Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool De Ligt talks, Man Utd eye £105m bid, Arsenal, Kylian Mbappe

Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip

Monday, May 20

  • Man Utd are ready to break the bank to sign Benfica star Joao Felix
  • Liverpool have held talks with Ajax superstar Matthijs De Ligt
  • Arsenal are weighing up a move for Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba
  • Kylian Mbappe has hinted he could seek a move away from PSG

13:30 UPDATE: Massimiliano Allegri next club

Massimiliano Allegri has revealed that he does not intend to take a break from management after his Juventus exit was announced last week.

Allegri also revealed that his Juventus exit was orchestrated by club bosses, and was ultimately not his decision.

In response, the Italian boss has outlined his desire to jump straight into another challenge, putting several Premier League clubs in the frame.

“I’m not especially looking for a year off,” he told Sky Sport Italia after the 1-1 with Atalanta on Sunday. “I’ll only take a sabbatical if I have to. Otherwise my plan is to find a project that convinces me.”

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

13:15 UPDATED: Kalidou Koulibaly demanded

Manchester United fans have urged the club to sign Kalidou Koulibaly following his heroics during Napoli’s penultimate game of the season.

Napoli ran out 4-1 winners against Inter Milan at the San Paolo Stadium thanks to goals from Piotr Zielinski, Dries Mertens and a brace from Fabian Ruiz Pena.

Koulibaly was imperious at the back and was unlucky to have not kept a clean sheet.

He did, however, produce one of the moments of the game with his team on the back foot.

The Senegal international, who was voted the best defender in Italy last week, pulled off a sensational goal-line clearance in the second-half by racing behind keeper Orestis Karnezis and heading a powerful goal-bound shot over the bar.

Check out the video below!

13:00 UPDATE: He’d be amazing

Gareth Bale would be an ‘amazing’ signing for Manchester United or Tottenham, former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp says.

Bale is set to leave Real Madrid in the summer after he was left on the bench for a 2-0 defeat by Real Betis in their final game of the season.

Now, United are said to be monitoring his situation and they have tried to lure him to Old Trafford in the past.

“Whoever signs him will be signing a fantastic player,” he told The Mail.

“Any club he can go to he can make a difference – he can turn any club around. He would be a great signing for anyone – Man United could do with Gareth Bale.”

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

12:45 UPDATE: Harry Maguire to Man City

Manchester City are considering a swoop for Leicester star Harry Maguire.

City are in need of a new central defender as Vincent Kompany brings to a close 11 memorable years with the club.

It’s also thought that Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi could leave to secure regular first-team football elsewhere.

Sky Sports claim Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions have shortlisted Maguire as a potential signing – but may have to rival Manchester United for his signature.

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

12:30 UPDATE: Triple swap?!

Arsenal are willing to use Callum Chambers, Carl Jenkinson and Reiss Nelson as makeweights in a deal to sign Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace, according to reports.

Palace are holding out for a massive fee for their biggest asset as he still has four years left to run on his contract.

The Sun claim they are holding out for around £80million but that Arsenal will try and get him for half of that

And they could use Chambers, Jenkinson or Nelson to bring the initial fee down.

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

12:15 UPDATE: Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich want Manchester City winger Leroy Sane.

The German star slipped out of favour under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium – completing two 90-minute appearances during City’s final 19 Premier League fixtures.

And German publication Kicker say he’s wanted in the Bundesliga.

Legendary duo Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery said goodbye to Bayern Munich on Saturday and Sane is viewed as the ideal replacement.

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

12:05 UPDATE: I never said that – Guillem Balague

Guillem Balague has hit back at false rumours that have been circling the internet about Liverpool and Barcelona.

The La Liga expert revealed earlier this summer that Liverpool and Barcelona were both interested in Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.

But subsequent discussions on what Balague had said were wrong.

Some reported Balague to say that Liverpool were the ’No.1 possible destination’ – but that’s not what he said.

Balague moved to clarify the matter on his YouTube channel today where he confirmed Liverpool were behind Barca, Juventus and Bayern Munich in the pecking order.

“I did tell you that Liverpool were interested and that’s somehow become that Liverpool are the No.1 possible destination for De Ligt – but I never said that,” Balague said.

“Apparently it’s between Barcelona and Liverpool – I’ve never seen that either.”

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

12:00 UPDATE: Ryan Kent to Rangers

Steven Gerrard has vowed to try everything to bring Ryan Kent to Ibrox on a permanent basis.

The Liverpool winger impressed during a season-long loan spell with Rangers – scoring six goals and providing a further six assists.

