LIVERPOOL are a few steps away from announcing the signing of Darwin Nunez as the Benfica ace is set to complete his medical today according to reports.
Which comes less than 24 hours after Manchester City officially unveiled Erling Haaland.
Pep Guardiola’s side are also said to be ready to pounce for Barcelona wonderkid Gavi, with the midfielder yet to sign a new deal at the Nou Camp.
And Spurs have reportedly agreed a £25 million fee with Brighton for Mali ace Yves Bissouma.
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Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news across the globe…
Raphinha transfer race heats up
Arsenal and Tottenham have both joined the race to sign Leeds star Raphinha, according to reports.
But according to The Athletic, there are now concerns the Catalan giants may not be able to fund a deal for the tricky forward.
Barcelona have debts totalling more than £1billion and are operating under tight financial constraints.
That could open the door for Arsenal and Tottenham to steal Raphinha from under the nose of Xavi.
Nunez’s Man United snub discussed
Darwin Nunez’s decision to join Liverpool over Man IUnited shows the Red Devils’ decline, according to Luke Chadwick.
He told Caught Offside: “It shows where United are at this moment in time, sadly.
“If you’re a player coming from overseas at this moment in time, unfortunately, Liverpool are a more attractive proposition.
“Nunez has shown he’s got to the potential to be a really successful Premier League player, so it’s a disappointment for United to miss out.
“But it’s not surprising at all really, considering the direction Liverpool are going in, in comparison to United.”
Man United make Eriksen offer
Man United have made an offer to sign Christian Eriksen, according to reports.
The midfielder, 30, is available on a free at the end of the month with his Brentford contract expiring.
And now United are looking to take advantage of his contract situation by offering the Danish international a deal, report The Athletic.
But it seems the Red Devils are not the only club interested in snatching Eriksen away from Brentford.
Tottenham are reportedly keen to lure Eriksen back to north London and can offer him the added incentive of Champions League football.
Matic completes Roma transfer
Roma have competed the signing of Nemanja Matic on a free transfer from Manchester United.
Matic, 33, has penned a one-year deal that will expire in June 2023.
During his first interview with the club he hinted that he made the switch in order to reunite with Jose Mourinho, who lured him to Old Trafford in 2017.
He said: “I am pleased and honoured to be joining this club and I cannot wait to start the new season with my teammates.
“Roma is a big club, with amazing fans and a coach, Jose Mourinho, who is well known to everyone – making the decision to come here very straightforward.
“I hope that by working together we are able to achieve some great things.”
Hammers to sign Areola permanently
West Ham United are expected to exercise the option to sign goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from Paris-Saint Germain following his year on loan at the London Stadium.
That’s the understanding of Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, who reports that talks are ongoing with the player’s representatives regarding personal terms.
The 29-year-old – previously at Fulham – played second fiddle to Lukasz Fabianski for much of last season, but was considered the Hammers’ number one for cup competitions.
And should Areola agree to a permanent deal – thought to be in the region of £11m – then it is expected that the French international will also take the gloves for Premier League games in the future.
Breaking: Roma confirm Matic signing
Serie A side Roma have confirmed the signing of Nemanja Matic on a free transfer.
The Serbian joins the Italians following the expiry of his contract at Manchester United.
During his five years at Old Trafford, Matic made 189 appearances for the Red Devils.
The 33-year-old has penned a 12-month deal with the option of a further year as he links up with Jose Mourinho for the third time in his career.
Partey over for Arsenal?
Arsenal could face a nervous summer in their attempt to keep hold of midfielder Thomas Partey.
Italian media outlet Tuttosport believe that Juventus are keen on bringing in the Ghanaian to play alongside Paul Pogba.
However, any offer from the Serie A side will depend on whether they are able to move on Arthur Melo.
While the suggestion of an ‘ambitious’ swap deal involving Party and the Brazilian Melo has been flagged by the Turin club, no official offer has been lodged.
The 29-year-old Partey joined the Gunners for £45m in October 2020, but has seen his progress at the Emirates hampered by a series of niggling injuries.
Young in Villa extension talks
Ashley Young and Aston Villa are in talks about a 12-month contract extension, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 36-year-old’s current deal is due to expire at the end of this month, but Steven Gerrard is open to the prospect of keeping the experienced utility player.
Young made 25 appearances after re-joining Villa last summer from Inter Milan, having previously played 190 times for the club between 2007 and 2011.
Frenkie de Jong ‘talks ongoing’
Negotiations between Manchester United and Barcelona are ‘ongoing’ despite the clubs remaining some distance apart in their valuation of Frenkie de Jong.
