Job done for Manchester United, then. And having become only the second English club to complete a clean sweep of the major European prizes, they’ll make like the first, Chelsea, and embark on a serious summer spending spree. Admittedly they’d have done this whatever the result last night, but after doing a comprehensive number on Ajax, they’ve earned the right to spoil themselves a little, huh.
The president of Atlético Madrid has gone on the radio to insist that Antoine Griezmann hasn’t asked for a move, and in any case nobody in their right mind would stump up the striker’s £85m release clause. United chief executive Ed Woodward stifles a yawn, licks the side of his thumb, and begins the big count. One, two, three...
United are also very interested in £50m Ross Barkley, having enjoyed good experiences of nicking off with Everton’s best young talent in the past. They’d also like Renato Sanches and Douglas Costa from Bayern Munich, though Juventus fancy that double swoop too, while Tottenham Hotspur will rival them for Costa. And they’ll also tighten up that stingy defence even further, with bids for Burnley’s Michael Keane and Benfica’s Victor Lindelof.
But it’s not all good news for the new Europa League champions, because Barcelona are after last night’s man of the match Ander Herrera. Hey, swings and roundabouts.
Celtic, one cup-final victory away from an unbeaten domestic season which would knock the Preston and Arsenal invincibles into a cocked hat, fancy snaffling some more young Premier League talent on loan, having done pretty darn well with Manchester City’s Patrick Roberts this season. Brendan Rodgers has a good idea what 20-year-old Liverpool winger Harry Wilson is about, so he’ll do.
Back in 2014, Derek McInnes led Aberdeen to their first trophy in 18 years, the Scottish League Cup. If he manages to ruin Celtic’s entire season at Hampden on Saturday, he’ll have won their first Scottish Cup for 27 years. Whatever happens in the big game, he deserves reward and recognition. All he’s getting, however, is a job offer from Sunderland. It’s not much to show for a life’s work, is it.
Newcastle United are in for Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, a former hot new thing whose star has slightly faded of late, and 18-year-old Caen winger Yann Karamoh, whose star is very much rising. Ah Newcastle ... a beautiful star ... the Rumour Mill misses the old Broon-sponsored kit, Ossie Ardiles, the irregular stripes, all that. Wonga and Fun88 just don’t cut it.
West Bromwich Albion are also interested in Carvalho, plus Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho. These attempts by Tony Pulis to take things up a notch and recreate some 1978-style sass-ball may be scuppered by either Everton, Southampton, West Ham or Borussia Dortmund, all of whom fancy the City substitute striker themselves.
Just in case that one falls through, West Ham have lined up Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic, though Besiktas are doing their best to jigger that deal too. It’s going to be a long summer for the Hammers. It’s going to be a long summer for us all. The transfer window isn’t even open yet. Good grief.
