss this week. (Sun)
Manchester City are ready to sell Turkish striker Enes Unal, 20, to Villarreal for £12m, but will insist on a buy-back clause. (Guardian)
Meanwhile, City's deal to sign goalkeeper Ederson Moraes, 23, from Benfica is being held up because of the Brazilian's third-party ownership agreement. (Daily Star)
Striker Lucas Perez, 28, wants to leave Arsenal after making just two Premier League starts since joining the Gunners last summer. (Sky Sports)
Swansea are expecting more interest in striker Fernando Llorente this summer but do not want to sell the 32-year-old Spaniard. (Daily Mail)
Pepe Reina's agent is in talks with Napoli over the goalkeeper's future at the Serie A side, amid interest from Newcastle United where the 34-year-old Spaniard would be reunited with former boss Rafael Benitez.(Chronicle)
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