However, despite yesterday’s news that the Red Devils would walk away if no agreement was imminent, Sky now report that that there is a growing belief on both sides that a deal can be done.
Barca, who had been holding out for €100m for the Dutchman, are now said to be willing to accept a guaranteed €85m offer.
De Jong is considered happy at the Nou Camp, but would also be open to a reunion with Erik ten Hag, who previously coached him at Ajax.
Great Dane to leave Bees
Tottenham are ‘quietly confident’ of re-signing him, Manchester United believe they are in the mix, while Newcastle admit they have to work to do if they are to get their man.
When it comes to the future of Christian Eriksen, one thing is certain: he will be leaving Brentford this summer.
The 30-year-old signed a short-term deal with the Bees in January as he returned to football following his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
The Danish international proved himself to be a class apart during his five months in West London.
Thomas Frank had hoped Eriksen would extend his stay at the Brentford Community Stadium, but the Northern Echo have today confirmed that is no an option for the midfielder.
It’s Spurs for Spence
In-demand defender Djed Spence’s preference is a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Middlesbrough right-back has been watched by some of Europe’s biggest clubs since excelling on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, and has now made a decision on his future.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Spence favours a move to Spurs over other suitors, and now hopes the Londoners can agree a fee with Boro.
Negotiations between the two clubs are said to be ongoing.
De Ligt deal back on?
In need of comfort after the disappointing news of Jules Kounde’s surgery, Chelsea fans? Then how about this: a move for Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt could be back on the table.
The Dutch defender was reportedly poised to put pen to paper on a new deal with the Old Lady, but the player now states that no agreement has been reached.
Instead, Football Italia believes Chelsea are leading the race to sign the 22-year-old ahead of Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.
Journalist Dean Jones has previously gone on record to say that De Ligt was ‘the dream’ signing for Chelsea.
The centre-back has a €120m release clause within in his contract, which will raise to €140m next season if no offers are forthcoming.
Gunners in scrap for Scamacca
Arsenal could be about to find themselves frustrated in their bid to land another striker.
The Gunners have recently been linked with a £43m move for Sassuolo hotshot Gianluca Scamacca, who fired 16 goals in 36 Serie A appearances last season.
However, it is now being rumoured that some of Europe’s biggest clubs are also interested in the 23-year-old.
According to reports, Juventus, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are all keeping tabs on Scamacca.
The forward has four years to run on his current deal in Modena, having signed a contract extension back in April.
Breaking: Burnley appoint Kompany
Manchester City and Belgium legend Vincent Kompany has been named as the new manager of Burnley.
Kompany returns to England having spent the past three years in charge of Anderlecht in his homeland.
The Clarets, recently-relegated from the Premier League, had been in talks with the former centre-back since May, and have now officially announced the deal.
Speaking to the Burnley website, Kompany said: “Burnley Football Club is a truly historic English side and it is an honour to be appointed first-team manager. I’m excited by the challenge ahead.
“I’m looking forward to getting to work with the players and creating a positive, winning team for our fans when we return to Turf Moor.
“I’ve been impressed by the Board’s vision for the club which aligns with my own and I look forward to playing my part as we enter an important season.”
Vitinha release fee to be triggered
An unnamed Premier League club are on the verge of triggering Vitinha’s €40m release fee.
Portuguese media (via Sports Witness) understand that the Porto midfielder’s buyout clause will be met, freeing him up to discuss terms over a move abroad.
While the identity of the English club involved in the deal remains a mystery, the 22-year-old has been frequently linked with Manchester United.
Vitinha spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Wolves, but made little impact across 22 appearances in all competitions.
However, his impressive performances last term helped Porto to a domestic double, and led to him breaking into the national team setup.
Toon’s issue ultimatum to Lille
Newcastle United have told Lille to take it or leave it after they offered £30m for Sven Botman.
The north-east outfit were expected to complete the capture of the Dutch defender early in the window without issue.
However, the Ligue 1 club have since moved the goalposts on the deal, and now are demanding a bigger transfer fee, according to The Telegraph.
As a result, the Toon Army are ready to pull the plug on the move, and turn their attention towards either Nathan Ake or Lloyd Kelly.
Spurs ‘confident’ of re-signing Eriksen
Tottenham have been busy conducting their business early this summer – and could yet add a fan favourite to their recent recruits.
After signing Fraser Forster and Ivan Perisic, they are now on the verge of capturing Brighton’s Yves Bissouma.
But it’s perhaps the return of Christian Eriksen that excites supporters most.
