PAPER TALK: Spurs raise the bar for Icardi, Brozovic also wanted at White Hart Lane, Milan announce summer clearout
Spurs have offered Inter €45 million for their star striker Mauro Icardi. Corriere dello Sport claims that the north London club are prepared to better any offer submitted by Spanish giants Atletico Madrid to secure the 23-year-old’s signature. The journal also states that Atleitco boss Diego Simeone has even called up the player’s wife to try to convince him that a move to La Liga is his best option.
Inter are in no hurry to sell however and with the Spaniards having reportedly tabled a €35 million offer, Spurs have raised the bar to €45 million as a summer bidding war looks to be about to take place. With the Italians now having been taken over by the Suning Group from China, their cash injection has ensured that they no longer have to sell their crown jewels, providing those players want to stay at the San Siro next season. Icardi is settled in Milan but the lure of Champions League football may just be too much to turn down.
OTHER HEADLINES:
Milan are set to try to bring Wesley Sneijder back to Serie A (Tuttosport). The former Inter play-maker is currently in Turkey with Galatasaray but the journal reports that his wife is anxious to move back to the Italian city.
Marcelo Brozovic could be the key to Erik Lamela leaving Spurs for Inter this summer (Tuttosport). The Croatian is currently unhappy at the San Siro with the nerazzurri making no secret of their desire to land the 24-year-old Tottenham man. The Premier League side have put a €25 million price-tag on the Argentine.
Juventus are still in the hunt for Bayern Munich defender Medhi Benatia (Gazzetta dello Sport). The 29-year-old Moroccan international is surplus to requirements in Germany and a move back to Italy is likely.
Milan have put 13 of their first-team squad on the transfer list according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Carlos Bacca, M’baye Niang and Chelsea target goalkeeper Diego Lopez are just some of the names in their summer sale.
Roma want former Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen (Gazzetta dello Sport). The capital club are also waiting for a response from Manchester City full-back Pablo Zabaleta after making an offer for the 31-year-old Argentina last week.
Liverpool target Piotr Zielinski looks to be heading to Napoli (Corriere dello Sport). The 22-year-old Polish midfielder looked to be on his way to Anfield but latest reports suggest he will remain in Serie A next season.
Lazio will finally have Marcelo Bielsa as their new coach this week (Corriere dello Sport). Sporting Director Igli Tare has told fans to “stay calm” as the club return to pre-season training in a few days’ time.
Steve Mitchell @barafundler
Lazio will finally have Marcelo Bielsa as their new coach this week (Corriere dello Sport). Sporting Director Igli Tare has told fans to “stay calm” as the club return to pre-season training in a few days’ time.
Steve Mitchell @barafundler
