Rumour reel: Schmeichel to replace de Gea
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What’s making news on Sunday
Chelsea swooped to sign Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko over the course of the weekend, in a deal thought to have cost the London side £40m. Premier League fans will remember Bakayoko for that goal scored against Man City in the Champions League last season.
The France cap has signed on a five-year-deal at Stamford Bridge, and will join up with his new teammates in plenty of time for the champions’ home tie against Burnley on Saturday 12th August. There’s lots more going on in the transfer rumour reel, let’s catch up on the major stories.
Schmeichel off to Man Utd
Real Madrid have been pushing hard to capture Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea all summer, with the La Liga giants said to be considering de Gea plus cash for Cristiano Ronaldo, who wants out of Spain as quickly as possible, and sees a return to Old Trafford as a real option. So, if it all goes through as planned, who will Jose Mourinho replace de Gea with? Well, Kasper Schmeichel of course. Who else? It was always on the cards, and to be honest we’re surprised Schmeichel wasn’t made a Manchester United keeper long before now. Perhaps his unwillingness to play behind de Gea was the reason, but if that’s all cleared up, the 30-year-old would surely be a perfect fit. Fans would welcome him with open arms.
Liverpool target Scottish defender
Liverpool are keen on bolstering their backline in preparation for an assault on the Champions League and Premier League, with Hull’s Scottish defender Andrew Robertson a surprise target. The 23-year-old Glasgow-born left-back signed for The Tigers in 2014 from Dundee United and has been valued at around £8m by his current employers. Recently relegated into the Championship, that’s a price Hull could work with, and it certainly wouldn’t scare The Reds off as Jurgen Klopp looks to make his third summer signing. With Alberto Moreno on his way out of Anfield, and James Milner in his 30s, bosses see Robertson as a long-term replacement.
Spurs won’t get Pereira on the cheap
Tottenham want Porto defender Ricardo Pereira, but face a battle with Juventus for the 23-year-old’s signature. Spurs lost right-back Kyle Walker to Man City, with The Citizens paying £45m for the talented Englishman, but Pereira is seen as a perfect replacement, and with a chunk of change left over too. There’s a £22m release clause in Pereira’s contract, but Porto aren’t prepared to short-change themselves, telling Spurs they need the money and won’t negotiate a lower fee. Now Juventus are interested, the pressure is on. Will Tottenham pay what is owed?
