TRANSFER NEWS LIVE – all the latest football gossip from the Premier League and abroad.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE – Latest football gossip
Hazard to Real Madrid off
Real Madrid have reportedly scrapped their interest in landing a Galactico signing this summer, with Eden Hazard set to stay at Chelsea.
Real president Florentino Perez has been tipped to splash out £200m on a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Hazard has spoken about his desire to join Real Madrid, while Harry Kane and Neymar have also been linked with moves to the Bernabeu.
But Spanish news outlet Libertad Digital reckon Real Madrid’s transfer policy has changed this summer.
A record-breaking signing is supposedly NOT in the pipeline after all.
Deals for Kane, Neymar and Hazard are on ice, a source has told the outlet, as Perez considers a different approach to transfers.
Whether or not that comes to fruition we will see.
Chelsea eye Donnarumma
Chelsea are set to make a move for AC Milan star Gianluigi Donnarumma after Liverpool pulled ahead in the race for Alisson.
Chelsea were eyeing a deal for Alisson to replace Thibaut Courtois, who looks set to join Real Madrid.
But Alisson is now on Merseyside to complete a move to Liverpool in a world record transfer for a goalkeeper.
Alisson is expected to complete his move within 48 hours after he flew to the UK from Italy leaving Chelsea hunting for other options.
And now, according to transfermarketweb, Chelsea are eyeing AC Milan ace Donnarumma.
The 19-year-old has impressed in Serie A and could make the move to England.
Transfermarketweb even claim a swap deal with Alvaro Morata going the other way could happen.
Vidal to leave Bayern
Could Chelsea be about to sign Arturo Vidal?
Reports in Germany claim the player is keen on joining Maurizio Sarri in west London.
Bild report that while Bayern Munich don’t want to sell the midfielder, Vidal himself is eyeing a move.
Napoli – now managed by Carlo Ancelotti – is another potential destination for the Chilean.
Neymar to Real Madrid latest
Real Madrid will have a free stab at singing Neymar if they want to go for the Brazilian.
Spanish radio station Onda Cero claim PSG are willing to sell Neymar.
That’s because they have now made World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe their top star.
PSG have given the final decision on Neymar’s future to manager Thomas Tuchel.
Whether or not Real will stump up the required £200m transfer funds to interest PSG remains to be seen.
Abramovich in Milan
Roman Abramovich is reportedly in Milan to try and secure two Chelsea transfers.
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claim deals for Juventus pair Gonzalo Higuain and Daniele Rugani are on the agenda.
Juventus chief executive Fabio Paratici is said to have met with Chelsea officials on Wednesday to discuss the transfers.
Chelsea want a combined £88m (€100m) for the duo – a fee that would cover the majority of Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer from Real Madrid.
The report claims Abramovich is trying to help along the deals, with manager Maurizio Sarri now installed at Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona battle
Barcelona look set to battle it out with PSG for the right to sign Ajax’s Frenkie De Jong.
Barcelona have tracked De Jong for weeks and have spoken to his agent on three occasions.
Ajax are open to selling the 21-year-old after signing Daley Blind from Manchester United this week.
But SPORT claim PSG are now in for the midfielder as well and are open to meeting Ajax’s £44.2m valuation.
Barca have already spent £60m on two players this summer and intend to land more recruits before the transfer window closes.
Alisson to udnerog medical today
Alisson has arrived in the UK to complete his Liverpool transfer and will undergo his medical today.
The Brazil goalkeeper has cut short his post World Cup holiday to travel to Merseyside where he will do the medical and sign his six-year contract with Liverpool.
Alisson will become the most expensive goalkeeper in history after Liverpool agreed a fee of £66.8m – almost double what Manchester City paid for Ederson last summer.
It will take Liverpool’s summer spending beyond £150m after already signing Fabinho, Xherdan Shaqiri and bringing Naby Keita after agreeing his deal last summer.
Tottenham talks
Tottenham are in talks with Aston Villa over a deal to sign Jack Grealish.
Spurs have earmarked Grealish as a viable transfer target and hope they can get him on the cheap.
Villa are holding out for as much as £40m for the playmaker.
But the Championship club’s financial situation means they may be talked into selling for less.
Spurs are notoriously hard negotiators and chairman Daniel Levy will hope to knock down the price over the coming weeks.
Daniele Rugani agrees personal terms with Chelsea
Daniele Rugani is closing in on a move to Chelsea from Juventus and has agreed personal terms, according to reports in Italy.
