Euro 2020 Transfer Talk: Silva service up for grabs as City eye new recruits

Euro 2020 roars into life today as France tackle Germany in the standout fixture of the group stage.

Les Bleus are the overwhelming favourites to build on their World Cup success three years ago while Germany, three-time European champions, boast plenty of talent.

Elsewhere, holders Portugal take on group minnows Hungary — but this talented generation of Magyars will not make life easy for Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.

Needless to say, there are plenty of transfer rumours swirling around affecting the players involved in today’s games and we have rounded up the best of them.

Silva service

Portuguese playmaker Bernardo Silva could be among the players to leave Manchester City before the start of the season.

Despite winning the Premier League, the Citizens have promised a big summer of business and several established first-team players are thought to be vulnerable.

But after making just 24 league starts in 2020-21, Silva is open to the idea of leaving Manchester.

Barcelona and LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid are among the 26-year-old’s suitors.

Gini replacement?

Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches is probably best remembered in England for his pinpoint pass to an advertising hoarding while on loan at Swansea.

But the former Bayern Munich man, 23, rediscovered his best form in 2020-21 to help current club Lille win the Ligue 1 title. 

And Liverpool are reportedly keen on securing the services of the classy midfielder, who was the winner of the 2016 European Golden Boy award for the best under-23 player in Europe.

Reports claim the Reds see him as the perfect replacement for Gini Wijnaldum, who joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free earlier this month.

French connection

The future of France centre-back Raphael Varane, 28, looks to be one of the biggest stories of the summer.

According to reports in Spain, the defender is surplus to requirements at Real Madrid as they look to raise funds.

Manchester United and PSG lead the chase for Varane but the asking price may prove problematic — Real are holding out for more than £50million.

On the move?

Tottenham’s French midfielder Moussa Sissoko, 31, could be set to leave North London this summer.

A member of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad, Sissoko is wanted by Serie A outfit Napoli, according to reports in Italy.

Speaking earlier this month, he said: "This is my fifth year at the club and I have had some very good moments.

"Now, I am a person who does not close any doors. If a new challenge presents itself, we will see what I do."

Leno no keeper

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is weighing up the possibility of selling Germany goalkeeper Bernd Leno, 29, this summer.

Leno, who is Die Mannschaft’s back-up to the hugely experienced Manuel Neuer, is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2023 and the indications are he will not renew his deal.

Arsenal will have to sell Leno by the end of next summer’s transfer window to avoid losing the former Bayer Leverkusen stopper for free.

Ajax’s suspended No1 Andre Onana has been touted as a possible replacement.