Transfer Tuesday: Pump the brakes

Staff

Let's start this off an a silly note. A new team is interested in Paulo Sousa, and it's AC Milan. Why he'd leave a frustrating Fiorentina for an even more frustrating Lolmilan isn't explained in the rumor, but apparently someone really wants everyone to think that this is totally a thing.

Goalkeepers

The Salvatore Sirigu hype continues to build, as the PSG keeper seems to be edging closer to a return to Italy. The real question is where that leaves Ciprian Tătăruşanu. We've heard conflicting reports about his future if Sirigu joins the club. Some say that he'd stick around, but it's more likely that he'd leave, either to England (where he's apparently got some admirers) or back to Romania.

Defenders

Viola scouts are watching 18-year-old Sporting Gijón centerback Jorge Meré. The Spanish U21 international has been a bright spot for the Rojiblancos. A powerful presence in the middle, he's also got a knack for reading the game that you wouldn't expect in a player who just made his debut this past September (the highlights are from his first senior game). With his skill on the ball, he could be a long-term replacement for Gonzalo Rodríguez.

Former Fiorentina target Sylvan Widmer, meanwhile, has popped up on the Juventus radar. Having struck gold with another Swiss rightback in Stephan Lichtsteiner, it seems the Udinese man could be his replacement.

Midfielders

Sassuolo DS Giovanni Carnavale says that Fiorentina have asked about midfielder Simone Missiroli. He's a hardworking cog in the middle, but certainly not better than Borja Valero, Matías Vecino, Milan Badelj, or Mati Fernández. On a more frustrating note, Dennis Praet's agent Ivan Raggiani has squelched the recent news that the promising young Belgian attacker is set for a move to Florence in the harshest possible language, questioning the Viola's status as a club big enough for his client. Regardless of whether he's right, burning bridges like that is rarely a good idea. Finishing off the midfield rumors on a bright note, though, it sounds like Borja Valero's not ever going to leave, and is even open to accepting a role with the staff once he retires. Hopefully, it involves a crown and scepter.

Forwards

Sounds like Borussia Dortmund are also interested in Fiorentina target Gabriel "Gabigol" Barbosa, seeing him as a perfect replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should the Gabonese striker leave this summer. However, the Rhinelanders are also interested in current Viola forward Josip Iličić, which muddles the matter. Leicester City, of course, remain intrigued as well, as do Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. which could set up a bidding war, with the opening price set at a cool €15 million. And, because this keeps on happening so we have to report it, Crystal effing Palace are planning a €10 million bid for Khouma Babacar, despite the striker's repeated statements that he's staying at Fiorentina.