More stories

  • in

    Chelsea transfer target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang posts cryptic message on Instagram outside Arc de Triomphe

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG has posted a cryptic message on Instagram amid his possible move to Chelsea.The striker, 33, appeared to wave goodbye to the Barcelona crowd at the end of their friendly 3-3 draw with Manchester City this week.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang shared that he is in ParisCredit: Instagram @Auba
    The striker has been heavily linked with a move to ChelseaCredit: Getty
    On Thursday Aubameyang shared an update showing he is in Paris, despite Barca preparing for a match against Valladolid on Sunday.
    Aubameyang filmed himself sitting in a vehicle which did not appear to be one of his luxury sports cars.
    He then zoomed in behind him on the Arc de Triomphe, a famous Paris landmark, and captioned the Instagram video: “Sometimes people forget that there is life as well not only football!”
    The Gabon international has been subject to transfer interest from Chelsea over the last week.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The Blues have made several bids for Aubameyang with the latest in the region of £17million – still some way short of Barca’s £25m asking price.
    But it is believed the Catalan giants could accept the offer as the money would allow them to register summer signing Jules Kounde.
    Aubameyang is thought to be open to the switch, which would see him return to London after leaving Arsenal in February.
    However, he is not pushing to make a move happen as he is happy playing at the Nou Camp, despite the risk of less game time following the signing of Robert Lewandowski.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Chelsea are running out of time in the transfer window to complete a deal, and are still busy trying to conclude the signings of Wesley Fofana and Anthony Gordon.
    Fofana is set to miss Leicester’s trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday having trained with the under-23s all week.
    Chelsea are set to make a fourth bid for the centre-back and will be encouraged by the fact the Foxes have lined up Manuel Akanji as his Fofana’s replacement. More

  • in

    Man Utd have three-man shortlist in case £84m transfer deal for Ajax ace Antony collapses including Chelsea star Pulisic

    MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on an £84million deal for Ajax winger Antony – but have a back-up plan if things go wrong.The Red Devils are hopeful they can finalise the transfer and bring the 22-year-old to Old Trafford in what would be their fifth signing of the summer.
    Man Utd are confident they can finalise a deal for Ajax star AntonyCredit: Getty
    The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Pulisic if the Antony deal falls throughCredit: Getty
    However, with moves for the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Adrien Rabiot having already collapsed in recent weeks, it remains to be seen whether Erik ten Hag’s side will be left empty-handed once more.
    If a deal for Antony does fall through, Man Utd reportedly have three players on a shortlist of alternatives to the Brazilian.
    According to ESPN, one of the players they are monitoring is Chelsea star Christian Pulisic.
    Earlier this month, United were linked with a loan move for the American, 23, as he searches for more game time away from Stamford Bridge.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    However, they put the brakes on that pursuit after it was reported that he wanted Champions League football – something United cannot currently offer.
    But with less than one week left of the transfer window, Pulisic may end up having to settle for a move to a team outside of Europe’s elite competition.
    Another player on United’s list is PSV forward Cody Gakpo, 23, who missed out on qualifying for the Champions League group stages earlier this week when the Dutch side were beaten by Rangers.
    So far, Ten Hag’s men have not been willing to match the £42m asking price, but that could change if they miss out on Antony and become desperate.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    And the final man on the three-man list is Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram.
    The German outfit are thought to be willing to let him go for a bargain price of between £10-15m as his contract expires next summer.
    Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with moves for the 24-year-old Frenchman.
    United have already signed four players this summer – Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro.
    Read More on The Sun
    They started the campaign in woeful fashion, losing 2-1 to Brighton before being humiliated in a 4-0 loss to Brentford.
    But they showed signs of life on Monday night in a 2-1 win over Liverpool, a result that will give them confidence heading to St Mary’s this weekend where they take on Southampton. More

  • in

    Serge Aurier set to complete free transfer to Nottingham Forest on one-year contract and become 17th summer arrival

