Today’s transfer news revolves around three of the biggest clubs in football — Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea — and the big name moves they may be involved with in this summer.
PSG have recently won their fourth straight Ligue One title in a row, with an astonishing eight games to go. However, the latest Parisian victory could be the last for two instrumental members of the club.
PSG pair Zlatan and Blanc heading to Old Trafford
While all the talk about a former Manchester United player is aimed mostly at current assistant manager Ryan Giggs, there is one former Red Devil who would be perfect for the job. PSG manager Laurent Blanc is no stranger to Old Trafford, having retired as a Manchester United player after spending two years at the club in the twilight of his career. As per reports in the Daily Star, the former France defender could be heading to Manchester once again, but this time as a manager.
Despite the poor results he has been churning out, the United hierarchy seems determined to hold on to Louis van Gaal. It is believed that should they change their minds, Blanc will be among three candidates in consideration for the managerial role next summer, alongside Jose Mourinho and Ryan Giggs.
Laurent Blanc taking over at Manchester United could offer an added bonus to the club. According to French publication Le 10 sport, Blanc joining United could tip the balance in favour of his star player at PSG — Zlatan Ibrahimovic — following in his footsteps. Zlatan will be out of a contract at the end of the season, and has courted interest from a number of Premier League clubs including West Ham United and Arsenal.
The big Swede had earlier hinted at a potential Premier League move. If his manager joins Manchester United, it could pave the way for the arrival of a legendary player to a legendary club.
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane dismisses David de Gea interest
One of the most talked about moves of last summer was one that didn’t take place. Spanish shot stopper David de Gea stayed on at Old Trafford after a potential move to Real Madrid was shelved at the last minute. Despite that failed move, the Spaniard is still constantly linked with a transfer to his native country and Los Blancos.
However, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has recently stated that he is quite satisfied with the goalkeepers he already has at his disposal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I can tell you I am very happy with the keepers I have, not just with Keylor [Navas] who is playing, but with Kiko Casilla and Ruben too. That is the most important for me. Then we will see at the end of the season,” said Zidane, according to Metro.
PSG looking to raid fallen champions Chelsea
As far as defending champions go, Chelsea have set a remarkably low benchmark this season. After winning the Premier League crown last year, they spent most of this season in the bottom half of the table, and have only recently climbed to the 10th position. They have not made up for this domestic slump in Europe either, crashing out of the UEFA Champions League after an aggregate 4-2 defeat to PSG in the Round of 16.
This has left the door open for big clubs to lure Chelsea players away with the promise of European football next year. PSG are looking to do just that, as they are planning two huge bids for the Blue’s Belgian stars Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois, according to the Daily Express.
Courtois is a mainstay in the Chelsea goal and has even ousted club legend Petr Cech, who left the Blues last summer, as the Belgian became the undisputed number one keeper. He is rated at 34 million euros by transfermarkt.com, but it would take a lot more to pry him away from Stamford Bridge where his contract runs till 2019.
Eden Hazard could be a different matter though, with the winger having earlier expressed his admiration for the Parisian club. However, PSG will have to shell out an exorbitant amount of money to land Hazard. The Belgian’s contract runs till 2020, and Blues’ owner Roman Abramovich has reportedly set an 80 million pound release clause on his prized player’s head.