2014 Summer Transfer Rumours Mk. II

Lionel Messi and Barcelona have almost agreed terms on a renewed contract for the Argentina forward, reports in Spain have said.

Mundo Deportivo claims the sides are 85% of the way to an agreement with the details to be finalised before Messi can be made the highest paid player in the world.

Barca are said to be willing and eager to elevate Messi to such a position but are keen to install clauses in the contract that will come into effect depending on the club’s success. Messi’s salary will be fixed but should Barca be successful, Messi will be in line to earn more.

Messi could also extend his contract until 2019, tying him to Barca for an extra year. It was originally said that the talks were only about an upgrade in terms, rather than an extension.

The intention is to conclude negotiations before the start of the World Cup, although it is said there has never been any serious thought to ending the relationship between Messi and Barca from either side.

Paris Saint-Germain were said to be watching developments closely but Mundo Deportivo rejects the interest from the club as a reason for Messi’s perceived drop in form.

Messi is said to have always wanted to stay at Camp Nou while Barca are preparing to rebuild the side around Messi after this disappointing season comes to a close.

Despite rumours of interest in Alexis Sanchez, another Spain-based striker is reportedly in Juventus’ sights.

Alexis Sanchez has been heavily linked with a switch from Barcelona to the Bianconeri in the summer, with Fabrizio Ravanelli claiming the Chile international could take them ‘to the next level’.

But AS lead with the news this afternoon that Antonio Conte could instead turn his attentions to Atletico Madrid goalscorer David Villa.

With Fabio Quagliarella and Mirko Vucinic set to leave at the end of the season, with Turin outfit are in the market for a new forward.

And with Villa’s contract set to expire in 2015, there are thoughts in Spain that suggest Diego Simeone could be open to striking a deal for the former Valencia man.

Il Messaggero believe that Juventus, Milan and Tottenham can be added to the list of names tracking Cagliari’s Davide Astori.

The highly-rated centre-back is increasingly reported as set for a summer departure from the Rossoblu, with Roma and Lazio seen as in prime position to open negotiations for his signature.

However, beyond the capital derby for the 27-year-old, Rome-based outlet Il Messaggero are running the line that Juventus, Milan and Tottenham are all also interested parties.

Astori, who began his career with Milan, is reportedly set to trigger a bidding contest that Lazio are ready to start with a cash offer of €10m and the promise of one young player sent to the Isolani in exchange.

Camaroon international midfielder Stéphane Mbia is enjoying his season on loan at Sevilla so much, he’s made a strong indication that he would very much like to make the move from QPR permanent, at the end of the season.

Amongst the scorers in last weekend’s 4-0 win against Granada, Stéphane Mbia spoke with Sevilla FC TV about the next challenge facing the team, in the first-leg match of the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday, at the Sánchez-Pizjuan against Valencia.

“Valencia are an important team and they have good players, with quality. The most important aim for us, is not to concede a goal here in Sevilla.”

“It will be a tough game and important for our fans, for the city and for ourselves. Ahead of what will be a difficult game, we’re focused on our daily work in training, because we know it will be complicated.”

Speaking of his own situatuion, Mbia explained that he’s really enjoying his time at Sevilla, feels very settled and hopes that he can make his loan move from QPR, permanent.

“The locker room here is like a paradise. I’m really relaxed in Sevilla, I feel really good here. Since my time at Rennes, I’ve never felt so good with my team-mates, the coaching staff or the medics.”

“There’s a possibility of me staying here, because I’m very comfortable. The manager says that the work of a footballer includes everything that goes on around the pitch, not just on it. There’s a good atmosphere amongst everyone and that makes me want to stay here.”

Mbia also spoke of his strong faith and how integrated he feels in the culture of the city.

“Sevilla is like a paradise for me, a very relaxed city. I’m strong in my Catholic faith and I’ve loved the Easter (Semana Santa) celebrations here in the city.”