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST are set to sign former Tottenham full-back Serge Aurier on a one-year-deal, according to reports.Aurier, 29, joined Villarreal in a free transfer from Spurs last October, but he was limited to just 19 LaLiga appearances due to various injury issues.
    Aurier is set to join Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
    He was released by the Spanish side when his contract expired in June and has since failed to find another club.
    However, he could now be set for a return to the Premier League.
    According to L’Equipe, the right-back is expected to join Nottingham Forest in a free transfer.
    He will sign a one-year deal with the option to extend for a further season.
    Read More in Football
    Aurier, who made 77 Premier League appearances during his four-year spell with Tottenham, will become Forest’s 17th signing of the summer.
    Steve Cooper made him a transfer target after summer signing Omar Richards sustained a hairline fracture of the leg during a pre-season friendly last month.
    The Forest boss believes the Ivory Coast international will bring much needed experience to the squad.
    But, he is not stopping there on the transfer front.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Nottingham Forest are also in talks to sign sought-after midfielder Houssem Aouar from Lyon.
    Club officials have already agreed personal terms with the Frenchman but they are yet to strike a deal with the Ligue 1 giants.
    Cooper is also pushing to sign Neal Maupay from Prem rivals Brighton.
    The striker has fallen down the pecking order at the Amex with Graham Potter favouring Danny Welbeck in the No.9 spot, so he is open to a move away.
    However, Fulham and Everton are both prepared to hijack an offer. More

  • in

    Man Utd ace Cristiano Ronaldo ‘in talks with Napoli’ with agent Mendes ‘doing everything he can’ to get striker transfer

    NAPOLI are reportedly in talks with agent Jorge Mendes to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.The Italian side were linked with a move for the 37-year-old earlier this summer.
    Jorge Mendes is trying to secure a transfer to Napoli for Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty
    Napoli remain keen on CR7 having been linked to the superstar earlier this summer
    But a bid was never made and Ronaldo was forced to look elsewhere to fulfil his goal of playing Champions League football.
    However, Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has reignited a deal and is in talks with Napoli over a transfer, report Tuttosport.
    Those talks are also reported by transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio, who adds Mendes is also looking for a club to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in order to facilitate the move for CR7.
    United is reportedly a possibility for the Nigerian, who could command a transfer fee of £86million.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Ronaldo is running out of transfer options as the summer window draws to a close.
    Rangers fans are hopeful of luring the Portuguese to Ibrox after qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in 12 years.
    Marseille have also been linked with a move for the superstar, but such rumours have upset club president Pablo Longoria – who insists signing players like CR7 is not within the project.
    The striker could be forced to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place in the side despite Erik ten Hag being sick of the Ronaldo circus that threatens to undermine his rebuilding job.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    He was particularly angry last week after the Portuguese superstar promised he would soon deliver a tell-all interview.
    Now Ten Hag just wants the forward out, while a number of players feel Ronaldo’s attitude and mood is affecting spirit in the camp. More

  • in

    West Ham ‘agree personal terms with Lucas Paqueta after late-night phone call’ as £48m transfer from Lyon edges closer

    WEST HAM have reportedly agreed personal terms with Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta as they move towards sealing a £48million transfer.The Hammers had an initial bid of £34m rejected for the 24-year-old Brazilian but increased that by £14m on Thursday.
    Paqueta looks set to join West Ham in the coming daysCredit: Getty
    And now, as Paqueta’s representatives look for a place for him to live in London, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that terms with the player have been finalised.
    Talks between the two clubs have not yet reached a resolution, although they did have positive discussions on Thursday night.
    Speaking on social media, Romano said: “West Ham have new round of talks scheduled today for Lucas Paqueta deal.
    “Personal terms agreed but difficult negotiation with OL yesterday – final late night call was positive.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “West Ham are trying their best to get it done. Talks are still ongoing.”
    Manager David Moyes is keen to recruit reinforcements after a dreadful start to the season.
    West Ham currently sit bottom of the Premier League table having lost all three of their opening matches without scoring a goal.
    They were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City, 1-0 by Nottingham Forest and then 2-0 by Brighton on Sunday.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Paqueta would offer the Irons some more creativity in midfield – something they have been crying out for in recent weeks.
    He has scored 21 goals and provided 14 assists in 80 appearances for Lyon.
    The South American has also been capped 33 times by Brazil, netting seven times.
    Paqueta would become West Ham’s eighth signing of the summer.
    They have already brought in Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Emerson Palmeiri and Thilo Kehrer More

  • in

    Man Utd joined by Liverpool in Frenkie de Jong transfer race as Jurgen Klopp desperately targets new midfielder

