Transfer news LIVE: De Ligt to Man Utd, Liverpool plea, Hazard done deal, Arsenal, Chelsea

Transfer news LIVE – Saturday, June 8

• Premier League done deals: Every confirmed transfer in the top flight this summer
• Eden Hazard completes move to Real Madrid from Chelsea
• The latest on Man Utd interest in Matthijs de Ligt
• Arsenal release seven stars

10.50am UPDATE: Eden Hazard backed to be a success at Real Madrid

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes Eden Hazard can make a real difference for his new side.

“I think it is fantastic news for Real Madrid,” he said. “The player is one of those that anyone would like to have on their team – good dribbling, excellent passing and he can play both flanks because he uses the two feet.

“He can play as a winger, attacking midfielder and also a false nine so it’s perfect. I think it has been a good opportunity to take advantage of the decision of the player to leave Chelsea.

“This is the real one, the other three [signings] I’m not quite sure but Eden Hazard is really that player that can make the difference in a team and I hope he would be able to play at the same level he has been in the Premier [League].”

10.30am UPDATE: Man Utd and Liverpool snubbed by Nicolas Pepe

Nicolas Pepe has made a definitive decision on his future and will snub both Manchester United and Liverpool in favour of a move to Germany.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to add attacking talent to his squad after missing out on Champions League qualification.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had also considered putting a bid in for Lille winger Pepe, 24, but the player is not keen on a move to England.

According to the Sun, the £70million rated Ivory Coast international is likely to join Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich as a replacement for the outgoing Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.

Pepe scored 22 league goals this season as he fired Lille back into the Champions League, but he is highly unlikely to play for them in the competition next season with European giants circling.

10.10am UPDATE: James Rodriguez to Man Utd?

Manchester United are set to receive an offer from Real Madrid detailing a possible deal to sign Colombia international James Rodriguez.

Manchester United could become the unlikely beneficiary from Eden Hazard’s move from Chelsea to the Spanish capital as Real Madrid attempt to offload their unwanted star.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and United are set to take full advantage of the 27-year-old’s contract confusion by sealing a cut-price deal for the playmaker this summer.

However, Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is still keen on adding Paul Pogba to his playing squad before the end of the summer window, and could use United’s interest in Rodriguez as part of the deal.

Spanish football journalist Eduardo Inda has given his take on Pogba’s transfer stalemate, and outlined why the clubs are struggling to reach an agreement.

“Pogba is very complicated at this moment,” Inda said on Spanish television programme El Chiringuito de Jugones.

“It is the great star of Manchester, Madrid offers 120 [£111m] more incentives, which could reach 150. Manchester asks for 180 [£160m].”

9.50am: Tottenham to beat Man Utd and Liverpool to Bruno Fernandes

Tottenham transfer target Bruno Fernandes is ‘very close’ to signing for Spurs, and is set to reject a summer move to Manchester United or Liverpool, it’s been claimed.

Tottenham are reportedly “very close” to confirming the signing of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

He’s set to snub the opportunity to play for Manchester United, Liverpool or Manchester City to play for Mauricio Pochettino, according to Portuguese newspaper Record.

Spurs and United are the only two teams with meaningful bids at the moment.

But, Tottenham were always more likely to sign Bruno Fernandes, as they could offer the prestige of Champions League football next season.

9.30am: Celtic have bid turned down

Celtic boss Neil Lennon has seen his initial bid for Motherwell midfielder David Turnbull rejected as he looks to kick off his summer spending spree.

Celtic are aiming to win a ninth consecutive domestic title next season but will face a stern challenge from Steven Gerrard’s Rangers.

Lennon is desperate to strengthen his squad this summer in order to retain their dominance in Scotland, but the Northern Irishman has seen his first bid rejected.

According to the Daily Record, Scotland Under-21 international Turnbull was the subject of a £2million offer from the Premiership champions, and although that is lower than Motherwell’s valuation – the player will leave if their target is met.

A source said: “Motherwell have a value in mind and if nobody meets it then David will stay.

“He’s still got two years left on his contract and if it means Motherwell selling him for less money in 12 months but he has another season in the first team, then that’s fine.”

9am UPDATE: Paul Pogba for Gareth Bale swap deal

Manchester United could face a fight to keep Paul Pogba at Old Trafford this summer with Real Madrid ready to offer Gareth Bale in a swap deal.

Los Blancos have been busy already confirming the signing of Eden Hazard for £89million yesterday.

