JACK GREALISH has landed in the UK as he closes in on a £100m move to Man City.
While Chelsea have reportedly agreed a five-year deal for Seville star Jules Kounde.
The Blues look to have moved ahead of Man Utd in the race for the Frenchman, with Kurt Zouma heading the other way.
We’ve also got an update on Romelu Lukaku, with Inter Milan chief Beppe Marotta saying he is staying at the club.
Lionel Messi’s new Barcelona contract is set to be revealed within the next week, while Cristiano Ronaldo is set to stay at Juventus.
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
OLIVIER DELIVERS
Olivier Giroud needed just four minutes to open his account on his AC Milan debut.
The French striker came off the bench against Nice just after the hour mark in their pre-season friendly.
And by the 66th minute, he had equalised for the Rossoneri in trademark fashion.
Samu Castillejo whipped in a teasing outswinging free-kick from the left.
And Giroud rose high above his marker to thump in a header at the back post.
It proved to be Milan’s only shot on target in the game as they salvaged a 1-1 draw at Nice’s Allianz Riviera.
KANE AND GREALISH LATEST
Manchester City will have to sell some players if they want to sign both Jack Grealish and Harry Kane this summer, according to reports.
The Citizens have launched a £100million bid to sign the Villa captain, a move that would make him the most expensive British player of all time.
Grealish, 25, flew back to the UK this week following a holiday but is still waiting for the green light from his club to grant a move.
And according to the Manchester Evening News, that deal would force City to end their pursuit of Kane – unless they can raise some cash.
Manager Pep Guardiola is keen on the England captain but Spurs chief Daniel Levy is refusing to let him go for less than £160m.
WHAT THE BELL
Hector Bellerin had Arsenal fans fuming as his howler gifted Chelsea a winner in their pre-season friendly.
The Spaniard, 26, came on at right-back, replacing Calum Chambers at the Emirates.
VAN DE BULK
Donny van de Beek has undergone a radical change in nutrition and gym work over the summer to get in tip-top shape for Manchester United.
The Dutchman endured a desperately disappointing first season in England, starting only four Premier League games for his new club.
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RAPH DAZZLED
Darren Fletcher has been credited with helping Manchester United sign Raphael Varane.
The club’s technical director reportedly helped persuade the Real Madrid star to move to Old Trafford.
According to ESPN, former United midfielder Fletcher and director of football John Murtough played an important role in convincing Varane to join the club.
The signing is a major coup for the Red Devils with Varane’s arrival expected to help them mount a prolonged title challenge.
VARANE ‘CLASS ACT’
Manchester United icon Paddy Crerand has praised incoming signing Raphael Varane.
The Red Devils have agreed a deal with Real Madrid for the defender and his move to Manchester is expected to be finalised shortly.
Crerand, who played for United between 1963 and 1971, said: “He’s a class act.
“He played in the 2018 World Cup for France and stood out. He’s a totally class act.
“I don’t think there are many top central defenders anywhere. He reminds of Rio Ferdinand actually – that’s how good he is.
“He’s excellent with the ball at his feet and he makes everything look easy, exactly the same as Rio.
“That’s because they’re terrific players. They make things look easy. They can read the game well.
“I think he’ll be a great signing for United and at a great age as well; he’s been there and done it.”
HE’S AL-WHITE
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka helped Mikel Arteta decide to sign Ben White this summer.
The Spaniard made White his top defensive target after Sevilla ace Jules Kounde made it clear he wasn’t interested in joining the Gunners.
Before sanctioning a move, however, Arteta sought out Saka’s opinion on White after training with him on England duty at Euro 2020.
And according to The Athletic, the winger’s feedback was ‘overwhelmingly positive’ – so the Gunners decided to press ahead with a deal.
XEK OF A STRIKE
Xeka scored a stunning winner for Lille in their 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
His first-half rocket clinched Lille’s first Trophee des Champions victory.
NOT VERY FRIEND-LY
Referee Kevin Friend got a cheer out of Aston Villa fans yesterday… by BOOKING them.
