Transfer news LIVE: Hazard to Real Madrid OFF, Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Barca

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE – Latest football gossip

Wednesday, July 18

Hazard to Real Madrid off

Real Madrid have reportedly scrapped their interest in landing a Galactico signing this summer, with Eden Hazard set to stay at Chelsea.

Real president Florentino Perez has been tipped to splash out £200m on a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Hazard has spoken about his desire to join Real Madrid, while Harry Kane and Neymar have also been linked with moves to the Bernabeu.

But Spanish news outlet Libertad Digital reckon Real Madrid’s transfer policy has changed this summer.

A record-breaking signing is supposedly NOT in the pipeline after all.

Deals for Kane, Neymar and Hazard are on ice, a source has told the outlet, as Perez considers a different approach to transfers.

Whether or not that comes to fruition we will see.

Gary Cahill future secure – Sarri

Gary Cahill still has a future at Stamford Bridge, says new manager Maurizio Sarri.

Sarri is planning to keep the 32-year-old defender at Stamford Bridge as he looks to keep the core of his English players.

”A number of English players is imposed (in the Premier League rules), so there will be English players,” said the Italian in his first press conference.

“I never want to make these kind of distinctions – I don’t want to discuss nationality. With respect to Cahill, I think he can still give us a lot.”

Bayern Munich sale…

Jose Mourinho could swoop for one Bayern Munich player with four members of the squad deemed surplus to requirements, it has been claimed.

Bild claim that Bayern Munich are primed to cut four players loose this summer.

Thiago, Jerome Boateng, Juan Bernat and Arturo Vidal will all supposedly be shown the door by new boss Nico Kovac.

But Bild say the player the Red Devils really want is Vidal.

It is said that United are prepared to welcome him to Old Trafford despite having Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Fred, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera at their disposal.

Daniele Rugani talks

Chelsea have opened talks to sign Juventus defender Daniele Rugani.

Maurizio Sarri is battling to keep hold of his star players while also looking to recruit before the new season is underway.

And centre-back Rugani is firmly on his radar.

Goal claim Chelsea representative Fali Ramadani held a meeting with Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici today to discuss a potential deal.

The Blues are prepared to offer £36million for the Italy international, 23, but Juventus want £45million.

Goal adds that talks are progressing well and Rugani will be offered £76,000 per-week at Stamford Bridge.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain injury

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is highly unlikely to play for Liverpool in the 2018/19 season after Jurgen Klopp revealed a return to action would be a “bonus”.

In April, Oxlade-Chamberlain fell awkwardly in Liverpool’s first-leg Champions League semi-final win against Roma and was stretchered off.

It was then confirmed the 24-year-old had suffered a serious knee ligament injury and would miss the rest of the season and the World Cup.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was expected to return in 2019 before the end of the season but Klopp has now revealed the full story behind the injury and revealed the midfielder kept news of his injury secret.

Aleksandr Golovin

Chelsea look set to win the race for Aleksandr Golovin, who has reportedly chosen the Blues over Barcelona and Juventus.

Chelsea are finally conducting their transfer business after appointing Sarri as Antonio Conte’s successor last week.

Signing Golovin, however, will be no easy task.

Barcelona also want the player as a replacement for Andres Iniesta, who called time on his Nou Camp career last week.

Iniesta has moved to Japan with Vissel Kobe and Barca are trying to offload Andre Gomes to broker a deal for a replacement.

Juventus, meanwhile, are eyeing him as well.

The Serie A giants have enjoyed a fine summer, landing Emre Can and Ronaldo, but know more is needed if they are to end their agonising wait for the Champions League crown.

But Transfermarketweb claim Golovin is close to joining Chelsea.

Leonardo Bonucci valuation

AC Milan are prepared to sell centre-back Leonardo Bonucci, reports claim.

Manchester United, Manchester City, PSG and Chelsea have all been credited with interest in the legendary centre-back.

