Football
TRANSFERS: Varane picks Man Utd, as Tottenham lure Steven Gerrard
Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane wants to join Manchester United this summer, though a stumbling block would be the 28-year-old France international’s wages, believed to be as much as £400,000 a week. (Independent)
Tottenham could turn to Rangers manager Steven Gerrard if their pursuit of former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo fails. (Evening Standard)
Crystal Palace are to revive their interest in Swansea boss Steve Cooper after failing recruit former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre as Roy Hodgson successor at Selhurst Park. (Sun)
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of England winger Jadon Sancho, 21, from Borussia Dortmund – with a deal expected to be confirmed within the next two weeks. (Manchester Evening News)
Jadon Sancho remains Manchester United top priority
Argentina forward Lionel Messi remains in advanced talks with Barcelona about a new contract but some important details have yet to be agreed, with the 34-year-old’s current deal set to expire next week. (Sky Sports)
Timo Werner’s agent has insisted the German striker, 25, will remain at Chelsea, despite being linked with Real Madrid. (Sport1, via Sun)
Manchester United may consider offers for France forward Anthony Martial, 25, and Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek, 24, to raise funds for their summer rebuild. (ESPN)
Everton have been linked with a move for Roma’s English defender Chris Smalling, but the 31-year-old does not want a move to Goodison Park. (Mail)
Tottenham want to sign a centre-back this summer, with Sevilla‘s French defender Jules Kounde, 22, and Lyon‘s Denmark international Joachim Andersen, 25, among their targets. (Guardian)
Rafael Benitez is determined to take charge at Everton despite an expected backlash from some of the club’s supporters over the former Liverpool manager’s expected appointment. (Football Insider)
Benitez will hold further talks with Toffees officials this weekend and his appointment could be confirmed early next week. (Mail)
Everton are in talks to sign Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero on a free transfer, but face competition from Juventus and Celta Vigo for the 34-year-old former Manchester United keeper’s signature. (Athletic)
Arsenal are monitoring the progress of 23-year-old Lille midfielder Renato Sanches, who is currently impressing for Portugal at Euro 2020. (90Min)
Arsenal’s Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira, 25, wants to return to Italy this summer, his agent has confirmed. (TuttoMercatoWeb)
Aston Villa are considering a second bid for Arsenal’s England Under-21 attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, 20, after an initial offer worth £25m was rejected. (Express and Star, Wolverhampton)
West Ham and Tottenham are both interested in Fiorentina’s Polish goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski, 23. (La Nazione – via Teamtalk)
Rangers, Burnley and Crystal Palace are expected to step up in their interest in Sheffield United midfielder John Lundstram when the 27-year-old’s contract expires next week. (Sheffield Star)
Leeds United are unlikely to make a move for Blackburn striker Ben Brereton, 22, who has impressed playing for Chile at the Copa America. (Lancs Live)
Leeds are, however, trying to sign Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha, 22, from Hertha Berlin. (UOL)
