Euro 2020 Transfer Talk: In-form Insigne ignites interest

Tom Bodell
LiveScore
Lorenzo Insigne could be on the move this summer after catching the eye at Euro 2020
Lorenzo Insigne could be on the move this summer after catching the eye at Euro 2020

The final week of the European Championship is upon us, meaning we will finally know whether football has indeed come home by Sunday evening.

Today is a designated rest day at the tournament ahead of the semi-finals, which get underway on Tuesday.

However, with players returning for pre-season, domestic matters are whirring back into life – particularly in the transfer market.

We have rounded up the best of the rumours involving players still at the Euros.

Insigne in demand

Tottenham and Barcelona are interested in signing Italy forward Lorenzo Insigne after a stellar European Championship.

Insigne, 30, has scored twice for the Azzurri, catching the eye with a glorious curling effort in the quarter-final win over Belgium.

The Napoli captain is contracted to the Partenopei until next summer but has yet to sign an extension with the Neapolitans.

According to reports in Italy, Insigne would like an improvement on his current £4.3million a year salary — opening the door for interested parties to make their move for the tricky winger.

Lorenzo Insigne has replicated his sensational Serie A form at Euro 2020
Lorenzo Insigne has replicated his sensational Serie A form at Euro 2020

Kane to remain?

New Tottenham director of football Fabio Paratici has reiterated the club’s intention to hold onto England captain Harry Kane.

The forward, 27, is understood to want to leave the North London club this summer, with Manchester City leading the race for his signature.

However, Spurs will not part with their prized asset on the cheap and Paratici’s stance on the matter is clear.

He said: “To keep Kane isn’t only a goal for me, but for the club. He is a top player.

“I was lucky in my time at Juventus, I saw so many great strikers and I want to enjoy Kane too.

“I haven’t talked to him yet because I don’t want to disturb our players during Euros.”

Chelsea enter White race

Ben White to Arsenal appeared to be a done deal but now Chelsea have entered the fray
Ben White to Arsenal appeared to be a done deal but now Chelsea have entered the fray

England defender Ben White has been consistently linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks — but now Chelsea have entered the race, too.

The Brighton defender, 23, has yet to see action for England at Euro 2020 but impressed in the warm-up friendly against Romania prior to the tournament.

It had been reported Arsenal were close to completing a £50m deal for the ball-playing central defender.

But now Chelsea are looking to scupper that deal and have made White's representatives aware of their interest.

The Blues are in the market for a centre-back after selling Fikayo Tomori to AC Milan.

Loan ranger

Spain keeper David de Gea could leave Manchester United this summer — even on loan.

De Gea, 30, is no longer the Red Devils’ undisputed No1 and was forced to job share with Dean Henderson in the second half of last season.

Following Tom Heaton’s return to Old Trafford, it is not clear where De Gea — who has also played backup to Unai Simon for Spain this summer — stands anymore.

According to reports, United would be prepared to let their highest earner move out on a temporary basis in order to take a chunk of his salary off the wage bill.

Shaw thing

Luke Shaw's attacking ability down the left flank was clear for all to see last season
Luke Shaw's attacking ability down the left flank was clear for all to see last season

While De Gea might be leaving, Manchester United’s England defender Luke Shaw is set to extend his contract.

Shaw, 25, has been one of the Three Lions’ most impressive players at this tournament, making England’s No3 position his own.

Now the Red Devils are keen to tie the former Southampton defender down to a new long-term deal.

Shaw has two years remaining on his contract and United hold the option to extend that by 12 months.

According to reports in Italy, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees Shaw as a key part of United’s project in the long term after a strong last 18 months at Old Trafford.

Tags

EnglandItalySpainDavid De GeaLorenzo InsigneHarry KaneBen WhiteLuke ShawEuropean Championship