The whistler was taking charge of Villa’s pre-season friendly trip to Bristol City.
And with the Premier League side’s travelling fans in playful mood, they started giving Friend some lighthearted stick.
With Villa set to take a free-kick, the fans started singing ‘You’re just a s*** Mike Dean’ at Friend.
They then followed up this chant by singing ‘Kevin, give us a wave’ at the experienced official.
And much to their amusement, instead of a wave, they got a yellow card.
Ref Kevin Friend gives crowd yellow card after they chant ‘you’re just a s*** Mike Dean’
XHAK OFF
Mikel Arteta insists that Granit Xhaka is staying at Arsenal after talks over a move to Jose Mourinho’s Roma collapsed.
The 28-year-old Swiss international captain had his heart set on a move to Serie A after five years at the Emirates.
But Arteta said: “Granit is going to stay with us. He is a key member of our squad and a player that we rate and value so much.
“He only trained for two days but still wanted to play in this game and I think that is a very clear commitment from him that he wants to be here.”
WHAT ZIYECH?!
Hakim Ziyech had a moment to forget for Chelsea today, as he failed to convert an open goal against Arsenal.
But Gunners fans are full of praise for new £50million defender Ben White for getting back to clear.
LEAVING THE PACK
Tottenham are interested in signing Wolves star Adama Traore, according to reports.
New boss Nuno Espirito Santo likes the winger, having worked with him for three seasons at Molineux.
Traore, 25, is expected to be on the way out of the Midlands club this summer, as chiefs look to cash in with the Spaniard’s contract lasting just two more years.
Leeds United, Chelsea and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in his services.
But Spurs’ Nuno factor could give them an edge.
Although, according to the Mail, Wolves are expected to ask for a similar £45million fee that they received from Liverpool for Diogo Jota last summer.
Traore has impressed Spurs first hand in the past, scoring a brilliant goal against them in a December 2019 defeat.
OVER THE ‘HILL
Gary Cahill has confirmed his exit from Crystal Palace after two seasons with the Premier League club.
Writing on Twitter, Cahill said: “After much thought and deliberation, I can confirm that I have left Crystal Palace after an enjoyable two years.
“I have really enjoyed my time at the club and I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved at the club, especially the fans and staff who welcomed me into their South London family.
“It’s been a privilege to play at Selhurst Park, especially in that first season where I got to experience the atmosphere that the Eagles fans create on a match day.
“Playing in front of the Holmesdale Road stand is a memory that I will cherish in particular.
“I would like to wish the club all the best for the future and wish them every success for the coming season.”
OVER AND OUT
Andriy Shevchenko has announced his tenure as manager of Ukraine has come to an end.
The former Chelsea and AC Milan striker, 44, confirmed his resignation in a post on Twitter.
Shevchenko said: “Today, my contract with the Ukrainian Football Association came to the end. I spent five years with the National team.
“It was hard work that proved that we are capable of playing modern football. I am grateful.”
PRICE SET
Manchester United will reportedly demand a £20million fee for Andreas Pereira.
According to journalist Ekrem Konur, the Red Devils have decided to cash in on the 25-year-old.
The Brazilian Pereira spent last season on loan at Lazio, scoring once in 26 appearances in Rome.
After an initially promising start to life at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal, Pereira’s career has stalled in Manchester.
And after three loan spells in the last five years, Pereira may finally be permanently on his way out of Old Trafford.
SWAP DEAL
Manchester City have offered Aston Villa 19-year-old Morgan Rogers plus £90million for Jack Grealish, according to ESPN.
Rogers joined City two years ago from West Brom, and is thought to be highly rated at the club.
The winger spent last season on loat at Lincoln, scoring six times in 25 games for the Imps.
But with City keen to get a deal over the line for Grealish, Pep Guardiola is willing to let Rogers go should it tempt Aston Villa into letting Grealish leave.
PACK YER BAGS
Tottenham are interested in signing Wolves star Adama Traore, ETIENNE FERMIE reports.
