Transfer rumor roundup 7/5: Rooney nearing Everton return
By Nick Pitner
Here’s a roundup of the latest news and transfer rumors surrounding which players could be joining new teams in the coming months.
Wednesday’s transfer news is led by ESPN’s report that Everton are in discussions to bring Wayne Rooney back to his boyhood club.
The 31-year-old saw his minutes scaled back significantly under manager Jose Mourinho this past season, and with Manchester United expected to add to their attacking ranks this summer, the Red Devils legend could return to Everton to close his career.
Although his current wages of £250,000 per week would easily represent Everton’s highest ever awarded, the Toffees’ impending sale of striker Romelu Lukaku figures to free up some funds on that front.
With talks over a transfer underway, Rooney could be allowed to remain in England instead of traveling with United on Sunday for the start of their preseason tour in the United States.
Rooney left Everton as an 18-year-old and tallied just five goals and five assists in the Premier League last season.
Elsewhere in England, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Roma over the transfer of defender Antonio Rudiger, Sky Sports reports.
The German international, who is fresh off helping his country hoist the Confederations Cup trophy, has spent the past two seasons at Roma, starting 54 Serie A matches over that span.
This past year, the 24-year-old featured prominently in a three-man Roma defense that conceded the second-fewest goals in Italy, trailing only champions Juventus.
That familiarity figures to aid Rudiger’s acclimation to Chelsea boss Antonio Conte’s system, and the Blues are reportedly prepared to pay £34 million to secure his services.
Even though he still needs to sort out personal terms with the London side, Rudiger could ultimately undergo a medical this week to see his transfer completed before long.
Whereas Rudiger appears destined to leave Italy, one of the country’s brightest talents could be joining perennial title-winners, Juventus.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Fiorentina starlet Federico Bernardeschi has agreed to a five-year contract worth at least €4 million per season ahead of a summer move to Turin.
That pact comes after the 23-year-old rejected Fiorentina’s advances over an extension, opening the door for Juventus to swoop in for the left-footed attacker.
Following a season in which he produced 14 goals and five assists across all competitions, it’s thought that Bernardeschi will cost €40 million plus bonuses.
That figure is close to what Bayern Munich are reportedly asking for to offload Douglas Costa, which could see Juventus end their interest in the Brazilian wideman.
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In fact, besides Bernardeschi’s availability, German outlet Bild reports the Old Lady have halted their chase of Costa due to Italian rules limiting clubs to two non-EU additions per season.
After already signing Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, Juventus have one non-EU acquisition available, but instead of Costa, it’s likely that spot will be used to replace departed right-back Dani Alves.
While Juventus are known to be pursuing Real Madrid’s Danilo to fill his countryman’s shoes, Yahoo Sport FR reports the club met with the agent of Ivorian Serge Aurier on Tuesday.
The Paris Saint-Germain right-back is said to be available for €25 million and is apparently a big fan of Juventus, which could boost their case to sign him.
Since arriving at PSG in 2014, Aurier has ran into his fair share of trouble off the pitch, but along with being a highly athletic defender, his attacking forays have resulted in five goals and 15 assists in 81 total appearances.
To conclude, Turkish power Besiktas confirmed the signing of former Real Madrid defender Pepe on Wednesday.
The accomplished 34-year-old was linked with a move to PSG and entertained interest from Italy earlier this offseason, but he’s now inked a two-year contract with the reigning Super Lig champions.
After not being renewed following a 10-year stint at Real Madrid, Pepe arrives in Turkey on a free transfer.