Here’s a roundup of the latest news and transfer rumors surrounding which players could be joining new teams in the coming months.
Linked with a plethora of players already, Manchester United are “very likely” to sign midfielder Bernardo Silva in the summer transfer window, according to French television channel Canal+.
Le Figaro details the report, which has all the hallmarks of a United deal.
For one, both Silva and Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho are represented by Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes.
Besides that obvious connection, Silva, who sports 11 goals and 10 assists across all competitions this season, is the type of wide attacking midfielder that United seem to be in the market for.
The Europa League finalists have been heavily connected with fellow Mendes client James Rodriguez recently, but after since distancing themselves from those reports, Silva could be their true target.
Coincidentally, Silva joined Monaco for €15.75 million in 2014 to replace Rodriguez, who was sold to Real Madrid that summer.
On the back of being crowed Ligue 1 champions on Wednesday, the French club could now be keen to cash in on Silva, who at 22 years old is actually one of the more experienced members of their first-team setup.
Another youngster drawing considerable attention is Malaga’s Sandro Ramirez, who has struck for 14 goals and three assists in his first season since leaving Barcelona.
That hefty tally includes seven goals and two helpers in his last eight appearances alone, making Sandro an increasingly hot commodity.
What makes the Spaniard even more attractive is that he’s reported to have a measly €6 million release clause.
That bargain fee has garnered transfer interest from Everton and Tottenham, but Estadio Deportivo reports Sandro’s preferred destination is Atletico Madrid.
Of course, any move to the capital is dependent on Atleti’s summer transfer ban being lifted. If it is, Sandro is expected to join Diego Simeone’s side. If not, a move abroad could beckon.
A former Tottenham player, Jermain Defoe, is also destined for an offseason transfer.
Despite his team-leading 15 goals and two assists, Defoe’s heroics weren’t enough to prevent Sunderland from being relegated this season.
While the Black Cats have unfortunately already clinched their demotion to the Championship, the 34-year-old Defoe rightfully has no intentions of staying around for their descent.
That situation has resulted in inquiries from both West Ham and Everton, but The Sun reports Bournemouth are prepared to offer Defoe a three-year, £18 million contract to win his signature.
After beginning his decorated career at West Ham, Defoe spent the 2000-01 campaign on loan with the Cherries, scoring 18 times across 29 appearances.
Next: FA to ban divers starting in 2017-18
With top striker Callum Wilson recovering from his second serious knee injury in as many years, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe will certainly welcome a player of Defoe’s stature to the club, and the fact that he’s available on a free transfer would mitigate the sizeable investment reportedly being offered.
Whereas Defoe’s career is coming to a close, 17-year-old Fulham defender Ryan Sessegnon is just getting started.
Don’t let his tender age fool you, though, because Sessegnon is already a £15 million transfer target of Liverpool, according to the Independent.
Celebrating his birthday Thursday, Sessegnon has enjoyed a delightful first season in the Cottagers’ senior side, scoring a remarkable seven goals in 27 total appearances from his left-back position.
Thanks to three assists as well, the London native helped Fulham reach the Championship’s promotion playoffs, although their dreams of promotion were dashed by a second-leg defeat to Reading on Wednesday.
Nonetheless, Sessegnon could get a taste of the Premier League by joining Liverpool, who are also reportedly after Hull City’s Andrew Robertson to fix their left-back options.
With Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal mentioned among Sessegnon’s other suitors, however, the Reds figure to face stiff competition this summer.
At various times over the past couple years, those clubs were also linked Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez, but after all that speculation, Gianluca Di Marzio reports AC Milan are close to completing a transfer.
Given Rodriguez’s strong relationship with Wolfsburg, where he’s played since 2012, the German club will only ask for €15 million plus €3 million in bonuses to allow him to leave.
That comes despite a reported €22 million release clause in his contract, making Milan’s deal for the 24-year-old a potential steal.
Boasting 22 goals and 28 assists from his Wolfsburg defensive post over the years, Rodriguez has apparently already agreed to a four-year contract with Milan, who on Wednesday clinched the transfer of promising Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie.