Transfer rumour roundup: Real Madrid plot £44m Rodri swoop; Milan join Jackson chase

Real Madrid are ready to test Manchester City’s resolve with a cut-price £44 million move for Spain midfielder Rodri, according to Radio Marca, while AC Milan have entered the race for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson as the summer window edges closer.

Rodri, whose contract at the Etihad enters its final 12 months this summer, tops Carlo Ancelotti’s wish-list as the Spanish giants look to add a Ballon d’Or winner to their engine room without breaking the bank. City have yet to respond to the speculation, but the modest valuation could force negotiations should the 27-year-old indicate a desire for a new challenge.

At the opposite end of the pitch, Jackson’s future has become a hot topic. Bayern Munich are unlikely to turn the striker’s loan into a permanent deal, yet the 24-year-old Senegalese international is attracting a queue of suitors. Gazzetta dello Sport report that Milan have now joined Aston Villa in tracking Jackson, with Villa boss Unai Emery—who previously worked with the forward at Villarreal—open to a reunion at Villa Park. Milan are also weighing up Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy as they look to bolster their attacking options.

Darwin Núñez’s anticipated departure from Saudi Arabia has gathered pace after a disappointing spell. The Uruguayan’s camp have sounded out Newcastle and Tottenham, while Atlético Madrid and Juventus have registered their interest. Juve view Núñez as a fallback should they fail to secure another former loanee, Randal Kolo Muani, who is their preferred replacement for Dusan Vlahovic. Tottenham, meanwhile, are expected to pass on making Kolo Muani’s move permanent.

Elsewhere on the continent, Omar Marmoush’s lack of game time at City has prompted his representatives to tout the Egyptian to Barcelona, according to self-styled “Global Transfer News Expert” Ekrem Konur. The 25-year-old winger is assessing his options ahead of a potential Etihad exit.

Across London, Fulham and West Ham are lining up offers for Milan and USA midfielder Yunus Musah. Both clubs are prepared to meet the Rossoneri’s asking price for the 21-year-old former Arsenal academy graduate as they seek to inject energy into their midfields.

With Europe’s heavyweights already manoeuvring, the summer transfer window promises swift movement on multiple fronts.