Transfer News LIVE updates: All the latest news and gossip from around the world
Wednesday 29, August
- Real Madrid are close to re-signing striker Mariano Diaz
- Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson is set to join Hoffenheim in the next few days
- Real Madrid are considering Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling
- Jurgen Klopp did not originally want to sign Alisson Becker from Roma
Celtic defender search
Scott McKenna remains a top target for Celtic but Aberdeen have already turned down a £3.5m bid and made it clear their defender is not for sale.
Abderdeen boss Derek McInnes insists McKenna is not for sale.
Celtic could instead turn their attentions to a loan deal for Croatian centre-half Filip Benkovic.
The 21-year-old joined Leicester for £13m in the summer but is well down the pecking order and could be loaned out.
The Hoops have also been linked with moves for Manchester City pair Brahim Diaz and Douglas Luiz, but the latter is likely to join Fenerbahce.
Transfer news: Celtic could turn their attention to Leicester’s Filip Benkovic (Image: GETTY)
Torreira’s agent speaks out
Lucas Torreira’s agent has called it “a pity” that Carlo Ancelotti was not involved in early conversations about a move to Napoli as he revealed the midfielder might not have joined Arsenal had he have been.
The Uruguayan signed for the Gunners in a £26.4million move after the World Cup after lengthy links concerning a swap from Sampdoria to the north London outfit.
And Torreira’s agent Pablo Bentacur has revealed that had legendary manager Ancelotti been present at the very start of transfer negotiations with Napoli, the player may have ended up staying in Italy.
Speaking on Naples-based radio station Radio CRC, Bentacur said: “It’s a pity, I’m sorry Ancelotti wasn’t there at the start of the negotiation.
“He’d have been a great help for Torreira, he has tremendous international experience.
“But then Lucas called me and he confirmed to me that negotiations with Arsenal were too advanced for any second thoughts.
“If Arsenal had collapsed then Napoli would have been perfect.
“In the end, the Gunners satisfied our demands and they even were willing to pay €5million more than his release clause.
“The Premier League? He is adapting well to the league and he is happy to be here with Arsenal.”
Transfer news: Lucas Torreira could have ended up at Napoli, says he is agent (Image: GETTY)
Zappacosta to go?
Chelsea defender Davide Zappacosta has revealed that Inter Milan have been after his services.
Zappacosta is yet to feature this season having been an unused in each of Chelsea’s three Premier League games so far.
And the 26-year-old could leave the Blues in January if he doesn’t feature prominently over the next few months.
“Could I return to Italy? Yes, Inter Milan had been after me,” Zappacosta said.
“My agent Alessandro Lucci had told me about their interest, although I’ve always remained focused on Chelsea.
“Could I return (to Inter) in January? I have three more years on my contract here and I only want to think about doing well with Chelsea.
“There’s a lot of competition here, but I want to win a place in the 11.
“After that, it’s clear that if I didn’t find much room, I don’t think any player would like that.”
Kurt Zouma on Chelsea future
Kurt Zouma still has ambitions of staying at Chelsea for years to come despite being loaned out to Everton for the season.
Zouma moved to Goodison Park on deadline day after talking with new Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri about his future.
But the Frenchman has revealed that his move to Goodison Park simply made sense for both parties.
“The manager arrived late so we didn’t know what was the plan of the club,” Zouma said.
“At Chelsea there were a lot of defenders. I needed to play regularly so I didn’t want to stay on the bench and wait for my chance. That’s why I wanted to go.”
But though he will spend another season away from Stamford Bridge, Zouma doesn’t want to leave Chelsea permanently just yet.
Asked whether he felt there will be a time when he has to leave Chelsea for good, Zouma replied: “No. Not at the moment. I have always believed in myself since I started playing football at 16.”
Transfer News: PSG have agreed a fee with Bayern Munich to sign Juan Bernat (Image: GETTY)
Yaya Toure agent claim
Yaya Toure’s agent has posted an intriguing message on Twitter about the former Manchester City midfielder.
The Ivory Coast midfielder is now a free agent and could be snapped by some clubs in Europe, with the transfer windows open there.
The Premier League window is closed but Toure is out of contract, so can join a top-flight club as a free agent.
But the player’s agent, Dimitry Seluk, wrote a cryptic message that will leave many fans wondering where his next move will be.