Reports earlier this week suggested that Rugani’s prospective arrival could push Gary Cahill out of the Stamford Bridge door, with the England international concerned over his lack of playing time.
Sarri has already made a splash in the window, signing Jorginho from Napoli in a £57million deal.
Sky Sport Italia claim Rugani’s agent, Fali Ramadani, the man who brokered Sarri’s move to Stamford Bridge, held talks in Milan last night.
A five-year contract is believed to have been agreed and he could earn £4m per season.
The transfer fee is expected to be worth £45m and it is thought the player could have a medical within the next 24-48 hours.
Alisson delight
Alisson has no obvious flaw and he will be a fantastic signing for Liverpool.
That is the view of former Liverpool star-turned-pundit Steve Nicol.
The Reds reached an agreement with Roma on Wednesday for the £66.8million transfer of the Brazil goalkeeper which will make him the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, eclisping the £35m Manchester City paid to sign Ederson from Benfica last summer.
And Nicol is thrilled about Alisson and reckons the shot-stopper is a godsend.
“I’m very happy. It’s absolutely fantastic news!,” he told ESPN.
“Ever since I heard they were going to sign him, I was thinking to myself ‘what can this guy not do?’
Thiago Alcantara preference
Manchester United could be scuppered in their hopes of signing Thiago Alcantra, according to reports in Spain.
Bayern Munich midfielder Alcantara was on Manchester United’s radar five years ago before he completed a switch to the Allianz Arena.
Jose Mourinho was thought to be eyeing more midfield deals, despite landing Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk and retaining the services of Marouane Fellaini.
Alcantara has cropped up as a potential target for United, but it seems the player has other ideas.
Spanish paper AS claim Alcantara’s desire is to head back to the Nou Camp.
However, Bayern want a definitive offer from Barcelona before they can proceed with negotiations.
Gianfranco Zola will join Chelsea as an assistant first-team coach
Lewandowski responds
Robert Lewandowski has responded to reports linking him with Manchester United.
Bayern Munich are believed to be open to selling the striker, who struggled with Poland at the recent World Cup.
But Lewandowski, who has also been linked to Real Madrid, has insisted that the transfer saga that has been floating over his head did not affect his performances in Russia.
He said: ”I didn’t think about it because I’ve been playing football for many years and this sort of situation has happened with all my transfers – whether it’s from Znicz to Lech [Poznan] or from Lech [Pruszkow] to Borussia Dortmund or from BVB to Bayern.
“I’ve learned how to handle these situations.”
Miralem Pjanic swoop
Chelsea are exploring a deal for Miralem Pjanic after the Juventus star hired a new agent, according to reports in Italy.
Maurizio Sarri is already lining up other deals with moves for Daniele Rugani and Gonzalo Higuain in the pipeline.
Pjanic, meanwhile, has also attracted interest from Barcelona who are eager to find a suitable replacement for Andres Iniesta who quit the Nou Camp at the end of last season.
However, according to Sky Sport Italia, Pjanic has just taken on Fali Ramadani as his new representative.
Ramadani, the report claims, flew out to Milan today and had dinner with the player, although there was no suggestions that a transfer was discussed.
Zola returns
Gianfranco Zola will join Chelsea as an assistant first-team coach, the Premier League club have announced.
Zola spent seven years at Stamford Bridge as a player, helping them win the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, Super Cup, two FA Cups and the League Cup.
The 52-year-old has had management experience in England with West Ham, Watford and Birmingham.
“I am very much looking forward to the challenge in general. I would love us to start well and we are all very excited to start this new adventure,” Zola said.
Transfer news LIVE: Anthony Martial and Eden Hazard could both be on the move this summer
Landed!
Roma goalkeeper Alisson has arrived in England ahead of a medical with Liverpool.
The goalkeeper was spotted at Rome Ciampino airport ahead of flying to Merseyside to complete a £66.9m transfer to Liverpool earlier today.
Italian website Forza Roma, which is affiliated to newspaper La Gazzetta Dello Sport, published a video which it said showed Alisson at Rome’s Ciampino airport. It said he was preparing to board a private jet to Manchester and was on his way to Liverpool for a medical on Saturday.
Alisson spoke in the video, saying: “Greetings to Roma fans. I’m sorry but I cannot say any more, I’ll say everything later.”
