BAYERN MUNICH have officially completed the signing of Sadio Mane from Liverpool.
The AFCON winner spent six successful seasons at Anfield winning EVERYTHING available to him at the club.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain could also be cutting ties with one of their superstars as reports suggest that the French giants are ready to sell Neymar.
Which means that football icon Zinedine Zidane may not get the chance to manage him – with the Frenchman refusing to rule out a managerial role at Parc des Princes.
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Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news across the globe…
Taiwo heads for Forest
Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi has arrived in the Midlands to complete his club record £17.5million move to Nottingham Forest, writes GRAEME BRYCE.
The 24-year-old Nigerian international will complete his medical today (Friday) and Forest are confident he will be confirmed as their record signing within the next 48 hours – smashing the previous best £13.2million they paid for Joao Carvalho.
The former Liverpool frontman scored 15 goals, adding two assists in the Bundesliga last season and the Anfield club will cop a £1.75m bonus as they had a 10% sell-on clause inserted in his current contract, despite never using him in a competitive first team game.
Awoniyi bid farewell to his Union Berlin teammates in an emotional send-off this week, telling them he feels he has unfinished business in the Premier League.
He will be joined at the City Ground by Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who has agreed to join Steve Cooper’s Prem new boys on a season-long-loan.
‘Utd cap Ten Hag budget at £120m’
Erik ten Hag’s summer transfer budget could be capped at £120million.
That’s the claim from the Mirror – despite Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Lee Grant, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani departing United.
New Old Trafford boss Ten Hag reportedly wants around five incomers – but might settle for three.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong seems to top that list of targets, ahead of Ajax winger Antony – with a centre-back likely to be another priority.
Marseille eye Nuno deal
Marseille have reportedly made an offer to borrow Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares with the option to buy permanently.
The 22-year-old is facing an uncertain future at the Emirates just one year after joining from Benfica for £8million.
Tavares featured in 27 games in all competitions for the Gunners – chipping in with one goal and two assists.
But he was guilty of inconsistent performances when he deputised for Kieran Tierney at left-back.
It was reported earlier this month how Arsenal were prepared to let the Portugal youth international depart on loan.
Serie A outfit Atalanta have been linked with the player, but the Italian side are claimed to face competition from Marseille.
Jesus and Raphinha ‘more important’ than Youri
Arsenal have reportedly prioritised the signings of Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha over Youri Tielemans.
The Gunners are still keen on Leicester city midfielder Tielemans, but want to recruit Man City ace Jesus and Leeds star Raphinha first,
That’s according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
He told Caught Offside: “Arsenal have long had contacts with the player’s camp and with Leicester but have not made official offers so far.
“Talks are still on, but they are not at the key stages yet because the club is focused on Gabriel Jesus as a priority and is trying to compete for Raphinha, two deals on which you need to be quick.”
Nkunku blow for Red Devils
Man United transfer target Christopher Nkunku has signed a new contract with RB Leipzig.
The deal was reported by Fabrizio Romano who tweeted: “Official and confirmed.
“Christopher Nkunku extends his contract with RB Leipzig until June 2026, deal now signed and sealed.
“There’s a release clause included in the new deal for €60m.”
Chelsea eye De Ligt move
Chelsea are ramping up their interest in Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt.
Italian reports claim the Dutchman has emerged as a top defensive target for Thomas Tuchel.
And De Ligt is open to joining the world champions in a mega-money deal.
His agent is now set to hold showdown talks with Juventus.
But Chelsea have no intention of meeting De Ligt’s £103million release clause.
Henderson set for Nottingham Forest
Man Utd goalie Dean Henderson has agreed terms to join Nottingham Forest on loan.
The Athletic claims the England goalie will play for the newly-promoted Premier League side next term.
And Forest will cover the entirety of his £110,000-a-week Old Trafford wages.
Newcastle had been interested in Henderson, but they have opted to make a permanent move for relegated Burnley stopper Nick Pope instead.
Marseille launch Tavares loan bid
Marseille are looking to raid Arsenal once again – this time for Nuno Tavares.
Foot Mercato claims the French outfit have launched a loan offer for the Portuguese left-back, with an option to buy next summer.
Marseille are big fans of poaching talent from Arsenal, having signed Matteo Guendouzi permanently while loaning William Saliba.
