Summer Transfer Window Gossip: Jesus Navas, Jose Mourinho, Gonzalo Higuain
In this Sunday edition of the B/R Summer Transfer Window Gossip roundup, the biggest names and biggest stories surround Real Madrid's potential outgoings.
Gonzalo Higuain drops confirmation of a move, Borussia Dortmund check in on a possible replacement for Robert Lewandowski and Manchester City edge closer to their first summer signing.
Read on for more details.
Jesus Navas
1 of 6Manchester City appear to be edging toward their first signing of the season in the form of Spanish winger Jesus Navas.
According to David Cooper of Sport360.com, after the club's final game of the season, Sevilla manager Unai Emery noted the once travel-shy No. 7 is set to depart.
"Everything indicates that he will leave. ... He should continue his career in England. Manchester City are very interested," he told reporters.
Likely manager Manuel Pellegrini would land a player who fits perfectly into his Citizens side, solving a big width problem and injecting explosive pace into the lineup.
Lukas Podolski
2 of 6Charlie Wyett of The Sun believes Arsenal could have a fight on their hands this summer to keep one of their prized attacking assets (h/t Metro).
Lukas Podolski is being targeted by Borussia Dortmund, who are set to land in excess of £50 million in spending money thanks to the sales of Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski.
"Poldi" was instrumental in ripping Ecuador apart this week on international duty and enjoyed a promising first season at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners would be looking to make a profit on the £11 million they paid for him just under 12 months ago.
Simon Mignolet
3 of 6Dean Jones and Tom Hopkinson of The Mirror believe Liverpool are close to securing their new goalkeeper of the future.
With question marks hanging over the head of current incumbent Pepe Reina, Brendan Rodgers has been "given the go ahead" to offer £6.5 million for Sunderland's Simon Mignolet.
The Belgian shot-stopper has been in fine form once again this season, displaying elite reflexes and a good rapport with an ever-changing central defensive corps.
Gonzalo Higuain
4 of 6Real Madrid's beloved Gonzalo Higuain is certain to leave this summer, telling reporters he was set for an exit after the final game of the campaign.
He opened the scoring in los Blancos' 4-2 win over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, then, per Sky Sports, admitted Juventus was a possible landing spot for him ahead of next season.
Jose Mourinho
5 of 6Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has confirmed live on Sky Sports News that Jose Mourinho is set to return to Chelsea.
He took charge of the final game of the season against Osasuna and waved farewell to the Bernabeu. He's now immediately set to take charge of the manager-less Blues.
The English Premier League's official website made a blunder on Saturday evening, prematurely releasing an article confirming the Portuguese's return. It's since been removed, but it only served to confirm the most expected move in football this summer.
Quick Kicks
6 of 6Speaking to Sky Sports, Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne has confirmed he is on the lookout for a new club after the two parties decided to part ways this summer. The Irishman missed the final year of his deal due to a groin injury.
Yossi Benayoun wants a summer move to MLS soccer, according to FoxSports.com.
Mark Hughes wants to make Erik Pieters his first signing at Stoke City, according to Simon Mullock of The Mirror. The Dutch defender has put injury troubles behind him to continue a promising career, and he's now a £4 million target.
John Heitinga is angling for a move away from Everton, with Fenerbahce circling. As per Bill Mills of The Mirror's report, the Dutchman is looking to move abroad and has confirmed he will not extend his contract at Goodison Park.
