FC Barcelona to sign three players worth €150 million if a deal for Griezmann fails to materialize, Pogba-Rakitic swap deal planned and more: Transfer round-up, May 24, 2018

Good evening and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. With the season now entering its final week, top clubs are keeping their eyes open on all potential transfer targets.

And as always, there are stories which will have huge repercussions on the transfer market. After scorching through papers and sources from all over Europe, we have managed to find transfer stories that made headlines on May 24, 2018:

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La Liga

FC Barcelona prepare Plan B for Antoine Griezmann

The latest development in the transfer saga of Antoine Griezmann has revealed that the Frenchman may, after all, decide to stay put at Atletico Madrid this summer. In such a scenario, FC Barcelona have started to devise an alternative plan for Griezmann.

According to Don Balon, if not for Griezmann, Barcelona will then move for a utility fullback and two creative midfielders. The three-man Barcelona wishlist includes Joshua Kimmich, Miralem Pjanic and Christian Eriksen.

All three are reportedly valued at €50 million each. Kimmich is seen as an upgrade on Sergi Roberto whereas Pjanic and Eriksen can help to fill Iniesta's void. Philippe Coutinho will then play alongside Messi and Suarez in a front three.

Atletico Madrid make a massive offer to Antoine Griezmann

The reason why Barcelona are looking beyond Griezmann at this moment is that of Atletico Madrid's new offer for the forward.

The Daily Mail has reported that Atletico have offered Griezmann €25 million per year in wages if he signs an extension with the club. Barcelona have only offered him €15 million a year in wages.

Serie A

Carlo Ancelotti wants three big signings at Napoli

Carlo Ancelotti's wishlist at Napoli revealed

The new Napoli boss - Carlo Ancelotti has demanded three big signings for the Serie A runners-up. Ancelotti wants David Luiz, Karim Benzema and Arturo Vidal this summer, the Sun understands. With Kalidou Koulibaly and Jorginho set to depart, Napoli will have ample funds to splurge this transfer window.

Alvaro Morata meets Juventus sporting director

Goal has revealed that Alvaro Morata recently met Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici in Rome. The Chelsea striker has been linked with a move back to Turin after a tough season in the Premier League. Along with Juventus, the Milan clubs are also interested in signing Morata.

Bundesliga

Bayer 04 Leverkusen value Julian Brandt at €60 million

Liverpool told to pay €60 million for Julian Brandt

Jurgen Klopp is looking to further bolster his attacking unit and is now reportedly eyeing a move for Bayer Leverkusen's Julian Brandt. The 22-year-old has long been linked with a move to Liverpool and scored 12 goals last season.

Calciomercato has now claimed that Bayer Leverkusen will demand €60 million for the sale of the talented forward.

Brighton closing in on Leon Balogun

Mainz defender Leon Balogun is all set to join Brighton and Hove Albion this summer. ESPN has reported that the Seagulls will sign Balogun on a free transfer. The 29-year-old can play as a centre back and also as a right back and will represent Nigeria in the upcoming World Cup.

Premier League

On Manchester United's radar

Jose Mourinho wants Ivan Rakitic at Old Trafford

A creative and hardworking midfielder is high on Manchester United's transfer list this summer. Don Balon has now reported that Jose Mourinho has identified a perfect fit for his side at the centre of the park - Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic.

United know that Barcelona value Rakitic highly and have hence decided to use Paul Pogba in a direct swap deal. Mourinho has well-documented problems with the Frenchman whereas Barcelona have been long-term admirers of Pogba.

Manchester United open Toby Alderweireld talks

The Red Devils have begun talks with Tottenham Hotspur over the summer sale of Toby Alderweireld. The centre back's contractual standoff with the Londoners has forced Spurs to offload him this summer.

The Mirror reports that Spurs will demand £75 million for Alderweireld - a sum which may prove to be a huge roadblock for Manchester United.

Rest of the world

Buffon to be offered a long-term deal by PSG

PSG to offer Gianluigi Buffon a four-year deal

Paris Saint Germain are preparing a four-year contract for Juventus veteran Gianluigi Buffon. La Repubblica has revealed that the 40-year-old will be offered a deal until 2022 which will see him earn €8 million in wages.

PSG owners want Buffon to sign a long-term deal in order to make him an ambassador for the 2022 World Cup in their homeland Qatar.

Andres Iniesta completes a move to Japan

Japanese club Vissel Kobe have completed the signing of Andres Iniesta on a two-year deal. After an illustrious career with Barcelona, Iniesta has now embarked on a new challenge in Asia. Iniesta also had offers from a number of Chinese and Australian sides.