He tweeted: “Toure @YayaToure has passed a medical in London.”
He then flat out rejected West Ham as an option, as he tweeted: “It’s not West Ham, 100%.”
Alexandre Lacazette decision
Alexandre Lacazette is considering quitting Arsenal this week over fears he doesn’t fit into Unai Emery’s plans, reports claim.
Lacazette has failed to start any of Arsenal’s three Premier League games so far with Emery giving Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the nod.
Last term under Arsene Wenger, Lacazette wasn’t always fancied by Arsene Wenger and when he did start, was often substituted before the end of matches.
And according to French outlet Le10 Sport, Lacazette could push for a move away from the Emirates with some transfer windows in Europe still open.
It is said that the striker has been enquired about by a handful of foreign clubs, although it is believed the Gunners will do what they can to keep hold of him.
Mariano Diaz to return
Real Madrid are close to re-signing striker Mariano Diaz.
That’s according to Sevilla president Jose Castro, who admitted his side would miss out on the 25-year-old.
Sevilla were expected to sign Diaz, who joined Lyon from Real Madrid for £7million in 2017, but Castro claims the player has reneged on a transfer agreement.
And the Bernabeu club have decided to exercise a buy-back option and splash £20m on the striker.
“Real Madrid have a buy option they are going to exercise,” Castro told reporters. “But we still have no communication from the player, who has told us that he wanted to play with Sevilla again and again. He has the ability to say one thing or another.
“We negotiated with Lyon and then they have 48 hours to decide. Real Madrid did it. Annoyed with Real Madrid? Not at all, this is football. We have to keep working.
“We have done what we had to do, in good faith, with an agent and a player who tells us on videos and audios that he only wants to play in Sevilla.”
Diaz made 14 appearances for Real Madrid’s senior side in the 2016/2017 season, netting five goals in 14 appearances.
PSG fee agreed
PSG have agreed a fee with Bayern Munich to sign Juan Bernat from the German champions.
However, the French giants will not make their move until they have an answer from Atletico Madrid over Felipe Luis.
RMC claim Bayern are happy to offload Bernat but PSG will prioritise Luis in the remaining few days of the transfer window.
And is a deal with Spanish side Atletico fails to materialise then they will move for Bernat instead.
Transfer News: Real Madrid are close to re-signing striker Mariano Diaz (Image: GETTY)
Transfer News: Jose Mourinho still retains the support of the Manchester United hierarchy (Image: EPA)
Lionel Messi would never do that…
Cristiano Ronaldo’s move from Real Madrid to Juventus has been criticised by former Madrid star Rafael van der Vaart.
The ex-Tottenham attacker believes Lionel Messi would never leave Barcelona and has compared the Argentinian ace to Ronaldo.
Ronaldo made the move from Real Madrid to Juventus during the summer after nine successful years at the Bernabeu.
“You know, guys like Messi… Messi will never leave Barcelona,” Van der Vaart told football.ua. “I’m slightly sad about Ronaldo’s departure.”
Support for Jose
Jose Mourinho still retains the support of the Manchester United hierarchy despite a chastening start to the season.
After a summer of discontent, United have lost two of their first three matches of a Premier League campaign for the first time since 1992-93.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s men went on to win the title that season, but there are few signs that under-fire Mourinho can lead the team to league glory this term.
As if the woeful 3-2 loss at Brighton was not enough, the Portuguese tasted the heaviest home defeat of his managerial career as Tottenham ran out 3-0 victors at Old Trafford on Monday.
Odds on Mourinho leaving have tumbled but PA claims that United are continuing to back their manager amid the growing storm of scrutiny.
The United boss has not lost the board or fans just yet, with the 55-year-old showing his appreciation to the latter by applauding the Stretford End for several minutes after the Spurs game.
Some around the club are understood to have initially wondered whether it was a farewell, but Mourinho explained it was merely an expression of gratitude.
Barcelona Transfer News: Everton hold the key to the signing of RB Leipzig midfielder Kevin Kampl (Image: GETTY)
Lacazette considering future – report
Reports in France have suggested that Alexandre Lacazette is seriously considering his Arsenal future.
Lacazette, 27, arrived from Lyon in July 2017 for £46million and notched up 17 goals in 39 appearances under Arsene Wenger.
