Chelsea eyeing deals for Saul and Kounde, Messi NOT in PSG squad, Mbappe pictured ALONE in training – live updates

EVERTON AND ARSENAL ‘IN FOR CORREA’

Everton are reportedly set to rival Arsenal for Lazio forward Joaquin Correa in a bid to boost their attack. 

The speculation follows Rafa Benitez’s surprise swoop for Andy Lonergan with the ex-Liverpool stopper becoming the Toffees’ fourth summer signing.

Italian football journalist Alfredo Pedulla claims the Goodison Park side are pursuing Correa who has attracted interest from Tottenham as well as the Gunners. 

The player, who is 27 and has eight international caps for Argentina, netted 11 goals and provided six assists across all competitions last season. 

Correa, who joined Lazio from Sevilla for £13.5million in 2018 is rumoured to have fallen out of favour with Stadio Olimpico boss Maurizio Sarri.

And it is claimed the Argentine is considering his options despite the coach publicly expressing his wish for the star to stay and fight for his place. 

Reports in Italy suggest Everton are gearing up to make an improved offer for the Serie A player who helped Argentina to win this year’s Copa America. 

Gazetta dello Sport claims the Toffees, who play Leeds next, had an initial £21.5m bid rejected by the Italian giants.

PALMED OFF ON LOAN

Emerson Palmieri has joined French club Lyon on a season-long loan after signing a new two-year deal at Chelsea.

The Italian Euro-winning left-back was attracting a lot of interest from Serie A outfit Napoli.

But Lyon have won the race for the 27-year-old’s signature, announcing it on Twitter.

The French club have also reportedly agreed an option to sign Emerson permanently at the end of the season-long switch.

Lyon boss Peter Bosz is over the moon with the signing of Emerson, and has revealed that the Italian is already impressing in training.

He said: “Damien Da Silva has a lot of experience. He gives his desire to win, to work, to the team.

“I am happy that Emerson Palmieri happened. He was in a big club, where you always have to win, like with the Italian team.

“Emerson has a good left foot. It was his first training.

“I’ll chat with him to see how it went. We will see tomorrow if he will be fit for the match against Clermont. If he’s ready, that will be an added possibility. “

YOU’VE BEEN TANG-KO’D

Nuno Espirito Santo will be keeping Tanguy Ndombele in the cold amid reports of Tottenham’s record buy handing in a transfer request.

And the Spurs boss says a decision will also be made on Saturday regarding Harry Kane’s involvement against Wolves.

Midfielder Ndombele has endured a torrid start to his Tottenham career after arriving for £55m under Mauricio Pochettino in 2019.

He was an outcast under Jose Mourinho and is now facing the same treatment from Nuno as he looks to force a move.

He was axed from the club’s Europe Conference League squad ahead of their midweek trip to Portugal.

And when asked whether Ndombele would be involved for the first time this season for the trip to Molineux, Nuno said: “He was not part of the squad in the Conference League because he was not included in the list.

“But I will be honest with you, Tanguy will not be involved on Sunday.”

Star striker Harry Kane’s future also remains up in the air with a £125m move to Manchester City on the cards.

UTD’S GORETZKA BLOW

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka have been dashed after he reportedly agreed a new Bayern Munich contract with the club.

The 26-year-old, who had been high on United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wishlist, will remain with the German giants until 2026, according to Goal journalist Ronan Murphy.

The former Schalke star, who netted ten times and provided nine assists in 39 starts for Bayern last season, was on Solskjaer’s radar since July.

The Norwegian was lining him up as a potential replacement for contract rebel Paul Pogba whose future is up in the air.

And as Goretzka, who had one more year on his contract was stalling on penning a new deal with Bayern, United were ready to swoop in and sign him on the cheap.

But Bayern weren’t willing to let their star midfielder go and boss Julian Nagelsmann told Goretzka that he wanted him to stay at the Allianz Arena.

During the speculation about United’s interest, he said: “Of course I have talked to him about my plans for him. I’ve told him I’d be happy if he extended and I’m also confident.

“I’ll continue to focus on the sports side of things and show him he can be one of the most dangerous midfielders in Europe. He has potential to get even better.”

JESSE FUTURE STILL IN DOUBT

England midfielder Jesse Lingard could still leave Manchester United before the transfer deadline – to gain regular football.

The former West Ham loanee, 28, missed out on the opening match of the season against Leeds due to Covid-19 but scored in a behind closed doors friendly against Burnley in midweek.

