Newly-promoted Serie A side Como are reportedly closing in on the high-profile signing of experienced central defender Raphael Varane.
The 31-year-old is currently a free agent after leaving Manchester United upon the expiration of his contract in June.
Varane spent three years at Old Trafford and made 95 appearances in all competitions, winning the EFL Cup and the FA Cup during his time in England.
A possible switch to Saudi Arabia or a return to boyhood club Lens has been mooted for Varane, but the Frenchman now looks set to test himself in Italy for the first time in his career.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Varane will sign a two-year deal with Como until June 2026, which includes an option to extend by an additional 12 months.
Varane is expected to sign the required documents and undergo a medical before finalising his transfer to a club now managed by Cesc Fabregas, who was unveiled as Como's permanent head coach last weekend.
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Ipswich 'in talks' to sign Szmodics
Over in England to another newly-promoted club and Ipswich Town are in talks with Blackburn Rovers over the signing of striker Sammie Szmodics.
The 28-year-old has scored 40 goals in 89 games over two seasons for Blackburn, including an impressive 27 strikes in 44 Championship matches to win the 2023-24 Golden Boot.
Szmodics's goals were pivotal to keeping Blackburn in the second tier last season, with the Lancashire-based outfit finishing 19th and avoiding relegation on the final day of the campaign.
Blackburn are believed to be keen to keep hold of Szmodics, but Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth claims that Ipswich are in 'advanced talks' with Rovers over signing the striker.
As things stand, there is said to be a gap between the offer Ipswich have made and Blackburn's valuation of Szmodics, who has two years left on his contact at Ewood Park.
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Rodriguez eyeing up European return?
Elsewhere, James Rodriguez is reportedly set to leave Sao Paulo this summer and become a free agent.
The 33-year-old joined the Brazilian giants in July 2023 and has since played 22 times in all competitions, chipping in with just two goals and four assists.
Rodriguez failed to reach the heights expected in his debut campaign at Sao Paulo, but the playmaker rolled back the years at the 2024 Copa America with a superb display for runners-up Colombia.
Indeed, Rodriguez was named Player of the Tournament after scoring once and providing a record six assists to help Colombia reach the final, only to suffer a heart-breaking 1-0 defeat to reigning champions Argentina in extra time.
Rodriguez is now set to embark on a fresh challenge at club level, with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming that the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner will become a free agent after terminating his contract by mutual agreement with Sao Paulo.
Romano claims that Rodriguez would "love" to return to European football having previously represented Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Everton.
Oliver Thomas