But life isn’t as simple under Unai Emery.
Frenchman has not started a single Premier League game under Emery, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang preferred as a lone striker.
This has led to French publication Le10Sport to claim that Lacazette is pushing for an Arsenal exit before the European transfer window slams shut on Friday.
Alexandre Lacazette is seriously considering his Arsenal future, reports claim (Image: GETTY)
Wanted: Kevin Kampl
Everton hold the key to Barcelona’s hopes of signing RB Leipzig midfielder Kevin Kampl, reports claim.
Kampl, 27, only joined the German side from Bayer Leverkusen last summer but quickly cemented his position in Ralf Rangnick’s starting XI.
His exploits didn’t go unnoticed with Catalan giants Barcelona, along with rivals Atletico Madrid, showing interest.
Barcelona have had a relatively quiet window to date, with manager Ernesto Valverde bringing Malcom, Clement Lenglet, Arthur and Arturo Vidal to the Nou Camp after the departures of Paulinho and Andres Iniesta.
But website Teamtalk say another addition could rest on RB Leipzig’s pursuit of Everton star Ademola Lookman.
The Bundesliga side have been told to pay £28million plus add-ons to land the Everton winger and RB Leipzig and will reportedly sanction the sale of Kampl should they sign Lookman.
Transfer News: Manchester United hero Michael Carrick tipped to replace Jose Mourinho as boss (Image: GETTY)
Michael Carrick odds slashed
Michael Carrick has seen his odds slashed by the bookies to replace under-fire manager Jose Mourinho.
Manchester United have lost two of their first three matches of a Premier League campaign for the first time since 1992/93.
And odds on Mourinho getting sacked have tumbled following last night’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite to replace the Portuguese, but his odds have drifted from 6/4 to 5/2.
And now punters have started to back captain-turn-coach Carrick for the United hot seat, with Paddy Power slashing his odds from 50/1 to 20/1 following a flurry of bets.
“We’ve been inundated with bets on Michael Carrick to take over from Jose Mourinho this morning,” a Paddy Power spokesman said. “That comes as Zinedine Zidane goes on the drift quicker than Manchester United’s title hopes. Still, there’s always Big Sam…”
Barcelona transfer news: Neymar was quizzed on PSG team-mate Adrien Rabiot (Image: GETTY)
Neymar asked about links
Barcelona players were recently visited by Neymar – who has discussed a move to Real Madrid but refused to open up about Adrien Rabiot.
The Brazil international has been sensationally linked with a move to Real Madrid. Los Blancos remain on the lookout for a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who sensationally quit the Bernabeu for Juventus in a £105million transfer last month.
Barcelona have also been linked with Neymar but the PSG star is unlikely to ever return to his old club given the controversial way he departed.
And Neymar has also now rubbished talk of a move to Real, suggesting he is happy to strut his stuff at the Parc des Princes for the time being.
He said: “I have a contract with PSG.”
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants remain linked with a move for PSG’s Rabiot.
Barcelona would love to sign Rabiot, though, as they plot La Liga and Champions League glory, but Neymar was coy when quizzed on his PSG team-mate.
The Brazilian said: “I don’t know, you’d need to talk with him.”
Transfer News: Hearts have re-signed Manchester United full-back Demetri Mitchell on loan (Image: GETTY)
Done Deal: Mitchell re-signs for Hearts
Hearts have re-signed Manchester United full-back Demetri Mitchell on loan.
The 21-year-old will spend the rest of the season with the Scottish Premiership club, who have now signed 15 new players this summer.
Mitchell made nine appearances for the Tynecastle side last season after joining on loan in January before injury kept him out for two months. He returned to play twice more before the end of the campaign.
Mitchell is expected to go straight into the Hearts squad for their league game against St Mirren on Saturday.
Transfer News: Barcelona striker Paco Alcacer has joined Borussia Dortmund on loan (Image: GETTY)
Done Deal: Alcacer joins Borussia Dortmund
Barcelona striker Paco Alcacer has joined Borussia Dortmund on loan for the season, with the German club retaining the option to buy him for a fee which could rise to £25million.
“The German club will pay Barcelona 2 million euros for the year-long loan and take charge of the player’s salary,” the Spanish champions said in a statement.
