Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd signing backed, Liverpool talks, Chelsea's Hazard replacement
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - All the latest rumours and gossip from Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Posted Friday, May 31, 2019 by Express.co.uk
Why Chelsea deal collapsed
Chelsea missed the chance to sign Andrea Pirlo because of concerns about sign players aged 30 or more.
"I had the chance to come [to the Premier League] with [Carlo] Ancelotti to Chelsea and with Manchester City when I went to Juventus,” Pirlo told the Daily Mail.
"Chelsea said that I was very old - 30 years old! And the other time I preferred to come to Juventus.
"For sure it would have been a fantastic experience but I'm happy that I decided to stay in Italy.”
Transfer news LIVE: AC Milan icons Carlo Ancelotti and Andrea Pirlo could have reunited at Chelsea (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd blow
Manchester United could see their hopes of snaring Giovani Lo Celso ended by former managerial target Mauricio Pochettino.
The Red Devils have identified the Real Betis star as a target to bolster Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's midfield options.
However, the Mirror report Lo Celso would sooner link up with his compatriot Pochettino at Tottenham.
Lo Celso hails from Rosario, where Pochettino impressed as a player, and it seems he is an admirer of the Spurs gaffer.
Transfer news LIVE: Giovani Lo Celso is being chased by Tottenham and Manchester United (Image: GETTY)
Ramos talks Hazard
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos insists he is not involved in the deal that is likely to take Chelsea star Eden Hazard to the Bernabeu.
"I consider Eden Hazard to be a really, really top player,” Ramos said.
"I do not give advice to anyone, nor does it depend on me whether or not Hazard is signed, for example. This is an area outside of my domain.
"I’m the captain, and there are other departments to oversee the likes of recruitment at the club.”
Transfer news LIVE Man Utd Coutinho bid Liverpool talks Chelsea Arsenal Real Madrid Barca (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd valuation
Manchester United have slapped an £80m price tag on Romelu Lukaku as Inter Milan look to deliver the hitman for Antonio Conte.
Lukaku is behind Marcus Rashford in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans following a difficult second season at Old Trafford.
And it seems United chiefs are ready to cut their losses on the Belgian, who they agreed to hand Everton up to £90m for.
ESPN reckon United will accept a £10m loss on Lukaku, who Conte wanted to take to Chelsea a couple of years ago.
Transfer news LIVE: Manchester United are ready to sell Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan (Image: GETTY)
Man City bid decision
Manchester City have knocked back a stunning £70.7m (€80m) bid for Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich.
The German champions are in the market for wingers with Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben leaving the Allianz Arena.
Sane has emerged as a target having drifted out of Pep Guardiola’s first-choice XI, despite his immense ability.
The Guardian claim City have now rejected the chance to cash in for £70.7m and Bayern have been forced to weigh up making a fresh offer.
Transfer news LIVE: Bayern Munich are considering another offer for Manchester City ace Leroy Sane (Image: GETTY)
Pogba price problem
Real Madrid might not be able to afford Paul Pogba because of how much they are spending on renovating the Bernabeu, claims former president Ramon Calderon.
"Neymar is a top player but I don’t think his behaviour in the last teams he has been, I don’t think it’s the best reference for coming to Real Madrid,” Calderon told Sky Sports.
"Pogba, maybe. He’s one of the players that Zidane has said he would really like to come.
"The problem is money. Our president has decided to invest ridiculous amount of money in a new stadium. We have a fantastic stadium.”
Transfer news LIVE: Manchester United star Paul Pogba has been targeted by Real Madrid (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool target update
Samuel Chukwueze insists he is yet to make a decision on his future as Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona eye him up.
"I am aware some clubs are interested in signing, but I am still a Villarreal player as nothing concrete has been done,” Chukwueze said.
"It’s great to be linked with so many big clubs, that shows that hard work pays.
"I am not going to relent I will always give my best to ensure I remain top of my game.”
Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool want to prise Samuel Chukwueze away from Villarreal (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd offer
Man Utd have tabled an offer to PSG star Adrien Rabiot.
United are on the lookout for two midfielders this summer to replace Marouane Fellaini, who left for the Chinese Super League in January, and Ander Herrera.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to get as many new faces through the door as possible as he plots a revamp.
And Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo say that United have tabled a ‘high’ offer to the 24-year-old.
Real Betis are supposedly trying to land the midfielder as well.
But, with United ready to offer Rabiot lucrative transfer terms, he could end up at Old Trafford instead.
Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd and Chelsea have tabled proposals to Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho (Image: GETTY)
Neymar back to Barcelona?
Neymar has told Lionel Messi he wants to leave PSG for a stunning Barcelona return.
Neymar has been tipped to leave PSG for Barcelona this summer, two years after choosing to turn his back on the La Liga giants in a massive £200million transfer deal.
As well as Barca, Real Madrid have also been tipped to snap him up.
However, Catalan newspaper Sport say that Neymar has told Messi he wants to return to Barcelona this summer.
He has also said the same to Luis Suarez and both players are said to receptive to the idea of a comeback.
Transfer news LIVE: Could Arsenal lose their stars? (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd deadline
Man Utd will complete their first summer signing in the middle of June.
