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Transfer rumours: Newcastle United want Raphinha, Juventus closing on Angel Di Maria

Transfer rumours: Newcastle want Raphinha, Juve closing on Di Maria
© Reuters
Sports Mole rounds up some of the latest transfer rumours, including Newcastle United joining the race for Raphinha and Juventus closing in on Angel Di Maria.

Newcastle United have allegedly become the latest club to join the race for Leeds United winger Raphinha.

The Brazil international has been a huge success during his two years at Elland Road, the last of his 17 goals helping the Yorkshire giants retain their place in the Premier League for at least another 12 months.

However, a wide array of clubs are being linked with the 25-year-old, including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Barcelona.

According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle are the latest team to make an enquiry for the playmaker, who has two years remaining on his Leeds contract.

The report adds that Leeds will continue to insist on their valuation being met, that currently standing in excess of £60m given the status of the player.

Newcastle are attempting to be proactive when it comes to conducting their transfer business, the Magpies on the brink of confirming the signing of Lille defender Sven Botman for a fee in the region of £37m.

Angel Di Maria in action for Paris Saint-Germain in December 2021© Reuters

At a time when Newcastle are seemingly prepared to pay big money in order to strengthen their first-team squad, Juventus are currently taking a different approach.

While the Serie A outfit may spend significant funds to sign other transfer targets, they appear to be on the brink of signing Angel Di Maria on a free transfer.

After seven years of representing Paris Saint-Germain, the 34-year-old is departing Parc des Princes on a free transfer, the playmaker not short of offers for his services.

Nevertheless, according to Goal, the veteran Argentine only has eyes for Juventus and has already accepted a contract proposal put forward by the Turin-based club.

The report suggests that Di Maria will soon officially complete a transfer on a one-year contract, the short period due to Di Maria's desire to remain playing in Europe before a return to his homeland in 2023.

Luis Suarez in action for Uruguay on June 8, 2021© Reuters

Talking of players returning closer to home, it appears that Luis Suarez has opted to make a return to South America over a second stint to the Premier League.

For a number of months, the former Liverpool star has been heavily linked with a switch to Aston Villa, who are managed by his former teammate Steven Gerrard.

However, according to reports in Spain, the 35-year-old will instead sign for River Plate after his departure from Atletico Madrid at the end of his contract later this week.

While it has been claimed that Suarez is yet to give an official answer, manager Marcelo Gallardo has confirmed that a proposal has been put forward to the Uruguay international.

Speaking to reporters, he said: "[Suarez] is an elite player, who is currently recovering from a knee injury. We made the attempt, he has the will, enthusiasm, it's good."

Real Madrid's Mariano Diaz in action against Alaves in La Liga on November 28, 2020© Reuters

A number of players are already departing Real Madrid this summer, including Gareth Bale who is moving to the MLS, but it appears that another forward is keen on an exit as soon as possible.

Despite costing £19.35m in 2018, Mariano Diaz has only ever been a squad option at the Santiago Bernabeu, contributing 12 goals and three assists from his 73 appearances.

The 28-year-old made the decision to remain at Los Blancos when made available for transfer in 2021, but it now appears that the attacker has opted for a fresh challenge.

According to Marca, Mariano has informed club officials that he would like to leave over the coming months, a scenario which may suit Real with Mariano's contract due to expire next year.


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 Lille's Sven Botman in action with Chelsea's Kai Havertz  on February 22, 2022
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