Football rumours from the media
A Spanish club’s swoop for a Chelsea star goes off the boil, while one Premier League player may be thrown a lifeline from relegation.
What the papers say
Real Madrid’s interest in Eden Hazard has cooled after a dip in form, the Evening Standard says. The longstanding Blancos target’s failure to score or set up goals in five recent appearances has taken the edge off Bernabeu bosses’ desires, the paper suggests. With Chelsea reluctant to sell the Belgian 27-year-old, and any potential transfer costing upwards of £100 million, Real are said to be unsure whether to chase a deal.
Manchester United will have to fight off competition from Barcelona and settle a £26million release clause if they want to sign Clement Lenglet, the Daily Mirror reports. The 22-year-old Frenchman is said to be keen to leave LaLiga side Sevilla, where he arrived for £4.4million in 2017. The defender is reportedly being considered at the Camp Nou as a replacement for Samuel Umtiti, who as had been tipped for a move to Old Trafford – pending the payment of a £52million release clause. With pursuers of such calibre and still a relatively cheaper signing, Lenglet is set to be in demand during the summer window.
Social media round-up
Ones to watch
Robert Navarro: Manchester City and Arsenal are pitching a last-minute battle to sign the 15-year-old Barcelona midfielder, talksport.com says.
