Key Events So Far
Barcelona name Turan price?
Arda Turan could be sold by Barcelona for around £23million this summer, according to Marca.The Catalan giants are prepared to sell the midfielder, who failed to break into the first-team last season, for just two-thirds of the £34million price that they paid for him last summer.
He is reportedly set to consider the exit from the Nou Camp after spending the second half of last season largely on the bench.
Mata available for just £20m?
Manchester United will sell Juan Mata for just £20million, according to the Daily Express.Mata was sold to United by Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and is expected to face a similar fate as the club look to make room in the squad for Paul Pogba.
It is believed that Mata would like to stay and fight for his place in the United line-up but Mourinho has reportedly made his mind up that he will not be staying.
Everton are leading the race for his signature, while he could also be used as part of the Pogba deal with Juventus.
Southampton are poised to sign Hojbjerg
Southampton are poised to sign Bayern Munich’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in a £12million deal.Hojbjerg, 20, is set for a move to the Premier League after growing frustrated at being overlooked for a first-team place at Bayern.
And the player’s agent, Soren Lerby, has confirmed that a move to St Mary’s is set to take place in the coming days.
“Yes, I can confirm that Pierre will switch to Southampton” the player’s agent, Soren Lerby, told Ekstra Bladet.
Hojbjerg will become the Saints second signing of the summer, following on from Nathan Redmond, and the first of the Claude Puel era.
Juve confirm Arsenal rejected offer for Sanchez
uventus have revealed Arsenal have rejected their £34million bid for Alexis Sanchez.The Italian champions have stepped up their pursuit of the Chilean superstar by claiming that they have met a “reasonable” valuation put forward by the Gunners - only for their offer to be dismissed.
Juve sporting director Giuseppe Marotta told Chilean newspaper El Mercurio: “Sanchez is a great player, but Arsenal do not want to give him up.
“We informed the Gunners, who asked for £34m – surely a reasonable fee.
“However, when we responded to this request, Arsenal told us they will not sell the player.”
David McDonnell
Man Utd closing in on £100m Pogba deal
Manchester United are closing in on a world record £100million deal for France’s Euro 2016 star Paul Pogba.United are ready to table the bid for the Juventus midfielder once his participation in the Euros ends with Sunday night’s final against Portugal, and they believe they can succeed in bringing the 23-year-old back to Old Trafford.
Pogba left United for Juventus on a free transfer in 2012 after growing tired of a lack of first-team opportunities under then boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Since then Pogba has flourished at Juventus and emerged as one of the most coveted young players in world football, with Real Madrid also in for him.
But United believe they are in pole position to land Pogba, with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward having established a strong working relationship with Mino Raiola, the player’s agent.
Raiola represents Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, both of whom joined United this summer, with the Reds increasingly confident of making it a hat-trick of his clients with Pogba.
Adrian Kajumba
Spurs set to miss out on Gotze
Tottenham are set to miss out on Mario Gotze to Borussia Dortmund.Spurs have made an approach for the German playmaker who has fallen out of favour at Bayern Munich and is valued at around £20m.
Gotze, 24, was initially reluctant to leave Bayern and declared he was looking forward to working with new boss Carlo Ancelotti.
But Bayern remain keen to offload him Gotze is now resigned to his fate and preparing to move on.
Spurs made their move for Gotze, scorer of Germany’s 2014 World Cup winning goal, with boss Mauricio Pochettino in the market for a creative midfielder.
But Mirror Sport understands Gotze is expected to opt for a move back to Dortmund to revive his career over a switch to the Premier League.
Darren Lewis
EXCLUSIVE: Wijnaldum begs Toon to let him join Spurs
Georginio Wijnaldum is set to plead with Newcastle not to price him out of a move to Tottenham.The north Londoners have a keen interest in attacking midfielder Wijnaldum . And he, in turn, is ready to jump at the chance of playing Champions League football with them next season.
But they have no intention of meeting the relegated Magpies ‘ £25million asking price.
Holland international Wijnaldum turns 26 in November, and Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino’s recruitment drive has previously focused on players aged 25 and younger.
Also, the valuation is nearly double the £14.5m Newcastle paid Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for him just 12 months ago.
Read on here...
Alex Smith
Ibe wants to hear all offers before deciding
Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe is stalling on a move to Bournemouth – despite the clubs agreeing a £15million fee.The Cherries are desperate to bag wonderkid Ibe in what would be a club-record deal, seeing him as a replacement for the recently-departed Matt Ritchie.
