Manchester City’s rebuilding project this summer has sparked interest in Bernardo Silva as a shock target for European clubs.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has confirmed the Premier League champions will be making a statement in the transfer market to replace Sergio Aguero and bolster one or possibly two other areas, with players expected to be sold in the process.
Bernardo, 26, has a lengthy contract at the Etihad Stadium but Champions League clubs in Spain, France and Italy believe the Portugal international could be granted a move if he wanted a new challenge after four glittering years at City.
The former Monaco midfielder has won three titles, four EFL Cups and an FA Cup during his spell in England, which has seen him play more than 200 times.
Barcelona have previously shown interest in Bernardo but are now well stocked in his position, but he would be on the wanted list on the clutch of teams who could have afford him should he be made available.
City have five first-team players with two seasons left on their contracts and try not to allow deals to run down, unless the player is in the final years of his career like Vincent Kompany or Fernandinho, with the Brazilian out of contract this summer.
Norwich view Armstrong as value striker signing
Norwich City are set to join the race for Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong, who has a host of Premier League clubs looking at bringing him to the top flight.
West Ham and a host of mid-table clubs sent scouts to watch Armstrong last season when he scored 29 goals for Rovers.
With one season left on his deal at Ewood Park he is seen as a potential value-for-money signing at around £10million.
Southampton left searching for centre-backs
Southampton are braced for the departure of Jannik Vestergaard this summer and are looking at their centre-back options.
The Denmark defender, who will go to the European Championships with his country, has previously been on Leicester City’s radar but a move never materialised during the January 2020 window.
He has one year left on his deal at St Mary’s and has been seen as an option for clubs looking for a dependable centre-back following his three years on the south coast.
Arsenal gem a target for ambitious Aston Villa
Aston Villa hold an interest in Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe while his new deal at the Emirates Stadium is yet to be sealed.
After breaking into the first team, his club want him tied to a long-term deal but that has not stopped other clubs putting him on their wanted lists.
Villa have been looking for a creative midfielder in Smith-Rowe’s mould and have also considered Norwich’s Emi Buendia.