Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool AGREE DEAL claim, Man Utd plan Spurs swap bid, Arsenal

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

Wednesday, May 22

• Liverpool have won the battle to sign goalkeeper Jakub Ojrzynski

• Manchester United are interested in Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld

• The Red Devils are reportedly willing to offer Eric Bailly in return

• Arsenal have been locked in talks over Lille forward Nicolas Pepe for over a year

13:15 UPDATE: De Gea > Alisson and Ederson…

Manchester United must keep David De Gea as he is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.

“They’ve definitely got to keep him,” he told talkSPORT.

“Alright, he’s made a few mistakes, but he’s still the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.

“Ederson is running him close, I’d say he has been the best this season, and Alisson has been really good as well.

“But over the years De Gea has been brilliant, so you don’t want players of that quality leaving your club.”

13:00 UPDATE: Snub them!

Benfica talent Joao Felix has been urged to reject Manchester United.

The Red Devils, along with a host of European heavyweights have been tipped to sign the Portugal teenager, 19.

But Felix’s Benfica team-mate Haris Seferovic wats him to stay.

“I want him to stay. He has to stay,” Seferovic told A Bola.

“He can reach the top. “He has everything to be a great player. I hope he takes it easy, then he’ll go to the top.”

12:45 UPDATE: Jadon Sancho

Manchester United are holding hope that Borussia Dortmund’s signing of Thorgan Hazard means Jadon Sancho could be on his way to the club.

The Bundesliga giants completed the signing of Eden Hazard’s younger brother, Thorgan from Borussia Monchengladbach on a five-year contract.

He’s one of two new faces to already arrive at the Westfalenstadion this summer, alongside midfielder Nico Schulz from Hoffenheim.

A third could follow shortly though after the club were said to have agreed a fee with Bayer Leverkusen for Julian Brandt.

Manchester United supporters are optimistic that the arrival of Hazard means that Dortmund are potentially preparing for the exit of Jadon Sancho.

12:30 UPDATE: AWB interest

Manchester United are preparing an offer for Crystal Palace star Aaron Wan-Bissaka, reports claim.

The Red Devils are in the market for a right-back with Antonio Valencia having left the club and Ashley Young struggling to occupy the role.

Now, the Daily Mail claim United are ready to submit a £25million bid for the 21-year-old defender.

The report claims Crystal Palace are looking for a minimum of £50million for Wan-Bissaka and will reject the opening offer.

12:00 UPDATE: Pedro enquiry

Manchester United have been in contact with Fluminense over the possibility of signing striker Pedro, according to reports.

The Brazilian club have done well to hang onto the forward having previously rejected bids from Bordeaux and Monterrey in 2018 but this summer they may not be able to resist offers.

According to Globo Esporte, Manchester United chiefs have been in touch with Fluminense about signing Pedro.

The 21-year-old had forced his way into the Brazilian national team squad after firing ten goals in 16 league matches.

11:45 UPDATE: De Ligt transfer chat

Matthijs de Ligt has dropped a strong hint he’s on his way to Barcelona.

When asked about reports linking him with a move to the Nou Camp, De Ligt initially said: “Has it been my last game at the Johan Cruyff Arena? I do not know yet.

“There are conversations, but there is still no agreement. With who? The newspapers write, so choose one yourself.”

However, he’s now hinted he’ll be playing his football in the Catalan capital come the start of the 2019-20 season.

“I think he had a great season. He deserves to sign for Barcelona,” De Ligt told Voetbal Primeur when discussing Frankie de Jong’s move to the La Liga giants.

“Play with him there? It would be good to play with Frenkie at a club. But in these moments I don’t know what will happen.”

11:30 UPDATE: Hughton shocked by dismissal

Chris Hughton has revealed he was “hugely disappointed and surprised” to be sacked by Brighton.

Hughton, 60, who guided the Seagulls to promotion to the Premier League in 2017, departed the club the day after their final game of a season in which they finished 17th, two points ahead of third-bottom Cardiff.

“I was hugely disappointed and surprised by the decision that was made to end my time with Brighton and Hove Albion FC,” Hughton said.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my four and a half years managing this special football club. I would like to put on record my gratitude to my coaching staff, the players, fans, everyone connected to the club and the wider community of Brighton & Hove and wish them luck for the future.”

11:15 UPDATE: Thorgan Hazard signs

Borussia Dortmund have signed striker Thorgan Hazard from Bundesliga rivals Borussia Moenchengladbach on a five-year deal.

The younger brother of Chelsea star Eden had been speculatively linked with a move to Stamford Bridge or Liverpool but has chosen to remain in Germany.

The 26-year-old Belgium international scored 13 goals and provided assists for 12 more in 35 matches for Moenchengladbach last season.

Hazard told the Borussia Dortmund website: “I am grateful for five great years at Borussia Moenchengladbach and very nice memories.

