Transfer news LIVE: Barcelona push Frenkie De Jong to Man United as Liverpool ‘receive Roberto Firmino bid’

Manchester United’s pursuit of Frenkie De Jong could be coming to an end with reports of a Plan B after links to Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic Savic. With the start of the Premier League season fast approaching, Erik ten Hag will be desperate to get new players in to quickly revamp the Red Devils.

The same is true of Chelsea, who have encountered more difficulty getting a target over the line after a late intervention from Barcelona in the race to sign Sevilla star Jules Kounde. The Blues may need to look elsewhere for their second significant defensive upgrade after bringing in Kalidou Koulibaly to reload after the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. The Sevilla star will cost in excess of £50m with Barcelona poised to trump the Blues again after landing former Leeds star Raphinha.

Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo‘s future remains in doubt, the Portuguese wants to leave Manchester United, but his wages remain prohibitive and Erik ten Hag maintains the No 7 is not for sale with one more year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford. Real Madrid are not interested according to the latest reports, while a shock move to Atletico Madrid has also been rumoured. The Mail reports Leicester have rejected a £15m bid from Monaco for Boubakary Soumare. And Leicester are willing to consider big-money offers for James Maddison and Kelechi Iheanacho in order to raise funds to strengthen the squad, the Telegraph claims. Follow all the latest transfer news with our live blog below:

Transfer News and Rumours

• Manchester United ‘eager to keep Anthony Martial amid Juventus interest’

• Arsenal keen on Lyon star Lucas Paquetá

• Newcastle and Everton interested in Chelsea striker Armando Broja

• Liverpool ‘receive Roberto Firmino bid’ from Juventus

• Southampton confirm signing of Sekou Mara

Real Madrid striker Mariano opts against transfer choices

Monday 25 July 2022 21:40 , Karl Matchett

A whole host of teams have been linked with Mariano Diaz, Real Madrid’s backup striker, but the 28-year-old doesn’t like any of them.

AS say that he would prefer to stay on the bench and fight for minutes and titles at Los Blancos, rather than move to any of the options on offer this summer.

That’s despite Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr, Eden Hazard and the returned Borja Mayoral all being likely options ahead of him to fill in for Karim Benzema when needed.

Valencia and Rayo Vallecano have both enquired in Spain, but so too have English and French teams this summer - but he’s set to stay put once more.

Spurs midfielder Ndombele could make Turkey transfer

Monday 25 July 2022 21:20 , Karl Matchett

Tottenham are happy to offload Tanguy Ndombele this summer, along with a host of other names who are not in Antonio Conte’s plans, but an offer received from Galatasaray doesn’t quite meet their needs.

A report from MediaFoot suggests the Turkish SuperLig side want to take him at least on loan but Spurs turned down the deal.

Ndombele was Spurs’ record signing until they landed Richarlison this summer from Everton, but the £55m man has rarely been able to be a regular starter and was sent out on loan last season, spending half the campaign at Lyon.

Barcelona ask Jules Kounde to help them hijack Chelsea transfer

Monday 25 July 2022 21:00 , Karl Matchett

Barcelona have pleaded for patience from Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, as they attempt to hijack his move to Chelsea.

While the London club have agreed a £50m-plus fee with Sevilla and have the principles of a deal done, Barcelona have not yet made a formal bid, due to the need now to sell players.

The centre-half has been willing to go to Chelsea, but his preferred option is Camp Nou. Barcelona are attempting to play on this, as they accelerate their moves to try and sell players.

It has again been pressed upon Frenkie de Jong that the club “needs” him to go. The Dutch midfielder has remained obstinate in his stance, especially as he is owed €17m in deferred wages.

Miguel Delaney has the latest on Kounde’s potential transfer:

Barcelona ask Jules Kounde to help them hijack Chelsea transfer

Leicester City’s summer of stasis threatens to unravel progress under Brendan Rodgers

Monday 25 July 2022 20:50 , Karl Matchett

New York City FC are aware of interest, their head coach said. Nick Cushing admitted Valentin Castellanos has admirers. The 2021 MLS Golden Boot winner is tipped to join Girona, possibly on a loan deal after joining NYC’s sister club Manchester City. And if the Argentinian forward does go to Italy, it would leave Leicester City on their own as the only club in Europe’s five major leagues not to sign anyone this summer.

