Latest transfer news: Real Madrid want Everton ace as Juventus eye Antony

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February 24th 

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The January transfer window is now little more than a distant memory in European football and as such clubs across the continent are already making plans for the summer window. Teams are working tirelessly behind the scenes on identifying targets and figuring out their budgets.

Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals. A plethora of players will become available in the summer where clubs famously have more money to spend and aren’t as restricted by financial fair play rules. The rumour mill is beginning to pick up pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories. 

It’s no secret that Real Madrid want to sign a new centre-back this summer and Jarrad Branthwaite remains of interest. The Everton defender was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United last summer but Madrid have also been monitoring his progression. Branthwaite was handed his professional debut by Carlo Ancelotti but RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba remains an alternative.

Despite being sent off against Getafe on Sunday night, Antony continued to impress on-loan at Real Betis with another assists. The Brazilian winger is aiming to revive his career in Spain after a dismal time at Manchester United with Juventus considering a move this summer.

Manchester City spent big in the January window to start their rebuild under Pep Guardiola. City are expected to be busy again this summer and Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães is high on their shortlist. Meanwhile, Luiz Diaz remains a priority target for Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.