LIONEL MESSI is now officially a free agent after his Barcelona contract expired on July 1.
Elsewhere, Toby Alderweireld is set to leave Tottenham while we’ve an important update on Sergio Ramos.
And Erling Haaland remains a summer transfer target for Chelsea.
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
DAVE STAYS
David de Gea is determined to stay and fight for a first-team place at Manchester United, according to reports.
The Spaniard’s future was cast into doubt after Dean Henderson took his place in the side towards the end of last season.
And the signing of goalkeeper Tom Heaton this week has sparked further questions about De Gea’s future.
The Red Devils now have four keepers in the squad with Lee Grant putting pen to paper on a new one year deal on Thursday.
But De Gea will attempt to play his way back into the side according to The Times.
He has been at United for ten years and has two more years left on his current contract.
And it is believed that his £375,000 a week wages would prove a sticking point if a club tried to sign him.
CROWN JULE
Arsenal and Tottenham’s hopes of signing Sevilla star Jules Kounde have been boosted after Manchester United turned their attention elsewhere, reports suggest.
Kounde enjoyed a stunning campaign with the Andalusians as he made 49 appearances across all competitions and earned immense interest from the Premier League.
United, Arsenal and Tottenham are said to be keeping tabs on the star centre-back, whose impressive performances in LaLiga earned him an international call-up by France for Euro 2020.
But Dean Jones recently told The Done Deal Show that the Red Devils are prioritising other defensive targets, mainly Real Madrid star Raphael Varane.
GUNNING FOR GLORY
Arsenal are expecting a lot of new faces to come through the door.
But what players will be making their way out of the Emirates, and will the Gunners turn a profit?
HERE WE GO
Man Utd are in contact with Real Madrid over the signing of defender Raphael Varane.
According to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano, there’s been no official bid yet.
And the deal won’t be sealed quickly.
But personal terms will not be an issue with the player, who wants to try something new.
Real do, however, hope to persuade the 28-year-old to stay at the club.
Additionally, according to ABC Deportes, Varane has a pre-agreement with Man Utd on personal terms.
The Frenchman has reportedly agreed to a five-year deal worth 12m Euros.
GUEN’S MOVING
Marseille have agreed a deal with Arsenal to sign Matteo Guendouzi.
According to reputable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, an agreement will be completed next week.
And the young midfielder turned down an offer from Benfica to go back to his homeland.
‘GREAT OPPORTUNITY’
Jack Harrison has hailed his permanent transfer to Leeds United from Man City as a “great opportunity”.
Speaking to LUTV, he said: “It’s been a long time coming.
“It has been a great opportunity to be here and to have finally signed after going through all the history with this club is a great opportunity.
“I will have to keep pushing to improve as a player and accept more responsibility within the team.
“As long as I keep pushing myself and working hard like I have been these last three years, that will happen.
“Now that it has finally happened, I am just excited for the journey and what is to come.”
FOXES END CHASE
Arsenal’s chances of signing Celtic star Odsonne Edouard have increased due to Leicester reportedly withdrawing their interest in the striker, writes KEALAN HUGHES.
Brendan Rodgers was believed to be keen on Edouard having signed the Frenchman while at Celtic.
But the Foxes completed a deal forward Patson Daka from RB Salzburg for £23million earlier this week.
Daka has signed a five-year contract and is viewed as Jamie Vardy’s long-term successor.
And according to the Daily Record that deal is expected to end Leicester’s interest in Edouard.
The report claims Leicester do not have enough left in the transfer budget to move for Edouard.
And the Midlands club reportedly expect Celtic will be difficult to deal with when negotiating a deal, as 50 per cent of the transfer fee will be owed to Paris Saint-Germain.
PARTEY TIME
Arsenal are expected to spend big this summer.
BROZO BID
Manchester United are gearing up to splash the cash on Serie A midfield gem Marcelo Brozovic following their stunning £72 million deal for Jadon Sancho, writes SANDRA BROBBEY.
But the Red Devils may have to fight with Barcelona for the services of the Croatia international according to La Repubblica and the Daily Star.
Alongside skipper Luka Modric, Brozovic was one of the shining lights for his national side at the Euros putting in impressive performances in the competition’s group stages and last 16.
The Zagreb-born Inter Milan star, 28, helped Croatia dominate possession during their crucial 3-1 group game win against Scotland.
And he was arguably one of their most dynamic performers against Spain, who they pushed all the way before falling to a dramatic 5-3 last 16 defeat after extra time.
KAI HIGH
Will the Champions League winners strengthen this summer?
VAR-D TIMES
Real Madrid are set to make talks ‘difficult’ with Manchester United over the transfer of Raphael Varane, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.
The French defender has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Bernabeu and looks set to be sold this summer.
United are in dialogue with Madrid over a deal for the ace – although the Spanish club are determined to make things hard.