But the 20-year-old is keen to hear other offers before committing to the south coast, with West Brom and Championship side Newcastle also interested.
The England Under-21 international is in no rush to sign any contracts and has not ruled out staying put and attempting to break into the Anfield giants’ first team.
Read the full story here...
Darren Lewis
Chelsea fear Everton will drive up Koulibaly price
Chelsea fear Everton are poised to drive up the price for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.Incoming Blues boss Antonio Conte, set to start work this week, is keen to land the highly-rated Senegal international. Koulibaly helped his club into second in Serie A last season.
Chelsea have already had two bids, the second a package of around £34million, rejected.
Now Everton are understood to be ready to trump that offer.
It could see the London Blues forced to pay even more than the £38million they offered to Everton for John Stones last summer.
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Monday's paper round-up
Euro 2016 came to a close on Sunday, with Portugal sneaking a win over tournament hosts France thanks to an extra time goal.It was Swansea flop Eder who bagged the winner, bringing the curtain down on an absorbing tournament.
There is plenty of reaction to that in today’s papers, of course, with Cristiano Ronaldo the centre of attention despite going off injured.
But there’s plenty of transfer intrigue as well.
Click here to read our full Monday morning paper round-up featuring N’Golo Kante, Alvaro Negredo, Felipe Anderson and more.
Dragovic to join Bayer
Aleksandar Dragovic is set to leave Dynamo Moscow for Bayer Leverkusen after committing to the German club.He has cancelled his summer vacation to complete the move.
Over the past 12 months, Austrian international Dragovic has attracted interest from Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Liverpool.
“I have given my word Leverkusen and the makers of Dynamo informed personally so were and are the clubs at the train.”
Dragovic continues: “Leverkusen is working hard for some time to myself. I have 04 out with the officials of Bayer prior to the European Championship very good conversations and not have to think long. There is a top address in a top league, for me the change would be a great thing and a great opportunity.”
Sammer leaves Bayern
Sporting director Matthias Sammer has left Bayern Munich with immediate effect.The former Germany international has recovered from health problems at the end of last season but has decided to step away from the game.
“I’m feeling very good,” Sammer said. “My health is fully restored and the numerous medical examinations confirm this 100 per cent. I’ve taken a step back from the day-to-day duties in recent weeks and I had the opportunity and the time to consider many things; consider my family and my duties at Bayern Munich.
“Being director of sport at Bayern Munich means working seven days a week, 24 hours a day with all of your energy devoted to the club, the team and also being a public figure. I would rather not deal with these duties at the moment.”
David McDonnell
Man United closing in on £100m Pogba deal
Manchester United are closing in on a world record £100million deal for France’s Euro 2016 star Paul Pogba.United are ready to table the bid for the Juventus midfielder once his participation in the Euros ends with Sunday night’s final against Portugal, and they believe they can succeed in bringing the 23-year-old back to Old Trafford.
Pogba left United for Juventus on a free transfer in 2012 after growing tired of a lack of first-team opportunities under then boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Since then Pogba has flourished at Juventus and emerged as one of the most coveted young players in world football, with Real Madrid also in for him.
But United believe they are in pole position to land Pogba, with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward having established a strong working relationship with Mino Raiola, the player’s agent.
Raiola represents Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, both of whom joined United this summer, with the Reds increasingly confident of making it a hat-trick of his clients with Pogba.
United are willing to pay Pobga £11.5m a year in a package that could cost in excess of £150m, with the player set to be handed a five-year deal.
The £100m transfer fee would eclipse the current world record £85m fee Real Madrid paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale in 2013.
Everton are ready to cool their long-standing interest in Andriy Yarmolenko, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The Blues tried to sign the Dynamo Kiev forward last summer but talks broke down after a late approach.
And it is understood that new boss Ronald Koeman is not looking at the Ukrainian international.
Everton continued to monitor the 26-year-old last season and scouted him on a number of occasions throughout the campaign.
Roberto Martinez made a personal check on Yarmolenko in a Champions League last 16 tie against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in March and was planning to make a second move this summer.
Hojbjerg to join Saints?