The Premier League’s spending this window has topped £1bn, but no arrivals are imminent at the King Power Stadium. A club widely admired for their transfer business in recent years have done none, beyond releasing third-choice goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic. Welcome to the paradox of Leicester. They have signed no players and yet they have too many. Brendan Rodgers may have imagined a revolving door, as perhaps five came in and eight went out, when he had the scene for an overhaul. Instead, the exit has been jammed, also preventing anyone from entering.

They may be encountering an increasingly familiar problem for Premier League purchasers who have stockpiled players in recent years: others, especially abroad, are reluctant to pay the prices and the wages to rid them of the unwanted. In accidental fashion, Leicester have become the division’s continuity club.

More on the Foxes’ summer of inactivity:

Leicester City’s summer of stasis threatens to unravel progress under Brendan Rodgers

Cristiano Ronaldo heading back to England for talks with Man United

Monday 25 July 2022 20:40 , Karl Matchett

Cristiano Ronaldo has not played any part in Manchester United’s pre-season campaign yet, under new manager Erik Ten Hag. Personal reasons saw him stay home while the team was on tour and there have been rumours over a transfer away - though United’s line has been that he’s not for sale.

Now the Athletic report that the forward is flying back to England to undergo talks with the club, having “informed them of his wish to leave if a suitable offer arrives.”

It is not yet certain whether he’ll immediately return to training on Tuesday but a meeting with the manager is imminent.

Ten Hag has repeatedly said he expects Ronaldo to stay and play a big part in the season ahead.

Spurs still want to sign Inter man Barella

Monday 25 July 2022 20:20 , Karl Matchett

Nicolo Barella is still the prime target for Tottenham in what remains of the transfer window, according to Italian outlet Il Messaggero.

They say that Antonio Conte is pushing sporting director Fabio Paratici to land both he and Inter Milan teammate Milan Skriniar this summer, even after signing Bissouma, Perisic, Richarlison and several others - with a number of players yet to depart who no longer seem to feature in the head coach’s plans.

Liverpool have also been mentioned previously as interested but Inter want €90m to sell him - around £77m.

Fellow Italian midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo has also been mentioned as a possible target for Spurs.

Sadio Mane ‘can play until 39’ as Jurgen Klopp reveals candid talk before Liverpool exit

Monday 25 July 2022 20:10 , Karl Matchett

Jurgen Klopp believes Sadio Mane is in such crazily good shape that he could play into the 2030s after predicting the former Liverpool forward can carry on until he is almost 40.

The German also praised Bayern Munich’s new signing for the way he handled his departure from Anfield by saying it is a model for how transfers should be conducted and insisting he retains complete respect for the Senegalese.

Mane, who turned 30 in April, joined Bayern for £35 million last month, ending a six-year stay at Liverpool in which he scored 120 goals.

Klopp felt it was key Mane gave him enough notice of his plans, saying to Viaplay: “Sadio told me that he wants and the agent told me he wants a new challenge.

“And if that happens early enough, like it was in this case, and in the right way and the new club is ready for negotiations then it should be like it was now, when you say thank you with the biggest respect ever. I could not have more respect for Sadio.”

Mane ‘can play until 39’ as Klopp reveals candid talk before Liverpool exit

Valencia want Arsenal target Arthur Melo

Monday 25 July 2022 20:00 , Karl Matchett

Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo has been in the sights of Arsenal and thought to be close to a loan-to-buy deal at least twice over the last six months - but now another team has come late into the frame.

Di Marzio reports that Valencia are keen to sign him for Gennaro Gattuso, the new head coach, but his salary is a problem which may render the transfer prohibitive.

Arsenal remain in the wings hoping to do a deal, while Juve could move for the aforementioned Paredes if they do offload Melo.

Cal Roberts moves to Aberdeen

Monday 25 July 2022 19:52 , Karl Matchett

A deal done north of the border.

Cal Roberts switches from Notts County to Aberdeen on a permanent transfer.

Dele Alli shows glimpse of form as Everton seek ways to replace Richarlison

Monday 25 July 2022 19:45 , Karl Matchett

After the miss in Minnesota came the brace in Blackpool. An open goal was squandered but two were scored. A change of continent may have brought a change of luck for Dele Alli. After perhaps the worst miss of his life came his first goals in an Everton shirt, albeit in unofficial capacity. They should have arrived earlier. His twin strikes came not in the Twin Cities but on the Fylde Coast. Everton, embarrassed 4-0 by Minnesota on Wednesday, beat Blackpool 4-2 on Sunday.

