Euro 2020 Transfer Talk: Spanish defenders in the spotlight

The European Championship resumes this evening with two huge quarter-finals to whet the appetite.

Underdogs Switzerland take on improving Spain in the first game in Saint Petersburg at 5pm.

Three hours later, Belgium meet favourites Italy in the tie of the round from Munich.

In the meantime, the transfer rumour mill is in full operation ahead of the return of domestic football.

As ever, we have rounded up the best of the day's rumours concerning nations in action at the Euros.

Clubs in a Spin for Leonardo

Italy defender Leonardo Spinazzola has impressed at Euro 2020 and is now wanted by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea.

The Roma ace, 28, has shone for the Azzurri, supplying assists in the wins over Turkey and Austria.

Spinazzola’s agent David Lippi has been coy about his client’s future, suggesting he might not return to Rome to work under new head coach Jose Mourinho.

He said: "Will Mourinho be happy to train him? If he will be his coach, yes."

Chelsea are also interested in Spinazzola, according to reports in Italy, with Thomas Tuchel keen to add to his defensive options.

Barca blocked

Barcelona have ruled out a deal for Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte.

The Blaugrana have already picked up Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia on free transfers from City this summer.

But Barca will not return to the Etihad in an attempt to sign the Spain centre-back.

The Premier League champions will block any offer for Laporte, 27, unless it is too good to turn down.

United’s Spain pain

Manchester United’s attempts to sign Villarreal defender Pau Torres are being complicated by Spain’s continued involvement in Euro 2020.

Having agreed a deal for Jadon Sancho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to bolster the centre of defence next.

Torres, 24, is one of the Norwegian’s top targets, along with France’s Raphael Varane.

But with Spain still in the tournament and threatening to go further, talks with the 6ft 4in central defender are on hold.

Top Boy

Belgium defender Dedryck Boyata is a target for Ligue 1 Rennes.

According to reports in France, the Hertha Berlin defender has already spoken to the club.

Boyata, 30, is expected to quit the Bundesliga this summer and Rennes hold an interest after being thwarted in their attempts to sign Loic Bade from Lens.

Coach Bruno Genesio is expected to speak with the former Celtic man in the coming days.

Seferovic price set

Benfica have told Everton they must pay £25.4million for Switzerland striker Haris Seferovic.

That is a steep increase on the Portuguese outfit’s £12.7m asking price prior to the European Championship.

Seferovic, 29, has impressed for the Swiss and scored a brace in the dramatic last-16 tie with France, which was settled by penalties. 

He also struck in the Group A victory over Turkey to seal Switzerland’s progress to the knockout phase. 

The the 6ft 2in striker netted 26 times in 48 appearances in all competitions last term.