Chelsea aims to finalize the transfers of Mike Maignan and Jamie Gittens before the Club World Cup deadline.
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Chelsea aim to push through two signings
Chelsea are keen to bolster their squad with two new signings ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup later this month, as reported by The Mirror.
The Blues are in negotiations with AC Milan for goalkeeper Mike Maignan and are also pursuing Borussia Dortmund’s English attacker Jamie Gittens.
According to the paper, “Chelsea are hoping to complete two transfers ahead of the Club World Cup – one of which is landing a new goalkeeper in Mike Maignan with talks remaining ongoing with AC Milan.”
Chelsea have submitted a new £15 million offer, which they hope will be sufficient to secure Maignan, who is entering the final 12 months of his contract at the San Siro. Their initial £10 million valuation of the 29-year-old was far below AC Milan’s £25 million asking price.
In addition, the Blues are keen on Jamie Gittens and remain in discussions with Borussia Dortmund. The England U21 international could be on the move, but Chelsea are aware they need to improve their offer after having a £29.5 million bid rejected, as first reported by the Evening Standard.
Gittens, who was once part of Chelsea’s youth setup, may command a fee as high as £50 million for the 20-year-old winger.
Tottenham will need to pay up for Frank
Brentford are demanding a significant fee to allow manager Thomas Frank to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham.
The Telegraph reports that Brentford are seeking around £10 million for Frank’s release.
The paper states, “Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on sealing the appointment of Thomas Frank as the club’s new head coach.”
Brentford will insist that Spurs meet Frank’s exit fee, but there is optimism at Tottenham that a deal can be struck. Frank is reportedly keen to join Spurs and hopes to bring some of his Brentford backroom staff with him.
Tottenham’s technical director Johan Lange has a close relationship with Frank, having previously shared an office at Danish club Lyngby, and is leading the search for a new head coach.
Man City suffer Monga blow
Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and other top European clubs have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Leicester City wonderkid Jeremy Monga, according to The Sun.
The 15-year-old had been linked with a move away from the Foxes after breaking into the first team, but he has now signed a new deal, ensuring his stay.
The paper explains, “Leicester City have signed 15-year-old starlet Jeremy Monga on a bumper new contract in a major coup for the Championship club.”
This news will disappoint Manchester City and several other clubs eager to secure the teenage talent. Monga became the second youngest player ever to appear in the Premier League earlier this season when he came on as a substitute against Newcastle, making a total of seven appearances for the relegated Foxes.
Interest in Monga has also come from European giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.
McNeilly plans to quit Chelsea
Young Chelsea striker Donnell McNeilly is set to leave the club in search of regular first-team football.
The 19-year-old will be available for a relatively small fee, as Chelsea will be entitled to compensation when his contract expires.
The Athletic reports, “Chelsea Under-21s striker Donnell McNeilly has rejected a contract offer to stay at Stamford Bridge and is planning to leave this summer.”
McNeilly’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the month, and although Chelsea wanted to extend his contract, the young forward is eager to find a club where he can secure first-team opportunities.
The teenager has attracted interest from both Premier League and EFL clubs, with his main priority being to join a side that offers the best pathway to senior minutes, allowing him to progress in his career.
Chelsea will not be able to charge a fee for McNeilly’s departure due to his age, but they will receive compensation as he has been with the club since he was in the Under-12s.