Southampton will sign Bayern Munich midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, according to the player’s agent.Soren Lerby told Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet:
“Yes, I can confirm that Pierre will switch to Southampton.”According to German paper Kicker, the fee will be around £12.8m while the 20-year-old midfielder - who spent last season on loan at Schalke - told Danish newspaper BT he was keen to leave Bayern:
“I want to leave and find the right place for me. I need to find something that fits me.
“It’s clear that it won’t be a top club. I want a place where there is a perspective.
“That’s important for me because I’ve experienced a lot at only 20 years.”
Nishan Burkart confirms move to Man United
Switzerland youth international Nishan Burkart has confirmed his move to Manchester United from FC Zurich, reports the Manchester Evening News.The 16-year-old is the latest overseas youngster to move to Manchester as head of academy Nicky Butt continues to reinforce the youth team.
Burkart scored nine goals in seven games at the Swiss Cup last summer and is pleased to be heading to his mother’s home country.
Asked why he joined United, Burkart said:
“Pure gut feeling - the other clubs were also very interested.
“I visited each club and analysed its infrastructure while there. I always knew: If I were going to move to a club abroad, then it could only be to England, my mother’s home country.”
Adrian Kajumba
Spurs set to miss out on Gotze
Tottenham are set to miss out on Mario Gotze to Borussia Dortmund.Spurs have made an approach for the German playmaker who has fallen out of favour at Bayern Munich and is valued at around £20m.
Gotze, 24, was initially reluctant to leave Bayern and declared he was looking forward to working with new boss Carlo Ancelotti.
But Bayern remain keen to offload him Gotze is now resigned to his fate and preparing to move on.
Spurs made their move for Gotze, scorer of Germany’s 2014 World Cup winning goal, with boss Mauricio Pochettino in the market for a creative midfielder.
But Mirror Sport understands Gotze is expected to opt for a move back to Dortmund to revive his career over a switch to the Premier League.
He left Dortmund for Bayern in 2013 after coming through their academy and spending four years on the first team.
Darren Lewis
Chelsea and Everton battle over Koulibaly
Chelsea fear Everton are poised to drive up the price for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.Incoming Blues boss Antonio Conte, set to start work this week, is keen to land the highly-rated Senegal international.
Koulibaly helped his club into second in Serie A last season.
Chelsea have already had two bids, the second a package of around £34million, rejected. Now Everton are understood to be ready to trump that offer.
It could see the Blues forced to pay even more than the £38million they offered to Everton for John Stones last summer.
Backed by billionaire majority investor Farhad Moshiri, the Toffees expect to win this summer’s battle for Stones because of their strong financial position.
They have also made approaches to a number of high-profile players themselves.
They are currently interested in Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel, Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin and Fiorentina midfielder Milan Badelj.
Fiorentina sign Gheorghe Hagi's son
Fiorentina will be hoping Ianis Hagi turns out as good as his dad.Gheorghe Hagi’s 17-year-old son has joined the Italian side, they have announced.
A statement on their website read: “Fiorentina announces that it has exercised its option for the acquisition of the registration rights of the player Ianis Hagi, Romanian midfielder, FC Viitorul.Hagi, born in Istanbul on October 22 of 1998, boasts 5 appearances for the National Under-17 Championship in Romania.
“Last season, held at Viitorul Constanta, scored 1 goal and made 16 appearances. The footballer Ianis Hagi joined his team-mates in Moena on Monday after passing a medical.”
Here he is with his old man...
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Wycombe confirm signing of The Beast
Adebayo Akinfenwa has as new club...and it’s Wycombe Wanderers.The League Two club revealed the signing of the 32-year-old striker who weighs over 100kg and is of course referred to as ‘The Beast’ on account of being bloody massive.
The much travelled striker spent the last two seasons at AFC Wimbledon where he scored 20 goals in 81 games.
Yesterday he tweeted:
I see today I’ve been linked with city, Liverpool, Barca & Real Madrid. All good clubs even doe @LFC is the best lol I’m feeling so overwhelmed
I’m signing for my new club tomorrow & I’m excited at the new challenge & chapter awaiting me #BMO #ExcitingTimesAhead
I’m seeing a lot of clubs being mention but I only think I’ve seen one person get it right lol
Icardi on the move?
Mauro Icardi’s wife has dropped a transfer bomb by announcing her husband will probably be leaving Inter Milan.Wanda Nara is also the striker’s agent and has claimed that the Serie A side are keen to sell the Tottenham and West Ham target this summer.
