Martinez transfer update
Inter Milan will not consider selling in-demand striker Lautaro Martinez unless the Argentine submits a transfer request, according to reports in Italy.
As per Gazzetta dello Sport, the Nerazzurri are determined to receive all of Martinez’s £96.7 million release clause should the forward express a desire to leave.
In addition to Barcelona and Manchester City, Chelsea are thought to be keeping tabs on the 22-year-old’s situation at the San Siro.
Martinez has emerged as one of Italian football’s hottest properties since joining Inter from Racing Club in 2018.
The 17-time Argentina international’s 11 goals in 22 Serie A appearances have helped Antonio Conte’s side remain in the Scudetto hunt with Juventus and Lazio.
Coutinho blow
While there is hope that Chelsea can lure Martinez to Stamford Bridge, it seems unlikely that Philippe Coutinho will make a Premier League return with the Blues.
The former Liverpool playmaker is on loan at Bayern Munich from Barcelona, but will seemingly be playing his football at the Camp Nou next season after Barca boss Quique Setien expressed his admiration for the Brazilian.
“I think Coutinho is a great player,” Setien told RAC1. “I like him a lot. He's a player who, in principle, is Barcelona's.
“Any team that wants him has to pay his clause (£348.2m) or a certain amount to Barca.
“I'm counting on him [possibly] being here at the start of next season. I don't know what he wants to do.
“Perhaps I have to speak to him and ask him. He is a great player, without doubt.”
Coutinho has struggled to shine consistently at Barcelona since joining from Liverpool in January 2018. Despite scoring nine times in 32 games for Bayern this term, the Bundesliga champions are not expected to pursue the 27-year-old on a permanent basis.
Blues behind United in Bellingham race
Manchester United have stolen a march on Chelsea in the race to sign Birmingham City wonderkid Jude Bellingham.
The 16-year-old has attracted interest from some of Europe’s top clubs following an impressive run in Birmingham’s first-team after debuting in August.
According to The Sun, Bellingham was “blown away” by his tour around United’s Carrington training complex in March.
Bellingham may cost United upwards of £35 million.
