Transfer gossip: Barcelona target Angel Di Maria

Olé Maria

Manchester United skeleman Angel Di Maria is once again the subject of fervent transfer speculation. Despite stating that he'd like to stay in Manchester and prove his worth, numerous stories have suggested his future lies away from Old Trafford. Catalan tabloid Sport reckon that Barcelona are the latest club to try and tempt the talented Argentine away from the Premier League side.

Sorry miss Jackson

It looks like Arsenal have missed out on a player they've been monitoring since the days when monitors were cream-coloured boxes with flashing green font. Spanish paper AS report that Porto striker Jackson Martinez has agreed a four-year deal with Atletico Madrid, forsaking the likes of Arsenal and AC Milan. The talented forward is noted for his finishing, flexibility and velvet first touch. What he lacks in pace, he makes up for with a cool name.

Show me Yevhen

There's certain names - like Nicolas Gaitan and Yann M'Vila - that are forever rumoured to be joining Premier League clubs without ever making the move. One such player is the magnificently monikered Yevhen Konoplyanka. The Ukrainian winger has been regularly linked to the likes of Spurs and Liverpool. Now a free agent, it seems as though a deal may be in the offing. The Mirror report that both Newcastle United and Stoke City are vying for his signature.

Best of the rest...

*Patrick Viera has backed Manchester City's pursuit of Raheem Sterling. (Daily Star) *West Ham will not sell England striker Andy Carroll this summer. (Sun) *The Hammers have agreed a £12m deal for Marseille midfielder Dimitri Payet. (Daily Mail)  *Newcastle are favourites to sign QPR striker Charlie Austin for £14m. (Daily Express)