Defensa Central claims that the Red Devils have already offered around £43million for the 28-year-old Varane.
Madrid president Florentino Perez ‘will not settle for the first offer, despite the fact that it has not disappointed him’, claims the Spanish publication.
The chief will not accept that bid ‘no matter what’ and will demand more.
And it is allegedly because Perez wants to take a ‘small revenge’ against the Premier League giants.
SILVA LINING
Andre Silva has joined RB Leipzig after a fruitful season in front of goal for Frankfurt.
The Portugal international will be replaced by Rafael Santos Borre, who joins Frankfurt for free.
Silva was linked with a move to Premier League giants Arsenal.
SANTASTIC
Jadon Sancho is one of Man Utd’s most expensive transfers!
SHOCK MOVE
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey after he left Crystal Palace, writes KEALAN HUGHES.
The Eagles released Hennessey, 34, upon the expiration of his contract this summer.
He spent eight years at the club and made 110 appearances in the Premier League but lost his place in the side to Vicente Guaita.
And now Chelsea are set to make a shock move for the veteran, according to the Express.
Willy Cabellero left Stamford Bridge last month and Thomas Tuchel is keen to add experience to his goalkeeping options.
The Blues boss has Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga at his disposal and it is believed Hennessey would act as the third-choice keeper.
He would fulfil a similar role to the one Rob Green performed when he was at Chelsea for the 2018/19 season.
And Hennessey could become Tuchel’s first signing as Chelsea boss.
MARSEILLE MAKING MOVES
Marseille have completed the double signing of Cengiz Under and Pau Lopez on loan from AS Roma.
Both loans with an option to buy, with announcements expected soon.
And according to Fabrizio Romano, the Ligue 1 club will now hope to move for Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi in the coming days.
Gunners defender William Saliba is also set to join Marseille on loan.
‘PLAY FOR HOFFENHEIM’
Man Utd and Liverpool target Christoph Baumgartner has stated that he wants to stay and play for his current club Hoffenheim.
The midfielder stood out for Austria during their Euro 2020 campaign, attracting interest from a host of big clubs.
He said: “My clear plan is to play for Hoffenheim next season. I definitely extended my contract in March with the intention to play here next season.
“I believe I have the biggest opportunity to develop further here.
“For me, that means playing consistently at a high level with more room for improvement.”
AL OUT
Toby Alderweireld has informed Tottenham that he wants to leave the club this summer.
The experienced centre-back is searching for a new side, according to The Athletic.
And one potential club could be his hometown club Royal Antwerp.
Spurs are in the market for another defender, and he goes by the name of Takehiro Tomiyasu.
SunSport exclusively revealed last week that Spurs are confident they will land the Japanese defender this summer.
Spurs felt their initial bid of £12.9m plus an extra £2.6m in add-ons would be enough to clinch the 22-year-old.
But Bologna are believed to be holding out for an extra £1.5m for the Japan international.
BIG MONEY MOVES
Paul Pogba is still the biggest Premier League transfer of all time, but could that change this summer?
Jack Grealish could be on the move for a reported £100m, and so is Harry Kane.
And West Ham have slapped a £100m price tag on Declan Rice.
GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
Italy will face Spain in the first Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley after both sides were victorious last night.
The Spanish edged a tight penalty shoot-out 3-1 against Switzerland after a 1-1 draw in normal time that stayed the same throughout extra-time.
And in Munich, Italy beat Belgium 2-1 in an enthralling encounter.
Elsewhere, Harry Maguire reckons Jadon Sancho will be a stunning success for Manchester United — despite his frustrating Euro 2020.
Borussia Dortmund and the Red Devils have agreed a £73MILLION deal for the winger, who has played in Germany for four years after leaving Manchester City.
Old Trafford skipper Maguire, preparing for tonight’s quarter-final against Ukraine in Rome, said: “When he does sign, I’m sure he’s going to have a great career for United and be a big part of us being successful in the future.
“Jadon’s a top player. He has exceptional talent even though he is still really young, although he has played so many games.
“We’ve got some exceptional talent in his position in this England team so Jadon will bide his time, be patient and be ready when his opportunity comes.
“I’ve been really impressed with the way he has been working in training. He’s really putting a shift in day in day out. He has some great talent. He is scoring goals in the five-a-sides and so on. He’s a great lad.”
Brighton have signed ex-England U17 international Jeremy Sarmiento from Portuguese giants Benfica.
The 19-year-old wonderkid has joined the Seagulls on a two-year deal after rejecting offers from Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Leeds have signed Jack Harrison from Manchester City, the club has confirmed.
Harrison, 24, has signed for an undisclosed fee – believed to be in the region of £10million – and agreed a three-year deal.
Brian Kidd has left Manchester City after 12 years there as a coach.
He has served three managers in Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola, helping City lift Premier League crowns since 2011.
But with his reduced influence on the first team he felt it was time to leave at the age of 71. City have offered new roles to the Mancunian, which have been left open.
