Transfer Talk: Bayern, Madrid in off-field battle for Thiaw as well

The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Madrid and Bayern look to Thiaw

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are interested in AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw, according to Calciomercato.

Both European giants will be focusing on reaching the Champions League final, having played out a scintillating 2-2 draw in Tuesday’s semifinal first leg. Even so, there could be off-field competition between the Spanish and German clubs as they look to strengthen their squads in the the summer.

Thiaw, 22, will have only increased any interest with an impressive performance during Milan’s goalless draw with Juventus on Saturday. That came after he missed the title-deciding defeat to bitter rivals Internazionale due to suspension and will offer a reminder of what the Germany international can do after what has been a stop-start campaign due to injury. Despite that, he has made 27 appearances — 23 starts — for the side currently sitting second in Serie A.

Bayern and Los Blancos have both endured their own injury problems at centre-back this season, with Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti using Aurélien Tchouaméni at the heart of his defence at times, while counterpart Thomas Tuchel has often been unable to play a settled pairing in the middle of defence.

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PAPER GOSSIP

– Barcelona will look to sign Guido Rodríguez as a free agent when the midfielder’s Real Betis contract expires, reports Marca, although the outlet adds that the 30-year-old will renew with his current club if a move doesn’t go through. Barca are also looking at Bayern Munich lynchpin Joshua Kimmich at a reduced rate but are willing to wait until the 29-year-old is a free agent in 2025.

– The A-League’s all-time record goal-scorer Jamie Maclaren has confirmed that he is leaving Melbourne City at the end of the season. FTBL reports that Indian Super League champions Mohun Bagan are the favorites to the 30-year-old striker, while there are also options in the Middle East and MLS.

– Juventus could make a new attempt to sign Manuel Ugarte with the midfielder having fallen out of favour with head coach Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport, which adds that a loan could be possible. The likes of Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, Real Sociedad duo Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino and Udinese star Lazar Samardzic are also being considered.