Dortmund can buy Alcacer at the end of the loan but Barcelona also have the right to refuse.
Should the forward sign permanently for Dortmund and later be sold to another club, Barcelona would earn five percent of the transfer fee.
The Spaniard scored 15 goals in 50 appearances over two seasons, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey twice and one Spanish Super Cup.
Transfer News: Fenerbahce are not trying to sign Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko (Image: GETTY)
2019 swoop planned…
Juventus are planning an audacious swoop for Real Madrid star Marcelo… next year!
Juventus signed Cristiano Ronaldo last month and would like to reunite him with former Bernabeu friend and colleague Marcelo.
Italian newspaper Tuttosport claim the Serie A champions didn’t move for the left-back this season because defender Alex Sandro stayed despite strong interest from Paris St-Germain, Manchester United and Chelsea.
However, Tuttosport continues to add that Juventus will offer £45million when Sandro is eventually sold.
No Sissoko interest
Turkish club Fenerbahce have insisted they are not trying to sign Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko.
The Super Lig club, managed by Dutchman Phillip Cocu, have been linked with a move for the Frenchman ahead of the transfer window shutting at the end of the week.
But the club have distanced themselves from the speculation, revealing they have not made contact with Spurs.
They said in an official statement on their website: “Regarding a transfer of Moussa Sissoko to our club, there has been no contact with the player, the manager or the club.”
Transfer News: Arsenal star Reiss Nelson will join Hoffenheim before Friday’s deadline (Image: GETTY)
Wanted: Raheem Sterling
Real Madrid are considering an audacious approach for Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, reports claim.
Sterling has entered the final two years of his Etihad contract and talks over a lucrative extension have hit an impasse.
The former Liverpool star netted 23 goals in 46 matches to help Manchester City win the Premier League title, and his exploits haven’t gone unnoticed.
Sky Sports claim Real Madrid have renewed their interest in the 23-year-old but will NOT make an official bid before the Spanish transfer window closes on Friday.
Reiss Nelson set for Hoffenheim move
Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson is set to join Hoffenheim in the next few days.
The 18-year-old has less than a year to run on his Gunners deal at present but was expected to put pen to paper over the summer.
Nelson decided against renewing his contract after Arsene Wenger’s departure and speculation has surrounded his future ever since Unai Emery’s arrival.
And according to Goal, Hoffenheim have now swooped in and will sign the youngster before Friday’s transfer deadline.
Nelson featured 16 times for the first-team under Wenger but looked destined for another season of youth football this term.
Transfer News: Real Madrid are interested in signing Man City winger Raheem Sterling (Image: GETTY)
Cahill staying put
Gary Cahill is eager to stay at Chelsea despite having yet to feature in new boss Maurizio Sarri’s Premier League squad this term.
The Telegraph says the 32-year-old would rather fight for a place at Stamford Bridge than seek a loan or permanent move elsewhere, shooting down speculation of a transfer to Turkey.
Thierry Henry stalls
A question mark remains over Thierry Henry’s reported move to Bordeaux, the Mirror says.
It was believed the 41-year-old had agreed a deal to take over as boss at the Ligue 1 side, but the paper now reports that doubts have emerged over fears of a lack of funds at the French club.
Wanted: Oxford
The 19-year-old West Ham defender Reece Oxford is on the radar of LaLiga’s Eibar, Spanish paper Marca reports.
It comes as the club look to bolster their centre-back options after a poor start to the new season.
Transfer News: The 19-year-old West Ham defender Reece Oxford is on the radar of LaLiga’s Eibar (Image: GETTY)
Jurgen Klopp wanted different signing to Alisson
Jurgen Klopp did not originally want to sign Alisson Becker from Roma, reports claim.
Liverpool signed Alisson from Roma in July, paying a massive £66million to bring the Brazil international to Anfield.
The Reds were left with no choice but to invest in a new No 1 this summer with Loris Karius fluffing his lines in the Champions League final and Simon Mignolet pushing for a move abroad.
However, Spanish newspaper AS say Liverpool boss Klopp did NOT initially want Alisson to be their goalkeeper.
Instead, he would have preferred to sign Jan Oblak from Atletico Madrid with the Slovenia international one of La Liga’s best assets.