Would Real Madrid really let another unsung midfielder leave the Bernabeu? Carlo Ancelotti's side are beginning to feel the effects of watching Xabi Alonso leave for Bayern Munich last summer, and the now reports that Manchester City will lead the race for come the end of the season.
The 29-year-old playmaker could be surplus to requirements for this summer should the Champions League holders launch a huge bid for Paul Pogba, and City are reportedly ahead of the pack in offering Modric a return to the Premier League.
The current English champions would want to pair the ex-Tottenham star with Arsenal's Jack Wilshere in a midfield overhaul, according to the paper, a fine combination if City manage to pull off either deal.
It has been a frustrating campaign for , to say the least. The Real Madrid winger has been linked with a this summer, but the reports that Chelsea could in fact be the Premier League club to offer him a summer escape route.
The paper suggests that with Man United boss Louis van Gaal considering transfers to improve his defence and midfield and with Man City dealing with the effects of Financial Fair Play, Chelsea would be in pole position to land Bale.
Whether Wales' talisman would consider such an early return to the Premier League is another matter, but Bale would be a real coup for Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho if the table-toppers are able to push a deal through -- with his pace and power, he seems ready-made for the Portuguese coach's team.
With the to increase the number of homegrown players in Premier League squads, the demand for top domestic talent will soon be insatiable.
That puts Everton in a fine position as will reportedly be the subject of a transfer battle between Chelsea and Manchester City this summer, though he won't come cheap.
The 21-year-old England international has not had the best of seasons for the Toffees, but the Merseyside club will set his asking price at a cool £50 million, according to the .
The reports that City are in particular need of English recruits as closes in on a deal with Liverpool.
The 29-year-old will reportedly sign a £125,000-a-week contract once his City deal expires, freeing up space for Barkley in Manuel Pellegrini's new-look City side.
Speaking of which ...
will be well known to Football Manager fans. He's the midfielder upon whom title hopes for the future decade or so are built.
It seems that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers may have been having a few sneaky games, as the reports that Liverpool will make a £15 million move for the Derby starlet should the Rams fail to gain promotion the Premier League this season.
The 19-year-old England hopeful will not be short of suitors this summer regardless of whether Steve McClaren's side make it out of the Championship, though Anfield has been a rumoured destination for more than a year now. Expect more on this one should Derby's hopes turn sour.
Europe's elite clubs are finding it a struggle to identify and recruit top young defensive talent, but one such starlet could make things interesting this summer.
The reports that Real Madrid are close to announcing a contract extension for Pepe, which could well affect where is playing his football next season.
The France international was tempted to the Bernabeu by Zinedine Zidane, but the 21-year-old has seen his first-team chances more limited than he would have preferred this term. With Paris Saint-Germain starlet , Varane is now the No. 1 young defensive talent on the market.
Though John Terry has signed a new deal with Chelsea, former Real coach Jose Mourinho surely wouldn't pass up the opportunity of working with Varane once more, with the defender reportedly available for about £22 million. The Sun, meanwhile, suggests that figure could be as high as £40 million.
- is cutting an unhappy figure at Manchester United of late, but the reports that the Argentine international is hitting the gym twice a day in order to cope with the demands of the English game and prove himself. If the paper is right, expect to see a meaner, muscled midfielder for the Red Devils' run-in.
- Newcastle are set for a £60 million summer shake-up, according to the . The paper reports that and will be available at the right price as the Magpies seek value for money before the new TV rights deal raises prices.
- Tony Pulis is after a painful progress at West Brom and will let and as many as four others leave as he bids to rebuild the Baggies this summer, according to the . That could include a £4 million move for Liverpool outcast , according to the .
- The world is oyster, and the reports that the latest club to show him an interest is Schalke. Roberto Di Matteo's Bundesliga outfit could be an attractive prospect for the 23-year-old striker, though Manchester United or Liverpool may offer sweeter deals.
- The reports that lifelong Arsenal fan will be told by Arsene Wenger that he can join West Ham permanently after impressing on loan at Upton Park this season.
- Southampton's rebuild continues, with the reporting that Ronald Koeman will launch a cut-price bid for Braga striker .
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