Keita Balde Diao’s agent says that the youngster is on the verge of signing an improved contract with Lazio.

The former Barcelona youth has emerged as a first team regular this season for the Aquile and impressed.

“We are well and everything is okay. We just have to meet each other so as to sign,” Ulisse Savini has told Tuttomercatoweb this week.

“An important relationship with Lazio? Definitely, yes, they are a team that has allowed him to debut in Serie A, is giving him confidence and has him as a part of the squad.

“He is a diamond to take care of. He is very precious and he is doing more and more. He is very mature, despite his young age.”

Edy Reja is reported as set to leave Lazio at the end of the season, with the capital club looking at alternative options already.

Reja returned to the Aquile midway through this season following Vladimir Petkovic’s departure and initially brought out a reaction in the team.

However, with results having since proved inconsistent, speculation is that the 68-year-old will part ways with the club at the end of the season.

Il Tempo suggest President Claudio Lotito is considering alternative candidates and these include Basel’s Murat Yakin, who Lazio reportedly approached initially last winter.

Simone Inzaghi, who has impressed with early work with the club’s Primavera side, is another name seen as in the frame.

Tuttosport believe Atalanta’s Stefano Colantuono is another credible option for the Biancocelesti, even if he is understood to have turned down an initial proposal already.

Samir Handanovic is worth €70-€80 million

With much talk of Juventus coach Antonio Conte breaking from the successful 3-5-2 formation to 4-3-3 in the hope that it will prove more fruitful in next season’s Champions League, both Alexis Sanchez and Senad Lulic have been identified as primary summer targets.

Although reaching the Europa League semi-final, in which they face Benfica on Thursday night, highlights a measure of success in continental competition, this term, the group stage exit of Europe’s premier club tournament was tough for the Italian to take.

With FIFA confirming that Barcelona’s transfer ban will now be suspended until after the next transfer window, the Bianconeri will first move for the Chilean striker, however, Tuttomercatoweb report that the Turin club will move for Torino attacker Alessio Cerci should negotiations falter.

Should fellow Serie A club Lazio fail to achieve European qualification for the next campaign their versatile Bosnian should be easier to acquire for Conte who is believed to want to utilise him in a full-back role, although he has often played in advanced positions for the Biancocelesti.

Alessandro Del Piero is being linked with a move to Chinese outfit Guangzhou Evergrande, who are coached by Marcello Lippi.

The 39-year-old is currently plying his trade with Australian A-League side Sydney FC but his contract is set to expire.

With a decision on his future said to be imminent, Infoticher.ch report that a possible destination should he decide to end his stay down under could be the Asian heavyweights.

Despite his age, the former Juventus man has recently said he wants to continue playing for at least another season before he hangs up his boots.

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has once again insisted that Mario Mandzukic will stay with the club.

Reports in the Italian Press have indicated that the Croatia international could leave for Juventus in the summer following the announcement that Robert Lewandowski will be joining the Bavarian giants.

However, the Allianz Arena side’s board member has claimed that the 27-year-old will not be leaving for pastures new.

“I have spoken personally with Mario and I know that he will stay with Bayern Munich,” Rummenigge told Sport Bild.

“Mario is a very important player for us and has a contract until 2016.

“Lewandowski? We’re glad he’s coming, but at the same time, we’re happy that Mandzukic will stay.”

Manchester United to beat Chelsea to €36m Shaw

Manchester United are close to completing a €36.4 million deal for Southampton full-back Luke Shaw who will be handed a €121,000 a week salary.

Source: The Guardian

Yohan Modric wrote:The Guardian is reporting that Manchester United are 'convinced' a deal to sign Luke Shaw is 'virtually complete' after beating Chelsea to the capture of the Southampton left-back.

United will reportedly pay £30million and hand Shaw a £100,000 a week contract, with sacked manager David Moyes having played a key role in persuading the teenager to opt for Old Trafford.