Saturday's gossip column is a busy one, with Harry Kane's future back under the microscope, a significant piece of Manchester United transfer business reportedly done, and Liverpool moving quickly to land one of South America's most exciting young prospects.
Kane in the frame at Barcelona
Barcelona are making their move for a new centre-forward this summer, with Robert Lewandowski set to depart the Camp Nou. The Catalan club have drawn up a shortlist of three high-profile options, and Kane sits at the top of it alongside Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid and Chelsea's Joao Pedro, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
The England captain, 32, has one year remaining on his deal at Bayern Munich after joining the Bundesliga giants from Tottenham. Whether the German club would sanction a sale — and whether Kane himself would be tempted by a switch to La Liga — remains to be seen, but the noises out of Spain suggest Barcelona view him as a genuine possibility rather than a speculative name on a longlist.
Manchester United agree Ederson fee
Away from the Kane noise, United appear to have moved decisively in midfield. Italian outlet Sport Italia reports the club have agreed a deal worth £46m to sign Brazilian midfielder Ederson, 26, from Atalanta. The move ends what had looked like a straightforward transfer to Atletico Madrid — the Spanish side have apparently pivoted towards Joao Gomes of Wolves instead, though Sky Sports note that United also retain an interest in the 25-year-old Wolves man.
Ederson has been one of Serie A's standout midfielders across the past two seasons, bringing physicality, range of passing and an eye for goal. If the deal is a done deal as reported, it would represent a notable piece of business from United heading into what promises to be a crucial summer rebuild.
Liverpool swoop for teenage sensation Martinez
Liverpool are the third Premier League club in the spotlight, with the Liverpool Echo reporting they are closing in on a deal for Samuel Martinez, a 17-year-old attacking midfielder from Atletico Nacional in Colombia. The Reds are said to be ahead of both Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund in the race for the teenager, which would represent a significant coup given the level of European interest.
The rest of the day's movement
- John Stones, 31, is available on a free transfer when his Manchester City contract expires this summer, with Everton and Bayern Munich both reportedly interested.
- Newcastle have joined Aston Villa in pursuing Osasuna winger Victor Munoz, 22, as a potential replacement for Anthony Gordon, who is Bayern Munich-bound.
- Jonathan David, 26, is available from Juventus, with Newcastle, Aston Villa, Leeds United, Brighton and Crystal Palace all alerted to his situation.
- Bournemouth are lining up a move for Sporting's Ivory Coast centre-back Ousmane Diomande, 22, as Marcos Senesi prepares to leave at the end of his contract.
- Roma are monitoring both Mason Greenwood at Marseille and West Ham's Crysencio Summerville, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.
The market is beginning to heat up in earnest, and if even a handful of these deals materialise, the Premier League landscape could look very different come August.
Frequently asked
- Is Harry Kane leaving Bayern Munich this summer?
- Nothing is confirmed. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have placed Kane on their shortlist to replace Robert Lewandowski, but no formal offer has been reported and Bayern Munich have not indicated they want to sell.
- How much are Manchester United paying for Ederson?
- Italian outlet Sport Italia reports United have agreed a deal worth £46m (53m euros) to sign the Atalanta and Brazil midfielder, though the transfer has not yet been officially confirmed by either club.
- Who is Samuel Martinez, the teenager Liverpool are signing?
- Samuel Martinez is a 17-year-old Colombian attacking midfielder from Atletico Nacional. The Liverpool Echo reports Liverpool are beating Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund to secure his signature.