TRANSFER ROUNDUP: Valdes Set To Return To Spain, Hazard To Join PSG And More

Victor Valdes To Join RCD Espanyol

Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes wants to return to Spain and could join La Liga outfit RCD Espanyol, according to Don Balon.

The 34-year-old returned early from a loan spell at Standard Liege after helping them win the Belgian Cup, as they decided to give their younger players more opportunities at the season end. However, the former Barcelona man is unwanted by Louis van Gaal at Manchester United, thereby forcing him to move away from the Old Trafford club.

The Spaniard has thereby begun initial negotiations with Espanyol, and looks likely to join them this summer, provided the Barcelona-based club can afford to fit the bill.

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Paris-Saint Germain Interested In Eden Hazard

Paris-Saint Germain are interested in signing Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, according to France Football.

The French giants have reportedly been scouting the winger since the beginning of April, and still see him as a ‘sure thing’. And despite a poor season compared to his usual standards, France Football estimate Hazard’s value to be close to £60m – an amount PSG can easily meet given their financial resources.

New Blues’ boss Antonio Conte intends to retain the services of all of Chelsea’s star players when he takes the helm this summer, but PSG are hoping that the absence of Champions League football at the Stamford Bridge next season may convince the Belgian in moving to Paris.

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Arsenal Eyeing Liverpool’s Jordan Ibe

Arsenal are eyeing a potential transfer for Liverpool winger Jordan Ibe this summer, according to The Metro.

Ibe has been regarded as one of Liverpool’s best talents, but the youngster hasn’t gotten many first-team opportunities due to abundant competition for a place in Klopp’s side, despite being in the first-choice starting XI under Brendan Rodgers at the start of the season.

Alongside Arsenal, Premier League outfits Tottenham and Watford are also keeping close tabs on Ibe, but Liverpool are reluctant to let go of their promising youngster on a permanent basis, and are more likely to send the 20-year-old out on loan, and to a club they won’t have to directly contend with for the league title next season.

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Chelsea Target Nainggolan After Bayern’s Interest In Pjanic 

Chelsea are set to make a move for Radja Nainggolan, as Bayern boss Ancelotti eyes his Roma teammate Miralem Pjanic.

Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly interested in bringing Miralem Pjanic to Bayern Munich this summer. The 56-year-old Italian is believed to be a huge admirer of the midfielder, and is willing to go head-to-head with his former club Chelsea to meet the 26-year-old’s €38million release clause and bring him to the Bavarian club.

Chelsea, who were previously linked with Pjanic, are now considering signing his teammate Radja Nainggolan instead. And according to Goal, the London-based club have already agreed a 5-year deal to bring Nainggolan to Stamford Bridge this summer, and will pay £28 million for the Belgian’s services.

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Liverpool Monitoring Javier Pastore

Liverpool are currently monitoring Javier Pastore’s situation at Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports in France.

The Argentine international has struggled with injuries this term, and has managed to make just 10 Ligue 1 starts this season. There have also been reports suggesting Pastore has fallen out of manager Laurent Blanc’s favour, and may leave the French champions this summer.

Klopp, meanwhile, has identified Pastore as his prime transfer target, and thinks the 26-year-old is the ideal candidate to strengthen Liverpool’s midfield. And according to reports, Klopp also sent scouts to watch Pastore during PSG’s 4-0 win over Rennes last Friday, and is set to make an offer for the PSG star.