Transfer Gossip: Sancho becomes Barca backup plan, Lampard rings Mertens

Football may be on hiatus, but that’s not dampening the never-ending nature of transfer talk. Here’s a look at the chatter making the rounds this week.

Toffees have a taste for Todibo

Yerry Mina, Lucas Digne, Andre Gomes, and now, apparently, Jean-Clair Todibo, as Everton’s insatiable desire for Barcelona castoffs continues. According to Spanish publication Sport, the 20-year-old center-back on loan this season at Schalke can be had for €20 million, though it’s understood Die Knappen posses a €25-million-plus-incentives buy option on the player.

Bayern convinced by City mane man Sane

All it seemingly took was a 30-minute phone call between Hansi Flick and Manchester City’s Leroy Sane to convince the Bayern Munich boss that the copiously coiffed winger is his guy. Bild reports that Flick was initially skeptical but is now all-in for the 24-year-old who was valued at over €100 million prior to his cruciate tear last summer.

Lampard hits Mertens on his mobile

On the topic of tacticians tampering with other teams’ talent via telephone, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is “calling Dries Mertens almost every day,” according to transfer guru Vincenzo Morabito. Lampard could be enthused at the fact that the Napoli striker is available on a free this summer, though it’s conceivable the two are just swapping recipe ideas. Lamps’ quiche is particularly divine.

Unknown club table massive Osimhen bid

According to French outlet Telefoot, Lille received an €85-million offer from an unnamed club for 21-year-old striker Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian international, who bagged 13 Ligue 1 goals for Lille this season, has been linked with several clubs. The Sun claims Liverpool are in the driver’s seat, with Manchester United, Spurs, and Chelsea also monitoring the situation.

Van de Beek’s unlikely admirers

An “exclusive” from French outlet Le10Sport claims Newcastle and Everton are shock suitors for prized Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek. The Dutchman has been previously linked with high-profile clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester United, so it’s possible Le10Sport could have him confused with “Dawson’s Creek” star James van der Beek.

Roma eye low-cost loan for United flop Sanchez

Roma manager Paulo Fonseca thinks United outcast Alexis Sanchez would be the perfect player for his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation despite the Chilean underwhelming while on loan at Inter before an injury derailed his season. According to Calcio Mercato, Roma could offer United an out, but only on loan and if the Red Devils cover half his wages. Simple enough.

Rennes warn Real Madrid off Camavinga chase

Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rennes teen Eduardo Camavinga is at an impasse following Les Rouges et Noir’s qualification into the 2020-21 Champions League. Rennes president Nicolas Holveck has insisted the club will fight to maintain its squad for next season. Additionally, AS reports that Camavinga had agreed to stay put if the club secured a berth in the continental competition.

Barcelona barter Fati in tricky Sancho swap

Should Neymar’s return to Barcelona fall through, the Catalan club will shift its gaze to in-demand Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, according to Bild. Barca, who will look for more economically viable methods of improving the squad this summer, might offer 17-year-old prodigy Ansu Fati to BVB for the England star and United target. Seems a bit overelaborate.