Galacticos to depart for Old Trafford

Real Madrid are on course to win their first European Cup-La Liga double in 59 years, and much of that success can be attributed to the club's ultra-deep squad. With only so many minutes to go around, some players may not be happy with their lot in life, and inevitably some will move on this summer in search of bigger roles.

According to reports, two of Real Madrid's biggest signings could be on their way out of the Santiago Bernabeu.

Prominent Colombian radio station RCN Radio has reported that James Rodriguez has a pre-contract to join Manchester United this summer. The deal that would see Madrid's No. 10 move to Old Trafford is dependent on the English club's ability to offload their No. 10, Wayne Rooney.

Of course, even then, Ed Woodward & Co. would still need to negotiate a fee for the man Los Blancos paid €80 million for three seasons ago, and the small matter that James is one of Florentino Perez's prized possessions.

Another one of the Madrid president's cherished signings is Gareth Bale, who the Independent writes is closer than ever to leaving the Spanish capital for Manchester. The English outlet writes that sources from both clubs say that a deal is "much likelier" than at any point in Bale's Blancos career.

Ultimately the decision will come down to Jose Mourinho, who would prefer to land Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, but as a deal for the Frenchman remains complicated, Bale becomes an increasingly intriguing option. Influential figures at the Bernabeu believe the one-time world's most expensive footballer could be sacrificed to fund other signings, and as Madrid have soared in the Welsh international's absence, Perez may just be open to negotiating a sale.

Alonso becomes Barca's top priority

Fresh off a Premier League title win in his first season at Chelsea, could Marcos Alonso soon depart West London for Barcelona? According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan giants have made the left-wing-back their No. 1 priority this summer.

The report states that Barca scouted Alonso last summer, but opted to sign Lucas Digne instead. But with the 23-year-old France international making just 16 appearances in La Liga this season, the club are back in the market for a left-sided defender, and this time they intend to get their man.

While Alonso has flourished under the guidance of Antonio Conte, Mundo Deportivo reports that the player harbors some concerns over his visibility in Spain. With a desire to feature at next summer's World Cup in Russia, a move to Barcelona could put him firmly on the radar of Spain manager Julen Lopetegui -- who handed Alonso his debut with Real Madrid Castilla when he was 15.

Rooney the sweetener in Lukaku deal

Jose Mourinho is prepared to sacrifice Wayne Rooney to tempt Everton into selling Romelu Lukaku, reports the Mail.

The Red Devils appear keen to ditch their captain after a poor season but still value him at £17m despite the fact he will be 32 at the start of next season.

The Toffees will not go above £10m though, with the England skipper set to demand a huge payoff to cover the remaining two years of his £250,000-per-week deal.

Rooney will be forced to accept a £100,000-per week pay cut at Goodison Park but is still not convinced by the idea of leaving United.

Tap-ins

- Juventus are ready to anger bitter rivals Roma by moving for Leandro Paredes a year after their controversial move for Miralem Pjanic, reports Tuttosport.

The Old Lady have a series of targets and want Sampdoria's Czech sensation Patrik Schick too, after the 21-year-old scored 11 goals in his debut Serie A season to catch the champions' eyes.

Juve are building from a formidable position and appear intent on capitalising on their dominance.

Tuttosport add that the Turin club are interested in Lyon's Corentin Tolisso, Fiorentina's Federico Bernardeschi and Lazio's Balde Keita to round off their summer business.

- Everton manager Ronald Koeman refused to be drawn on what the future holds for Ross Barkley despite the midfielder proving to be the matchwinner in their final home game of the season.

The Toffees boss has warned the 23-year-old he has until next weekend to tell the club whether he will be signing the contract extension on offer or be sold in the summer.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by ESPN STAFF

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