Transfer Talk: Chelsea plot Haaland bid as City eye Saul

Chelsea are prepared to spend £170 million to land Borussia Dortmund goal machine Erling Haaland. 

The Norwegian sensation, 20, is the most coveted marksman in world football after producing yet another goal-laden campaign in Germany — netting 40 times in as many appearances across all competitions. 

Reports had suggested that Haaland was set for one more year at his current club but The Mail say that former BVB boss Thomas Tuchel is hoping to test the resolve of his former employers. 

Tuchel, who led the Blues to Champions League glory 10 days ago, is plotting a summer of strengthening at Stamford Bridge and has made a prolific striker his top priority. 

Haaland is thought to be the preferred choice of the elite forwards currently available with a move for Tottenham’s Harry Kane deemed too difficult and Romelu Lukaku keen to stay at Inter Milan. 

But along with the astronomical fee being touted, reported wage demands of around £300,000 a week mean that any deal would be one of the most expensive in the game’s history. 

Blues forward Tammy Abraham, 23, could be used as a makeweight in the deal, with the out-of-favour forward said to be valued at around the £40m mark. 

Saul Silva swap?

Manchester City could move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, with Bernando Silva heading in the opposite direction. 

The Times report that Spanish midfielder Saul, 26, is readying himself to leave the Spanish champions after finding himself in and out of Diego Simeone’s side in 2020-21. 

Having made over 300 appearances for Atleti over the past decade, he has attracted the attention of Manchester United in the past but the £60m price tag could be a stumbling block for the Red Devils. 

City star Silva, also 26, was linked with a move away from the Etihad last summer but the club were reluctant to sell. 

The Portuguese midfielder, who made 26 Premier League appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side last term, is said to still be unsettled in Manchester and could push for an exit once again in the coming weeks. 

Atletico’s proposal would be for a straight swap of the two players, which would avoid the need for transfer fees given their similar age and valuation — but it isn’t yet clear where City stand on such a deal.

In other news

The Mail report that Brighton have slapped a £50m price tag on defender Ben White after his call-up to England’s final Euro 2020 squad.

The Seagulls hope to warn off the trio Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal who are all interested in the 23-year-old after an impressive debut season in the top-flight.

Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport believe that AC Milan are plotting a triple swoop for Chelsea trio Fikayo Tomori, Olivier Giroud and Hakim Ziyech.

Tomori, 23, enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Rossoneri last term and is keen to stay in Italy, while Ziyech, 26, and Giroud, 34, both face uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge under Tuchel.

Leicester and Celtic have held constructive talks over an £18m deal to bring Odsonne Edouard to the King Power Stadium, say Sky Sports.

French forward Edouard, 23, worked with Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers boss for 18 months during the Northern Irishman’s time at Parkhead and a reunion now appears increasingly likely.