Today’s transfer talk

Aston Villa are going to ask Barcelona to slash their valuation for Philippe Coutinho, according to Spanish reports. The 29-year-old Brazil international has impressed since returning to the Premier League under former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard. When he joined Villa, a £33 million purchase option was included, and the Midlands club are hopeful they will half that. It is understood that the Xavi-led team will be required to deposit the money for Coutinho by the end of June, something Villa will most definitely use in their favour.

Newcastle are going to try signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney in the summer because they believe their top target – Benfica’s Darwin Núñez – wants to join a club that would still see him play Champions League football in the event he leaves the Portuguese club.

Manchester City are ready to trigger the €75 million (£62 million) release clause of Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland. It is understood the striker’s representatives have agreed personal terms with the club, and that City will have to pay the 21-year-old £500,000 a week.

According to reports in Italy, Manchester United are interested in Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The Serbian – who is ‘destined to leave’ the team in the summer – could help solve the midfield problems of United, especially if Paul Pogba does in fact leave the club.

Juventus want to take Pogba back on a free transfer.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish intends to look into bringing Conor Gallagher back to the club next season.

West Ham are reportedly keeping an eye on Burnley No. 1 Nick Pope, as a potential alternative to Alphonse Areola, who is currently on loan to the club from Paris-Saint Germain. Pope impressed at the weekend in the Hammers’ 1-1 draw with Burnley.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek wants to stay at Chelsea next season, despite interest from several Premier League clubs as well as Serie A side Roma.

Raphinha has hinted at a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain after being pictured hanging out with Brazil teammate Neymar.

Erik ten Hag will attempt to raid current side Ajax for the signing of Antony for new side Manchester United.

Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette told a programme on French television that he is “in talks with a lot of clubs”, and has hinted at a potential return to Lyon in the summer.

Real Madrid could enter the race for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski in the event the deal to bring Kylian Mbappé to the club collapses.

Real Madrid are closely monitoring Chelsea’s Reece James. They could also target Manchester United and Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani if Manchester City emerge victorious in the battle for Erling Haaland.

RB Leipzig have put a £54 million price tag on Christopher Nkunku, a target for Manchester United.

Paris Saint-Germain are hoping to sell Argentina’s Mauro Icardi and Leandro Paredes in the summer.

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez could be set for a reunion with former Liverpool Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa after his Atletico Madrid contract expires at the end of the season.

Inter Milan are open to taking back Romelu Lukaku on loan.

Liverpool target Serge Gnabry is in talks to extend his contract at Bayern Munich.

Matt Targett wants Newcastle to make his loan move from Aston Villa permanent.

Newcastle look set to sign Alex Lowry – a product of the Rangers youth team – after holding talks with the Premier League team’s head of recruitment.