Time will tell which is the more accurate marker for his and their season. Certainly the more memorable result came in the Midwest, not England’s west coast, just Alli’s glaring miss in the United States – the ball hitting his heel when he had a tap-in – is more likely to linger in the mind than two close-range finishes, one still simpler, at Bloomfield Road. It lent itself to the kind of clip made for social media, as though designed as an encapsulation of the decline of a seemingly once-in-a-generation talent.

Maybe it is a microcosm, maybe an irrelevant error in a pre-season friendly. “I was kicking myself after the chance I had in the other game but it was a chance to put that right,” Alli said after a belated return to the scoresheet.

Rich Jolly looks at whether the Everton man is ready to rebound:

Dele Alli shows glimpse of form as Everton seek ways to replace Richarlison

Chelsea line up Kounde alternatives

Monday 25 July 2022 19:40 , Karl Matchett

Looking like Chelsea might miss out on key defensive target Jules Kounde, with Barcelona still pushing for him to wait for them instead.

As such, 90min are reporting on the Blues’ list of alternatives to go alongside summer signing Kalidou Koulibaly in the back line.

Villarreal’s Pau Torres, Inter’s Milan Skriniar, RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol and Bayern Munich pair Dayot Upamecano and Benjamin Pavard are all on the list of potential additions for Thomas Tuchel now instead.

Nordi Mukiele might have been another possibility but he’s set to move to PSG instead, the report claims.

Southampton sign Sekou Mara from Bordeaux on four-year deal

Monday 25 July 2022 19:30 , Karl Matchett

Teenage striker Sekou Mara has signalled his intention to become “one of the best” after signing a four-year deal with Southampton.

The Paris-born 19-year-old, a France Under-21 international, has completed his move from Bordeaux, subject to international clearance, after the two clubs agreed terms in principle last week.

Mara told the club’s official website: “I’m really happy to sign for Southampton and to be a Saint for the next years. Southampton have given me a good opportunity to progress.

“I’m a young player and I have to work. I think Southampton is the best club for me to develop myself and progress to be one of the best. I’m impatient to begin with this team and score goals.”

More on Saints’ latest signing:

Southampton sign Sekou Mara from Bordeaux on four-year deal

West Ham ready to talk again to Kostic

Monday 25 July 2022 19:20 , Karl Matchett

Filip Kostic and West Ham will be talking again soon, as the Hammers look to make some major attacking additions.

They have almost got the Scamacca deal over the line and now it’ll be about the service to the Italian striker - bringing in Kostic will certainly add to that, given his propensity to deliver crosses from the left wing.

A second bout of personal terms discussions will happen soon, says Fabrizio Romano, with Eintracht Frankfurt having already received the Hammers’ bid.

Krafth pens two-year Newcastle deal

Monday 25 July 2022 19:05 , Karl Matchett

Emil Krafth has agreed a one-year extension to his Newcastle contract.

He’s now set to stay at St. James’ Park until the end of the 2023/24 season.

Latest transfer news around Europe: Aspas, Cheryshev, Paredes, Tel

Monday 25 July 2022 19:00 , Karl Matchett

Let’s have a whip around the other four of the top five leagues in Europe and see what’s happening in LaLiga, Serie A and beyond, according to media in each country:

• Bayern Munich are closing in on the signing of teenage forward Mathys Tel from Rennes, after the €30m attacker completed his medical

• Ozan Kabak has signed for Hoffenheim after his Norwich loan last year, but they could then in turn sell defender Stefan Posch to Wolves

• Giovanni Simeone wants to stay in Italy and move to Napoli, rather than head to LaLiga - where father Diego is Atletico Madrid boss of course - and play for Sevilla

• Piotr Zielinski has rejected a move to West Ham and wants to stay with Napoli in the Champions League

• Former Valencia winger Denis Cheryshev is available on a free transfer but hasn’t had a single enquiry to sign him this summer, Marca calling him a “ghost in the market”

• Juventus want to sign PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes but have to sell first, with Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot top of that particular list

Fulham and West Ham negotiating over Issa Diop deal

Monday 25 July 2022 18:40 , Karl Matchett

French media are reporting that centre-back Issa Diop is the target of Fulham’s admiring glances, but they have yet to meet West Ham’s valuation.