And hopes of securing his signature have been handed a giant boost.

Italian publication Calciomercato claim AC Milan are prepared to entertain offers of £35million for the 31-year-old, who they signed from Juventus last summer.

The club’s financial problems and European ban for breaking Financial Fair Play regulations means they’ll need to balance the books by selling some of their key assets.

Andre Gomes deadline

Arsenal could sign Barcelona star Andre Gomes this week, reports from Spain have claimed.

Arsenal want Barcelona star Gomes to sign on the dotted line, with Unai Emery undettered by his nightmare Nou Camp spell.

The Portugal international has struggled for form and consistency during his two years at Barca and, as a result, a parting of the ways is now on the cards.

And Catalan newspaper Sport say Barcelona want Gomes off the books as early as this week.

It is claimed the Gunners do not want to go as high as £18million for the player.

Instead, Arsenal want a cheaper deal and Barcelona, such is their desperation to offload Gomes, may be forced to oblige.

The two clubs are supposedly in talks about a transfer and developments over the next few days could be key.

Matteo Darmian talks “progressing well”

The agent of Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian says talks with Juventus are progressing nicely.

Tullio Tinti, Darmian’s agent, met with Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici in Milan this afternoon to discuss a transfer to Turin.

Asked how the discussions went as he left the meeting, Tinti responded: “Progressing very well. We’re at an advanced stage with Juventus.”

There’s speculation that Darmian’s arrival would see Brazilian full-back Alex Sandro join Paris St-Germain.

Alisson at the airport

Brazil international Alisson has been spotted at Rome Ciampino airport ahead of flying to Merseyside to complete a £66.9m transfer to Liverpool.

The goalkeeper delivered a brief interview with Sky Sport Italia and thanked Roma fans for their support.

“I want to thank the Roma fans,” the 25-year-old said.

Matteo Darmian talks

Juventus will meet with the agent of Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian, reports claim.

Darmian, 28, has frequently been linked with a return to Italy having found himself on the sidelines at Old Trafford.

But the right-back remains on Jose Mourinho’s books with less than a year remaining on his contract.

However, things could finally be about to change with Italian publication SportItalia claiming Juventus executives are holding talks.

It’s suggested that Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici is meeting Tullio Tinti, Darmian’s agent, at the Palazzo Parigi in Milan.

And it’s their second meeting in seven days.

Toby Alderweireld update

Manchester United are confident of signing Tottenham star Toby Alderweireld this summer.

Spurs are demanding around £60m for the defender this summer, with the Red Devils currently unwilling to pay up.

However, according to The Independent, United feel the deal is there to be done – and Mourinho is confident of getting his man.

They add that talks between the two clubs broke down weeks ago due to Tottenham’s asking price for Alderweireld.

Suso release clause expires

Suso’s release clause has officially expired, reports in Italy suggest.

The Spanish winger, 24, was available for £34million should any potential suitor trigger his release clause.

But according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, the clause has expired and now AC Milan can set his asking price.

Premier League trio Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool have all been linked with Suso in recent weeks but will now have to meet Milan’s valuation.

However, the report continues to add that because of AC Milan’s financial plight and exclusion from European competitions, they are likely to accept a fee in the region of £36m.

Allison flying to Liverpool

Roma goalkeeper Alisson Becker will fly to Merseyside tonight after agreeing a world-record deal with Liverpool.

The Reds and Roma have agreed a £66.9million deal for Alisson, who will travel to Liverpool tonight before completing his medical on Saturday, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

The current record transfer in pounds for a goalkeeper is the £35million paid to Benfica by Manchester City for Alisson’s compatriot Ederson last summer.

The Brazil international will replace Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet as Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice goalkeeper after the pair failed to convince.

Alisson, 25, will then link up with his new team-mates after Liverpool return from their tour of the USA.

Sarri on signings

Maurizio Sarri has been asked which players he wants to bring in at Chelsea.