    LIVERPOOL have reportedly joined the race to sign Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.Futbol Total claims Jurgen Klopp has moved for the Manchester United target following Liverpool’s awful start to the new season.
    Liverpool have joined the race to sign Man Utd target and Barcelona star Frenkie de JongCredit: Getty
    Injuries to Thiago Alcantara and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have left Liverpool short on midfield options.
    Fabinho has also suffered with fitness problems while Naby Keita’s future is in doubt.
    And after picking up just two points from his opening three games, Klopp has decided that De Jong needs to join his Anfield war machine.
    It’s claimed Liverpool have submitted a £53million bid for the Holland international, with a further £7m in add-ons.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    It is unclear whether the Reds also intend to pay De Jong the £14m in wages he’s reportedly owed by Barca.
    But the ex-Ajax ace could be tempted by a switch to Anfield as playing Champions League football is a non-negotiable.
    United managed to agree a deal with Barcelona to sign De Jong earlier this month.
    But their Europa League status and chaotic start to the campaign under Erik ten Hag saw the playmaker refuse to leave Barca.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    And it’s unclear whether United will return after splashing out on Real Madrid anchorman Casemiro.
    Chelsea are also thought to be in the running, despite being yet to make a formal bid.
    However, it now appears Liverpool are leading the race to sign De Jong before next week’s transfer deadline.
    Barcelona have made no secret of their willingness to sell De Jong so they can register all their new signings.
    And with the summer window coming to a close soon, the player himself could finally decide the time has come to jump ship. More

  • in

    Erik ten Hag ‘wants Man Utd to seal £8m Memphis Depay transfer return’ with Juventus move from Barcelona set to collapse

    ERIK TEN HAG is reportedly urging Manchester United to seal an £8million return for Memphis Depay.The 28-year-old was expected to rip up his Barcelona contract for a move to Juventus.
    Man Utd are ready to make an £8m swoop for former player and Barcelona ace Memphis DepayCredit: Reuters
    But with a deal now seemingly collapsed, Sport claims United are ready to pick up the pieces with an official £8m bid.
    Ten Hag is desperate to boost his attacking options before next week’s transfer deadline.
    And former Red Devil Depay ticks all the boxes.
    Since leaving United in 2017 after a poor 18-month stint which yielded just seven goals, he went on to net 76 times for French side Lyon.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Depay then scored 12 league goals for Barca last season and would give United real depth up top, as well as on the left flank.
    The Holland international was set to join Juventus this week after agreeing to rip up his contract.
    But the Italians eventually pulled out after striking a deal for Marseille’s Arkadiusz Milik instead.
    Ten Hag now hopes to wrap up a quick deal for Depay as he looks to build on Monday’s win over Liverpool.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    And United are even prepared to pay Barcelona an £8m transfer to speed up negotiations and avoid a lengthy legal process regarding Depay’s potential contract termination.
    Should Ten Hag move for Depay, it is likely to spell the end of his interest in PSV’s Cody Gakpo.
    However, United remain eager on right-winger Antony from Ajax.
    And after having a bid rejected, Ten Hag is expected to green light a potential £80m swoop by the weekend. More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘have Benjamin Pavard transfer bid rejected by Bayern Munich as Erik ten Hag searches for new defender’

    MANCHESTER UNITED had their surprise bid for Benjamin Pavard rejected by Bayern Munich, according to reports.The Red Devils were in a race for the French full-back with Chelsea.
    Benjamin Pavard convinced Bayern Munich of keepingn rather than make a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    Despite attracting other European clubs such as Juventus and Atletico Madrid, Pavard decided to remain with the German giants, L’Equipe reports.
    Bayern had been willing to accept £30million for the 26-year-old.
    But later, it was revealed that Pavard convinced the club to let him stay at the Allianz Arena.
    Pavard usually plays as a right-back but has proved himself as a centre half too, making him a useful asset to have around.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Pavard impressed as he won the 2018 World Cup with France.
    This urged Bayern Munich to sign him for £31.5million a year later from Stuttgart.
    He has made 123 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and assisting 11.
    Meanwhile, United will be left looking for another full-back to complete their squad.
    Most read in English Premier League
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The Red Devils could keep their Rafael Varane-Lisandro Martinez pair-up but could want reinforcements on the flanks after a poor start to the Premier League season.
    Tyrell Malacia shone against Liverpool on Monday, although it remains to be seen if Luke Shaw, Diego Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are trusted by Erik ten Hag. More