“We’re doing everything we can,” Gerrard said. “We’re speaking to Liverpool, we’re in touch with Ryan’s representatives, we’ve made an offer and we’re hopeful but there’s nothing to say on it to confirm it, but for our supporters what I can do is guarantee we’re doing everything we can to try and get him in.

“We’ve got irons in the fire with numerous players but all I can say is watch this space.”

The Liverpool Echo claim Liverpool value Kent at around £12million.

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

11:45 UPDATE: Gareth Bale reports

Gareth Bale has reportedly told his Real Madrid team-mates that he is willing to see out the rest of his contract, even if he doesn’t get the chance to play.

According to Spanish station Radio Estadio, he said: “I’ve got three years left on my contract. If they want me to go, they’ll need to pay me €17m per season.

“If not, I’ll stay here. And if I have to play golf, I will.”

Bale was left on the bench as Real Madrid lost their final game of the season 2-0 to Real Betis.

After the full-time whistle he headed straight down the tunnel as opposed to taking part in the lap of appreciation.

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: REUTERS)

11:30 UPDATE: De Ligt decides

Barcelona look to have captured the services of coveted Ajax defender Matthijs De Ligt, reports claim.

Premier League trio Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been tipped to sign the 19-year-old centre-back.

But Sky Sports report that Barcelona have won the race.

They claim the player is ‘likely to move to the Nou Camp’ in a deal potentially worth £65million.

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

11:15 UPDATE: Wilfried Zaha snub

Wilfried Zaha has been backed to reject Manchester United because of the psychological toll his previous spell at the club will have had on him.

ESPN FC’s Steve Nicol suggests the forward will look to go elsewhere because of how tough a time he had in his previous spell with the Red Devils.

“He’s already had that stint at Manchester United, which was a complete disaster and was probably part of his maturation,” Nicol said.

“Because he’s been there already, there’s been links to United. I don’t see him doing that.

“I don’t think, psychologically, having had such a disaster there for two seasons that he would go back so we can forget them.

“I think we’re talking Arsenal or Chelsea. If Chelsea are letting [Eden] Hazard go, they will still be able to make some transfers.”

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

11:00 UPDATE: Timo Werner latest

Liverpool target Timo Werner could leave RB Leipzig this summer, according to the club’s chief Ralf Rangnick.

Werner, 23, has one year remaining on his contract and has been linked with a move to Liverpool, PSG and Borussia Dortmund.

The Germany international hasn’t agreed a new deal and Rangnick thinks he should be sold instead of losing him for free next year.

“Our position is that if he does not renew the contract, he should change clubs,” he told German television station Sport1.

“He would first have to agree with a club and this club would have to contact RB, which has not happened to my knowledge.”

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

10:45: Eden Hazard headache

Chelsea are facing a battle to hold onto another talisman with PSG reportedly eager for N’Golo Kante to follow soon-to-depart Eden Hazard out of the exit door.

Chelsea just need to agree a fee for Hazard with Real Madrid with the winger making his desire to quit Stamford Bridge clear.

Maurizio Sarri will be desperate not to lose any more of his key players, with a transfer ban meaning they cannot be replaced.

However, PSG are poised to give Chelsea chiefs a fresh dilemma to deal with as Kante is on their wanted list.

According to the Mirror, Kante is the man PSG have identified to bolster their midfield ahead of another tilt at Champions League glory next season.

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

10:30: Signings expected at Celtic

Celtic captain Scott Brown has issued a bold prediction about the possible transfer dealings at Parkhead this summer.

The Hoops will need to strengthen their playing squad if they are to remain favourites for the title next season – with Steven Gerrard’s Rangers keen to end their drought.

According to skipper Scott Brown, the club will be active in both selling and signing players over the coming month, despite Neil Lennon’s future hanging in the balance.

Brown said: “There will be a clear-out at the end of the season and a lot of people will be leaving and there will be a lot of new faces coming in as well.”

10:15 UPDATE: Kroos extends

Real Madrid have agreed a contract extension with midfielder Toni Kroos, the Spanish club have announced.

The new deal ties the Germany international to the Bernabeu until June 30, 2023.

Kroos joined Real from Bayern Munich in 2014 and has won 11 trophies during his five years at the club, including three Champions League titles and one LaLiga crown.

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: PA)

10:00 UPDATE: Hakim Ziyech’s dream

Ajax star Hakim Ziyech has described joining Arsenal as his ‘ultimate dream’.

The winger revealed that in a 2017 interview and his words have taken on greater significance now the Gunners are expected to challenge for his services this summer.

