Transfer talk: Manchester United play hardball with Real Madrid over De Gea, Liverpool back in for Clyne

David de Gea is wanted by Real Madrid but Manchester United are so far resisting their advances. Shaun Botterill / Getty

A round-up of the latest football transfer news including David de Gea’s future, Liverpool’s interest in Nathaniel Clyne, and a flurry of activity from Tottenham.

Manchester United

English Premier League club Manchester United are refusing to cave to Real Madrid's pressure and are set to play hardball over goalkeeper David de Gea, according to British newspaper The Sun.

De Gea, 24, is widely expected to return to Spain with Madrid this summer, and his refusal to sign a new contract at Old Trafford — with only a year left on his current deal — leaves United in a vulnerable position.

Reports last week claimed Madrid had opened with an offer in the region of £13 million (Dh74.6m) for De Gea, which was rejected outright by United.

And according to The Sun, United will not consider negotiations for their goalkeeper for anything less than £25m.

While the asking price is unlikely to faze Madrid, the Spanish giants are sure to counter-offer, aware of United’s risk of losing De Gea on a free next year.

RELATED:

Juventus

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has said it would be “difficult to say no” if a mega-money offer is made for midfielder Paul Pogba.

Pogba, 22, is one of the hottest properties in football, with Manchester City, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain among the clubs interested in his services.

Reports have claimed City are already weighing up a £60m offer for Pogba, as the Premier League runners-up look to inject their squad with top-quality younger players.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are also thought to be interested as the Primera Liga champions attempt to bolster their squad ahead of a potential transfer ban.

And Allegri has given any interested clubs encouragement in their pursuit of Pogba by admitting money talks.

"A Pogba transfer? Obviously it would be a decision made by the club and not by the technical team," Allegri said to Gazzetta dello Sport. "When you talk about certain figures, it's difficult to say no.

“But if Paul remains in Turin, he should do it with the right mentality and without having any regrets.”

It is understood an offer worth around £80m will convince Juventus to allow talks with Pogba.

Liverpool

Liverpool are expected to return to Southampton with an improved offer for right-back Nathaniel Clyne after seeing their initial offer rejected, according to the Liverpool Echo.

A right-back is a priority for Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who reportedly views Clyne as the ideal player to suit the wing-back role.

Liverpool have already had a £10m bid rejected last month for the England international, but the Liverpool Echo understands the club will return with a more tempting offer.

Southampton value Clyne, 24, closer to the £15m mark given the fact he has just one year remaining on his current contract, although it is unclear whether Liverpool will match the valuation.

Tottenham

Tottenham are reportedly eyeing up deals for two players, with Burnley defender Kieran Trippier and Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah both firmly in the club’s sights.

The Daily Mail understand that Trippier, who enjoyed an impressive campaign last season despite Burnley's relegation, will head to White Hart Lane in a £3.5m deal.

The 24-year-old was also wanted by Liverpool, West Ham, Bournemouth, and Southampton, although it appears Spurs have beaten their rivals to his signature.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are also interested in Salah, although according to the London Evening Standard, Chelsea are more interested in selling the Egyptian abroad.

After struggling to break into the Chelsea team, Salah joined Fiorentina on loan in January, and his performances for the Italian club — which included a star performance to eliminate Spurs from the Europa League — has attracted widespread interest.

Indeed, Fiorentina are among the clubs keen on Salah as are Serie A rivals Inter Milan, but Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to test the water by registering interest in Salah.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @NatSportUAE