And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has publicly praised Lingard, stating he is part of his plans for the season.

But, after Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick and Paul Pogba grabbed four assists in the win over Leeds, Lingard could struggle for game time.

And that could lead the attacking midfielder to search for a move elsewhere, according to The Times.

The report claims Lingard is keen to play his way back into the England set-up once again, but he knows he will only have a shot at that by playing regular football at club level.

NOT IN A HARRY

Pep Guardiola says he will be ‘more than happy’ if Manchester City do not sign Harry Kane.

The Citizens boss declared his interest in the Tottenham striker but insists he would have no problem if the transfer window closed without any more incomings.

Asked if he would be happy with his squad if the transfer window shut now, Guardiola said: “Absolutely, more than happy. It is the same team, except Sergio [Aguero] for Jack Grealish, that we had last season.”

Pep also confirmed he is not interested in wantaway Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski. 

The Spaniard managed the Pole for two seasons in Germany. 

But when asked if he was interested, Pep shot back: “Next question.  Lewy is such an important player for Bayern Munich and he will stay at Bayern Munich.

“I am not going to talk about 11 days left in the transfer market. I don’t know what is going to happen.”

PAL WOW

Emerson Palmieri has joined French club Lyon on a season-long loan after signing a new two-year deal at Chelsea.

The Italian Euro-winning left-back was attracting a lot of interest from Serie A outfit Napoli.

But Lyon have won the race for the 27-year-old’s signature, bringing him to the club for a season.

The French club have also reportedly agreed an option to sign Emerson permanently at the end of the season-long switch.

NO GO

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka have been dashed after he reportedly agreed a new contract with the club.

The 26-year-old, who had been high on United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wishlist, will remain with the German giants until 2026 according to Goal journalist Ronan Murphy.

The former Schalke star, who netted ten times and provided nine assists in 39 starts for Bayern in all competitions last season, was on Solskjaer’s radar since July.

The Norwegian was lining him up as a potential replacement for contract rebel Paul Pogba whose future is up in the air.

And as Goretzka, who had just one more year on his contract, was stalling on penning a new deal with Bayern, United were ready to swoop in and sign him on the cheap.

But Bayern weren’t willing to let their star midfielder go and now they have finally tied him down to a new long-term contract.

ROD FOR HIS BACK

Everton outcast James Rodriguez admitted he doesn’t even know who the club play next as he awaits a transfer.

The 30-year-old’s time at Goodison Park is all but over after reportedly being told he’s not in manager Rafa Benitez’s plans.

And the disillusioned Colombian star revealed he’s not even sure of Everton’s fixture list as he lines up a summer exit.

Rodriguez missed the opening day victory over Southampton due to Covid isolation and is ready to return this week. But he made an alarming admission on his Twitch stream.

The 30-year-old said: “I will start training on Monday, I think. On the weekend I will not play, I don’t even know who Everton is playing, can you please tell me? I think it is away because the past was here at home.”

He later added: “Ah, against Leeds they play, away from home, against (Marcelo) Bielsa, a difficult game, let’s see what happens, hopefully they win.

“I have faith that this season will be good for me, big things are coming for me. Between now and August 30, anything can happen, I don’t know where I’ll play, I’ll be where things go well.”

Speaking on Friday in his press conference, manager Benitez said: “Until August 31, he (James) is part of my plans.”

KYL FOR HIM

Manchester United have reportedly drawn up a four-man striker shortlist for next summer – and Kylian Mbappe is on it.

The Paris Saint-Germain hitman’s current deal runs out in June 2022 and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

United’s current leading forward Edinson Cavani, 34, is also out of contract in 10 months’ time and is widely expected to join Boca Juniors.

According to ESPN, the Red Devils are keeping a close eye on Mbappe’s situation and are ready to meet his high salary demands.

The World Cup winner, 22, would be a sensational replacement for Cavani after hitting 79 goals in 82 Ligue 1 appearances for PSG.

But it’s thought Mbappe’s preferred choice is a move to the Spanish capital before September after weeks of speculation.

The other three players rumoured to be on United’s shortlist are Erling Haaland, 21, Harry Kane, 28, and Lautaro Martinez, 23.

GUNNERS LEADING THE WAY

Arsenal are the Premier League’s biggest spenders this summer following back-to-back eighth-placed finishes.

With the Gunners without European football for the first time since the 1995-96 season, Mikel Arteta has made it his mission to bolster his side.

Left-back Nuno Tavares was the North Londoners’ first arrival after he joined from Benfica for £8million.

Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga was then signed from Anderlecht for £17m, before Arsenal splashed out £50m to bring in Ben White from Brighton.

Arsenal announced the £30m transfer of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid on Friday morning, with Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale poised to join for £24m.

And according to Sky Sports, Arsenal have forked out £129m on the five players – £15m more than Manchester United have spent so far.

PREMIER LEAGUE’S BEST PAID PLAYERS

Here are the best paid players in the Premier League following the arrival of Manchester United newbie Jadon Sancho.

‘HERE WE GO AGAIN’

Real Betis announced the signing of German Pezzella with a fabulous Grand Theft Auto-inspired video.

The clip saw striker Aitor Rubial tour the LaLiga club’s grounds with the video game’s classic style, music and animations all featuring.

Betis dubbed the video ‘Grand Transfer Announcements’ and Rubial, 25, entered the scene with a PG-version of a viral meme that came out of the game.

He said: “Oh boy, here we go again.”

KANE-UNDRUM

Manchester City are desperate to sign £150million-rated Tottenham star Harry Kane.

Since losing Sergio Aguero at the end of last season, Pep Guardiola has been fixated on landing the England captain.

As the transfer saga rumbles on, we’ve taken a look at THREE ways Man City could line-up with Kane on the books.

MES WAIT TO START

Lionel Messi’s first-ever Paris Saint-Germain appearance looks set to be delayed following his sensational move to France.

Goal reports the Argentina skipper has been left out of the squad chosen by Mauricio Pochettino to take on Brest this evening.

The PSG boss is thought to have privately conveyed which of his Ligue One galacticos will be involved in the club’s third top-flight clash of the season.

It is reported Messi, 34, may have been left out due to the ex-Barcelona superstar needing more preparation time to return to full fitness following his summer break.

Earlier this week Sky Sports claimed the player had only trained three times following his stunning move.

It is thought the six-time Ballon d’Or winner could be joined on the sidelines by Leandro Paredes and his former Nou Camp team-mate Neymar.

Both players are reported to have only recently returned to full training.

The news means PSG fans may have to wait until the Ligue One champs’ August 29 clash with Reims to see the former Barca captain in action.

OUT OF LUC

Former Arsenal forward Lucas Perez has had his contract terminated by LaLiga side Deportivo Alaves.

The 32-year-old has spent the last two years at the Estadio Mendizorroza, where he has chipped in with 15 goals and nine assists in 62 appearances.

But the club have announced that the two parties have reached an agreement to terminate his deal.

A club statement read: “Deportivo Alaves and Lucas Perez have reached an agreement for the separation of the Galician player, who leaves the Paseo de Cervantes entity after two seasons.

“We thank Lucas for his commitment and involvement in achieving the goals set by the team and we wish him the best of luck in his future.

“Thank you and good luck, Lucas!”

LEW FOR REAL?

Football fans were left scratching their heads at the Uefa Men’s Player of the Year shortlist that was revealed last night.

Bayern Munich goal-machine Robert Lewandowski was somehow omitted from the final three for the prestigious award.

And that was despite banging in 46 goals for Bayern Munich last season – plus two more in the Club World Cup as well.

Lewandowski, 32, has also scored three in two games to hit the ground running this season.

He won The Best Fifa Men’s Player prize in 2020 by edging out Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

But he will not be claiming this Uefa gong when the winner is announced during the Champions League group stage draw on August 26.

And his future at Bayern Munich is also up in the air after reports said he wants to leave the club and has a £100m transfer fee slapped on him.

The Uefa winner will be either Man City’s Kevin De Bruyne, or one of Chelsea’s midfield pair Jorginho or N’Golo Kante.

Messi was fourth on the list ahead of Lewandowski in fifth place.

ASSIST KING

Paul Pogba can be backed to get one or more assists against Southampton at 40/1.

The Manchester United star got FOUR assists last week as they beat Leeds 5-1 at Old Trafford.

And he’ll be confident in supplying the United front line again this weekend when they head to St Mary’s.

United play Southampton at 2pm on Sunday and to claim the offer simply sign up to William Hill and place a £1 bet on Pogba to get an assist.

And if he does you will then get the enhanced winnings in free bets.

The special offer is for mobile customers only with a £1 maximum bet, and the bet must be placed before kick off at 2pm.

WILLIAM HILL PAUL POGBA TO GET AN ASSIST AT 40/1*

MAD WORLD

Manchester United are reportedly competing with Tottenham and Leicester in the race to sign PSV winger Noni Madueke.