A £15m bid has been turned down as the Hammers look for closer to £18m - or around €21m, per Foot Mercato - to let Diop leave.

He was expected to depart this summer after the signing of Nayef Aguerd, but the new arrival is already injured so David Moyes may be reluctant to let the French defender head off.

Lyon are also reportedly keen.

Barcelona claim no accepted bids for Frenkie de Jong

Monday 25 July 2022 18:20 , Karl Matchett

Joan Laporta has suggested that Barcelona have not yet agreed to let Frenkie de Jong leave and says talks will be held with the player to “clarify” his position and what will happen this summer.

“He’s our player and we like him a lot. We recieved some offers for Frenkie but we haven’t accepted them for the moment, we want to speak to him and understand exactly what he wants. We need to clarify some aspects of his situation,” Laporta told ESPN, per Marca.

That goes somewhat against all reports which have suggested Manchester United have already agreed a fee with Barcelona and terms with the midfielder, with just the Catalan club’s reluctance to pay up deferred wages in full which is preventing a deal going through.

Barcelona wage dispute still holding up Frenkie De Jong’s Manchester United move

Southampton confirm the signing of Sekou Mara from Bordeaux

Monday 25 July 2022 18:02 , Southampton FC

Southampton have confirmed the signing of Sékou Mara from Girondins de Bordeaux on a four-year deal, subject to international clearance.

The club announced an agreement in principle with the French side last week, and the player’s medical and relevant paperwork have since been completed.

Born in Paris, Mara was previously on the books of Paris Saint-Germain and Boulogne-Billancourt before joining Bordeaux in 2017.

Quickly accelerating through the ranks, he impressed for the B team as a 17-year-old before making his first-team debut in February 2021 and scoring his first goal three months later.

The talented 19-year-old forward attracted interest from a number of clubs after scoring six goals in Ligue 1 last season.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl said: “Sékou is coming here to score goals and has shown in the French league he can do this, now he needs to work hard and show he can do this in the Premier League.“He is a young guy who will need time to adapt to a new country and a new league, but we are excited about his potential and what he can become in the future.”

The France Under-21 international becomes Saints’ sixth summer signing following the arrivals of goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu and Mateusz Lis, defender Armel Bella-Kotchap, and midfielders Roméo Lavia and Joe Aribo.

Sékou Mara said: “I’m really happy to sign for Southampton and to be a Saint for the next years. Southampton have given me a good opportunity to progress.

“I’m a young player and I have to work. I think Southampton is the best club for me to develop myself and progress to be one of the best. I’m impatient to begin with this team and score goals.”

Rangers sign 21-year-old left-back Ridvan Yilmaz

Monday 25 July 2022 17:55 , Lawrence Ostlere

Done deal! Rangers sign Ridvan Yilmaz from Besiktas for around £5m.

Southampton in for Leverkusen targer Edozie

Monday 25 July 2022 17:37 , Lawrence Ostlere

Southampton are trying to muscle in on Manchester City’s teenage winger Sam Edozie, according to Fabrizio Romano, who had been on the verge of moving to Bayer Leverkusen.

Leverkusen and City had already agreed a fee but this one is not over.

Fulham sign Manor Solomon

Monday 25 July 2022 17:22 , Lawrence Ostlere

Fulham have announced the signing of attacking midfielder Manor Solomon from Shakhtar Donetsk. on a two-year deal.

Solomon used a Fifa rule which allows players based in Ukraine to suspend their contracts and move on. He won’t officially sign until 1 August.

“I’m really happy and delighted to be here at Fulham and I can’t wait to feel the special atmosphere at Craven Cottage,” Solomon said. “There are some great players here and I am determined to help Fulham achieve its goals for the year. I also want to send a big hug to my friends and supporters in Ukraine. You are in my thoughts.”

Spurs striker Parrott loaned out to Preston North End

Monday 25 July 2022 17:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

Troy Parrott is heading out on loan to Preston North End this season, after signing a new contract with Spurs.

The 20-year-old Irishman impressed at MK Dons last season and gets another chance in the second tier after a stint at Millwall.