“This was the perfect time to take the next step in my career. I am proud to play for Borussia Dortmund, a top club with incredible fans.”

11:00 UPDATE: Simeone’s staying

Diego Simeone has declared his loyalty to Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish side are in a period of significant change with Juanfran, Diego Godin and Filipe Luis expected to leave this summer.

Antoine Griezmann, Vitolo, Santiago Arias, Thomas Partey, Rodri and Saul Niguez have also been linked with mega-money departures.

But Simeone won’t be going anywhere.

Simeone said: “I like my job, I feel very identified and committed to the club.”

10:50 UPDATE: Gundogan dismisses Sane rumours

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan says there’s no truth behind rumours linking Leroy Sane with Bayern Munich.

“If players in our team at one or another time do not play, it has now become a normal fact that there are automatic rumours,” he told Sport Bild.

“As our coach has already said, the club wants to keep Leroy.”

10:45 UPDATE: Tottenham swoop

Tottenham are lining up a move for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos as they fear losing Christian Eriksen this summer, according to reports in Spain.

With the Dane’s contract due to expire in just over a year’s time, he now holds all the power over his future.

Tottenham of course, do not want to lose him seeing as he has been a pivotal figure since the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino.

According to AS, though, the Argentine has already identified Ceballos as the perfect man to replace Eriksen should he leave the club this summer.

10:40 UPDATE: Spurs eye Barca double

Tottenham are speaking to Barcelona about deals for Andre Gomes and Malcom, according to reports in Spain.

Spurs want Gomes, who has spent the past year on loan at their Premier League rivals Everton, to shore up their midfield.

And it seems he could be followed to Spurs’ new White Hart Lane home by a fellow Nou Camp misfit, winger Malcom.

Spanish newspaper Sport claim Tottenham have made the most of their negotiations with Barcelona to ask about Malcom.

And they are said to be in the “strongest position” to land the Brazilian, who is being chased by clubs from England, Germany and Italy.

10:30 UPDATE: Unai’s interest

Unai Emery is keen to snap up Valencia goalkeeper Neto to replace Petr Cech, according to reports in Spain.

Emery is wasting no time in getting down to business in finding a goalkeeper to replace the veteran Czech, however.

Spanish outlet Plaza Deportiva claim Arsenal have identified Neto as one of their targets for the summer.

Emery was in Spain last week to visit his family, who still live in Valencia, where he spent four years as manager.

It seems since that trip, Arsenal have stepped up their efforts to get Brazil international Neto on board for next season.

10:15 UPDATE: Harry Maguire wanted

Manchester United will rival Manchester City for Harry Maguire once Daniel James and Sean Longstaff are signed, according to reports.

United are set to sign James from Swansea over the next few days after a fee of £15million was agreed between the two clubs.

The Red Devils are also hoping to secure the services of Newcastle ace Longstaff.

And the Telegraph say that developments regarding a transfer are expected over the next few days.

And, once Longstaff and James sign on the dotted line, they say that United want to land Maguire, who is valued by Leicester at £75million.

10:00 UPDATE: Daniel Sturridge replacement

Liverpool are considering moving for Werder Bremen forward Max Kruse to replace Daniel Sturridge this summer, according to reports in Germany.

Sport1 in Germany are claiming that Kruse is being thought about as the English striker’s replacement this summer.

Kruse enjoyed a good season with Werder Bremen this season, scoring 11 goals and registering nine assists in the Bundesliga.

And although Kruse can provide experience to a youthful Liverpool side, fans will be worried about the fact that Kruse is now past his prime at 31 years old.

09:45 UPDATE: Raphael Varane’s staying

Manchester United have been handed a transfer blow as Real Madrid star Raphael Varane has opened up on his future.

The centre-back has confirmed he will be staying at the Bernabeu next season and is not angling for a move away.

“I am going to remain [at Real Madrid] next season as I’m sure that we’re going to respond in a strong manner,” Varane told Marca.

“We have to evolve and Zidane knows that. We have to re-build and change things as we look to restart a new cycle.”

09:30 UPDATE: Pep Guardiola agreement…

Pep Guardiola has agreed a deal to leave Manchester City and take up the vacant managerial role at Juventus.

That is the extraordinary claim of Italian journalist Federico Gennarelli of Radio Sportiva.

Gennarelli said on Twitter: “It was supposed to be the decisive day. It was: Pep #Guardiola will be the new coach of the #Juventus. 4-year contract. Deal done.”

The claim follows reports from Guardiola’s native Spain that he met with Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici in Milan.

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has since rubbished the reports.

“On Pep and Juve. He is staying at Manchester City. No idea where the stories come from, but no truth in them. In fact, it was published he was in Malpensa, when actually at that point he was on the bus in Manchester! By the way, no truth in a new contract being discussed either.”

09:15 UPDATE: Leeds backup wanted

Liverpool are monitoring Leeds defender Leif Davis.