New boss Nuno Espirito Santo likes the winger, having worked with him for three seasons at Molineux.
Traore, 25, is suspected to be on the way out of the Midlands club this summer, as chiefs look to cash in with the Spaniard’s contract possessing just two more years.
Leeds United, Chelsea and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in his services.
But Spurs’ Nuno factor could give them an edge.
Although, according to the Mail, Wolves are expected to ask for a similar £45m fee that they received from Liverpool for Diogo Jota last summer.
FULL STORY
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Tottenham have reportedly agreed terms with Atalanta regarding a deal for Argentinian defender Cristian Romero.
A deal worth £43million plus add-ons has reportedly been agreed, with personal terms set to be negotiated in the coming days.
Spurs are desperate for a replacement centre-back following the sale of Toby Alderweireld and wanted someone in before their season opener against Manchester City in two weeks time.
And now it looks like they’ve got their man with Romero set to travel to England in the next week to sign a deal.
XHAKA U-TURN
After being strongly linked with a summer switch to Roma, Granit Xhaka will now STAY at Arsenal.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano the Swiss midfielder has been offered a new contract that runs until 2025 and includes a pay rise.
It comes after the Gunners rejected a package from Roma worth around £13million for the 28-year-old.
And speaking to talkSPORT after today’s loss to Chelsea, Arteta said:
“Granit Xhaka is going to stay with us. He is a key member of our squad.”
SIGN EM UP
Wayne Rooney’s Derby County have just SEVEN registered outfield players ahead of their Championship season opener against Huddersfield.
The Rams’ season gets underway in just six days time, but a number of signings are needed if Wayne Rooney wants to get a team out.
The club have been operating under a transfer embargo this summer but Wayne Rooney is confident there will be incomings in the next 48 hours, despite the embargo.
NEW BOSS
Swansea City have appointed Russell Martin as head coach following the departure of Steve Cooper.
The Swans lost out in the Championship play-off final to Brentford in June, with Steve Cooper and starman Andre Ayew since leaving.
The 35-year-old Martin joins on a three-year deal after Swansea agreed a compensation fee with MK Dons for Martin’s services.
NO JEROME
Manchester United will not make a move for free agent Jerome Boateng, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The 32-year-olds Bayern Munich contract expired this summer, with a number of clubs reportedly interested in his signature.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be happy with his options at centre-back following Raphael Varane’s arrival at Old Trafford.
The quartet of Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly are thought to be enough for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with a move for the German international Boateng looking increasingly unlikely.
ONE OR THE OTHER
Manchester City will end their interest in Harry Kane this summer if they complete the signing of Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish, KEALAN HUGHES reports.
The Citizens have launched a £100million bid to sign the Villa captain, a move which would make him the most expensive British player ever.
Grealish, 25, flew back to the UK this week following a holiday, but is still awaiting the green light from his club to grant a move to City.
If a deal for Grealish does go through City will end their pursuit of Kane, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Pep Guardiola is keen on the England captain but Daniel Levy is refusing to let him go for less than £150m.
And that fee would be too much for City at present, and they would reportedly need to sell players if they want both Grealish and Kane.
FULL STORY
TUAN LOAN LATEST
Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is set to seal a loan move to Aston Villa.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a loan move to Newcastle, but it’s the Villans who are in pole position to snap him up.
Tuanzebe spent 18 months on loan at Villa Park from 2018 to 2019, helping Villa to promotion to the Premier League.
And with the arrival of Raphael Varane to Old Trafford, game time for Tuanzebe is likely to be limited, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer himself expecting Tuanzebe to be loaned out this season.
KEEPING KARIM
Real Madrid are set to offer starman Karim Benzema a new contract, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Benzema has played over 350 games for Real Madrid in La Liga, with Romano reporting that Los Blancos consider Benzema “untouchable.”
The 33-year-old is set to be rewarded with a bumper new deal which will keep him in the Spanish capital for another two years.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
