Euro 2020 Transfer Talk: Italian stars interest Premier League clubs

Matchday three gets up and running at Euro 2020 today — meaning we will know the last-16 line-up by Wednesday.

First up, it is Italy against Wales at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome before Switzerland face Turkey in Baku for a shot at being one of the four best third-placed teams.

While the action is playing out at the tournament, clubs across the globe are scrambling to get their summer transfer deals over the line before squads return for pre-season. 

So we have rounded up the pick of rumours concerning the four nations playing today.

London calling

Italy's Leonardo Spinazzola has been one of the stars of the Azzurri's campaign — and two Premier League rivals are now chasing him.

Chelsea and Tottenham are reportedly locked in a battle to sign the Roma defender following a series of impressive displays.

Spinazzola, 28, was man-of-the-match in the opening night win over Turkey, bagging an assist in the 3-0 success in Rome. 

He followed that up with another fine display against Switzerland.

Chelsea are expected to move on a number of players before the start of the season and Thomas Tuchel could need a new left-back if both Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri leave. 

The situation at Tottenham is less clear-cut. Sergio Reguilon is the first choice and Ben Davies remains on the books — but he endured an injury-plagued 2020-21.

Emerson exit

Helping make way for Spinazzola at Stamford Bridge would be the departure of Emerson.

The left-back, 26, made just two Premier League appearances last season — both as a sub — after falling behind Ben Chilwell and Alonso in the pecking order.

Napoli currently lead the chase for the Brazil-born full-back, who has made just 23 Premier League starts since signing from Roma in January 2018.

Emerson played under Luciano Spalletti at Roma and it is understood the new Napoli coach has requested the signing. 

Man of the moment

Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli has been another of Italy's stars at Euro 2020, bagging a brace in the 3-0 win over Switzerland.

Chelsea and Manchester City have joined the Sassuolo schemer's growing list of admirers.

But Locatelli, 23, insists he is focused only on the European Championship and glory with the Azzurri.

He said: "[The transfer rumours are] just talk. I will decide after the European Championship. 

"There's such an important competition to play in and I'm only focused on this. I rely on what happens on the pitch, the real things, everything else is just gossip, it's useless to talk about it."

The former AC Milan midfielder made more passes into the final third (289) than anyone else in Serie A last season, as well as ranking second for progressive passes (266).

Blades raid for Allen

Sheffield United are preparing for life in the Championship with a move for Wales midfielder Joe Allen.

Allen, 31, made just 19 Championship appearances for the Potters last term due to injury and would represent a cheap option for the Blades.

According to reports, new boss Slavisa Jokanovic had been keen on Tom Cairney, his old captain at Fulham, but was put off by the £10million asking price.

But Allen would perform a similar role at the base of midfield at Bramall Lane. 

Okay signing

Leeds are targeting a move for Turkey midfielder Okay Yokuslu this summer after he impressed on loan at West Brom.

The defensive midfielder joined the Baggies on loan from Celta Vigo in January and made an immediate impact despite relegation.

According to reports in Spain, Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa was impressed by the 6ft 3in midfielder and views him as an alternative to Kalvin Phillips.

Yokuslu, 27, averaged 2.26 completed tackles per 90 minutes after for the Baggies, as well as 2.88 interceptions.