And finally, Arsenal have reportedly been linked with a shock move to snap up free agent Sergio Ramos.
It had been expected that the 35-year-old was to sign for Paris Saint-Germain after running his contract down at Real Madrid.
The Spanish defender is claimed to have already agreed a two-year deal with Les Parisiens. But according to Goal, no deal has yet been done between Ramos and the Ligue 1 outfit.
And they have stated that Mikel Arteta has asked to be kept informed of any developments regarding the four-time Champions League winner’s future.
‘GREAT TALENT’
Harry Maguire reckons Jadon Sancho will be a stunning success for Manchester United — despite his frustrating Euro 2020.
Borussia Dortmund and the Red Devils have agreed a £73MILLION deal for the winger, who has played in Germany for four years after leaving Manchester City.
Old Trafford skipper Maguire, preparing for tonight’s quarter-final against Ukraine in Rome, said: “When he does sign, I’m sure he’s going to have a great career for United and be a big part of us being successful in the future.
“Jadon’s a top player. He has exceptional talent even though he is still really young, although he has played so many games.
“We’ve got some exceptional talent in his position in this England team so Jadon will bide his time, be patient and be ready when his opportunity comes.
“I’ve been really impressed with the way he has been working in training. He’s really putting a shift in day in day out. He has some great talent. He is scoring goals in the five-a-sides and so on. He’s a great lad.”
BRIGHT IDEA
Brighton have signed ex-England U17 international Jeremy Sarmiento from Portuguese giants Benfica.
The 19-year-old wonderkid has joined the Seagulls on a two-year deal after rejecting offers from Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
The attacking midfielder was a free agent after his contract with the Portuguese giants expired.
Former Charlton rookie Sarmiento moved to Portugal from the Addicks in 2018.
He was previously linked to Manchester City, before heading to Lisbon to continue his football education.
However, after finding first team opportunities hard to come by in Lisbon, Sarmiento has returned to England where he will link up with Graham Potter’s men.
JACK’S THE LAD
Leeds have signed Jack Harrison from Manchester City, the club has confirmed.
Harrison, 24, has signed for an undisclosed fee – believed to be in the region of £10million – and agreed a three-year deal.
Leeds announced the news on Twitter, with Harrison finally making a permanent move to Elland Road after spending the previous three years on loan in West Yorkshire.
Leeds said: “As part of his loan deal last season, an option was put in place for Leeds to sign Harrison on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee, which has now been activated.
“Harrison has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Elland Road, running until the summer of 2024.”
Harrison has made 128 appearances in all competitions for Leeds and impressed last season with eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League.
NO KIDDING
Brian Kidd has left Manchester City after 12 years there as a coach.
He has served three managers in Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola, helping City lift Premier League crowns since 2011.
But with his reduced influence on the first team he felt it was time to leave at the age of 71. City have offered new roles to the Mancunian, which have been left open.
A European Cup winner with United in 1968, he served both Manchester clubs as player and coach.
Kidd said: “It has been a privilege to be part of such an exciting chapter in this club’s history. What an honour it has been to witness the evolution of the club.”
Guardiola added: “Brian Kidd is a legend in this country. He has been so important to me during my time at the club.”
PITCHING IN
Wales star Gareth Bale will have his Real Madrid bosses tearing their hair out in frustration again, after announcing new plans to indulge his passion for golf.
The superstar, who has been accused by Real fans and officials of caring about golf more than he does about football, is throwing his weight behind his country’s national Open later this month.
The Wales Open will be re-named the Cazoo Open supported by Gareth Bale when it returns to Celtic Manor – home of the 2010 Ryder Cup – from July 22-25.
Bale has persuaded his management company, ICM Stellar Sports, to become joint sponsors with car retailers Cazoo, and is expected to tee it up at the Pro-Am leading into the event.
Bale commented: ”After watching the coverage last year we decided we wanted to play a part in the development of golf in Wales. We want to make golf in Wales bigger and we believe that this event can play a big role in that.
“We want to make it a real spectacle. And hopefully, we can get more people watching, and grow the game in Wales.”
POWER SERGE
Arsenal have reportedly been linked with a shock move to snap up free agent Sergio Ramos.
It had been expected that the 35-year-old was to sign for Paris Saint-Germain after running his contract down at Real Madrid.
The Spanish defender is claimed to have already agreed a two-year deal with Les Parisiens. But according to Goal, no deal has yet been done between Ramos and the Ligue 1 outfit.
And they have stated that Mikel Arteta has asked to be kept informed of any developments regarding the four-time Champions League winner’s future.
The North London giants are also believed to face English competition from Chelsea in the race to secure Ramos’ services.
Meanwhile Manchester City have been linked, though the player is said to have reservations about a move to the City. A switch to PSG is still understood to be Ramos’ priority as he looks to prolong his career at the highest level.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
