Latest transfer news and rumors: Wirtz too expensive for Man City

The transfer window may be closed, but the rumors never stop swirling. Check in every day for all the latest buzz from across the soccer world.

Top story: Man City done with Wirtz

Manchester City ended their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz after learning a potential deal could cost as much as €300 million. City believe Wirtz is a natural heir to Kevin De Bruyne, who's leaving at the end of the season. However, the club has concerns that his value is overinflated, with a bidding war developing with Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

City have bowed out of negotiations for top players before - they famously balked at Tottenham's demands for Harry Kane before signing Erling Haaland for a fraction of the price - and are prepared to do so again here. The change of course also underscores the club's continued belief in Phil Foden, who's struggled for consistency since being named player of the season last year. (BBC Sport)

Other rumors

May 19

Cunha deal almost done: Manchester United are finalizing personal terms with Wolverhampton forward Matheus Cunha after convincing him to join Ruben Amorim's project. (Fabrizio Romano)

Cherki leaving Lyon: Ligue 1 prospect Rayan Cherki has triggered a continent-wide scramble for his services after informing Lyon he wants to leave. The 21-year-old attacker's release clause stands at only €20 million. Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund, and Atalanta lead the race. (TEAMtalk)

Barca eyeing Emi Martinez: Given Marc-Andre ter Stegen's injury history and uncertainty over Wojciech Szczesny's future, Barcelona are considering a bid for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. (Mundo Deportivo)

Alonso wants Modric to stay: Incoming Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has told the club to renew Luka Modric's contract for one more season. Alonso values the 39-year-old midfielder's experience. (Radio Marca)

Liverpool open Kerkez talks: Liverpool have approached Bournemouth over a potential transfer fee for left-back Milos Kerkez. Personal terms aren't expected to be an issue. (Fabrizio Romano)

May 18

Milan firm on Reijnders' price: AC Milan immediately turned down Manchester City's opening €60-million offer for coveted Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders as it fell well short of their €90-million asking price. (TEAMtalk)

Ronaldo gets Brazilian offer: With the help of outside investors, an unnamed Brazilian club has made a major bid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo in time for the Club World Cup. Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Palmeiras are the four Brazilian sides competing in the tournament. (Marca)

Rashford bending for Barca: Marcus Rashford is willing to take a pay cut on his £315,000 weekly salary to join Barcelona this summer. The cash-strapped Blaugrana are most likely to offer Manchester United a loan deal. (Mundo Deportivo)

Newcastle free to spend: Newcastle's Saudi owners are impressed with the club's performance this season and could make as much as £150 million available for summer transfers. Manager Eddie Howe wants upgrades in the goalkeeper, right-wing, and forward positions. (Newcastle Chronicle)

Napoli continue De Bruyne talks: Napoli remain in talks with Kevin De Bruyne's camp over a sensational free transfer but have to bridge the gap between their offer of a €7-million annual salary and De Bruyne's €10-million request. (Calciomercato)

Inter Miami want Di Maria: Inter Miami are hoping to reunite Lionel Messi with Angel Di Maria. The Argentinian winger is leaving Benfica when his contract expires in June. Miami have been tracking Di Maria for a year. (TEAMtalk)

Muller not retiring yet: Thomas Muller has no plans to retire after leaving Bayern Munich at 35 years old and is currently evaluating an offer from Major League Soccer. (Florian Plettenberg)

May 17

Guehi eyes Madrid, Barca: Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi could spurn the advances of multiple English clubs by running down his contract and joining either Real Madrid or Barcelona for free next summer. (The Sun)

EPL trio chasing Rodrygo: Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal have all held initial talks with the agents of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, who's looking increasingly likely to depart the Santiago Bernabeu this summer following an uneven campaign. (Fichajes)

Napoli ask about Nunez: Liverpool are still expected to sell Darwin Nunez this summer to help fund their search for a new striker, and Napoli have emerged as potential suitors after making contact with the Reds about the Uruguayan. (Fabrizio Romano)

Dibu to depart: Emiliano Martinez is expected to leave Aston Villa this summer. Multiple Saudi Pro League clubs are interested in the Argentina No. 1. Villa, meanwhile, are showing interest in Espanyol netminder Joan Garcia, who's being followed by several teams. (Fabrizio Romano)

Vlahovic out, Osimhen in: Atletico Madrid are considering a move for Dusan Vlahovic, who's expected to leave Juventus this summer after a frustrating season. Juve continue to pursue Victor Osimhen as a potential replacement. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Xabi Alonso's shopping list: Ahead of his expected hiring as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement as Real Madrid boss, Xabi Alonso has identified central midfield as a key area of need. He'd like to sign one of Franco Mastantuono, Exequiel Palacios, Tijjani Reijnders, or Angelo Stiller. (Marca)

Another Conceicao for Milan?: Juventus have decided not to make Francisco Conceicao's loan from FC Porto permanent. The Portuguese winger has been offered to AC Milan, the team currently coached - but perhaps not for long - by his father, Sergio. (Nicolo Schira)