Alisson not done says Jim White
Alisson’s move to Liverpool has NOT been agreed, according to Sky Sports presenter Jim White.
Express Sport understands Liverpool and Roma have reached an agreement on a £66.8million fee for the Brazil international.
But White claims he has been told no fee has been agreed between the two clubs.
White wrote on Twitter: “Source in Italy tells me fee not yet agreed between @ASRomaEN and @LFC for goalkeeper Alisson but player still set to have medical, subject to eventual contract agreement.”
Hazard/Courtois talks
Maurizio Sarri wants to meet Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois for face-to-face talks in order to convince them their futures lie with Chelsea.
Belgium internationals Hazard and Courtois, who are recovering having helped their country finish third at the World Cup, have been heavily linked with Real Madrid.
Goalkeeper Courtois has just a year remaining on his Stamford Bridge contract, while forward Hazard has an additional 12 months.
Chelsea’s failure to qualify for the Champions League will not aid Sarri’s cause but he is hopeful his coaching methods can convince the pair to stay.
“The players you are referring to are very high level players and I would like to keep them in my squad,” Sarri said. “A telephone call without looking them in the eyes would not give me any certainty.
“I would like to meet these players face to face, talk to them and understand what the best thing to do would be for everyone. Before that I would also like a player to come on the pitch for four or five days together with me, to have a clear idea of what the situation is.
“Hazard is a very high-level player. He’s one of the top two or three European players.”
Arsenal youngster Kelechi Nwakali has joined Porto on a season-long loanGETTY
Arsenal youngster Kelechi Nwakali has joined Porto on a season-long loan
Mina told NOT to join Toffees
Yerry Mina has been told he’s too good for a move to Goodison Park by fellow Colombian Carlos Valderrama.
His World Cup displays have led to a whirlwind of speculation over the 23-year-olds future, linking him with a host of clubs including Liverpool, Leicester, Galatasaray and Everton.
But legendary midfielder Valderrama, who made 111 caps for Colombia, thinks he should ignore Marco Silva’s side.
“The Premier League is attractive but for me the Champions League is the most prestigious, I don’t think Yerry should join a mid-table team like Everton,” Valderrama said.
Done Deal: Nwakali signs
Arsenal youngster Kelechi Nwakali has joined Porto on a season-long loan, the Portuguese club have announced.
Nwakali, 20, joined Arsenal in 2016 before gaining experience with MVV Maastricht and VVV-Venlo for two successive seasons.
He’ll now spend the 2018-19 campaign with Porto, who have the option of making his deal permanent at the end of the campaign.
“My main goal is to develop and evolve as a player,” Nwakali said. “Improve my qualities and the other aspects that I know I need to correct to help me grow in the way I play.
“I think FC Porto is the right place to evolve as a player. There are good players, young people, and I think I’ll grow up here.”
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri hints at Gary Cahill stay
Neymar interest?!
Manchester United are interested in making a move for PSG star Neymar this summer, it has been claimed.
Reports in Spain have suggested that despite Real Madrid’s interest in Neymar, they would prefer to explore other options as they’re reluctant to deal with PSG.
And according to Don Balon, a Spanish outlet famous for its outlandish transfer claims, their hesitation could open the door for Neymar to join United.
The report claims that the 26-year-old is concerned about the prominence of Mbappe following his stunning performances at the World Cup and is desperate to leave France.
Gary Cahill future secure – Sarri
Gary Cahill still has a future at Stamford Bridge, says new manager Maurizio Sarri.
Sarri is planning to keep the 32-year-old defender at Stamford Bridge as he looks to keep the core of his English players.
”A number of English players is imposed (in the Premier League rules), so there will be English players,” said the Italian in his first press conference.
“I never want to make these kind of distinctions – I don’t want to discuss nationality. With respect to Cahill, I think he can still give us a lot.”
Chelsea Transfer News: Maurizio Sarri wants to sign Juventus star Daniele RuganiGETTY
Chelsea Transfer News: Maurizio Sarri wants to sign Juventus star Daniele Rugani
Bayern Munich sale…
Jose Mourinho could swoop for one Bayern Munich player with four members of the squad deemed surplus to requirements, it has been claimed.
Bild claim that Bayern Munich are primed to cut four players loose this summer.
Thiago, Jerome Boateng, Juan Bernat and Arturo Vidal will all supposedly be shown the door by new boss Nico Kovac.