“Well, I have two clubs. They are Arsenal and Barcelona. That is my ultimate dream,” he told AjaxTV.

Furthermore, Ajax director of football Marc Overmars has recently announced that Ziyech will leave the club this summer.

“He leaves when a top club comes. He is in focus because of his achievements in the Champions League,” Overmars said. “Many big clubs are buzzing around him. We promised Hakim [that we would] agree to a good transfer.”

Ziyech reportedly has just a £25million release clause in his contract.

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

09:45 UPDATE: Tanguy Ndombele

Manchester United will only submit an offer for Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele once the Paul Pogba situation is resolved, reports claim.

Three years after returning to the club from Juventus for a world-record fee, there is widespread talk about the 26-year-old joining Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.

And should he leave – United are ready to push on and sign his replacement with Ndombele on their radar.

The Metro claim Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will join PSG, Manchester City and Tottenham in the fight for the midfielder, who is expected to cost upwards of £88million.

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

09:30 UPDATE: Bakayoko’s Chelsea return

Tiemoue Bakayoko to set to return to Stamford Bridge.

That’s according to Italian publication Calciomercato, who claim AC Milan are NOT prepared to make his loan permanent.

Bakayoko, 24, made 30 Serie A appearances during his one-year loan spell with AC Milan.

But it’s said the club are not prepared to pay £35million to sign the French international.

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

09:15 UPDATE: Pep’s Man City future

After winning the domestic treble, Manchester City appear ready to hand boss Pep Guardiola a bumper deal to keep him at the club for at least the next five years. According to the Sun, the 48-year-old – who still has two years remaining on his current contract – could see his annual salary rise from £15million to £20million.

Sticking with Manchester City and Ilkay Gundogan looks set to commit his future to the club, the Mail reports. The midfielder is reportedly hoping to re-open negotiations to extend his time at the Etihad Stadium beyond 2020.

Meanwhile, with Vincent Kompany’s departure confirmed, City are turning their attention to Harry Maguire, the Mail says. It is reported the Leicester and England defender is Guardiola’s top pick to replace his former captain, but the Foxes are likely to be reluctant to sell.

09:00 UPDATE: Alexis departure

Alexis Sanchez’s tumultuous time at Manchester United could be coming to an end sooner rather than later, The Sun reports.

It is thought the 30-year-old will return to pre-season training early to overcome a disappointing campaign plagued by injury and make a head-start for next term, with the Chilean thought to be targeting a move overseas.

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: REUTERS)

08:45 UPDATE: Joao Felix to Man Utd

Manchester United are ready to break the bank to sign Benfica star Joao Felix.

That’s according to Portuguese publication Record, who claim Ed Woodward and Co will activate Felix’s £105million release clause.

Felix, 19, is viewed as one of the most exciting teenagers in world football having scored 20 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 appearances this season.

Record claim United will trigger his release clause to see off competition from Real Madrid and that negotiations are already underway.

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

08:30 UPDATE: Matthijs de Ligt talks

Liverpool have held talks with Ajax superstar Matthijs De Ligt, says Spanish journalist Guillem Balague.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona have all been linked with the coveted centre-back, who is expected to cost upwards of £60million.

But could Liverpool soon join the race?

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily Podcast, Balague claimed Liverpool are definitely interested and have “been talking to him” about linking up with his Dutch colleague Virgil van Dijk.

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea gossip (Image: GETTY)

08:15 UPDATE: Arsenal consider offer

Arsenal are weighing up a move for Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba.

Unai Emery is desperate to bolster his defensive options having seen his side concede 51 goals in the Premier League during his first campaign.

And Saliba, 18, could be the answer.

Saliba, a 6ft 4in centre-back, enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Ligue 1 this season and could be snapped up for £25million this summer.

Gunners scouts have been monitoring him throughout the season and were in attendance to watch him again during Saint-Etienne’s 3-0 win over Nice.

08:00 UPDATE: Kylian Mbappe comments

Kylian Mbappe has hinted he could seek a move away from PSG.

Mbappe was named Ligue 1’s player of the season last night – but, during his acceptance speech, he said he wanted to be given “more responsibility”, either at PSG or “elsewhere with a new project”.

L’Equipe published a transcript of his speech online in which Mbappe said: “It’s a very important moment for me, I come to a turning point in my career.

“I have discovered a lot here, and I feel it is maybe the moment to have more responsibility.

“I hope that can perhaps be at Paris St Germain, that would be a great pleasure. Or maybe elsewhere with a new project.”

source: express.co.uk