Sane changes tune: Leroy Sane, once expected to sign a contract extension with Bayern Munich, is now interested in returning to the Premier League after feeling shortchanged by Bayern's offer. Newcastle are exploring a move for the 29-year-old winger. (BILD)

May 16

Rashford race begins: Marcus Rashford will be a central figure this summer after Manchester United slapped a £40-million price tag on their unwanted forward. Aston Villa don't have a first option written into the terms of their loan agreement for Rashford, meaning other clubs could swoop in. (The Telegraph)

Wharton war: Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton remains one of the most admired youngsters in European football. The 21-year-old, who's valued at around £60 million, is wanted by Barcelona, Liverpool, and Real Madrid. (Daily Mail)

Business hinges on final: Manchester United have two plans: One if they win the Europa League, and one if they don't. Ipswich's Liam Delap and Wolves' Matheus Cunha seem the likeliest to join, but Champions League football may be needed to sign Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. (The Independent)

Newcastle scouted Dortmund pair: Newcastle United could make approaches for winger Jamie Gittens and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel after watching them play for Borussia Dortmund this season. (Daily Mail)

Tammy needs a new club: Tammy Abraham will return to Roma this summer following the expiration of his loan spell with AC Milan. He's expected to move again because neither club wants him for next season. (Nicolo Schira)

Vardy wants to stay in EPL: Jamie Vardy has scored eight goals this season and turns 39 next January. Still, the outgoing Leicester City icon is confident he can deliver in the Premier League and has no plans to retire. (Sky Sports)

May 15

Wrexham target Cairney: Newly promoted Wrexham could splurge a club-record fee on Fulham captain Tom Cairney. The veteran midfielder has played his best football in the Championship, including a season with 23 goal contributions in 2016-17. (The Telegraph)

Milan's summer purge: Joao Felix and Kyle Walker are almost certain to leave Milan at the end of their unsuccessful loan spells. Theo Hernandez or club captain Mike Maignan could also leave. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

Inter could rescue Zirkzee: Inter are considering signing Manchester United flop Joshua Zirkzee on loan with an option to buy. Given Zirkzee earns a manageable €3.5 million per season, he'd fit into the club's financial parameters. (Corriere dello Sport)

Jackson has admirers: Several teams have approached Chelsea about signing maligned striker Nicolas Jackson. The Blues would allow him to leave if the offer is right. (Matteo Moretto)

Milan derby for Mateta: Inter and Milan have joined Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Atletico Madrid in the race for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, who's available for around €35 million and open to a new challenge after scoring 14 Premier League goals this season. (TEAMtalk)

Bidding war for Joao Pedro: Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool have Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro high on their summer wish list. The asking price will far exceed the initial £30 million Brighton paid to sign him. (The Telegraph)

Done deal for Nuno Tavares: Arsenal will receive €9 million once Lazio make Nuno Tavares' loan deal permanent. The Gunners will be entitled to a percentage of any future transfer fee. (Fabrizio Romano)

May 14

Arsenal set Gyokeres' salary: Arsenal agreed to give Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres around €8.3 million per season. Now the Gunners are in talks with the Portuguese outfit over a potential €75-million transfer fee. (A Bola)

No decision on Wirtz: Despite reports of an imminent move to Bayern Munich, in-demand Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz hasn't signed any pre-contract agreements with the club. His family recently flew to England for talks with Manchester City. (Florian Plettenberg)

Liverpool move for Frimpong: Liverpool have held talks with Leverkusen over a possible €35-million move for right wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, who's keen to join the Reds as Trent Alexander-Arnold's replacement. (Fabrizio Romano)

Open race for Pogba: Clubs from Saudi Arabia, Germany, France, Spain, and the United States are interested in signing World Cup winner Paul Pogba. As a free agent, he can join teams outside of FIFA's traditional transfer windows. (Mike McGrath)

Xavi Simons wants out: RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons is ready to leave months after completing a permanent €50-million transfer to the Bundesliga club. Bayern, along with several Premier League teams, are interested. (Fabrizio Romano)

Forest's big transfer plans: Nottingham Forest want to reinforce their squad with at least five signings ahead of their first European campaign in three decades. But the future of standout midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White remains uncertain. (The Telegraph)

May 13

Guardiola to target Reijnders: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola want AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders to replace Kevin De Bruyne. Milan would be open to selling the Dutch international if they receive a club-record £57 million. (The Telegraph)

Romero to Madrid?: Real Madrid's summer shopping spree in the Premier League could include a move for Tottenham center-back Cristian Romero. Spurs rejected Madrid's approach for him last summer. (The Sun)

Diaz prefers Liverpool stay: Luis Diaz has pledged his future to Liverpool after witnessing Trent Alexander-Arnold get booed at Anfield. He wants to stay despite being linked with Barcelona. (Express)

Atletico want Antony talks: Atletico Madrid want to hold talks with Manchester United about signing Antony. The Brazilian's stock has risen this season after a successful loan spell at Real Betis. (Football Espana)

Madrid want Hernandez back: Real Madrid have their sights set on a reunion with Theo Hernandez. The French left-back has starred at AC Milan since leaving Madrid six years ago. (Calciomercato)