Football Transfers: Hazard, Lewandowski, Thiago all involved with Real Madrid
What's the story
Real Madrid and Barcelona are fighting it out for Bayern Munich's mid-field ace, while the Bavarians have turned down Madrid's offer for Lewandowski. Hazard is being linked with Real Madrid yet again and Dortmund are looking beyond Stamford Bridge for a striker. Here are the top transfer rumors and news from across Europe.
Tug of war
Real Madrid and Barcelona fight for Thiago
Barcelona want to bring back Thiago Alcantara to the Camp Nou but fierce rivals Real Madrid will not let them buy the mid-field ace without putting up a fight. Bayern Munich are willing to sell the mid-fielder for €70 million and Barcelona are hoping they would reunite with the player. Thiago played for Barca from 2009 to 2013 before leaving for Germany.
Snubbed
Bayern turn down Lewandowski-Benzema swap deal
German champions Bayern Munich have turned down Real Madrid's Robert Lewandowski-Karim Benzema swap deal offer. Lewandowski is Real Madrid's top target right now and the Polish striker has already expressed his desire to leave Germany. Real Madrid were hoping this swap deal will go through but the Bavarian giants do not seem interested.
Expensive
Dortmund have no funds for Morata
Dortmund have ruled out the possibility of bidding for Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata as they find the Spaniard too expensive. They would continue to look for a striker to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who departed for Arsenal in January. Chelsea paid £58 million for the striker whom they signed last summer and Dortmund don't expect him to come cheap.
Dream move
Hazard offered to Real Madrid
If reports in Spain are to be believed, then Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard was reportedly offered to Real Madrid by his father, just days before the Champions League final in Kiev. Hazard has stalled his contract negotiations at Stamford Bridge. He 'openly' told the media that Real Madrid know what they have to do if they wish to sign him.
Steal deal
Roma to land €20 mn Pastore
Paris Saint-Germain star Javier Pastore will reportedly sign for AS Roma in a €20 million deal. The Argentine was keen on a move from Paris and finally settled down with Roma after having talks with the likes of West Ham and Liverpool. The 29-year-old is familiar with the Serie A after spending 3 years in Italy with Palermo before being shipped off to Paris.