Premier League Transfer News: Manchester United Swoop for Abdoulaye Doucoure, Liverpool Close in on Signing

While the Premier League may be entering the business end of the season, the giants of English football are already planning for next year.

Blueprints for summer signings and new recruits are already said to be in full force. Teams are looking for the player who can help them compete against Manchester City, rise up the Premier League table or simply fend off relegation again.

Here, Newsweek guides you through all the transfer news and rumors swirling around the Premier League today (Wednesday, March 7):

Jose Mourinho is looking to strengthen his midfield by bringing Abdoulaye Doucoure from Watford to Manchester United in the summer, according to the Daily Mirror. However, the Portuguese coach faces competition from both North London clubs, Arsenal and Tottenham, for the 25-year-old's signature.

But the Daily Star says United are keen on another midfielder. Juventus' Blaise Matuidi, the 30-year-old French international, is said to be on the way out of Turin—with Old Trafford his likely destination.

Liverpool believe they are on the verge of securing the arrival of French winger Thomas Lemar from Monaco, Metro says. Lemar has been a long-term target for Jurgen Klopp's team but almost joined Arsenal last summer.

Premier League runaway leaders Manchester City are on the hunt for a long-term successor to Fernandinho. Pep Guardiola recognizes the Brazilian is 32 and will seek a new midfielder to bring in this summer, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Cross-city rivals Manchester United are expected to miss out on Juventus' Paulo Dybala, though. The Sun claim Dybala, the 24-year-old forward, will remain at the Italian club and sign a new five-year deal, snubbing United as well as Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Arsenal are considering replacements for 35-year-old goalkeeper Petr Cech and, according to the Daily Mail, Bayer Leverkusen's Bernd Leno is at the top of the North London club's list. The Gunners are considering an offer worth £20 million.

Former Chelsea winger Juan Cuadrado has been on the radars of a variety of Premier League clubs since impressing after leaving Stamford Bridge. But according to Calciomercato, Juventus are not prepared to sell the 29-year-old Colombian.