Manchester United could still offer Zlatan Ibrahimovic new contract

BY Egbe Emmanuel E.

 

 The football world is awash with gossip! Transfer Talk is monitoring the whispers ahead of all the summer moves. Check out the latest deals and potential deals here.

Ibra could yet remain in Manchester

The imminent signing of Romelu Lukaku would seemingly be the final nail in the coffin for Zlatan Ibrahimovic's already slim hopes of remaining at Manchester United.

But not so, according to the Mirror, with the outlet suggesting the arrival of the Belgium international could buy Jose Mourinho some time to wait out Ibra's return from a season-ending cruciate-ligament injury suffered in the Europa League.

Indeed, Ibra could instead be in line for another one-year deal that would see him return to action at the start of 2018 and provide an interesting like-for-like backup to Lukaku. Both players are big, physical strikers with proven track records as lethal finishers during their respective careers.

Could Ibrahimovic, who is progressing nicely in his rehab at United's Carrington training facility, still have a future at Old Trafford?

Meanwhile, the chump change (yes £75 million is a mere line item for United) the Red Devils spent on Lukaku won't keep them from pursuing more high-profile targets this summer, with James Rodriguez again turning up as a possible target for Mourinho.

The Independent reports that CEO Ed Woodward is "deep in talks" with the out-of-favour Real Madrid player and see James as a nice midfield option with Wayne Rooney's return to Everton almost done.

Arsenal standing firm on Alexis, Ox

Arsenal are willing to let the contracts of Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain run down to nothing, rather than sell the duo to their Premier League rivals.

The Star reports that "the Gunners hierarchy are ready to put their foot down" with Manchester City circling the Chile star and Liverpool making some serious overtures in Oxlade-Chamberlain's direction.

The Gunners are hoping that if they can begin the season strongly and make a strong push for the Premier League title without the distraction of Champions League football, both players may be convinced that their futures remain in North London.

It all, however, may be a part of the intricate dance that is the transfer window -- as the Mirror reports that Arsenal are simply looking to drive Sanchez's price up to a whopping £80m.

It says that Man City will table an opening bid of £50m for the 28-year-old, but Arsene Wenger & Co. are going to wait until the very last minute to decide on the future of a "player that is keen to link up again with Pep Guardiola."

Chelsea bid for Lazio star

Chelsea have tabled a €20m bid for Lazio contract rebel Keita Balde Diao, according to Italian newspaper Il Tempo.

The Biancocelesti reportedly want €25m for the Senegalese forward, who can play wide and through the middle.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a fine season for Lazio, scoring 16 Serie A goals, but appeared set on moving to Juventus after turning down a move to Milan, who agreed to pay €20m and bonuses.

Antonio Conte will hope to convince Keita to reconsider, with Lazio eager to recoup some of his value with just one year remaining on his deal.

Everton set to add Sigurdsson

Swimming in cash from the sale of Lukaku, Everton are ready to spend what it takes to pry Gylfi Sigurdsson from Swansea City, according to the Mail.

The Welsh club have been determined to hold on to their Icelandic talisman, but a £32m bid from the Toffees, combined with Sigurdsson's wish for a new challenge after three seasons at the Liberty Stadium, is said to be enough impetus to get a deal over the line this week.

Everton do face competition from "a couple of other Premier League clubs," but the 27-year-old is said to favour a move to Goodison Park.

Tap-ins

- New Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer wants to make former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen his first major signing at Selhurst Park, reports the Mirror, and the publication writes that the 31-year-old is keen on a return to the Premier League and London.

- Robbie Keane may be ready to return from the football wilderness, with Sky Sports suggesting the former Liverpool and LA Galaxy star could be headed for a reunion with Harry Redknapp -- his Tottenham manager in 2009 -- at Birmingham City.