“From what I can see, Inter have put Icardi up for sale,” Nara told calciomercato.com.Icardi, who is Inter captain, scored 16 goals last season but was left out out of Argentina’s squad for this summer’s Copa America.
“There are many clubs interested. We will evaluate the situation with all due respect for everyone.”
“Mauro would be very sad to leave Inter, but we’ve understood the club’s economic situation and evidently they cannot hold Icardi back.
“There is no release clause in his contract and we hope Inter won’t ask for a sum that is outside the market value, but rather suited to his contract.”
Swans in for Barca flier Tello
Swansea City have joined the race to sign Cristian Tello, according to The Sun.Francesco Guidolin’s side face competition for the 24-year-old from Southampton and Fiorentina.
Swans chairman Huw Jenkins had made an initial approach for the forward in an attempt to claim his signature.
Robbie Fowler
Paul Pogba move is a statement of intent - but £100million is FAR too much
Manchester United’s pursuit of Paul Pogba is a case of them showing their teeth... because they can.It is a massive statement of intent from the most financially powerful club in the world, designed, I suspect, to show they still have plenty of bite in the transfer market.
But £100m? C’mon. I’m sorry, but Pogba is massively overrated. Look, he must be a good player because so many people in the game speak about his qualities and you don’t get to the top in Italy without having talent.
I just don’t see it. He hasn’t really stood out in Europe and most certainly not at these European Championships.
Fair United fans? You’ll have to read the rest
Will Alexandre Lacazette head to the Emirates?
Much has been made of Arsenal’s striker pursuit after missing out on Jamie Vardy.And one name thrown into the mix is Alexandre Lacazette, the Lyon striker with a £42million valuation on his head.
Lyon owner Jean-Michel Aulas has been talking about him, and, in particular, a potential move to Arsenal.
“I saw Arsene a lot during France’s matches and he didn’t talk to me about it,” said Aulas.
“So I don’t think that there is something, and it seems to me that Alex wants to spend this season with Lyon in the new stadium.
“He wants to experience an adventure in the Champions League that could prove to be much better than last season.
“I think he’s going to stay with us and we’re very happy about that.”
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Villa complete Tshibola deal
A done deal at Villa Park.Aaron Tshibola has completed his move to Aston Villa, believed to be in the region of £5million.
He joins from Reading, signing a four-year deal and linking up with Steve Clarke - Villa No.2 - who gave him his first-team debut with the Royals.
Ed Malyon
Benteke has agreed terms with Palace
Christian Benteke has agreed personal terms with Crystal Palace and is desperate to complete his move to Selhurst Park.Palace and Liverpool are still to finalise an agreement on the transfer fee, withLiverpool holding out for a deal that will recoup the £32million paid to Aston Villa last summer.
But all parties are optimistic a deal will be completed this week, possibly as soon as Monday, as the Eagles finally get the top-level centre-forward they have been looking for while Benteke will become the highest-earning player in the club’s history.
Full story here
Hoops keen on Ward
Celtic are interested in signing Danny Ward from Liverpool in the summer transfer window.The Sun say Liverpool want Ward to sign a new contract before he is loaned out to Championship club Huddersfield Town, but that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers also made an inquiry about Ward.
The Wales star, 23, will be allowed to join boss Jurgen Klopp’s pal David Wagner at Huddersfield for the season, but the Hoops could scupper that prospect with more serious interest in the goalkeeper.
The Welshman was a big hit on loan at Aberdeen in the Premiership last season, making 29 appearances before being recalled to Anfield.
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Saints set to sign Bayern starlet in £12million deal
One mentioned earlier but which has advanced in the last hour.Southampton are set to sign Bayern Munich’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in a £12million deal.
Hojbjerg, 20, is set for a move to the Premier League after growing frustrated at being overlooked for a first-team place at Bayern.
And the player’s agent, Soren Lerby, has confirmed that a move to St Mary’s is set to take place in the coming days.
“Yes, I can confirm that Pierre will switch to Southampton” the player’s agent, Soren Lerby, told Ekstra Bladet.Full story here
Farewell from Papiss
Papiss Cisse has paid tribute to Newcastle’s “unforgettable” fans after joining Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng.Cisse , 31, is the latest big-name player to move to China after agreeing a two-and-a-half year contract with the option of another year.
Senegal international Cisse, who scored 44 goals in 131 games for Newcastle, said: “I will be back as a supporter alongside them one day. Every goal I scored in that famous number nine shirt was for them.”
