Transfer rumour roundup: London giants lock horns over Hoffenheim hot-shot Asllani; Celtic lead race for Bodo/Glimt star

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are ready to go head-to-head in the battle for Hoffenheim’s breakthrough forward Fisnik Asllani, according to German outlet BILD. The 21-year-old Kosovan international, who struck nine times in the Bundesliga this season, has emerged as one of Europe’s most coveted young attackers after a campaign that caught the attention of several heavyweights.

Bayern Munich are also monitoring Asllani’s situation, but the immediate tug-of-war is expected to be between the two Premier League neighbours, both of whom view the versatile front-man as an ideal summer reinforcement. With Hoffenheim braced for offers, the player is understood to be weighing up a move that would offer Champions League football and a clear pathway into the starting XI.

Across the North of England, Manchester United are preparing a major squad overhaul. Turkish publication Sporx reports that goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is nearing a switch to Besiktas and could be used as a makeweight in a potential swap deal for Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who left Leicester City for the Turkish giants last summer. Incoming United chiefs see the move as a cost-effective way to strengthen the engine room while trimming a bloated wage bill.

Borussia Dortmund have not given up hope of bringing Jadon Sancho back to the Westfalenstadion for a third spell, writes The Times. The England winger’s contract at his current club expires in 2025, and BVB believe a cut-price reunion could be struck if the 24-year-old decides against extending his stay elsewhere.

Juventus, meanwhile, have been informed that activating Joshua Zirkzee’s €25 million release clause will be mandatory if they wish to prise the Dutch striker away, Tuttosport reveals. Serie A’s record champions are on the lookout for a reliable goal-scorer and have identified the 23-year-old as a primary target, provided they can balance the books before the window closes.

In Manchester, an emotional homecoming could be on the cards for John Stones. TEAMtalk understands the centre-back is increasingly likely to leave Manchester City when his contract expires next month, with boyhood club Everton ready to offer him a return to Goodison Park a decade after his initial departure. Stones is said to be open to the switch, which would reunite him with the Toffees’ ambitious project under new ownership.

Scotland could be the next destination for Bodo/Glimt’s goal-machine Kasper Høgh. Celtic have moved to the front of the queue for the 23-year-old Dane, who has amassed 45 goals in 88 appearances for the Norwegian champions, including five in this season’s Champions League. Leeds United remain in the hunt, but the Scottish Premiership leaders are confident they can persuade Høgh that Glasgow is the ideal stage to showcase his talents.

Finally, Barcelona are exploring creative formulas to lure Julian Alvarez away from Atletico Madrid, according to QuiThiJugues. The cash-strapped Catalans accept a straight cash deal is impossible, yet they believe a structured offer involving players-plus-deferred payments could tempt the capital club to negotiate.