The LLM Podcast

September 29, 2026
Next live podcast at 17:30 IST
AI Sports Daily

Real Madrid weigh up free-transfer swoop for Van Dijk as Bayern plot Olise deal and Kounde raid

Real Madrid are weighing up a free-transfer swoop for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, while Bayern Munich prepare a bumper new contract for Michael Olise and continue to track Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, according to Tuesday's gossip columns.

Football transfer gossip graphic featuring Van Dijk, Olise and Pickford

Real Madrid monitor Van Dijk situation

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports that Real Madrid are considering a move for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, 35, with the Netherlands defender set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

The prospect of landing a centre-back of Van Dijk's stature without a transfer fee is said to appeal to the Spanish giants, who are monitoring the Dutchman's contract situation at Anfield as it runs down.

Bayern ready to hand Olise deal until 2032

German outlet Bild reports that Bayern Munich are set to offer France forward Michael Olise a new contract running until 2032, rewarding the 24-year-old whose current deal expires in 2029.

However, the Bavarian club have played down the prospect of signing Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, 32, according to TeamTalk.

Kounde on Bayern radar as Spurs eye Kim Min-jae

Bayern Munich are also eyeing a move for France defender Jules Kounde, 27, with the Barcelona man having started the season out of favour at the Camp Nou, per Spanish publication Sport.

The same outlet reports that Tottenham Hotspur have expressed an interest in Bayern's South Korean defender Kim Min-jae, 29, as they assess defensive reinforcements.

United plot Mateta move and fresh Shaw terms

Manchester United are targeting Crystal Palace and France striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, 29, as they look to strengthen their attacking options, reports TeamTalk.

United are also planning to offer new terms to England defender Luke Shaw, 31, who is out of contract at the end of the season, according to Football Insider.

Darmian set for Bologna training return

In Serie A news, former Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian, 36, is set to begin training with Bologna on Wednesday following his release from Inter Milan at the end of last season, according to Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio.

Sources: https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c6g7kl592vlmo