Newcastle sold Cisse following relegation to the Championship and the striker believes Rafa Benitez can help them get back into the Premier League.
“I hope that the team are quickly back in the Premier League.
We had some great times together and hopefully under Rafa those times will return.”
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Liverpool youngster heads out on loan
Here’s our first done deal of the day - and it involves Liverpool.The Reds have let young stopper Ryan Fulton join Chesterfield on loan for the campaign, in a bid to get him first-team experience.
Fulton is down at fourth/fifth choice at Anfield right now so the 20-year-old - who went on loan to Portsmouth in the second half of last season - is heading to League One.
The Scotland youth international is likely to start the campaign as No.1, with regular Spireites keeper Tommy Lee out with a shoulder injury.
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Arsenal transfer news and rumours: Real Madrid to deal Gunners HUGE transfer blow?
Real Madrid are reportedly set to deal Arsenal a huge transfer blow by deciding to keep hold of Alvaro Morata.The La Liga giants triggered the buy-back clause in Morata’s Juventus contract seemingly with the intention of selling him on for a profit.
Premier League duo Arsenal and Chelsea were reportedly in the race for his signature, but Los Blancos will now reject all offers for the striker, according to Spanish outlet Marca.
Arsene Wenger is keen on adding firepower to his squad as the Gunners look to end their title drought.
Full roundup here
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Hello Hojbjerg?
Reports emanating from Germany and Kicker are that Southampton are set to land Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Bayern Munich.The Danish midfielder spent last year on loan at Schalke and has decided he must leave Bayern this summer, to advance his career.
According to Kicker, the 20-year-old - a big favourite of Pep Guardiola at the Allianz Arena - will arrive for around £11million.
Certainly one to keep an eye on.
United keen on Henry
Leeds United are eyeing a move for Walsall fullback Rico Henry - as Charlie Taylor’s contract situation leaves his future up in the air.Garry Monk is on the lookout for new recruits and has earmarked Henry, an England Under-19 international watched by the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, as a player with potential.
A £1million move could be forthcoming, but may depend on Taylor’s future.
The 22-year-old is stalling on a new deal amid interest from Burnley, but Leeds owner Massimo Cellino is refusing to let him go, due to unhappiness with his agent.
Steve Bates
Man United offer £37m midfielder to Juventus in part-exchange for Pogba
Juan Mata has been offered to Juventus in a bid by Manchester United to land £100million-rated French midfielder Paul Pogba, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People.New Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho is willing to sacrifice playmaker Mata to grab former United starlet Pogba in a world-record deal with the Turin-based Serie A champions.
The Special One sold Mata to the Red Devils for £37.1m in January 2014 when he was Chelsea manager, believing the Spanish international didn’t possess the physicality and dynamic presence he wanted in his midfield.
And those close to Mourinho claim that opinion hasn’t changed, meaning the 28-year-old star is on borrowed time in Manchester.
It’s a grim scenario for Mata, who is a popular figure in the dressing room, around the club and amongst fans.
Neil Moxley
Tottenham join transfer chase for Liverpool and Everton target Georginio Wijnaldum
Georginio Wijnaldum is at the centre of a bidding war as interest in the Newcastle midfielder hots up, writes Neil Moxley in the Sunday People.The Holland international was told last week by Toon boss Rafa Benitez that he will have to stay at St James’ Park unless the relegated Magpies’ £25million valuation is met.
But Liverpool and Everton are interested in 25-year-old Wijnaldum – and Tottenham have now thrown their hat into the ring, too.
Benitez had planned to ask former club Liverpool for Jordon Ibe in part-exchange this week in a swap deal that would have seen £10m-plus heading to the north-east.
However, Bournemouth’s straight cash offer for Ibe has put paid to that, and the Tynesiders are now hoping for around £30m for Wijnaldum.
Cottagers closing on Kevin McDonald
12 months after almost signing Wolves midfielder Kevin McDonald, the Cottagers are closing in on their man.McDonald sat out Wolves’ behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday with Shrewsbury, and the Express-and-Star reports he is set to complete a £1million move to Craven Cottage.
The Scottish international fell out of favour at Molineux towards the end of last season, not playing a game after March for Kenny Jackett.
A move to Rangers fell through this summer, after Mark Warburton elected to take Joey Barton to Ibrox instead.
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