The 19-year-old has earned rave reviews during his time in Holland since departing Spurs’ academy for the Eredivisie side in June 2018.

Madueke, who rejected a proposal from United three years ago, cemented himself as a regular in PSV’s first team last campaign where he chipped in with nine goals and eight assists in 32 games.

And the England youth international – valued at around £20million by the Dutch giants – already has five strikes to his name from just seven outings this term.

According to the Daily Mail, scouts from the Red Devils, Spurs and the Foxes were in attendance for his recent appearance in Wednesday’s Champions League qualifying clash against Benfica.

All three clubs are said to have had representatives at the Estadio da Luz where Benfica edged out a 2-1 win in the first leg.

They also state it’s not just English clubs that are interested in the teenager, with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich watching the player.

Serie A side’s Juventus, Roma and Atalanta also had the chance to see the forward in action against the Portuguese outfit.

PER’S FLAMENGO SHOW

Andreas Pereira is set to swap Old Trafford for Rio de Janeiro with a loan move to Brazilian giants Flamengo. 

It is reported the club will have the choice to make a £17million permanent bid for the player who has fallen down Manchester United’s pecking order.

And Italian football expert Fabrizio Romano claims the Red Devils will receive a 20 per cent share of a future sale of the midfielder.

And it is claimed Flamengo will not pay a loan fee but share salary costs with the Old Trafford giants and have an option to buy the player in 2022.

Pereira, 25, is thought to be keen to get more game time in a bid to be in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup next year.

The versatile midfield man, who was an unused sub during United’s 5-1 demolition of Leeds, has been at the club since 2011.

NEW LUK

Romelu Lukaku is set to make his second debut for Chelsea during Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Arsenal.

The Blues cruised to victory in their Premier League season opener with a 3-0 mauling of Crystal Palace.

Since then, Thomas Tuchel has brought in £97.5million striker Lukaku with the rich getting richer.

And already the Belgian star, 28, is set to start against the Gunners after passing himself fit to play – despite his woeful record against the North Londoners.

Lukaku has been on fire since his £73m move from Manchester United to Inter Milan in 2019, helping the Italians win their first Serie A crown in 11 years last term.

The ex-Everton forward has also slimmed down after a nutritionist confirmed he had been suffering from digestive problems and tweaked his diet.

The new lean, mean Lukaku is itching to prove he can cut it in the Premier League and will surely start against Arsenal on Sunday.

BETTING OFFER

Bruno Fernandes can be backed to score against Southampton at a huge 40/1.

The Manchester United ace scored a hat-trick on the opening day of the season as they beat Leeds 5-1 at Old Trafford.

And he’ll be looking to fire United to another victory when they pitch up at St Mary’s on Sunday.

New William Hill customers can back him to score at 40/1 with a maximum £1 bet.

The offer is only available on mobile and must be placed before 2pm on Sunday – when the match kicks off.

And if Fernandes does score the enhanced winnings will be paid in free bets.

WILLIAM HILL GET BRUNO FERNANDES TO SCORE AT 40/1*

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BOURNE AGAIN

Bournemouth have signed former Crystal Palace and Chelsea star Gary Cahill on a free transfer.

The veteran defender completed a medical at the Championship club on Thursday and put pen to paper this morning.

Cherries boss Scott Parker launched a bid to sign the free agent last week, as revealed by SunSport.

Cahill, 35, has been looking for a new club after being let go by Palace at the end of last season, as part of the Eagles’ summer overhaul.

Rangers were also looking into signing the centre-back but a link-up with old England team-mate Scott Parker has now been confirmed.

HAA LA LAND

Erling Haaland could be on the move in January with his £64million release clause to reportedly become active on September 1.

It had been thought that the Borussia Dortmund striker’s buyout clause wouldn’t come into play until next summer.

But according to Spanish outlet Marca, potential suitors will be able to snap him up on the cheap in the winter transfer market.

That is because they state his £64m clause comes into effect at the start of next month, though it is believed Haaland plans to see out the coming season with BVB.

However that may not stop the likes of Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona from looking to snap him up in the New Year.

COVIDIOTS

Mikel Arteta has confirmed some Arsenal stars are REFUSING to take up their coronavirus vaccinations – while admitting some are not yet double-jabbed.

The Gunners boss said: “Most of them are double vaccinated. Others have had one vaccine.

“We are trying to encourage them to get vaccinated, but it’s a personal matter. 

“At the end of the day it’s a personal decision.”