Sarri targets Emerson Palmieri reunion
Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri wants to sign Emerson Palmieri from old side Chelsea.
Football Italia claims the tactician is keen on reuniting with the left-back this summer.
And Lazio are set to launch a bid after opening talks with the Blues, who are open to a sale.
Tottenham ‘abandon Jesus transfer pursuit’
Tottenham have abandoned their pursuit of Gabriel Jesus – clearing the path for North London rivals Arsenal to complete a swoop for the Brazilian, TOM BARCLAY WRITES.
Spurs did have an interest in the Manchester City forward as they look to bolster their forward ranks this summer.
But they have now moved on to other targets with fellow Brazilians Richarlison and Raphinha in their sights.
Wolves misfit joins PSV
Wolves misfit Ki-Jana Hoever has joined PSV Eindhoven on a season-long-loan, GRAEME BRYCE WRITES.
The 20-year-old Dutchman cost Wolves £8.8million from Liverpool in 2020 but he failed to nail down a regular place at right-back, as Bruno Lage preferred Nelson Semedo.
Wolves will hope to recoup most of the £8.8million they invested in Hoever if he can get his career back on track in his homeland.
Come on Son
Real Madrid are monitoring Tottenham superstar Son Heung-min, according to reports.
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Son is one of a shortlist of forward players which the 14-time European champions are keeping tabs on.
Carlo Ancelotti will be looking to add to his attack after Gareth Bale and Isco’s contracts expired at the end of the season.
Marco Asensio has also been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu, with Arsenal thought to be interested.
Son, who has netted 131 times and provided 73 assists in 324 appearances for Tottenham, is among a select few forwards being muted as potential targets for Real Madrid.
Neymar ‘offered to Barcelona’
Neymar has been offered back to Barcelona for a cut-price fee but a secret clause in his contract at Paris Saint-Germain could scupper plans for a reunion, according to reports.
PSG are said to be open to selling the Brazilian trickster, and have offered him back to former club Barcelona for just £43million.
Despite the club’s financial problems which see’s them in debts of half a BILLION Euros, the prospect of bringing back one of their former superstars could be too tantalising a proposition to refuse.
Bruce makes Jed Wallace signing
Steve Bruce has seen off fierce competition from Burnley, QPR, Luton and Watford to sign former Millwall right winger Jed Wallace, Graeme Bryce writes.
The 28-year-old is regarded as one of the Championship’s best free signings this summer after allowing his Lions’ contract to run down.
And Bruce says he is delighted to welcome the former Wolves winger to the Hawthorns after Wallace scored 37 goals and conjured up 39 assists in 210 appearances for Milwall.
“Jed will be a massive asset to our team, and I’m absolutely delighted to get him through the door,” said the Baggies’ boss.
“He is somebody who I’ve admired for a long time and have tried to sign before. He’s got pace, power, penetration in the final third and, above all, is a top pro.
“To have secured our two primary targets in Jed and John Swift is terrific, and to get these deals both done before the squad return for pre-season is testament to the hard work being done behind the scenes by Ron Gourlay and the recruitment team.”
Kar-m and get me
Loris Karius has sent a passionate come-and-get-me plea as he desperately hunts for a new club.
Karius told Sky Sports Germany: “I took a week’s holiday after the season. That was enough for me.
“Now the focus is on the restart. There’s a new challenge coming up.
“I’m ready for it and I’m getting fit now. That’s my focus right now.
“I’m in top shape. I’ve been training at the highest level all year, with one of the best teams in the world.”
Neymar to Newcastle?
Newcastle are keen on a move for Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar, according to reports.
The French side could opt to sell the Brazilian, although not many sides could afford his wages.
Eddie Howe’s men are among the few teams that would be willing to take them on, although L’Equipe claim that he would be dead against joining the Toon.
Spanish outlet Sport add that Juventus are also in the running, with boss Massimiliano Allegri keen.
Newcastle man ‘unhappy with wages’
Newcastle talisman Allan Saint-Maximin has reportedly grown frustrated with the wage structure in place at St. James’ Park.
Toon are claimed to have explored the prospect of selling Saint-Maximin this summer in order to raise further funds for transfers.
Tottenham were understood to be interested in a potential deal, as well as Chelsea.
But SportMail claim Newcastle were looking for over £40million to part ways with trickster Saint-Maximin.
