A round-up of the biggest football transfer news stories around Europe including major interest in Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, Liverpool’s attempts to sign a Roma midfielder, and a proposed move from Manchester United for a Stockport teenager.
Inter Milan
Serie A club Inter Milan look set to have a summer of resistance on their hands after various media reports claimed Manchester United, Chelsea and Juventus are all keen on striker Mauro Icardi.
Icadi, 21, has reportedly been identified by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho as the ideal replacement for Didier Drogba and wants the Argentine to be backup to first-choice striker Diego Costa.
United, meanwhile, are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements, with Radamel Falcao unlikely to extend his stay beyond the current loan deal and Robin van Persie struggling to recapture his previous best form.
However, both Premier League clubs face major competition from Italian champions Juventus.
The Turin club are ready to launch a big-money offer in an attempt to prise Icardi away from the San Siro, and it is reported Inter have already begun searching for replacements.
The Argentina international is valued in the region of £30 million (DH 170m) thanks to his current exploits in Serie A.
Icardi has scored 15 goals this season and his second only behind Juventus striker Carlos Tevex in the goalscoring charts.
Liverpool
Liverpool will have to break their club record transfer if they want to sign Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic, according to reports in the British media.
The Anfield club are in the market for a successor to Steven Gerrard, who will leave at the end of the season for LA Galaxy.
Pjanic has long been linked with a move to Liverpool and is viewed by manager Brendan Rodgers as his top target to replace the departing captain.
However, Roma are not willing to let the 24-year-old Bosnian go easily and have quoted Liverpool £37 million (DH 208m) if they want to open discussions.
On top of that, the Premier League side will have to pay Pjanic a reported £160,000 a week (DH 902,390), making him the club’s highest earner.
Rodgers is also thought to be interested in two more Roma players; central midfielder Radja Nainggolan and attacking midfielder Adem Ljajic, but it is Pjanic that remains his primary target.
Napoli
Palermo striker Paulo Dybala has been priced out of a move to Napoli after his club’s president insisted no Italian clubs could afford him.
The 21-year-old striker is considered one of the most exciting talents in football, and Napoli were hopeful of opening talks over a summer move.
Dybala, who previously stated his wish to play for either Barcelona or Manchester City, was reportedly close to a move to Naples where he would link up with fellow Argentine Gonzalo Higuain.
However, Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini insists any deal is some way off.
“Paulo Dybala, although very young is one of the best strikers in the world,” Zamparini said.
“His future? The problem is not the boy but his agents. I am sorry for this. I’ve been to London and I have received calls from all over Europe.
“I would be happy Napoli bought him, but I don’t think he is within their reach. Dybala is out of reach of all Italian companies.”
Manchester United
Manchester United may be linked to a host of superstar names, but a Stockport teenager could be the next signing after Drew Lewis was offered a trial with the Premier League champions.
The 19-year-old forward has been playing in Stockport’s reserve team this season and has scored a whopping 38 goals.
His performances have not gone unnoticed by a host of league clubs, but it seems United have acted first by offering him a trial.
If all goes well, Lewis could become the next non-league player to sign for United after Sadiq El Fitouri, who was spotted while playing for local club Salford City.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE