Football news: Real Madrid target Premier League trio as Man Utd dealt transfer blow

With a little over a month until the Champions League final, teams from the Premier League and beyond have been gearing up for what promises to be a busy summer of transfer action

As we enter the final few weeks of the European football season, plenty of attention has turned towards the summer transfer window. Those involved in the Club World Cup might have more urgent business to take care of than their rivals, but some wheels have been set in motion.

Every team in the Premier League can make a case for needing summer reinforcements – even champions Liverpool. The Reds have Giorgi Mamardashvili on his way from Valencia, but are likely to feel they require more depth in outfield positions if they are to defend their crown next term.

Further down the table, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur each find themselves needing to win the Europa League if they want to play European football next term. They play the first leg of their respective semi-finals on Thursday, but transfer talk has already begun.

This evening brings the first leg of the second Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Inter Milan. Both go into the tie with a chance of finishing the season with multiple trophies, though Inter lost ground in the Serie A title race over the weekend.

For now, though, much of the headline news surrounds the world of transfers. Here are Mirror Football‘s latest lines from around the footballing world.

READ MORE: Premier League star on £80k-a-week forced to sit on train floor during London tripREAD MORE: Liverpool star Alisson recalls anguish of missing father’s funeral to be with his pregnant wife

Man Utd’s Antony sale hits a snag

Real Betis’ hopes of making Antony’s move permanent might not be as straightforward as first hoped. The Brazilian has impressed during a loan move from Manchester United, but will command a significant fee.

In the past, Betis might have been able to spread the cost of the deal over several years. This happened most notably with Nabil Fekir, who joined the club from Lyon in 2019, but La Liga’s regulation changes have prevented a repeat over the £40million-rated star – forcing the Seville club to take a different approach if they are to get a deal over the line.

“It is a source of satisfaction on a personal level [to have brought Antony to Real Betis], but it is the result of teamwork,” Betis chief Manu Fajardo said of a permanent swoop. “Although I am responsible for the sporting management, there are many people involved in this signing. It’s still early, but we will try in different ways to do everything possible to continue enjoying Antony.”

Saliba is Madrid’s top target

Real Madrid still want Arsenal’s William Saliba, according to reports in Spain. The French centre-back is one of three Premier League defenders linked with the club, though, along with Dean Huijsen and Manuel Akanji.

Los Blancos are also turning their attentions to the Premier League when it comes to midfield reinforcements. Sandro Tonali and Alexis Mac Allister are said to be high on their list, with one-time target Martin Zubimendi now expected to join Arsenal.

Madrid saw their Champions League defence ended by Arsenal in the quarter-finals, but still have a slim chance of winning La Liga. They sit four points behind leaders Barcelona with five games to go, and have a six-point cushion over Atletico Madrid in third.

Leeds boss Farke makes position clear

Daniel Farke declined to issue any update on his Leeds future after his team returned to the top of the Championship table on Monday. Fans showed their appreciation for the boss – who has been linked with an exit despite guaranteeing promotion – during a 4-0 victory over Bristol City.

“Right now, it’s not about talks or whatever or thinking about the Premier League or next season,” former Norwich boss Farke told Sky Sports. “Right now, it’s about celebrating this special day. It’s one of the most important days in the history of this football club.

“I always spoke about why I signed a long term contract here. I wanted, first, to steady the ship, to rebuild the group and reunite the club because there was a big gap between the supporters and the playing squad.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.