Transfer gossip – Paulinho nears exit door

Playing for 90’s daily transfer gossip column, including news of Sergio Ramos’s possible replacement at Real Madrid, and Spurs’ Paulinho heading out the exit door; brought to you by co-editor Kevin Kelly.

Otamendi could replace Ramos

According to the Madrid daily Marca Valencia’s Nicolas Otamendi could replace Sergio Ramos, should be leave for Manchester United this summer. Manchester United have already reportedly had a £30m bid for Ramos rejected by Madrid, with his eventually exit seemingly closer than ever.

Those close to the Valencia man are fully aware of Real Madrid’s interest and they have called off transfer talks with an unnamed English club. His buyout clause stands at €50m, but Real Madrid are big fans of both his football and his character.

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He is a class act, strong and great at attacking set pieces. Real Madrid struggled to contain him last season. His agent, Eugenio López made it very clear that Otamendi wants to leave Mestalla. Valencia also have to adhere to Financial Fair Play rules. Offloading Otamendi would help the club to abide by UEFA’s guidelines.

Paulinho could leave Spurs

Reports suggest Paulinho may leave Spurs this summer, with Chinese outfit Guangzhou Evergrande having agreed to pay Spurs the full £17m they paid for him, and give him a significant rise in wages: from £55,000 per week to £90,000 per week.

If the deal goes through, Paulinho is likely to be Guangzhou’s record signing. Guangzhou are one of the strongest clubs in Asia and have a track record of attracting international stars.

They were coached for a time by Marcello Lippi, the former Juventus and Italy chief, who led them from 2012 to 2014, winning the Asian Champions League in 2013. Alberto Gilardino, who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006 when Lippi was in charge, has spent time with Guangzhou, who have four Brazilians on their books.

Liverpool and Manchester City chase Barcelona star
Liverpool and Manchester City are among a number of heavyweight European clubs said to be monitoring Pedro’s future at Barcelona. The winger is reportedly considering a move this summer due to his first-team chances being limited by the formidable trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Pedro is open to a move away from the Nou Camp despite signing a new contract at the start of June. His new deal runs until 2019 but it is understood that Barca will contemplate selling the 27-year-old if they receive an offer of over £18m.

Sources in Spain claim that Pedro would be keen on a switch to the Premier League, although Paris Saint-Germain would also provide an attractive destination.

Pogba Excited by Barcelona Opportunity

Barcelona presidential election candidate Joan Laporta has said that Paul Pogba wants to come to the Catalan club. Laporta who was the 38th President of Barcelona between 2003 and 2010, is once again hoping to be at the helm of the club.

And after stating that he is close to Pogba’s renowned agent Mino Raiola, the 52-year-old has suggested that the Frenchman is looking forward to a move to the Nou Camp. Barcelona will not be allowed to sign any players until next year, having had an appeal against a transfer ban dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in late 2014 but that has not prevented them from being linked with a variety of high profile players.

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‘It would be one of the best signings.

‘Everyone believes that he would fit into this team.’

Laporta, whose presidency was in its infancy when Luis Enrique retired at Barcelona in 2004, also stated his desire to keep the treble-winning manager at the club

‘Keeping Luis Enrique as Barca manager is the right thing to do.

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