But Bild say the player the Red Devils really want is Vidal.
It is said that United are prepared to welcome him to Old Trafford despite having Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Fred, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera at their disposal.
Daniele Rugani talks
Chelsea have opened talks to sign Juventus defender Daniele Rugani.
Maurizio Sarri is battling to keep hold of his star players while also looking to recruit before the new season is underway.
And centre-back Rugani is firmly on his radar.
Goal claim Chelsea representative Fali Ramadani held a meeting with Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici today to discuss a potential deal.
The Blues are prepared to offer £36million for the Italy international, 23, but Juventus want £45million.
Goal adds that talks are progressing well and Rugani will be offered £76,000 per-week at Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona Transfer News: Aleksandr Golovin will snub Barcelona and Juventus, reports claimGETTY
Barcelona Transfer News: Aleksandr Golovin will snub Barcelona and Juventus, reports claim
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain injury
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is highly unlikely to play for Liverpool in the 2018/19 season after Jurgen Klopp revealed a return to action would be a “bonus”.
In April, Oxlade-Chamberlain fell awkwardly in Liverpool’s first-leg Champions League semi-final win against Roma and was stretchered off.
It was then confirmed the 24-year-old had suffered a serious knee ligament injury and would miss the rest of the season and the World Cup.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was expected to return in 2019 before the end of the season but Klopp has now revealed the full story behind the injury and revealed the midfielder kept news of his injury secret.
Aleksandr Golovin
Chelsea look set to win the race for Aleksandr Golovin, who has reportedly chosen the Blues over Barcelona and Juventus.
Chelsea are finally conducting their transfer business after appointing Sarri as Antonio Conte’s successor last week.
Signing Golovin, however, will be no easy task.
Barcelona also want the player as a replacement for Andres Iniesta, who called time on his Nou Camp career last week.
Iniesta has moved to Japan with Vissel Kobe and Barca are trying to offload Andre Gomes to broker a deal for a replacement.
Juventus, meanwhile, are eyeing him as well.
The Serie A giants have enjoyed a fine summer, landing Emre Can and Ronaldo, but know more is needed if they are to end their agonising wait for the Champions League crown.
But Transfermarketweb claim Golovin is close to joining Chelsea.
Transfer News: Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea want Leonardo BonucciGETTY
Transfer News: Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea want Leonardo Bonucci
Leonardo Bonucci valuation
AC Milan are prepared to sell centre-back Leonardo Bonucci, reports claim.
Manchester United, Manchester City, PSG and Chelsea have all been credited with interest in the legendary centre-back.
And hopes of securing his signature have been handed a giant boost.
Italian publication Calciomercato claim AC Milan are prepared to entertain offers of £35million for the 31-year-old, who they signed from Juventus last summer.
The club’s financial problems and European ban for breaking Financial Fair Play regulations means they’ll need to balance the books by selling some of their key assets.
Arsenal transfer news: Barcelona want Andre Gomes off the books this week
Andre Gomes deadline
Arsenal could sign Barcelona star Andre Gomes this week, reports from Spain have claimed.
Arsenal want Barcelona star Gomes to sign on the dotted line, with Unai Emery undettered by his nightmare Nou Camp spell.
The Portugal international has struggled for form and consistency during his two years at Barca and, as a result, a parting of the ways is now on the cards.
And Catalan newspaper Sport say Barcelona want Gomes off the books as early as this week.
It is claimed the Gunners do not want to go as high as £18million for the player.
Instead, Arsenal want a cheaper deal and Barcelona, such is their desperation to offload Gomes, may be forced to oblige.
The two clubs are supposedly in talks about a transfer and developments over the next few days could be key.
Matteo Darmian talks “progressing well”
The agent of Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian says talks with Juventus are progressing nicely.
Tullio Tinti, Darmian’s agent, met with Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici in Milan this afternoon to discuss a transfer to Turin.
Asked how the discussions went as he left the meeting, Tinti responded: “Progressing very well. We’re at an advanced stage with Juventus.”
There’s speculation that Darmian’s arrival would see Brazilian full-back Alex Sandro join Paris St-Germain.
Alisson at the airport
Brazil international Alisson has been spotted at Rome Ciampino airport ahead of flying to Merseyside to complete a £66.9m transfer to Liverpool.
The goalkeeper delivered a brief interview with Sky Sport Italia and thanked Roma fans for their support.
