Transfer news LIVE updates: Neymar to Man Utd claims; Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea latest

Transfer news LIVE updates: gossip and rumours from Europe’s top clubs

Sunday 18, March

Messi wants Alonso

Lionel Messi would like to see Barcelona launch a move for Chelsea wing-back Marcos Alonso.

According to Don Balon, Messi was impressed by Alonso’s performances in Barcelona’s Champions League win against Chelsea on Wednesday.

The Spanish publication claim the 30-year-old has taken an increased interest in the club’s transfer activity because he is set to succeed Andres Iniesta as captain.

And he reportedly believes fresh competition is needed for Jordi Alba because Lucas Digne is not up to scratch.

Neymar spoke to Messi about Real Madrid transfer plans

Neymar reportedly let Lionel Messi know about his desire to quit PSG for Real Madrid before informing anyone else.

The duo remain close despite Neymar’s decision to quit in the summer.

Don Balon say Messi was the first to know of Neymar’s decision to quit the Catalan giants.

And they go on to say that Messi has warned Neymar about using Barcelona as a ploy to instead broker a move to Real.

LVG wanted Lewandowski at United

Robert Lewandowski could have been plying his trade for Manchester United, according to former Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal.

"He is currently the best striker in the world," he told Bild.

"I also wanted to train Lewandowski and wanted to bring him to Manchester United.

"The price was not a problem for Manchester United, but Bayern did not want to let him go."

Can/Modric plot

Real Madrid reportedly plan to sell Luka Modric to Arsenal to make room for Liverpool midfielder Emre Can.

Modric is set to leave the Bernabeu at the end of the season with Arsenal and Liverpool both potential destinations.

And Spanish website El Gol Digital say Real Madrid plan to offload him because they want to sign Liverpool star Can.

Juventus have not hid their desire to bring the Germany international to Turin.

But El Gol Digital say Real now want him instead and would love for him to be the start of their expected overhaul.

Can’s contract expires at the end of the season and a renewal is unlikely to be signed.

Pique warning

Gerard Pique has issued a warning to Barcelona team-mate Philippe Coutinho, according to reports in Spain.

Coutinho was talked up as Andres Iniesta’s long-term replacement even before he moved to the Nou Camp from Liverpool.

And the fact Iniesta is weighing up an end of season switch to China means the Brazilian might have to take on that role sooner than thought.

According to Don Balon, Pique has been in touch with Coutinho amid the speculation surrounding Iniesta’s future.

And he’s apparently warned him that he’ll have to step up to the plater if the veteran playmaker leaves Barcelona

Real Madrid warned over Man Utd fight for Neymar

Real Madrid have reportedly been told Manchester United are ready to rival them over a deal for Neymar in the wake of their Champions League elimination.

Real have been touted as Neymar’s most likely destination if he does leave PSG, with Bernabeu president Florentino Perez a long-term admirer of the Brazilian.

However, it seems Real will not have it all their own way if Neymar does become available with clubs across Europe eyeing him up, including United.

Spanish outlet Don Balon claim Neymar’s advisors have warned: "Real Madrid is not the only one who wants to sign him."

And United are said to be the team most prepared to fight Real for the 25-year-old forward.

Ronaldo has offers

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly has two offers in the pipeline when his Real Madrid deal expires.

The 33-year-old is under contract at the Bernabeu until the summer of 2021 but, according to Don Balon, he is already considering his next move.

He reportedly got in touch with Real Madrid team-mate James Rodriguez - currently on a season-long loan with Bayern Munich - after the Champions League quarter-final draw.

Don Balon claim Ronaldo told Rodriguez that a Chinese Super League club and David Beckham’s new MLS franchise are desperate to break the bank for his signature.

Liverpool eyeing Chelsea talent

Liverpool are hopeful of signing Chelsea midfielder Isaac Christie-Davies, according to reports.

ESPN FC claim Chelsea have told the 20-year-old that they have no interest in renewing his contract and that he’s free to leave this summer.

But Christie-Davies could be handed a lifeline from another Premier League club.

Sports Illustrated suggest Jurgen Klopp’s side are interested in snapping up the former England Under-17 international, who has previously been on trial at Liverpool.

Enrique stalls because of Wenger

Luis Enrique has apparently stalled on taking over Chelsea at the end of the season.

The former Barcelona boss is reportedly close to agreeing a deal to take over from Antonio Conte at Chelsea in the summer.

But the latest revelations reported by the Daily Star suggest that Enrique is in fact waiting for Arsene Wenger to leave Arsenal.

The Spaniard would apparently prefer to manage the north London club than Chelsea.