That’s according to The Sun, who claim Jurgen Klopp’s Champions League finalists are looking for a left-back to provide competition for Andrew Robertson.

The Reds are likely to release Alberto Moreno this summer and need cover at full-back.

The report claims Liverpool have been ‘monitoring Davis’ progress’ in the Championship under Marcelo Bielsa.

But the £4million-rated 19-year-old made just five appearances.

09:00 UPDATE: Matthijs de Ligt hijack

Barcelona’s move for Ajax star Matthijs de Ligt could be in jeopardy.

That’s according to Catalunya Radio, who claim Manchester United could hijack the deal with a more lucrative offer.

de Ligt, 19, was expected to leave the Eredivisie for Barcelona in a deal worth £60million – but those reports from Sky Sports may have been premature.

Catalunya Radio claim that agent Mino Raiola wants a better financial package for the teenager and believes United are ‘economically more committed’ to the transfer.

Asked if he will be playing alongside Frenkie De Jong at Barcelona, De Ligt replied: “It would be nice to play with Frenkie in a team, but I don’t know if it will happen.”

08:45 UPDATE: Juan Mata raid

Newcastle are ready to rival Barcelona for Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata, reports claim.

Mata, who is out of contract this summer, will be available on a free transfer and Rafa Benitez is eager to snaffle the Spaniard’s signature.

The Daily Mail claim Barcelona are also ’looking to make a move’ for Mata this summer and their financial muscles could see them beat the Toon.

The United playmaker will reportedly demand wages of £140,000 per-week, which would break Newcastle’s wage structure.

08:30 UPDATE: David De Gea snub

David De Gea has rejected the club’s final contract offer, it has been claimed.

And that has put Red Devils chief Ed Woodward under pressure to sell the Spain star this summer or face losing him on a free transfer this time next year.

The 28-year-old wants £350,000-a-week at Old Trafford, a sum Woodward and co. are not prepared to offer.

French champions Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing De Gea and would be prepared to pay his wage demands, say The Sun.

PSG are said to be plotting a £60million bid for the goalkeeper this summer.

08:15 UPDATE: Isco available

Manchester United will rival Manchester City for Real Madrid midfielder Isco, reports claim.

After a difficult season at the Bernabeu, Zinedine Zidane’s side are open to selling their Spanish international.

Real Madrid want a complete squad overhaul and newspaper Sport claim Isco could net them somewhere in the region of £105million.

Aside from the Premier League duo chasing his services – Sport add that PSG are also interested in the 27-year-old playmaker.

08:00 UPDATE: Liverpool deal agreed

Liverpool have reportedly edged Manchester United to the signing of a new goalkeeper with Jakub Ojrzynski set to move to Anfield.

The 16-year-old is a Poland youth international and has been with Legia Warsaw.

He has been a regular in the youth team for the Polish side with Liverpool and United believed to have been keen.

But Football Insider claim it’s the Reds that have won the race, reportedly paying Legia Warsaw £200,000 for Ojrzynski’s services.

He has previously been on trial at Anfield and at United but will now compete for a place in Liverpool’s Under-18s and Under-23s.

07:45 UPDATE: Man Utd swap offer

Manchester United are interested in Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld and the Red Devils are reportedly willing to offer Eric Bailly for the Belgian.

Defence will be an area that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prioritises and while Kalidou Koulibaly remains a target, the Norwegian also wants to bring in Alderweireld.

And with Spurs believed to be keen on Bailly, the Daily Star claim that United could use their defender as bait for Alderweireld.

Despite Alderweireld’s consistent good form, the Belgian’s release clause sits at just £25million after Tottenham took up the option to keep him for an additional year.

07:30 UPDATE: Arsenal talks underway

Arsenal have been locked in talks over Lille forward Nicolas Pepe for over a year.

Express Sport revealed last month that Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool are tracking Lille star Pepe.

Goal add that the Gunners have been locked in talks with Lille for over 12 months.

However, with Pepe netting 22 goals this season, the winger’s asking price has increased.

And Goal say the Gunners may not be able to afford Pepe even if they qualify for the Champions League next season.

07:15 UPDATE: Pulisic on Hazard

Christian Pulisic hopes he can reach the same heights as Eden Hazard when he begins his Chelsea career this summer – and also wants to play alongside the Belgium international next season.

The 20-year-old signed a five-and-a-half year contract at Stamford Bridge in January to move from Borussia Dortmund in a £58million deal which saw him loaned back to the Bundesliga club for the rest of the campaign.

Hazard has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid and has just one year left on his existing contract, with Pulisic set to replace the Belgian if he leaves the Premier League outfit.

“It is incredible to see what Eden can do,” he told BBC Sport. “He is a guy to look up to and what I would love to become. It is definitely a goal. Any player would be dumb not to want to be in the same team as him.”