PSG, Atletico vying for Gaitan
Portuguese daily newspaper Record has suggested that Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid are locked in the battle for Benfica star Nicolas Gaitan.
The Argentine winger has permission to leave the club this summer, but the €35 million asking price is non-negotiable.
And while Manchester United were believed to be leading the chase, it has now been revealed that Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid have emerged as favourites for the player’s signature.
The two clubs had their scouts present as Benfica hammered Estoril yesterday evening, with the Argentine producing another quality display.
The Eagles chairman Luis Filipe Vieira and agent Jorge Mendes recently travelled to England to speak to interested sides, but the Primeira Liga giants have yet to receive a concrete offer for Gaitan’s services.
Nico Gaitan, 27, has made a total of 128 league appearances for Benfica and scored 21 goals in the process.
Newcastle close on Thauvin
Radio Monte Carlo is reporting that Newcastle are on the verge of agreeing a deal for Marseille midfielder Florian Thauvin.
The Magpies already had two offers rejected for the talented footballer, but it is believed OM are ready to accept the latest €17 million proposal.
On top of that, Marseille would get Remy Cabella on a season-long loan with an option to buy, although the French midfielder has yet to decide on the proposed move to Stade Velodrome.
OM were initially against selling Thauvin having seen Dimitri Payet leave for West Ham, but they are ready to let the youngster leave provided Cabella arrives in his place.
The 22-year-old joined from Lille two years ago without making a single appearance for les Dogues, and he has fared pretty well since.
Thauvin went on to make 69 Ligue 1 outings for the French giants, scoring 13 goals and producing another 7 assists.
Rennes winning chase for Gourcuff
Ligue 1 outfit Rennes are in pole position to sign free agent Yoann Gourcuff, according to Canal +.
The former France international is searching for a new club after Lyon opted against extending his deal and he is almost certain to remain in French Ligue 1.
Marseille, Lille, Montpellier and Guingamp are just some of the sides that have expressed interest in his signature, but the latest reports suggest that Gourcuff aims to return to native Brittany and sign for Rennes.
Les Bretons chairman Renne Ruello is set to meet the player and his representatives during the day and it is believed an agreement will be reached during said meeting.
Yoann Gourcuff, 29, is determined to prove his worth following a disappointing spell with les Gones and he feels Rennes can offer him the perfect setting to achieve his objectives.
Capped by France 31 times, the attacking midfielder last represented the Blues back in June 2013.
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2015/16 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
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