Bayern Munich confirm Arturo Vidal interest

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Arturo Vidal isn't a Bayern Munich player yet, but negotiations are far enough along that the Bavarian club are admitting that they've happened. Bayern CEO Kari-Heinz Rummenigge announced on Thursday night that Bayern are trying to sign the Chilean star from Juventus.

Vidal's a perfect plug-and-play replacement for Bastian Schweinsteiger, with some added versatility that could see him fit in at central defense and attacking midfield as well. However, he's had knee issues for the last couple of seasons and just got caught drunk driving in the middle of Copa America. At a reported €35m, he could be a huge bargain for Bayern -- he's a top 10 player on earth when fully fit -- or he could never pay back that fee for Bayern.

Juventus, meanwhile, got Sami Khedira on a free and are currently looking into signing the likes of Isco, Julian Draxler and Oscar. They'll be fine.

In the news

Real Madrid say Sergio Ramos is not leaving, though Manchester United will probably bid again. (BBC)

Sunderland have some serious faith in their medical staff. They've signed Younes Kaboul. (Sunderland)

Southampton will play Chelsea B in Europa League qualifying. (Guardian)

Luiz Gustavo is back in training for Wolfsburg. (Bundesliga)

Kevin Strootman apparently has working legs, which is a nice update. (Football Italia)

You should be reading

Ian Walker on Alcedes Ghiggia, the scorer of the winning goal in the 1950 World Cup, who died on Thursday. (New Libero)

Sid Lowe on Joan Laporta and the battle for the Barcelona presidency. (Guardian)

Liviu Bird on the ongoing fight by U.S. club teams to get FIFA solidarity transfer payments. (SI)

Fun with transfer rumors

The section in which nothing should be taken seriously. It's rumor season, so this section will be expanded, and as the summer rolls on, it will probably be bigger than the actual news section.

Juventus are about to go after Isco. (AS)

West Ham and Aston Villa want Mattia Destro, but he only wants Fiorentina. (Football Italia)

Arsenal might get knocked back for Karim Benzema, so they'll go after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a backup. (Mirror)

Betting has been suspended on Charlie Austin to Newcastle. (Sky Sports)

Tim Sherwood apparently wants Emmanuel Adebayor. (Birmingham Mail)

Chelsea might hijack Newcastle's move for Aleksadar Mitrovic. (Star)

Manchester United target Nicolas Otamendi was left out of Valencia's kit release. (Metro)

Spurs are determined to sign James McCarthy. (Mail)

What to watch this weekend (click for listings, all times ET)

MLS: Ten games (from Friday, 11 p.m. ET) - Everyone's in action, with games all three days this weekend.

Gold Cup: USA vs. Cuba (Saturday, 5 p.m.) - A prospective walkover for the USMNT.

NWSL: Three games (from Saturday, 7 p.m.) - The Red Stars and Breakers could play some USWNT players.

Gold Cup: Haiti vs. Jamaica (Saturday, 8 p.m.) - Jamaica is sneakily the second-best team in this tournament.

Gold Cup: T&T vs. Panama (Sunday, 4:30 p.m.) - The winner can definitely post an upset semi win.

Gold Cup: Mexico vs. Costa Rica (Sunday, 7 p.m.) - Losing coach gets fired, probably.