Manchester City fight to keep Rodri away from Real Madrid, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman misses training again – Euro Transfer News
The latest European transfer news and rumours have Manchester City doing their best to keep Rodri in the Premier League and away from a move to Real Madrid. In Italy, Ademola Lookman has skipped Atalanta training for the second day in a row as he tries to force through a move to Internazionale, whilst Juventus dream of Sandro Tonali. Also, Spurs are reportedly front-runners for Conor Gallagher.
Man City fight to keep Rodri away from Real
New Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso needs to find another metronome, another Xabi Alonso perhaps, or at least a replacement for Toni Kroos.
Aurelien Tchouameni is an option, but the dream scenario for Madrid is former Atletico player and current Ballon d’Or holder Rodrigo Hernandez from Manchester City.
However, AS report that City will not be giving up without a fight despite Madrid thinking he could be interested in a move back to Spain.
They plan to offer him a new contract and the price they would demand means it will be tough for him to end up at the Spanish giants.
“Without the German [Toni Kroos], Madrid’s weaknesses with the ball were exposed, and it seemed necessary to make a signing in that area this summer. But it hasn’t happened and probably won’t happen,” the report reads.
“Because there are no players on the market who catch Madrid’s eye at the moment. There is one name that stands out above the rest: Rodrigo Hernandez.
“The Spaniard, the current Ballon d’Or winner, was a safe bet before he tore his cruciate ligament, and Madrid are aware that he would be keen to move to the Bernabeu.
“However, the serious injury that caused him to miss almost the entire last season has changed that outlook, as has his age (29) and the high price that Manchester City would demand. All of this makes it very unlikely that he will ever end up at Madrid.”
Lookman misses training for second day in a row
Ademola Lookman wants out of Atalanta and he is trying to force the Bergamo club’s hand to make a move happen.
The Nigerian international missed training on Monday and now Football Italia has reported that he has missed training again for a second day in a row in a bid to accelerate a potential move to Internazionale.
“Football Italia understands that Lookman failed to show up for pre-season training for the second day in a row on Tuesday,” the outlet wrote.
“The Nigeria international was expected to report to Atalanta’s training ground for an individual session after his recent injury concerns.
“However, the 27-year-old has decided to continue his protest, hoping that it will force a breakthrough in the deadlock between Atalanta and Inter.
“Atalanta, naturally, will not take kindly to the situation, and Lookman’s tactics are only adding to an increasingly tense situation.”
Sky Sport Italia is also reporting that Lookman has already cleared his possessions out of his locker at Atalanta.
Juventus dream of Tonali
Elsewhere in Italy, former champions Juventus are looking for reinforcements in their midfield and one of the names on their list is former AC Milan star Sandro Tonali.
However, they are aware that a move might be tricky and have some other targets in mind.
Gazzetta dello Sport claims: “The midsummer night’s dream remains Sandro Tonali, the perfect fit for The Old Lady, strong, mature and Italian, but extremely difficult (bordering on impossible) to prise away from Newcastle.
“In the transfer market, as in life, never say never, but The Bianconeri, aware of the difficulties, are already moving on other fronts: the name that intrigues is that of Morten Hjulmand, but keep an eye on Matt O’Riley, already on The Bianconeri management’s notebook and very close to Serie A a summer ago, when Gian Piero Gasperini wanted him at all costs at Atalanta as a replacement for Teun Koopmeiners.
“Now the Dutch midfielder has expanded his range of action (Tudor sees him as an attacking midfielder, but with Reggiana he has also tested him further back) and the coach has asked the club for a midfielder who can slot in alongside Thuram and Locatelli, currently the two starters.”
Spurs favourites for Gallagher
Conor Gallagher left boyhood club Chelsea to move to Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2024, but just one year later, he could be returning to London – specifically north London.
Spanish journalist Jonatan Vazquez wrote for Football Espana: “Gallagher does still have plenty of credit in England, even if nobody has yet made a move for him.
“Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is a fan of his, and Nottingham Forest have also been mentioned as a potential destination. Newcastle United had enquired about Gallagher, but have not progressed talks any further.
“As things stand, Tottenham Hotspur are the most likely destination for Gallagher. Spurs value his combination of physicality and technical ability, and are thus considering an offer for him.
“It is not yet clear whether the arrival of Joao Palhinha will affect their interest.”
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