The World Cup might be in full swing, but that is not going to stop transfer rumors from hogging the headlines.
Many of the stars currently in Russia could well be plying their trade for different clubs by the time next season kicks off. Here, Newsweek takes a look at all the news, rumors and gossip swirling around the biggest tournament in the world.
Let's start with Eden Hazard. The Chelsea maestro will come up against familiar faces when Belgium takes on England Thursday, but he might not be in the Premier League next season.
Spanish newspaper Marca suggests Real Madrid are keen to bring the Belgian to Spain and were encouraged to approach the 27-year-old by his father, Thierry.
Landing Hazard, however, would cost the 13-time European Cup winners around $140 million.
While the Belgian could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge, the Blues' soon-to-be new manager Maurizio Sarri is planning to strengthen the team's defense. According to The Sun, the Italian has identified Kalidou Koulibaly as a key priority.
The Senegal international, who spent three seasons under Sarri at Napoli, has impressed at the World Cup so far—but could cost as much as $116.4 million.
Sarri is yet to be formally appointed but the Daily Mirror reports the Italian will be in London early this week. He is expected to sign a two-year deal with the option for a third.
The same paper reports the two Manchester clubs could go head-to-head to sign France star Kylian Mbappe. The teenager was due to make his loan move to Paris Saint-Germain permanent, but Financial Fair Play sanctions could scupper any $219.6 million transfer.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is a known admirer of the 19-year-old, while Manchester United could send Anthony Martial to France in a bid to lure Mbappe.
The 20-time champions of England could also soon wave goodbye to Marouane Fellaini. The Belgian is out of contract at the end of the month and The Independentreports his future will be resolved soon. He turned down two offers from United amid interest from a number of clubs.
Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho's search for a new midfielder is set to continue, with The Sun suggesting the United manager has identified Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini as an alternative to Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, whose $116.4 million price tag is considered prohibitive.
Elsewhere, The Sun believes Jack Wilshere will turn down a move to West Ham. The former Arsenal midfielder was offered a one-year deal but is looking for a longer agreement, while The Times claims Liverpool could resurrect their hopes of signing Nabil Fekir.
The Reds' deal for the Lyon captain looked dead and buried earlier this month but the French club's president, Jean-Michael Aulas, has now said "anything's possible."
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Dan Cancian is currently a reporter for Newsweek based in London, England. Prior to joining Newsweek in January 2018, he ... Read more
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