Time is ticking down on the 2015-16 season in Europe, but the wheeling and dealing of the summer appears to be warming up. As always, Transfer Talk has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest gossip. See the latest deals here.
TOP STORY: Morata in the mood to stay put?
Last week, it seemed increasingly possible that sought-after striker Alvaro Morata could be on his way from Juventus.
Reports that Morata was weighing up his options after spells out of the Juventus starting lineup were said to have sparked interest from his former club Real Madrid -- who included a buy-back clause of around £20 million in the deal that took him to Turin -- as well as Arsenal and Manchester City.
Last month, it was suggested that the Spain international was "at the top of Arsene Wenger's wish list," and that one possible scenario involved Real, aware of that interest, trying to buy him back before selling him on to the Gunners for a tidy profit.
But wait a moment: Juve CEO Giuseppe Marotta has said Morata is keen to stay after all, and the Sun cites a report in Tuttosport as saying the Serie A champions have offered the Bernabeu club another £15m in order to make sure they keep him.
"We have to applaud this group, and we want to keep them together," Marotta is quoted as saying. "Some situations, such as Morata's, do not depend on us. We want to keep him, but we have to deal with Real Madrid. His intention is to stay here."
Benatia 'will leave if he has to'
These days, if it's not one Bayern Munich player reportedly interesting Arsenal, it's another. On Sunday, striker Robert Lewandowski was the name in the frame. Then it was defender Medhi Benatia, according to the Star.
It reports that Wenger "is eager to strengthen his options at the back ahead of next season," with German World Cup-winner Per Mertesacker reportedly likely to be heading elsewhere in the summer.
Morocco international Benatia was an Arsenal target a couple of years back and could now move to North London after all -- if Bayern can wrap up a deal for Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels, who has said he wants to join the Bundesliga champions.
"If I have to leave Bayern at the end of this season, I will leave," Benatia, also linked with Juventus, told Sky Sport Italia. "But I am only thinking about finishing the season well. I am talking about the Champions League, the Bundesliga title and the German Cup. It is important to live these moments."
Mikel 'turns down Turkey transfers'
Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel could be staying at Stamford Bridge after all, says the Sun.
The 29-year-old, who has re-established himself following the departure of Jose Mourinho and the arrival of interim boss Guus Hiddink, had been linked with a big-money move to Turkey, with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce both said to have offered lucrative deals.
But the Sun reports that Mikel has turned down that interest and may now stay in London as the Antonio Conte era gets under way after Euro 2016. Mikel has a year left on his current contract, and a new one could now follow.
Sam for Spurs or setting sights on Spain?
Tottenham face a tough task to keep their flickering title hopes alive on Monday, when they must win at Chelsea in order to keep Leicester waiting. And they face another challenge to persuade Lyon central defender Samuel Umtiti to join the club this summer, the Mirror reports.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen to bring the 22-year-old to White Hart Lane, but Umtiti has suggested a move to Spain could be more his thing.
The Mirror quotes the player as saying he is "flattered" by Tottenham's interest but added: "I watch all the leagues. ... I think the Spanish league would suit me best."
Saints and Hornets chase Robson-Kanu
Southampton and Watford are set for a summer scrap over Reading's Wales international Hal Robson-Kanu, the Mirror reports.
Wales international Robson-Kanu is out of contract with the Championship club at the end of the season, and Royals officials had planned talks about a new deal once the campaign is over.
But now the Mirror reports that the 26-year-old, who can play in midfield or attack, has put negotiations on hold until after Euro 2016. And that, the report says, has alerted both the Saints and the Hornets as the player looks for a route back into the Premier League.
Swansea are also said to be interested, but if Robson-Kanu does end up going to the Saints, he could be joined by Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar.
The Mirror writes that the Saints are keen on the 20-year-old, who has also been linked with Liverpool, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.
Tap-ins
- There's increasing speculation that Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen could be on his way during the summer, but manager Jurgen Klopp -- not in the best of moods after Sunday's defeat at Swansea -- has said now's not the time to talk about that.
Speaking at his post-match news conference, Klopp said, "We'll talk about Joe Allen's future, but not at a press conference in Swansea. I spoke to him yesterday and everything is fine. He's in good shape, and he is a very important player for us."
- AC Milan remain keen on Feyenoord's Netherlands under-21 international Tonny Vilhena, Gazzetta World has reported.
The midfielder will be out of contract with the Dutch club at the end of the campaign, but Milan -- linked with him last summer -- face competition from clubs including Midlands duo Leicester and West Bromwich Albion if they are to sign him.