Williams, Amorim, Cancelo, Joelinton & Reus: The Essential Transfer Round Up – Friday, March 8th

Chelsea keeping tabs on Williams

While there might be continued speculation that Chelsea have potential FPL breaches hanging over their head, it has been suggested that the Blues are once again planning a summer spend at Stamford Bridge.

With Mauricio Pochettino making it clear that he wants reinforcements ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, it has been reported that the former Premier League champions are seeking new attacking options.

Although Chelsea might have remained heavily linked with a summer move for Napoli talisman Victor Osimhen, the west London hierarchy have identified another potential target.

Enjoying what has been an eye-catching campaign with Spanish side Athletic Bilbao, Nico Williams have attracted plenty of European interest and it appears that Pochettino is a huge admirer of the 21-year-old.

Reportedly holding a £43million release clause in his current deal with Ernesto Valverde’s side, it has also been suggested that the Basque-based outfit are already planning for life without the Spanish international.

🔵🇪🇸 Chelsea keep monitoring Nico Williams as he was already on the list last summer before signing top target Cole Palmer, as revealed in August.

Chelsea are informed on €50m clause and still following Nico.

There are more clubs interested also in PL, race still open. pic.twitter.com/uR8QUtKAbj

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 7, 2024

Amorim tipped as a Klopp replacement

With Jurgen Klopp shocking announcing back in January that he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, there has been continued speculation over who will be replacing the German tactician at Anfield this summer.

Enjoying what has been a fairytale nine-year stay in the red half of Merseyside, Klopp won the Champions League in 2019 and also guided Liverpool to a first domestic crown in 30 years.

Although there might be continued speculation that Liverpool are desperate to appoint Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, it has been suggested that Bayern Munich are currently sat in the driving seat to snap up the 42-year-old’s signature.

With it looking like Alonso could be heading to the Allianz this summer, it is Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim who appears to be one of the leading contenders to take over at Anfield ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Only continuing to receive a string of plaudits with the Portuguese giants and gaining a reputation for his eye-catching philosophy, the 39-year-old guided Sporting to Primeira Liga success in 2021.

Liverpool are reportedly continuing to do their due diligence on Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim 🔴📰

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 3, 2024

Cancelo wants to make his Barca switch permanent

While Joao Cancelo might have completed a season-long loan switch to Barcelona last summer, it appears that the Portuguese international is desperate to make his move a permanent one.

With it suggested that Pep Guardiola has no intention to bring the 29-year-old back into his first-team plan at the Etihad, Barca are hugely impressed by the impact that Cancelo has made in Catalonia.

Making 30 appearances for the reigning Spanish champions this season and becoming a real fan favourite around the Nou Camp, the one-time Valencia defender has spoken publicly about his desire to complete a permanent switch this summer.

Although Cancelo might sill have another three years remaining on his current deal with Manchester City if he should return this summer, the 50-cap international reportedly has a frosty relationship with Guardiola behind the scenes.

While it might have been reported that Barcelona are unable to offer more than £17million, the Catalonia hierarchy are confident they can complete a permanent move when the window reopens.

Barcelona are looking for ways to keep Joao Cancelo 🧐

— GOAL News (@GoalNews) March 1, 2024

Newcastle confident of agreeing new Joelinton deal

While there might be continued speculation over Eddie Howe’s long-term future at St. James’ Park, it appears that Newcastle are desperate to get one of their first-team stars tied down to a new long-term deal in the north east.

Although it might have been suggested a couple of months ago that Joelinton had grown frustrated over contract talks with the Magpies, it appears that both parties are inching towards an agreement.

While the Brazil international might have endured a frustrating start to life at St. James’ Park after completing a £40million move from German outfit Hoffehenim, Joelinton has enjoyed a remarkable career resurge at the heart of Newcastle’s midfield.

With it suggested that the 27-year-old is keen on extending his stay in the Premier League, Newcastle co-owner Amanda Stavley has personally taken charge over talks in order to help push through a new deal.

Although it has been reported that Joelinton is looking to earn in the region of £180,000-per-week and sit among the Magpies’ top earners, Howe’s side are optimistic they are on the right path.

🚨EXCLUSIVE Newcastle making good progress in Joelinton contract talks and Brazil international wants to remain on Tyneside if he moves alongside top earners #nufc https://t.co/iRLvI47fm7

— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) March 4, 2024

Hammers offered shock Reus swoop

Making 18 Bundesliga appearances for Borussia Dortmund this season, there is no doubt that Marco Reus has cemented his spot as one of BVB’s most beloved sons.

Although many Dortmund fans might have made it clear that they want their attacking icon to be handed a one-year extension, it appears that Reus will be leaving rural Germany on a free transfer this summer.

After 12 years with the German giants, neither party has managed to agree on a new deal and it has been suggested that clubs from both Turkey and the MLS are monitoring Reus’ situation closely.

However, with it reported that the German international is focused on staying in Europe, it has been speculated that West Ham have been contacted over a potential shock swoop this summer.

With it no secret that the Hammers are seeking attacking reinforcements as continued speculation surrounds Lucas Paqueta’s move to Manchester City, David Moyes’ side are reportedly weighing up a potential free transfer for Reus.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE! 🚨- West Ham United are being offered the chance to sign Borussia Dortmund legend Marco Reus. 🤯#WHUFC

Full story ⬇️

— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) March 6, 2024