“I want to thank the Roma fans,” the 25-year-old said.
Matteo Darmian talks
Juventus will meet with the agent of Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian, reports claim.
Darmian, 28, has frequently been linked with a return to Italy having found himself on the sidelines at Old Trafford.
But the right-back remains on Jose Mourinho’s books with less than a year remaining on his contract.
However, things could finally be about to change with Italian publication SportItalia claiming Juventus executives are holding talks.
It’s suggested that Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici is meeting Tullio Tinti, Darmian’s agent, at the Palazzo Parigi in Milan.
And it’s their second meeting in seven days.
Liverpool Transfer News: Suso’s release clause has now expiredGETTY
Liverpool Transfer News: Suso’s release clause has now expired
Toby Alderweireld update
Manchester United are confident of signing Tottenham star Toby Alderweireld this summer.
Spurs are demanding around £60m for the defender this summer, with the Red Devils currently unwilling to pay up.
However, according to The Independent, United feel the deal is there to be done – and Mourinho is confident of getting his man.
They add that talks between the two clubs broke down weeks ago due to Tottenham’s asking price for Alderweireld.
Suso release clause expires
Suso’s release clause has officially expired, reports in Italy suggest.
The Spanish winger, 24, was available for £34million should any potential suitor trigger his release clause.
But according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, the clause has expired and now AC Milan can set his asking price.
Premier League trio Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool have all been linked with Suso in recent weeks but will now have to meet Milan’s valuation.
However, the report continues to add that because of AC Milan’s financial plight and exclusion from European competitions, they are likely to accept a fee in the region of £36m.
Transfer news LIVE Liverpool AlissonGETTY
Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool have agreed a £66m fee for Alisson
Allison flying to Liverpool
Roma goalkeeper Alisson Becker will fly to Merseyside tonight after agreeing a world-record deal with Liverpool.
The Reds and Roma have agreed a £66.9million deal for Alisson, who will travel to Liverpool tonight before completing his medical on Saturday, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
The current record transfer in pounds for a goalkeeper is the £35million paid to Benfica by Manchester City for Alisson’s compatriot Ederson last summer.
The Brazil international will replace Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet as Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice goalkeeper after the pair failed to convince.
Alisson, 25, will then link up with his new team-mates after Liverpool return from their tour of the USA.
Alisson to Liverpool: Reds agree £66.8m fee with Roma, medical planned, Chelsea yet to bidGETTY
Alisson to Liverpool: Reds agree £66.8m fee with Roma, medical planned, Chelsea yet to bid
Sarri on signings
Maurizio Sarri has been asked which players he wants to bring in at Chelsea.
But the new manager was guarded about revealing any details.
“I cannot name names, because I don’t know,” he said.
“I spoke with the club and ideally I think that a pinch of quality is lacking in our centre-halves for a certain type of play.
“At the end of the transfer (window) I will understand which type of game is the most suitable.
“I cannot change 20 players, I must adapt and then I will see if we change some thing in my game. Because of their characteristics.”
Sarri ‘bored’ of transfers
Maurizio Sarri has held his first press conference as a Chelsea manager.
And the Italian was giving nothing away when it comes to transfers this summer.
“Clearly we will always like to keep our strongest players. This is what any manager wants to do,” he said.
“Then we will have to see how the transfer market goes in the next few days. I want to clarify that I feel much more like a pitch manager than a general manager.
“I think I am one of the few manager who is bored by the transfer market.
“I don’t want to talk about the transfer market and I’m not that interested in it. Our task as managers is to grow the players that we have.”
Could Real Madrid be about to END their interest in a Galactico signing?
Get all the latest transfer gossip right here…https://t.co/QycwIieuCg #RMCF #Hazard #Kane #Neymar
— Express Sport (@DExpress_Sport) July 18, 2018
Liverpool fee agreed
Liverpool have agreed a fee with Roma to sign goalkeeper Alisson.
As Express Sport revealed earlier today, the Reds officially made their first bid for the Brazilian on Tuesday.
And manager Jurgen Klopp looks set to get his man.
The Daily Star claim a £66m deal between Liverpool and Roma has been agreed.
Permission has been granted to speak to the player.
Chelsea could still muscle in on a move but will have to act fast if they want to sign Alisson.
As for Liverpool, Loris Karius is now expected to leave the club.
Transfer news LIVE Chelsea Maurizio Sarri
Source:www.express.co.uk