The Times believe the North London club are ‘quietly confident’ in completing a deal for the Dane, who made more than 300 appearances during his first spell with Spurs.
The 30-year-old is available on a free transfer following the expiry of his short-term contract with Brentford.
The Bees are keen to keep Eriksen, who has also been linked with Manchester United.
Breaking: Kounde to undergo surgery
Chelsea transfer target Jules Kounde is to undergo surgery on a long-standing injury, it has been revealed.
The defender was subbed off at half-time in France’s 1-0 Nations League defeat to Croatia last night, and afterwards Didier Deschamps announced that the 23-year-old required treatment.
“I knew very well his physical condition,” the French coach stated.
“As of tomorrow, he will have an intervention because he has a problem that dates back several months.”
While Kounde is expected to recuperate in time for pre-season, the news has cast doubt on the player’s expected move to Stamford Bridge.
Leeds ready to Roca roll
Leeds United have agreed personal terms with Marc Roca.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the Elland Road outfit have settled on a four-year contract for the Bayern Munich midfielder, and are now preparing to negotiate further with the Spaniard’s club.
The talks between Leeds and Bayern are understood to be progressing well, and a deal in the region of €15m appears likely.
Jesse Marsch is eager to bring in the 25-year-old Roca, who has made 24 appearances for the Bundesliga champions since joining from Espanyol in 2020.
Martinelli confirms intention to stay
Gabriel Martinelli has seemingly dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Arsenal.
The 20-year-old enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season in the Premier League, notching six goals and six assists in 29 appearances.
His performances caught the eye of many clubs across Europe, and it was feared they could tempt the winger away after the Gunners missed out on Champions League football.
However, in welcoming another young Brazilian to the club, he now appears to have indicated that his immediate future remains at the Emirates.
Acknowledging the signing of Marquinhos, Martinelli wrote on his Instagram story: “Welcome brother, we’re together.”
Spurs agree fee for Bissouma
Tottenham are set to sign Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma after agreeing a £25m fee, according to The Times.
The 25-year-old, who has been a long-term target for the Londoners, has just 12 months remaining on his contract at the Amex.
Spurs are confident that they will now agree personal terms with the Mali international, and he could complete a medical by the end of the week.
Bissouma joined Brighton from Lille in 2018, and has gone on to make 124 appearances for the club.
Hey Jude! Real want Bellingham
Real Madrid are desperate to land England teen sensation Jude Bellingham – and are willing to spend up to €100m on the midfielder.
The Ser report that the Champions League winners have already made contact with the representatives of the Borussia Dortmund star, and are hopeful that a deal can be completed.
Bellingham moves to the Bundesliga from Birmingham in 2020, and has developed into one of the brightest talents in the game.
At 18, he has already won 14 caps for his country, and looks set to be a mainstay of the Three Lions’ midfield for many years to come.
Nantes fancy Brice little earner
Ligue 1 club Nantes have made an approach to sign Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba.
The Congolese stopper stunned the Premier League newcomers last week when it was revealed that he plans to leave the club.
The 28-year-old was the star of Forest’s play-off success, making a string of fine saves in the semi-final against Sheffield United before his penalty shootout heroics.
However, Samba rejected the offer of a new contract at the City Ground, and hopes to return to France, where he has spent most of his career.
Richarlison will cost Spurs £50m+
Everton have told Tottenham that they will have to pay in excess of £50m if they want to sign Richarlison.
That’s according to The Telegraph, who report that Spurs have targeted the 25-year-old as the player they want to boost their forward line.
The Brazilian played a key role in helping the Toffees beat the drop in the Premier League last season, and has two years remaining on his Goodison Park contract.
In the circumstances, the Merseysiders believe they can slap the huge asking price on their star player.
Antonio Conte’s men are currently thought to be the only side that have made an approach for Richarlison.
Breaking: Blackburn Rovers appoint Tomasson
Championship club Blackburn Rovers have confirmed Jon Dahl Tomasson as their new head coach.
The former Newcastle, AC Milan and Denmark striker moves to Ewood Park on a three-year contract.
Tomasson replaces Tony Mowbray, who was told in April that he would be let go after five years in charge of the Lancashire outfit.
The 45-year-old Dane arrives having previously coached Malmo, who he led to successive Swedish titles as well as the Champions League group stage.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Tomasson said: “I’m really proud and excited to be taking over as Head Coach of Blackburn Rovers – a club with a lot of tradition and also great ambition.
“We have a young team here, and also a great academy, and the owners have a clear vision, which is to develop players and become a sustainable Premier League club over time, so I’m really happy to be involved in this exciting new chapter for the club.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
