Chelsea begin Leao talks – Saturday’s gossip

Chelsea make contact over Rafael Leao, Borussia Dortmund want Jobe Bellingham and a Manchester City target agrees Bayern Munich move.

Chelsea have opened talks to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, with the Serie A side prepared to let the 25-year-old Portugal international leave for around £63.5m. (Caught Offside)

Arsenal have opened talks with France centre-back William Saliba, 24, over a new contract amid interest from Real Madrid. (Athletic – subscription required)

The Gunners are also close to signing Espanyol’s 24-year-old Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia as back-up. (Independent)

Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham, 19, could follow in his 21-year-old brother Jude’s footsteps with Borussia Dortmund planning a £25m move for the England Under-21 international. (Times – subscription required)

Manchester City target Florian Wirtz has agreed to join Bayern Munich, with the Bundesliga champions prepared to pay £87.1m for the 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen and Germany midfielder. (Bild – in German)

Rangers are considering re-hiring Steven Gerrard as manager, with Gary O’Neil, Rob Edwards and Russell Martin also being considered. (Telegraph – subscription required)

Xabi Alonso is keen to bring 20-year-old Bournemouth and Spain defender Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid should he replace Carlo Ancelotti as manager at the Bernabeu. (Talksport)

Liverpool and Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, 25, is one of a number of options being considered by Serie A leaders Napoli as they look to improve their attack. (Corriere dello Sport – in Italian)

American John Textor has held talks to buy out fellow shareholders David Blitzer and Josh Harris and take control of Crystal Palace, but faces competition from New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. (Guardian)

Liverpool will discuss terms with Luis Diaz, 28, over a new contract in the summer, with the Colombia winger’s current deal set to expire in 2027. (TBR Football)

Nottingham Forest have joined Newcastle and Inter Milan in the race to sign Liverpool and England centre-back Jarrell Quansah, 22. (Teamtalk)