Rashford raring to go under Eric ten Hag

Monday 25 July 2022 16:08 , Lawrence Ostlere

Marcus Rashford tells The National News: “I had time to rest, to recover mentally and physically. It didn’t feel like last season just rolled into this one. I want to continue to feel how I feel now.”

Arsenal not done in the transfer market

Monday 25 July 2022 15:21 , Lawrence Ostlere

Sky Sports believe Arsenal are not done in this transfer window, despite bringing in a raft of players already to boost Mikel Arteta’s squad.

The Gunners have signed Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Marquinhos, Auston Trusty and Matt Turner already this summer, but there could still be more to come ahead of deadline day on 31 August.

“They went for Raphinha... they were prepared to pay £40m, £50m, £60m for a right-sided attacking player. Maybe we are going to be looking at an Arsenal summer spend which would exceed last summer’s spend.”

Chelsea ‘move for Jules Kounde alternatives’

Monday 25 July 2022 15:07 , Jack Rathborn

With Jules Kounde looking likely to join Barcelona now over Chelsea, the Blues have identified three alternatives.

Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar, PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe and Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol could be the contingency options for Thomas Tuchel.

That’s according to the Standard, with the Blues eager to bolster their defensive options to give defensive flexibility to their coach should he prefer a back four or back three depending on the game.

Nottingham Forest ‘agree £12.75m deal for Stuttgart midfielder Orel Mangala’

Monday 25 July 2022 14:54 , Jack Rathborn

Nottingham Forest have struck a £12.75m deal with Stuttgart for Orel Mangala, according to the Athletic.

The Belgium international could become the 11th summer signing for the Tricky Trees on their Premier League return.

The 24-year-old score one and made four assists as the German side avoided a relegation play-off on goal difference last season.

Barcelona close in on Chelsea target Jules Kounde

Monday 25 July 2022 14:31 , Lawrence Ostlere

It sounds like we might have a winner in the race for Jules Kounde. Barcelona are closing in on the defender after this morning’s efforts to agree personal terms, and now just need to meet Sevilla’s asking price, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Thomas Tuchel has cut a frustrated figure in recent days and missing out on Kounde is not going to cheer him up much, you suspect.

Chelsea to loan out Dujon Sterling

Monday 25 July 2022 14:14 , Lawrence Ostlere

Queens Park Rangers and Preston are among the clubs interested in signing Chelsea full-back Dujon Sterling on a season-long loan, according to the Evening Standard.

Full story:

Chelsea to loan out Dujon Sterling as QPR and Preston signal interest

Forest nearing deal for Stuttgart midfielder Orel Mangala

Monday 25 July 2022 13:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

Nottingham Forest are closing in on 24-year-old midfielder Orel Mangala from Stuttgart.

The Belgian international is thought to be costing Forest around £12m, according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.

And The Athletic now reports that the two clubs have reached an agreement in principle.

West Ham nearing completion of Gianluca Scamacca

Monday 25 July 2022 13:46 , Lawrence Ostlere

According to Sky Sports, West Ham are on the verge of completing a deal for striker Gianluca Scamacca. The Italian forward is set to move in a £30.5m transfer from Sassuolo.

Scamacca, 23, scored 16 goals in Serie A last season and has made seven appearances for the Italian national team, although he is yet to score.

Dele Alli shows glimpse of form as Everton seek ways to replace Richarlison

Monday 25 July 2022 13:33 , Lawrence Ostlere

Everton are not exactly making waves in the transfer market so far this summer, but after years of mistakes, could this be the time to improve what they’ve got?

In Dele Alli’s pre-season, there is hope that Richarlison’s attacking output can be replaced at least partially from within the club.

More, from senior football correspondent Richard Jolly:

Dele Alli shows glimpse of form as Everton seek ways to replace Richarlison

Manchester United tracking Salzburg star Benjamin Sesko

Monday 25 July 2022 13:15 , Jack Rathborn

Manchester United are tracking Salzburg star Benjamin Sesko.

Newcastle are also keen, reports Fabrizio Romano, following 11 goals in all competitions for the 19-year-old last season.

No deal is imminent however, but the Slovenian forward continues to impress scouts and is up and running this term, too, with two goals in two games.

Victor Osimhen reaffirms commitment to Napoli despite Arsenal and Man United interest

Monday 25 July 2022 13:00 , Jack Rathborn

Victor Osimhen is content in Italy with Napoli, despite interest from the Premier League for the Nigeria striker.

