Transfer Gossip: Ronaldo's MLS secret, Bayern ponder Alaba sale
Nothing can dampen the never-ending nature of transfer talk. Here's a look at the wild rumors making the rounds this week.
United eye cheaper Sancho alternative
Once Manchester United became associated with Borussia Dortmund whiz Jadon Sancho's services, it was inevitable the Red Devils would be linked with every other speedy winger on the continent as a potential Plan B.
This week, the Daily Mail reports Bayer Leverkusen stud Leon Bailey is the subject of a £40-million move to Old Trafford as an alternative to the £100-million Sancho. That makes sense because United never overpay (they usually do), and Bailey is Leverkusen's best left-footed winger (after Moussa Diaby).
Leverkusen front-runners for Badiashile
Speaking of Bayer Leverkusen, L'Equipe reckons the Bundesliga outfit is in pole position to sign towering 19-year-old center-back Benoit Badiashile from Monaco this summer.
The prospect of Badiashile lining up alongside Edmond Tapsoba in central defense at the BayArena is a fanciful illusion. Suddenly wealthy Nice and Champions League entrants Rennes are also reportedly monitoring the robust French youth international.
Henrichs rejects Bayern for Leipzig leap
Looks like Monaco might be losing more than just Badiashile from their backline, as Sport Bild reports that Benjamin Henrichs is going to ditch the glitz and glamor of the principality for unlimited energy drinks at RB Leipzig.
Turns out Henrichs, the 23-year-old who spent three seasons with Leverkusen before moving to Ligue 1, will spurn Bayern Munich's advances to join Leipzig. They reportedly offered €20 million for the right-back, which is just €18 million short of Monaco's valuation of the thrice-capped German international.
Bayern ponder ill-advised Alaba sale
Staying in Germany, Bayern Munich and David Alaba are at a contractual impasse, according to The Telegraph, leaving the Bavarians to consider selling the Paris Saint-Germain target now to avoid losing him for nothing next year.
This happened earlier in the year with Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer, and both agreed to extensions. Plus, Hansi Flick will be desperate not to lose Alaba after the 27-year-old deputized at center-back this season to stellar reviews, opening a spot for Alphonso Davies, who's the best left-back ever.
Nani details Ronaldo's possible MLS move
Orlando City's Nani told ESPN that former Manchester United mate and Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo told him a "couple of years ago" that he'll "probably" end his career in MLS.
"It's not 100% but probably. There is a chance," Nani added. The winger then offered his thoughts on MLS, asserting that the "quality of the players" needs work, and "it is all about being better, not being afraid to improve." Sounds like a Yelp review for a hot dog cart.
Newcastle go from zero to Ciro
Newcastle United await a Saudi takeover that's fueled lavish links to the likes of Gareth Bale and Philippe Coutinho, and according to Gazzetta dello Sport, an offer for runaway Capocannoniere leader Ciro Immobile.
Immobile has potted 27 league goals this term while contributing to Lazio's unexpected Scudetto charge. Reports suggest Newcastle have submitted a €55-million bid to Lazio and an opulent five-year, €8-million deal to the 30-year-old Italian international. Good work if you can get it.
So you had a bad Gueye
The latest twist in a nutty saga. Le Havre midfielder Papa Gueye agreed to join Watford when his deal lapses with the Ligue 2 side in July. Then, the 21-year-old did a 180 after realizing a loan to Udinese was in the cards.
Gueye's new agent claims the former agent botched the agreement, which should be voided since Watford prematurely performed the medical, and that occurred under Udinese's watch no less (the Pozzo family owns both clubs). Now, Le Phoceen claims Arsenal have made an offer and Marseille are also keen.
Bits and bobs
Elsewhere, Napoli's €22-million bid for Lille center-back Gabriel Magalhaes has reportedly been accepted, beating out the likes of Everton and Chelsea. Napoli are also hoping the Ligue 1 side will reduce its €50-million valuation of striker Victor Osimhen as rumblings of an Arkadiusz Milik exit sprout.
In Spain, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is supposedly eager to sign Borussia Monchengladbach defensive midfielder Denis Zakaria, and that interest is likely a result of stalled contract talks with in-demand Thomas Partey.