Transfer Gossip: Barca down bad, Sterling says no to Kane swap

With the summer transfer window in full swing, the rumor mill has gone into overdrive. Here’s a look at what’s hot in transfer talk throughout world football.

Destitute Barca balance Messi deal with departures

Barcelona are €1.2 billion in debt and carry a €600-million-plus wage bill that’s drawn the ire of La Liga. Those sums will only grow with Lionel Messi’s extension and deals for Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia, and Memphis Depay.

As a result, several players are in the shop window. Martin Braithwaite is wanted by West Ham, Brighton, Burnley, Norwich City, and a mysterious Russian club, according to Sport, while Mundo Deportivo claims Leicester City are considering making a €20-million bid for Philippe Coutinho.

Don’t be fooled by these suddenly thrifty ways. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have been in touch with Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka, via Sport1, while Sampdoria winger Mikkel Damsgaard’s Danish displays at Euro 2020 have also caught their eye.

Sterling wants no part of Kane exchange

Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling has no interest in being part of a swap deal for Tottenham’s Harry Kane despite falling out of favor with Pep Guardiola toward the end of the domestic campaign, according to ESPN UK.

Apparently, Gabriel Jesus and Aymeric Laporte are also being considered as trade chips, while Spurs chief Daniel Levy would rather hold out for no less than £150 million for Kane, who has also been strongly linked with Chelsea and Manchester United.

A reminder that Tottenham do not currently have a manager ahead of their participation in the inaugural UEFA Conference League tourney. Not hard to see why England teammates Sterling and Kane feel the way they do.

Bits and bobs

Trio goes in for Gosens: Germany’s Robin Gosens has impressed at Euro 2020, sparking interest from Juventus, Inter Milan, and Barcelona (of course) for the €35-million rated Atalanta wingback. (Corriere dello Sport)

Vamos, Valencia: After vetoing a move to Sporting CP, Daniel Wass is off to Marseille, with Valencia teammate Kevin Gameiro set to follow suit after his deal with Los Che expires at the end of June. (La Provence)

Arrivederci, Rafael: AC Milan will entertain offers starting at €30 million for Rafael Leao, with Borussia Dortmund, Wolverhampton, Everton, and Marseille among potential suitors for the 22-year-old forward. (SportMediaset)

Bienvenue, Sergio: Following a club-record swoop for Inter’s Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain’s efforts to bolster the backline have led them to Sergio Ramos, who’s told friends he’s off to France on a free transfer. (Sport)

Lonely in Liverpool: Agent for Everton’s James Rodriguez, Jorge Mendes, has alerted Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, and Napoli to come save his client from a season on Merseyside sans Carlo Ancelotti. (Daily Mail)

Dutch delights at Anfield: Liverpool are prepping a €40-million offer for PSV forward Donyell Malen while keeping an eye on Ryan Gravenberch, who’s likely to stick around at Ajax for one more year. (Sky Sport Germany)

Busy Saliba sweepstakes: William Saliba’s inexplicably tenuous Arsenal tenure has alerted Newcastle, Southampton, Nice, Marseille, Rennes, Lille, Bayer Leverkusen, and two incog Italian sides. Is that it? (Foot Mercato)

So long, Longstaff: Matty Longstaff might leave big bro Sean behind at St. James’ Park, as the Magpies midfielder piques the interest of Middlesbrough, West Brom, Norwich, and Anderlecht. (Chronicle Live)

Leeds lust for low-cost left-back: Leeds United are keen on a €4-million swoop for Javi Galan, who’s also on Atletico’s and Sevilla’s radars after a stellar season in Spain’s second tier with Huesca. (Mundo Deportivo)

Messi in Miami: Taking this full circle, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas is “optimistic” Messi, who bought a €6-million condo in Miami, will play for the club at the completion of his new Barca terms. One can only hope. (ESPN)