Reports from the Daily Times have claimed Sporting Lisbon right back Cedric Soares is close to signing with Southampton. The 23-year-old Portuguese international looks set to replace Nathaniel Clyne, who has just one-year left on his deal at Southampton, and looks set to snub a new contract offer at Saints.
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Liverpool are reportedly lining up a new bid closer to $20 million for the England international after having a previous bid of $15 million turned down. However Soares could arrive at St Mary’s to strengthen the right back slot as Saints will play in the Europa League in the 2015-16 season as well as the Premier League. Soares is said to cost around $5 million and would be Southampton’s second signing of the summer after they acquired Juanmi from Malaga for $8 million.
The Daily Telegraph claims that Aston Villa’s Fabian Delph is wanted by Manchester City. Delph, 25, has become an England international over the past 12 months and despite signing a new four-and-a-half-year deal in January with Villa the former Leeds United man could be targeted by City. It is believed Delph could cost upwards of $40 million as his status as a homegrown player makes him incredible valuable. If City can’t prize Paul Pogba away from Juventus this summer then Delph would be a cheaper option to help reinvigorate their central midfield with his tireless running and all-action approach.
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Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is apparently being targeted by Chelsea. The Daily Telegraph say that Begovic, 27, would cost Chelsea $13 million and would be a good replacement for the outgoing Petr Cech. However, it is claimed that Begovic needs plenty of persuading to join the Blues as he will not be their first choice ‘keeper as long as Thibaut Courtois is around.
The Times say that West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion both want to bring former Newcastle and Chelsea striker Demba Ba back to the Premier League. Ba, 30, is currently playing for Besiktas in Turkey where he was signed by new Hammers boss Slaven Bilic. Ba scored 26 times for Bilic last season but is currently in a dispute with the Istanbul club regarding his wages.
Finally, the Independent claims that Burnley right back Kieran Trippier is close to signing for Tottenham Hotspur. Trippier, 24, impressed for the Clarets in the Premier League during the 2014-15 season and Spurs are said to be closing in on a $5 million deal to secure his services. Where that deal would leave U.S. national team right back DeAndre Yedlin remains to be seen, but Trippier is a wanted man with a release fee of just $5 million in his contract and is said to be scheduled for a medical at Spurs.