**Napoli Weighs Up Grealish Move**
Napoli is currently contemplating a significant move for Jack Grealish, the talented winger currently with Manchester City. Reports from the Telegraph indicate that while the Italian club is interested, they are hesitant to match Grealish’s substantial wages, which reportedly stand at approximately £300,000 per week. This financial consideration could emerge as a significant hurdle in the negotiation process.
Grealish finds himself in a precarious position after being overlooked for inclusion in City’s Club World Cup squad. This absence has led to speculation about his future, with various clubs both in the Premier League and abroad expressing interest. For Napoli, who displayed an interest in Grealish during the previous January transfer window, head coach Antonio Conte is said to admire the 29-year-old, yet the club has yet to make a formal bid for him this summer. Their decision-making process involves evaluating whether a deal is feasible, especially considering their clear stance that they will not match the player’s current salary.
Insiders quoted in the Telegraph suggest that if a transfer is to take place, Manchester City may need to cover a portion of Grealish’s wages—perhaps as much as 50%. This financial arrangement could be pivotal in making the move to Napoli more realistic. Furthermore, the winger is expected to attract interest not just from Serie A but also from other Premier League clubs. However, many clubs seem inclined to postpone their approach until later in the transfer window. Manchester City remains optimistic about receiving offers for Grealish, though some sources believe that an initial loan arrangement is more probable. With the Summer World Cup on the horizon, there is an urgency for Grealish to secure a position where he can assert himself and potentially reclaim his spot in the England squad.
**Walker to Everton**
In a related development, Kyle Walker, another name linked with a move from Manchester City, has reportedly reached an agreement to join Everton. Respected publication The Sun has indicated that the full-back, who is returning from a loan spell with AC Milan, faces an uncertain future at City.
The 35-year-old defender’s time at the Etihad Stadium, where he has spent approximately eight years, could soon be coming to an end. Walker’s transfer to Everton may involve either a permanent deal or a one-year loan, as both clubs explore the best route forward. The discussions between Everton and Manchester City are ongoing to ascertain which option is more suitable. Fulham had also shown interest in signing Walker but could not finalize a deal due to financial constraints.
As he navigates this transition, Walker took time out to travel to New York before embarking on a vacation to Jamaica, signaling a well-deserved break after a fruitful career at City. Over his tenure, he has amassed an impressive haul of 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles, making his mark as one of the top full-backs in modern football.
**Newcastle Opens Pedro Talks**
Shifting the focus to Newcastle United, it appears the club is preparing to initiate negotiations with Brighton for striker Joao Pedro, who carries a substantial price tag of £60 million. As the team looks to strengthen for their Champions League campaign, Pedro has emerged as a priority target, particularly with other potential signings like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo seemingly fading away.
According to reporting from the Telegraph, Newcastle is optimistic about reaching an agreement with Brighton; however, they are aware of the intricacies involved in such a high-value transfer. Brighton’s recent acquisition of a striker, Greek player Charalampos Kostoulas, could potentially facilitate Newcastle’s pursuit of Pedro, but caution is warranted, as the Brazilian is also attracting attention from other Premier League teams including Chelsea.
Manager Eddie Howe has been an advocate of Pedro for years, famously considering signing him in the summer of 2022 before opting to secure Alexander Isak in a record-breaking deal for the club. Pedro boasts impressive credentials for his age, and Newcastle’s proactive approach may soon see them completing their first signing of the summer.
**Manchester United Scouts Nice Midfielder**
Meanwhile, Manchester United is on the lookout for more budget-friendly talent, with reports indicating that they have been scouting Hicham Boudaoui from Nice, a player whose profile aligns with their desired acquisition strategy. According to The Sun, scouts were present at a recent friendly involving Algeria, where they observed the 24-year-old midfielder, who is expected to depart Ligue 1 shortly.
Boudaoui’s performance, which included winning all his ground duels and showcasing a broad passing range, has sparked intrigue regarding his potential in the Premier League. He demonstrated composure under pressure and an ability to contribute significantly to the game, which underlines why he is generating interest from larger clubs like Manchester United.
As this transfer window unfolds, all eyes will be on moves and negotiations across these major clubs, with aspects of financial planning and talent acquisition playing pivotal roles in shaping their respective seasons.