But the new manager was guarded about revealing any details.

“I cannot name names, because I don’t know,” he said.

“I spoke with the club and ideally I think that a pinch of quality is lacking in our centre-halves for a certain type of play.

“At the end of the transfer (window) I will understand which type of game is the most suitable.

“I cannot change 20 players, I must adapt and then I will see if we change some thing in my game. Because of their characteristics.”

Sarri ‘bored’ of transfers

Maurizio Sarri has held his first press conference as a Chelsea manager.

And the Italian was giving nothing away when it comes to transfers this summer.

“Clearly we will always like to keep our strongest players. This is what any manager wants to do,” he said.

“Then we will have to see how the transfer market goes in the next few days. I want to clarify that I feel much more like a pitch manager than a general manager.

“I think I am one of the few manager who is bored by the transfer market.

“I don’t want to talk about the transfer market and I’m not that interested in it. Our task as managers is to grow the players that we have.”

Liverpool fee agreed

Liverpool have agreed a fee with Roma to sign goalkeeper Alisson.

As Express Sport revealed earlier today, the Reds officially made their first bid for the Brazilian on Tuesday.

And manager Jurgen Klopp looks set to get his man.

The Daily Star claim a £66m deal between Liverpool and Roma has been agreed.

Permission has been granted to speak to the player.

Chelsea could still muscle in on a move but will have to act fast if they want to sign Alisson.

As for Liverpool, Loris Karius is now expected to leave the club.

Juventus reject Zidane claims

Juventus have sensationally knocked back claims Zinedine Zidane has agreed to join them.

Reports in Spain emerged on Tuesday claiming Zidane has agreed a deal to become a Juventus director.

Spanish news outlet Libertad Digital revealed sources close to Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli had confirmed Zidane’s agreement to join the club.

However, in a fresh twist it appears as though Juve are trying to dampen down the rumours.

Spanish newspaper AS claim the club have rejected the notion that the former Real Madrid manager will join them.

Fekir to Chelsea?

Chelsea have two transfer targets in mind if Eden Hazard leaves for Real Madrid.

There are contrasting reports over whether or not Hazard will jump ship to Spain.

The player himself appears keen on a deal but Spanish outlet Libertad Digital claim Real could refuse to pay Chelsea’s £200m demands.

But if Hazard does head to Madrid then SPORT claim Nabil Fekir and Hirving Lozano are being eyed as his replacement.

Fekir was close to joining Liverpool before the World Cup and the Reds are still keen on the France international.

As for Lozano, there are claims the Mexico international is also being eyed by Tottenham.

Arsenal enquiry

Arsenal have reportedly asked Torino for information on M’Baye Niang’s availability.

Niang, 23, joined Torino on a permanent deal this summer after spending time on loan from Milan last season.

The forward could be offloaded for a profit this summer and Arsenal are supposedly keen.

Tutto Mercato Web claim the Gunners have asked Torino about Niang, but an official bid has not been lodged.

Borussia Dortmund and Nice are also interested in the Senegal international.

Alisson bid

Liverpool have made a £62m bid for goalkeeper Alisson.

However, a deal with Roma is far from being completed.

Express Sport understands the Reds are desperate to secure Alisson before one of their rivals gets their hands on him.

And the Sun reckon it’s Chelsea who are pushing hardest to hijack Liverpool’s approach.

According to the report, Maurizio Sarri is confident his contacts in Italy can get a deal for Alisson done, once Thibaut Courtois joins Real Madrid.

Man Utd options

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has three candidates to replace Anthony Martial.

Martial is tipped to leave Old Trafford this summer but United need to source a replacement.

Real Madrid striker Gareth Bale is Mourinho’s top target.

However, the MEN claim Mourinho has revived his interest in Ivan Perisic after the Croatian’s magnificent World Cup.

A push for Chelsea’s Willian, meanwhile, is also on the cards.