Alexander Isak open to Al Hilal move as Newcastle set Ôé¼130m price tag, Real Madrid eye Ballon d'Or winner Rodri - Euro Transfer News

Al Hilal open talks with Isak

French outlet L'Equipe has reported that Al Hilal have opened talks with Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.

Isak looks to be a key member of Newcastle's squad as they return to the UEFA Champions League next season, and with Liverpool's interest in the striker having seemingly quelled amid their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt frontman Hugo Ekitike - Al Hilal have reportedly emerged as a potential suitor.

L'Equipe reports: "Al-Hilal has already started talks with the Swede's entourage and knows the terms of a transfer: Newcastle is asking for Ôé¼130 million. Informed of Al-Hilal's interest, Alexander Isak, under contract with The Magpies until June 2028, agreed to open negotiations with the Saudis, without confirming a departure but to, at least, listen to the financial and sporting arguments of the club where Theo Hernandez has just signed.

"Aware of the interest of many clubs in their striker, Newcastle are looking to strengthen their position in this area. The Magpies are moving forward to bring in Yoane Wissa [Brentford}, who is also on Tottenham's radar, as they seek a striker."

Real Madrid monitoring Rodri

Real Madrid were left incensed when Rodri beat Vinicius Junior to the 2024 Ballon d'Or award - and according to Diario AS, their next move may be to try and lure the midfielder to the Bernabeu.

With Luka Modric having left the club a year after Toni Kroos' retirement, Real are lacking a reliable midfield anchor - and the Spain international would emphatically fill that void in a summer of big spending for the 15-time UEFA Champions League winners.

They have already signed Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono - and should they proceed with a move for Rodri, a sizeable fee would likely be commanded, with the midfielder expected to play a key role for City after being ruled out for much of the 2024/25 campaign with an ACL injury.

The Spanish outlet states: "With his contract expiring in 2027, if he hasn't renewed by next summer, the player will be in a position of strength should he want to leave Manchester City.

"And City would be forced to sell for a reasonable price. All this to prevent the player from making the manoeuvre that has become so popular in recent years: waiting until his contract expires to leave for another club on a free transfer and, in the process, earning a significant signing fee. Madrid, of course, is closely monitoring his situation."

Chelsea open talks with Simons' camp

Transfer journalist Florian Plettenberg said Chelsea have opened talks with the representatives of Xavi Simons, and hold a "serious interest" in the Dutch playmaker.

Chelsea have been active in the summer transfer market - bolstering their strike force with Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, while Jamie Gittens joined from Borussia Dortmund. Plettenberg claims the west London club could now be in for Simons too.

He also claims Arsenal and Bayern Munich are potential suitors for the RB Leipzig man - but the latter are not "concretely" in the race.

Plettenberg said: "Understand talks between the club and the player's camp already having started. No club-to-club talks yet. First, it needs to be checked whether an agreement can be reached between Chelsea and the player.
"Chelsea are currently the most concrete option. Arsenal are monitoring the situation, Bayern are not concretely in the race so far, but Max Eberl is informed about everything. Xavi wants to leave Leipzig."

Atletico table offers for Chelsea's Veiga

Atletico Madrid have offered Chelsea £35m for Renato Veiga, L'Equipe claims.

The 21-year-old figured just seven times for Chelsea in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, and was not in their squad for the victorious Club World Cup campaign in the summer.

L'Equipe reported that he could be on his way to La Liga.

"Returning to Chelsea after a 15-match loan spell at Juventus in the second half of the season, Renato Veiga [21, under contract until 2031] is unlikely to remain in London," the French outlet states. "Atletico de Madrid and Chelsea are negotiating a transfer for the Portuguese international defender, who won the Nations League last June.

"The Spanish have already made two offers, the last of which amounted to £35 million, including bonuses."