And it now appears they have set their sights on Manchester United midfielder Pogba.

The Mirror claim Real are ready to use Bale in a swap deal to sweeten any agreement.

It is understood United would want £130m for Pogba if they were to let him leave Old Trafford this summer.

And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could find a swap offer including Bale attractive, it has been claimed.

However, any negotiations would probably surround the fact the Wales international has three years remaining on a mega deal at the Bernabeu worth £600,000-a-week.

8.20am UPDATE: Daniel James transfer verdict

Daniel James is not the type of transfer that is going to take Manchester United back to where they want to be, according to Steve Nicol.

“This is your guy for the future,” Nicol said.

“This is who your guy is.

“But guess what, Manchester United don’t need guys for the future right now.

“They need people who can come in and step on the field and make a difference.

“And unfortunately, as good a prospect as Daniel James is, he’s not doing that.”

8am UPDATE: Chelsea react to Eden Hazard exit

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia gave her reaction to Hazard’s departure, thanking him for his contribution during his time at Stamford Bridge.

“Although it is with sadness we say goodbye to Eden and we made it absolutely clear to him the club wished him to stay, we respect the decision he has made to take on a new challenge in a different country and follow his childhood dream of playing for Real Madrid.

“The memories he leaves us with will not fade. He provided all who watched Chelsea play with great entertainment and many match-winning contributions, and for that we thank Eden enormously.

“He has been a model professional throughout his time at the club, a wonderful individual to have around and a joy to work with. We look forward to welcoming him back to Stamford Bridge in the future.”

7.40am UPDATE: Marcus Rashford wanted by Barcelona

Barcelona have reportedly opened talks with Manchester United over a potential deal for Marcus Rashford.

Rashford is out of contract at Old Trafford next season though talks are believed to be ongoing over a new deal.

Barcelona are searching for a new attacker with Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho’s futures both in doubt.

And Spanish outlet Sport claim that Barca have contacted Manchester United over a deal.

It’s reported that Rashford could be worth as much as €100million (£88m) if Barca move forward with a transfer.

7.15am UPDATE: Eden Hazard completes move to Real Madrid

Eden Hazard has finally secured his long-awaited move from Chelsea to Real Madrid.

The Spanish giants announced the signing of Eden Hazard from Chelsea on Friday evening.

It’s understood Los Blancos have splashed out £88million to acquire the 28-year-old’s signature, though that fee will rise to £130million due to add-ons.

Hazard has penned a five-year deal with Zinedine Zidane’s side, who ended the 2018-19 La Liga season in third place.

It’s understood his contract with the Spaniards will see him pocked a cool £400,000-a-week.

6.45am UPDATE: Matthijs de Ligt told to snub Manchester United

Barcelona and Holland star Frenkie de Jong has told Matthijs de Ligt to snub Manchester United and join him at Barcelona.

“No, he has to make his own decisions,” he said when asked if he would try to convince De Ligt.

“Of course I would like him to come to Barcelona but we will see what happens. It’s up to him.

“I don’t know [where he will go this summer], it’s his decision.

“You have to ask him about it but I hope he comes to Barca.

“Of course we talk about it [De Ligt joining Barca]. It’s not up to me to say what he’s going to do or his thoughts.

“I don’t have an influence on his choice. He has to make it on his own and with his family.”

6.15am UPDATE: Winger wants Liverpool switch

Italian winger Domenico Berardi appeared to issue a come-and-get-me plea to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp as he revealed he would ‘choose to play for Liverpool’.

“If an offer arrives, be it from Milan or another club, I will evaluate it with my club,” he said.

“And if I hear that it is the right proposal, to be taken on the fly, this time I will say to Sassuolo: ‘I’ll take it’.

“Being able to choose, I would play in Liverpool. Changing remains difficult for me, but it no longer frightens me, I would do it.

“The next goal is to play in Europe, but at a club where I can be used a lot, if not always. That is my priority.”

5.45am UPDATE: Arsenal confirm seven exits

Arsenal have officially confirmed that seven players will be leaving the club in the summer.

Aaron Ramsey has already agreed to join Juventus on a free when his contract expires on June 30.

Injury-hit striker Danny Welbeck is also on his way out, while goalkeeper Petr Cech is retiring.

In a post on their official website, Arsenal also revealed Stephan Lichtsteiner will leave after one season at the club.

“We thank them all for their contributions to the club and we wish them every future success,” Arsenal said.