That valuation was deemed too high, but Saint-Maximin’s head is claimed to have been turned by the prospect of bigger salaries on offer elsewhere.
The winger is said to be frustrated by the wage structure at the club which restricts how much the Magpies can offer him.
Arsenal ‘hours away from Jesus transfer’
Arsenal could complete the purchase of Gabriel Jesus in HOURS, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer expert told wettfreunde: “I’m sure that Arsenal are absolutely leading the race (for Gabriel Jesus).
Arsenal are in really advanced talks. So they have the chance to complete this deal.
“If they want, it could be a matter of hours or days to complete this deal.
“They are in final stages but it is really important to complete these key details that sometimes could create some problems.”
Mane receives special welcome
Bayern Munich celebrated the arrival of Sadio Mane by lighting up the Allianz Arena with his name in an incredible display.
Bayern chiefs celebrated the move in impressive style once darkness descended on Munich.
The streets around the Allianz Arena were buzzing in a red glow, with a series of glittering white lights spelling out the name “Mane” along the side.
Bayern Munich shared the incredible snap of their ground on Instagram, simply captioned “Mane”.
Arsenal ‘prepare second Raphinha bid’
Arsenal are reportedly preparing a second bid for Raphinha as they look to beat London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham to the Leeds winger.
Mikel Arteta has made landing the forward a priority signing, with the Gunners launching an offer to secure his services earlier this week.
But their approach was swiftly knocked back by the Whites after it fell way under their asking price.
It was claimed on Monday that Arsenal were set to wrap up a transfer for the Brazilian this week, but those claims appear to be wide of the mark.
According to the Guardian, the Yorkshire outfit will only part ways with the ex-Rennes ace should they receive a fee of at least £65million.
But they state that despite the hefty asking price, Arsenal are preparing to make a second bid in their quest to bring him to the Emirates.
Man City ‘to sign keeper’
Manchester City are poised to sign German keeper Stefan Ortega, according to reports.
The Armenia Bielefeld star is a free agent with his contract at the Bundesliga club expiring at the end of the month.
Respected Kicker magazine claimed City boss Pep Guardiola wants Ortega to be Ederson’s understudy next season.
Despite his best efforts Bielefeld were relegated in May, and they have been unable to offer him a new deal.
But Ortega now appears set to forge a new career under former Bayern coach Guardiola, alongside compatriot Ilkay Gundogan, with the Premier League champions.
Pogba Juventus transfer latest
Paul Pogba could seal his free transfer return to Juventus TODAY, according to reports.
Pogba, who cost United a then-world-record £89million in 2016, has been linked with moves to both Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
But Pogba “only ever wanted Juventus”, according to Fabrizio Romano.
And Sky Sports Italia have now revealed the 2018 World Cup winner’s representatives are hoping to complete a four-year deal on Thursday.
Rafaela Pimenta – who has taken over from the late Mino Raiola – is set for talks with Juventus chiefs to discuss contract terms.
It’s expected Pogba will push for either a four-year deal or a three-year deal with the option for an additional season.
Sterling urged not to join Chelsea
Raheem Sterling has been urged not to join Chelsea by Trevor Sinclair.
He told talkSPORT when asked if Sterling should swap Man City for the Blues: “I would say no because I don’t think Chelsea will be competitive with Man City and Liverpool next season.
“They’ve lost players, the club is in a transitional phase where they’ve lost a lot of players and they’ve got to do a lot of rebuilding.”
Firminho tipped for Liverpool exit
Roberto Firminho is likely to be next out of Liverpool’s exit following Sadio Mane’s departure to Bayern Munich.
That’s according to ex-Reds star Stuart Downing who reckons Firminho will play second fiddle to new recruit Darwin Nunez next season.
Downing said ahead of the 360 Sports TV Masters Cup: “I hope Darwin Nunez hits the ground running. I see Firmino being a backup player to him.
“If they can get Firmino back to the form he was at a couple of seasons ago, it’s another great dimension for Liverpool.
“But this will probably be his last year, or he might do until January.”
Sterling’s transfer demands revealed
Man City ace Raheem Sterling will only leave the club for regular first-team football and Champions League nights, reports claim.
The 27-year-old still has lofty ambitions that he wants to fulfill by playing consistently, the Daily Express reported.
And that puts Chelsea in pole position for his signature as they can provide Sterling with both demands.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