The 23-year-old has committed his future to the Azzurri with an interview with Corriere dello Sport.

Manchester United, Newcastle and Arsenal have been linked with the former Lille star, who cost £85m in 2020.

“I'm in Napoli. And I have great respect for my club,” Osimhen told Corriere dello Sport. “They are just rumours of the market. I'm fine here and I've never had such close relationships with everyone as at this moment.

“I spoke to the president, he is the one who decides, and he reassured me by explaining the club’s plans. I am happy with what he told me and the purchases are of quality: words were followed by deeds. I am very happy to play with Napoli and we will see in the future.”

Roma in talks to sign Gini Wijnaldum

Monday 25 July 2022 12:45 , Jack Rathborn

Roma are in talks to sign PSG midfielder Gini Wijnaldum.

The Giallorossi president Dan Friedkin is in talks with the French club to deliver Jose Mourinho the former Liverpool star, report Gazzetta dello Sport.

PSG could pay at least half of Wijnaldum’s wages, to help facilitate the move.

PSG look to clinch Renato Sanches deal

Monday 25 July 2022 12:30 , Jack Rathborn

PSG are moving closer to a deal for Renato Sanches, with L'Equipe claiming there is hope he could join the Ligue 1 champions by Wednesday.

The French paper insists Sanches’ view is that he “doesn’t understand the situation, which isn’t evolving quickly enough in his eyes”.

Luis Campos will hope to advance negotiations this week to reunite with the Portuguese midfielder.

Jesse Lingard rants by armchair pundits are an ‘unhealthy obsession’

Monday 25 July 2022 12:14 , Lawrence Ostlere

An interesting piece on the obsession around Jessie Lingard:

“Pundits and fans of rival clubs need to make their minds up.

“Is it great to have Nottingham Forest back in the Premier League or are they getting above their station by actually trying to stay there? After the Reds beat Huddersfield they were briefly everyone’s second club again, unless you’re a Huddersfield fan. Now they have spent heavily to try and make sure their 23-year exile doesn’t last one season and suddenly they’re just too ambitious for some.”

Lingard rants from Simon Jordan and talkSPORT are an 'unhealthy obsession'

Chelsea to block Cesar Azpilicueta move to Barcelona

Monday 25 July 2022 12:03 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea will look to block Cesar Azpilicueta’s move to Barcelona if they miss out on Jules Kounde, report the Mail.

The Blaugrana look to hijack a second Chelsea target of the summer, after beating them to Raphinha’s signature.

And the Blues will stand firm over Azpilicueta should the French defender not opt to move to London.

Ben Davies commits to Spurs future

Monday 25 July 2022 11:43 , Lawrence Ostlere

Tottenham defender Ben Davies admits it is an exciting time to be at the club after he extended his contract until 2025.

The Wales international, who moved to Spurs from Swansea eight years ago, did not need to think twice about adding an additional 12 months on to his previous deal.

“After last season and the summer this club has had there is no more exciting time than right now to be at this club,” he told SpursPlay.

‘Very exciting time at club’ – Ben Davies commits future to Tottenham until 2025

Barcelona ask Jules Kounde to help them hijack Chelsea transfer

Monday 25 July 2022 11:28 , Lawrence Ostlere

Barcelona have pleaded for patience from Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, as they attempt to hijack his move to Chelsea, writes chief football writer Miguel Delaney.

While the London club have agreed a £50m-plus fee with Sevilla and have the principles of a deal done, Barcelona have not yet made a formal bid, due to the need now to sell players.

The centre-half has been willing to go to Chelsea, but his preferred option is Camp Nou. Barcelona are attempting to play on this, as they accelerate their moves to try and sell players.

Barcelona ask Jules Kounde to help them hijack Chelsea transfer

Antonio Rudiger reflects on Chelsea career after Real Madrid move

Monday 25 July 2022 11:14 , Lawrence Ostlere

Sticking with Chelsea’s defence, Antonio Rudiger’s article on The Players’ Tribune is doing the rounds again on social media after first coming out in May, and it is well worth a read. The new Real Madrid defender reflects on his time at Chelsea, including the time he was effectively sidelined by Frank Lampard:

“If there is one moment that sums everything up for me, it would be the scene in the toilets after we won the Champions League Final.

