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Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's Daily Transfer Roundup. Real Madrid have already made some huge waves this transfer window. They have set the dominos falling and we're soon going to see the effects of it in the coming weeks.
With Barcelona and Manchester United among the top clubs still looking to make the most of the opportunity offered by the summer transfer window, we will not have to complain about lack of excitement in the footballing world any time soon.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the top transfer news, rumours and updates that made headlines on 17 June 2019.
Barcelona to sign Neymar and 4 others this summer
Real Madrid were expected to go out swinging in the transfer window this time around after being relatively dormant over the past couple of ones. And they were taking no prisoners the way they've already gone about their business. Having secured the services of most of their top targets, they look all set to close the gap with Barcelona.
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Meanwhile, Barcelona are struggling to find their feet in the transfer market. Now Lionel Messi has urged the club to show more ambition and wants the Cules to sign up 5 players before the window is shut.
The first among them is Wolfsburg goalkeeper Koen Casteels as a replacement for Jasper Cillessen. Casteels is affordable at around €10 million and will not mind playing second fiddle to Marc Andre ter Stegen.
Secondly, Messi wants Barcelona to sign Junior Firpo, the Real Betis defender who, at 22, has already become one of the best defenders in the league. Firpo would be a good replacement for Jordi Alba whose future is also pretty unclear at the moment.
Though the Matthijs De Ligt saga has now dragged on for longer than it should have, he is still wanted at Barcelona. Now to address the elephant in the room, Messi wants Barcelona to get Neymar back on board. However, given the way the parties left their relationship a couple of summers back, it could prove to be quite complicated.
Messi is also keen on Griezmann and as per the report, Barcelona will announce the Frenchman's signing in the first week of July.
Real Madrid to offer Isco/ Bale in exchange for Paul Pogba
Real Madrid have quite a few outcasts on their list and they will use either Isco or Gareth Bale as leverage in a bid to sign Paul Pogba from Manchester United. Pogba had claimed that Real Madrid is a dream move and that he wants to work with Zidane. The latter had also revealed his admiration for the 26-year-old.
Pogba also confirmed just a day back that he is keen on taking up a new challenge. Speaking on a promotional tour in Tokyo, Pogba said,
"Like you said, there is a lot of talking and a lot of thinking as well.
"For me, I have been for three years in Manchester and have been doing great, some good moments and some bad moments, like everybody. Like everywhere else.
"After this season and everything that happened this season, with my season being my best season as well... I think for me it could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else.
"I am thinking of this - to have a new challenge somewhere else."
Derby confirms Chelsea have not made contact over Lampard following Sarri exit
Managers just do not seem to last long at Chelsea. Maurizio Sarri called it quits after a quite turbulent season at the helm and has now left the Blues looking for a replacement. And that is just one of Chelsea's many worries as they are also serving a transfer ban.
Frank Lampard has been widely tipped to take over at Stamford Bridge. However, Lampard's current club Derby County has denied all such claims. Derby owner Mel Morris said,
We have made it very clear to everyone - but most importantly to Frank himself - that we want to retain him at the club for the long term,"
"If Chelsea want to hire Frank, then it is in their gift to make an offer in pursuit of that. In the meantime, we will continue to put our best foot forward to continue with our plans for the coming season.
"We will work closely with Frank in that regard so that he knows how much he is wanted by everyone associated with the club.”
RB Leipzig boss says no contact has been made over Timo Werner amid Liverpool links
RB Leipzig boss Ralf Rangnick has now confirmed that no club has made contact over German striker Timo Werner. He also admitted that he wants the 23-year-old to stay at the club. Timo Werner has been linked with Liverpool.
He has also rejected the chance to sign an extension at the Bundesliga club and that had led to much speculation. However, Rangnick has now put all rumours to bed but also added that he is not sure how the fans will take to his performances this season as his contract is set to run out next summer. He said,
“Timo is of the opinion that he does not want to extend the contract,”
“So far, no club has reported their interest or said they would speak with Timo and want to sign him.
"It's not a good idea for Timo to go into the final year of his contract, which could be difficult for his relationship with the fans depending on how his performance turns out."
Atletico Madrid agree deal for Joao Felix, will pay €120 million release clause
After being linked with a raft of top European clubs, the young Portuguese sensation, Joao Felix will join Atletico Madrid. Il Rojiblancos have now reportedly beaten Manchester United and Manchester United to secure the services of the Benfica star who has been dubbed the new Cristiano Ronaldo.
The report claims that the announcement could be made anytime now. Atletico will have to pay Joao Felix's release clause of €120 million and that would make Felix Atletico Madrid's most expensive player over Thomas Lemar.
Spending in excess of €100 million is a gamble in any case and it is particularly so when the player is only 19-year-old and relatively untested on meaner fronts. However, it is a risk that Atletico Madrid are being forced to take as their most important player over the last few seasons, Antoine Griezmann, has confirmed that he will leave the club in the summer.
