Transfer talks: Madrid eye Nico Williams if Vinicius leaves

The transfer deadline may have passed in Europe’s top five leagues, but there’s still business to be done this summer. And with just four months to go until the January transfer window, the rumour mill keeps on churning! Transfer Talk will bring you all the latest news, and you can check out our list of all the big deals.

TOP STORY: Madrid eye Nico Williams as potential replacement for Vinicius

Real Madrid not ruling out winger’s departure Vinicius Juniorreports Sport.

It is reported that the club feel they can succeed without the 24-year-old, after strengthening their position with the arrival of Kylian Mbappeand they could look at the Athletic Club winger Nico Williams as his successor.

The 22-year-old was a standout performer for Spain at the European Championship and was linked with both Barcelona and Arsenal in the summer. Williams is said to be on the radar of the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy as a “potential replacement” for Vinicius Junior, and they are confident he could quickly settle in as a strong fit for their forward line.

A bid worth €58 million would be enough to trigger the release clause to sign him, although any move would depend on whether The Blancos decide to part ways with the Brazilian international, who is under contract in the Spanish capital until 2027.

PAPER GOSSIP

– Al Nassr keen to sign Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacicreports CBS Sports. The Saudi Pro League club reportedly made an offer for the 30-year-old on deadline day, and are expected to make another move for him in January. Striker Cristiano Ronaldo would insist that his team sign the Croatian international.

– Several clubs are keeping a close eye on the Génération Foot winger Amara DioufSport reports. Barcelona are said to be among the teams interested in the 16-year-old Senegalese under-17 international, who was a standout performer at the last U-17 World Cup. He is expected to be sidelined for some time after suffering a knee injury in the summer that required surgery.

– A transfer for AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer is being considered by Marseille, reports Calciomercato. The Ligue 1 club have reportedly identified the 26-year-old as a potential replacement for Jordan Veretoutwho recently made the switch to Lyon. Bennacer has fallen out of favor in the Rossoneri’s selection, having not played since being substituted in the 2-2 Serie A draw against Torino last month.

– Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have been given the chance to sign a free agent midfielder Yusuf Yazicireports Football Insider. The 27-year-old has been without a club since his contract with Ligue 1 side Lille expired last summer, and his representatives are believed to have offered him to multiple Premier League clubs, with Galatasaray reportedly leading the race for his signature.

– Qatar Stars League club Al Gharafa are close to signing striker Al Rayyan Rodrigoreports Foot Mercato. The 33-year-old, who joined the club from Leeds United, scored 12 goals and assisted six more in 23 games last season and is expected to remain in Qatar as both parties look to agree a deal quickly.