“Obviously, that was a crazy season for me. I hate to say crazy, but what other word could I use? Not even six months before that final, I was on the floor, brother. At the time, I’d been dropped from the squad, and I couldn’t even get a reason why. We had a meeting one day, and the manager told me that we had a deep squad, and that he preferred others over me. Boom — that was it. After that, there were a lot of rumors. I was getting a lot of abuse on social media. It was the hardest time in my career, and I stayed silent because I did not want to cause issues for the club.

“Imagine — if you would have told me that within a few months, I would be starting in a Champions League Final against City?”

Dear Chelsea | By Antonio Rüdiger

Chelsea willing to scupper Azpilicueta transfer as Kounde considers Barca

Monday 25 July 2022 10:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea are prepared to pull the plug on Cesar Azpilicueta’s move to Barcelona if Barca hijack the Blues’ pursuit of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

Both Chelsea and Barcelona have been heavily linked with the 23-year-old French centre-back, though reports suggest Chelsea are closer to meeting Sevilla’s asking price of around £55m.

However, Fabrizio Romano reports Barca manager Xavi called Kounde this week to coax him to the Nou Camp. According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are prepared to scupper Barca’s plans to sign club captain Azpilicueta in retaliation.

Ben Davies signs new Tottenham contract

Monday 25 July 2022 10:45 , Jack Rathborn

Ben Davies has extended his contract at Tottenham until 2025.

Since joining from Swansea in 2014, Davies has made 271 appearances over eight seasons, including three appearances as captain last term.

An integral part of Antonio Conte’s rebuild, featuring on the left side of a central defensive three, the 29-year-old started 34 of 36 matches following the Italian’s arrival.

Barcelona push Frenkie De Jong to Man United in £70m deal

Monday 25 July 2022 10:30 , Miguel Delaney

The Independent has been told that Barcelona have made an initial offer to try and resolve Frenkie De Jong’s €17m in deferred wages, which would push him to Manchester United in a £70m-plus deal, writes Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney.

That potential resolution was still over €10m less than the figure De Jong is owned.

Until that situation is resolved, or Barca make other sales, they are unlikely to press forward with Kounde.

They have consequently asked the 23-year-old for more time, in another situation that has seen the Catalan club hold up the market.

Barcelona’s financial offer to Sevilla would also be worth less as an overall package.

Arsenal technical director Edu criticises older players for ‘killing’ the club

Monday 25 July 2022 10:15 , Jack Rathborn

Arsenal technical director Edu says the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil were “killing” the club before they managed to offload their big-money contracts.

The duo are among a number of players to be shown the exit door at the Emirates in recent years as manager Mikel Arteta looks to reshape his playing squad.

The Gunners have targeted much younger players in that time with players in the older age bracket - such as Aubameyang and Ozil - ushered out.

Edu, who also agreed deals for Shkodran Mustafi, Sead Kolasinac and Sokratis to leave, has explained the thinking behind the new philosophy.

“When a player is 26 or older, has a big salary and is not performing, he’s killing you,” he said.

Arsenal technical director Edu criticises older players for ‘killing’ the club

Leicester City’s summer of stasis threatens to unravel progress under Brendan Rodgers

Monday 25 July 2022 10:00 , Jack Rathborn

New York City FC are aware of interest, their head coach said. Nick Cushing admitted Valentin Castellanos has admirers. The 2021 MLS Golden Boot winner is tipped to join Girona, possibly on a loan deal after joining NYC’s sister club Manchester City. And if the Argentinian forward does go to Italy, it would leave Leicester City on their own as the only club in Europe’s five major leagues not to sign anyone this summer.

The Premier League’s spending this window has topped £1bn, but no arrivals are imminent at the King Power Stadium. A club widely admired for their transfer business in recent years have done none, beyond releasing third-choice goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic. Welcome to the paradox of Leicester. They have signed no players and yet they have too many. Brendan Rodgers may have imagined a revolving door, as perhaps five came in and eight went out, when he had the scene for an overhaul. Instead, the exit has been jammed, also preventing anyone from entering.

