By: Kamusime Barnabas
Jadon Sancho is one of five players that is on Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wish list ahead of the summer transfer window, but he may have to sell a number of his fringe players to generate funds for the spending spree. Jesse Lingard has also publicly urged his fellow Englishman to join him at Old Trafford, although the clubs are still some way off their valuations of the 20-year-old, with Dortmund demanding £100m and United reluctant to spend more than £70m.
However, it is claimed United have paused all their transfer activity for the time being after a crunch board meeting. Reports claim that funds being made available to Solskjaer this summer will be dependent on whether or not they qualify for next season’s Champions League. United are currently third in the table, and a defeat against top-four rivals Leicester on the final day could see them miss out on some prestigious European talent. 
Bayern Munich have insisted Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara will not be sold on the cheap this summer, amid reports he is close to a move to Premier League champions Liverpool.
The 29-year-old wants to leave the German giants to pursue a new challenge and reports claim he has already agreed personal terms over a move to Anfield.
However, the Reds were reportedly hoping to get a deal done for around £22m – a fee laughed off by Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
“We will not have a summer sale at Bayern Munich,” said the chief. “We will only consider selling if the numbers are right.”
Chelsea are monitoring Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez ahead of a possible transfer, with Frank Lampard keen to address his team’s defensive frailties this summer. Liverpool have previously been linked with an interest in the 25-year-old Uruguayan, and the Blues are now said to have entered that race, However, it is said the west London club will have to offload at least one of the club’s centre-backs if he wants to bring another defender to Stamford Bridge.
Kai Havertz has agreed personal terms with Chelsea ahead of his expected £80m move from Bayern Leverkusen. Former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane appeared to confirm during his own unveiling at Bayern Munich that his Germany teammate is heading to Stamford Bridge this summer. (Daily Mail)
Arsenal’s pursuit of former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is on hold. The 28-year-old Brazilian has reportedly asked his agent to pause talks over a Premier League return until he has concluded this season’s Champions League campaign with Bayern Munich. (Daily Express)
Mario Balotelli could drop down to the third tier of Italian football to find his next club, with Serie C side Como confirming they are in talks to sign the striker. The former Man City and Liverpool forward is set to leave his current club Brescia after falling out with owner Massimo Cellino, who has said he ‘regrets’ signing him. (La Provincia di Como)
Leeds United have suffered a big blow with news that Brighton have no plans to sell defender Ben White. The 22-year-old centre-back has been a huge hit during his loan spell at Elland Road this season, helping the Whites end their 16-year exile from the Premier League. The Yorkshire giants were hoping to sign White permanently this summer, but the Seagulls have made it clear he is going nowhere. (Daily Mail)
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