Angel Di Maria instructs agent to plot Manchester United escape; Chelsea transfer boost; Romelu Lukaku targeted

TRANSFER TALK: A look at today's top rumours, including Gareth Bale and the Inter Milan youngster interesting Arsenal

Simon Rice
Thursday 19 March 2015 09:10 GMT
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Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria (GETTY IMAGES)

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Angel Di Maria has instructed super-agent Jorge Mendes to find him a route out of Old Trafford. The Argentina international has failed to settle since joining Manchester United from Real Madrid, with an attempted burglary at his home reportedly adding to his unease in his new surroundings. Reports in Spain are now suggesting the £59.7m signing wants a swift exit, despite Louis van Gaal repeatedly backing the 27-year-old to be a success. PSG, Juventus and Barcelona are all potential options.

According to a report in the Telegraph, Chelsea have opened up some breathing space in relation to FFP, owing to the sales of Fernando Torres, Eden Hazard's new contract and new sponsorship. That's led to talk that they'll be able to move for a major summer target, with the finances now in place for the arrival of Paul Pogba. The extra cash would also put them in touching distance of the leeway a club would need to sign Lionel Messi from Barcelona without breaking Uefa's strict financial rules.

Gareth Bale continues to be linked with a return to the Premier League amid unrest at Real Madrid. The Wales international has gone some way to silencing the critics with his two-goal display against Levante at the weekend, however he remains just a poor touch away from returning to their bad books. Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City have all been linked with the forward, yet despite the interest, his international manager Chris Coleman has backed Bale to succeed at the Bernabeu. "Gareth's a big boy, he'll come through that," he said.

Gareth Bale celebrates his first goal against Levante
Gareth Bale celebrates his first goal against Levante (GETTY IMAGES)

Romelu Lukaku is reportedly on the radar of Wolfsburg. Despite only agreeing a permanent contract with Everton last summer, the German club are hopeful a deal can be done due to their likely participation in the Champions League next season making them a lucrative option. According to the Mirror, Wolfsburg are ready to offer £33m for the former Chelsea player.

Inter Milan are reportedly ready to sell Arsenal target Mateo Kovacic. The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought after youngsters in Europe and aware of the hefty fee they can command, are now ready to sell. Everton have failed with a £14.6m bid in the past whilst Real Madrid are also thought to be keeping tabs on the midfielder.

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