They may be encountering an increasingly familiar problem for Premier League purchasers who have stockpiled players in recent years: others, especially abroad, are reluctant to pay the prices and the wages to rid them of the unwanted. In accidental fashion, Leicester have become the division’s continuity club. The faces are all familiar. With no European football, and with so many pedigree players that the £13m signing Nampalys Mendy was not even named in their Premier League squad for the first half of last season, the intention now was for a slimmed-down squad. Instead, they still lack room on the pitch and the wage bill alike for newcomers.

Leicester City’s summer of stasis threatens to unravel progress under Brendan Rodgers

Arsenal technical director Edu criticises older players for ‘killing’ the club

Monday 25 July 2022 09:45 , Jack Rathborn

Arsenal technical director Edu says the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil were “killing” the club before they managed to offload their big-money contracts.

The duo are among a number of players to be shown the exit door at the Emirates in recent years as manager Mikel Arteta looks to reshape his playing squad.

The Gunners have targeted much younger players in that time with players in the older age bracket - such as Aubameyang and Ozil - ushered out.

Edu, who also agreed deals for Shkodran Mustafi, Sead Kolasinac and Sokratis to leave, has explained the thinking behind the new philosophy.

“When a player is 26 or older, has a big salary and is not performing, he’s killing you,” he said.

Arsenal technical director Edu criticises older players for ‘killing’ the club

Tottenham set to sell Tanguy Ndombele?

Monday 25 July 2022 09:28 , Jack Rathborn

Tottenham could cut their losses on France midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.

Media Foot, in France, report Galatasaray are keen on the 25-year-old.

Spurs spent £55.45 million on the former Lyon star in 2019 and the Londoners may do well if they can recoup half of that fee.

Liverpool ‘receive Roberto Firmino bid’

Monday 25 July 2022 09:14 , Jack Rathborn

Liverpool are considering an offer from Juventus for Roberto Firmino.

That’s according to Tutto Juve, who claim the Old Lady have offered €23m for the Brazilian.

The report claims the Italians would happily raise this to strike a deal too.

Jules Kounde set for Chelsea and Barcelona choice

Monday 25 July 2022 09:00 , Jack Rathborn

Barcelona and Chelsea are jostling to sign Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde, the Daily Mail reports.

The paper writes that Barca are increasingly confident of securing the 23-year-old, who has made no secret of preferring the Spanish giants.

The Blues have held long-standing interest in the France international with Sevilla blocking a move last year.

Newcastle switch attention to Dwight McNeil

Monday 25 July 2022 08:47 , Jack Rathborn

Newcastle have switched attention to Dwight McNeil with the Sun claiming the Burnley winger is their latest target.

The 22-year-old has moved to the top of their list, with Leeds standing firm on Jack Harrison.

The West Yorkshire club previously rejected a Newcastle bid for Harrison, 25, and want £35 million.

Nordi Mukiele set for PSG move

Monday 25 July 2022 08:32 , Jack Rathborn

Nordi Mukiele looks set to move to Paris Saint-Germain.

A fee for the RB Leipzig star has been agreed by PSG, report the Daily Mail.

The French defender will cost around £13m, with some reports in France claiming he could cost up to £16m.

New manager Christophe Galtier is keen on Mukiele as he revamps the identity of the French side.

Newcastle and Everton interested in Armando Broja

Monday 25 July 2022 08:21 , Jack Rathborn

Armando Broja is attracting interest from Premier League clubs after the Chelsea starlet’s impressive loan at Southampton.

i reports Newcastle and Everton have stepped up their pursuit of the 20-year-old Chelsea and Albania striker after West Ham lost interest.

Arsenal keen on Lyon star Lucas Paquetá

Monday 25 July 2022 08:08 , Jack Rathborn

Arsenal have admitted to being interested in Lyon attacking midfielder Lucas Paquetá but are yet to commence talks with the Ligue 1 club.

The Times reports Edu, Arsenal’s Brazilian technical director, has been a “big fan for a long time” of the 24-year-old.

Manchester United ‘eager to keep Anthony Martial amid Juventus interest’

Monday 25 July 2022 08:01 , Jack Rathborn

Juventus are reportedly targeting Manchester United attacker Anthony Martial as a summer transfer target – but his club have signalled they have no intention of selling him, the Daily Mirror reports.

The 26-year-old has been impressing during pre-season, solidifying his value to new boss Erik ten Hag.

Man United ‘eager to keep Anthony Martial amid Juventus interest’