The Red Devils are expected to splash the cash this summer as Manchester United hope to finish in the top four next season.
And according to the Manchester Evening News, United’s first signing will be Swansea’s Daniel James.
They reckon the majority of the deal is sorted, however, the Red Devils will have to wait until the middle of June to land the Wales winger.
Terms are agreed ahead of James’ move to Old Trafford.
Transfer news LIVE: Matthijs de Ligt could join Man Utd (Image: GETTY)
Fraser to Arsenal off?
Arsenal transfer target Ryan Fraser is “not going anywhere”, according to Bournemouth team-mate Callum Wilson, who joked he would “padlock” the winger to ensure he stays at Vitality Stadium.
He told talkSPORT: “It’s my delight [to play with him] and I’ll be making sure he doesn’t go anywhere this summer.
"He was a big supply for me, he assisted half of my goals!
"But he’s not going anywhere, I’ll make sure. I’ll padlock him, I’ll get him in a headlock!”
Transfer news LIVE: Grealish could be on the move (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd deal backed
Man Utd should sign Harry Maguire during this summer transfer window, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to rebuild his defence, Red Devils legend Teddy Sheringham claims.
"Central defence is a big area where they need to find a Vincent Kompany or Tony Adams-type player,” Sheringham told The Mirror.
"I think Harry Maguire is the one for me. He’s got great leadership qualities, and has a real calming influence.
"He’s very similar to Rio Ferdinand, in that he’s cool on the ball and defends very well. That would be a fine start from my point of view.
"Top players like Harry are going to have the choice of some big, big clubs around Europe this summer.”
Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd are keen to spend (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal fans want Emery sacked
Arsenal fans have taken to social media to call for Unai Emery’s head after the Gunners’ 4-1 Europa League final defeat to Chelsea.
"If Arsenal don’t sack emery then I’m done,” said one supporter.
"Freeing the team till Emery gets the sack. goodluck to yall little fanbase,” another added.
"If they can't buy players they'll be worse next season and united have a bum coach. Need to sack Emery now as top 4 is a must next season,” said a third.
"I would sack Emery. I don’t see the progression, the football is worse, and we couldn’t capitalize on a top four which we were gifted,” another said.
"I’d sack emery and bring in Allegri,” said a fifth.
"If we were a serious club, we would sack Emery as soon as he steps off the plane. Allegri would replace him, we’d be back in the UCL 2020 no problem,” a sixth claimed.
Transfer news LIVE: Real Madrid are ready to spend (Image: GETTY)
Hazard replacement
Chelsea star Eden Hazard’s influence at the club can be replaced by youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi, David Luiz claims.
"Either Messi or Ronaldo," Luiz joked at first when asked who can replace Hazard.
"I think if he goes I just wish him all the best.
"He is a fantastic player, friend and guy. I've known him ever since he was here at so young. I am so happy for him because the world knows who Eden Hazard is.
"We have many (who could replace Hazard). Callum (Hudson-Odoi) is great.
"Callum has known this club since he was young and he has the talents to one day try to be like Eden.
"It is a new story for Callum. It didn't start so well because of the injury but it is time for him to improve in other sides (of his game)."
Transfer news LIVE: Chelsea may have a transfer ban (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd signing backed
Ryan Giggs has backed Dan James' move from Swansea to Man Utd.
"Ideally, as an international manager, you don't want to influence players' decisions when it comes to clubs," Giggs said. ”For me it's about players playing.
"He was fantastic in the last six months for Swansea, putting in devastating performances and I think he can play at any level.
"He could play in the Premier League, but if he stays at Swansea for another year or two years I'd be equally as happy because he's done so well there.
"That's a decision for Dan to make and I'm sure he'll make the right decision."
Transfer news LIVE: Eden Hazard will join Real Madrid (Image: GETTY)
De Ligt to Man Utd on?
Man Utd will be poised to beat Barcelona to the signature of Matthijs de Ligt if he does not accept their current contract offer.
United are ready to offer the defender blockbuster wages, as well as giving Ajax a hefty transfer fee.
And Catalunya Radio claim that, should De Ligt not accept Barcelona’s current offer, a move to the Nou Camp is dead.
Raiola is seeking the best possible terms.
But Barcelona are reluctant to pay over the odds for the United transfer target, meaning they could end up missing out.
Transfer news LIVE: Pulisic will replace Hazard at Chelsea (Image: GETTY)
Coutinho to Man Utd or Chelsea?
Man Utd and Chelsea have enquired about signing Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho this summer.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim the Premier League big boys are keen on the former Liverpool man.
Coutinho is open to leaving the Nou Camp this summer after struggling to impress at Barcelona.
United and Chelsea have tabled ‘proposals’ to the Brazil international ahead of next season.
Transfer news LIVE: Coutinho could return to the Premier League (Image: GETTY)
Hazard confirms Chelsea exit
Eden Hazard has confirmed he expects to leave Chelsea this summer after their 4-1 win over Arsenal in the Europa League final.
The Belgium star impressed in the victory netting twice and when pushed for an answer on his future he eventually revealed it was probably a goodbye.
Hazard has been linked with Real Madrid all season long and he appears to have confirmed he will be making the switch to the Bernabeu.
He explained: “We will decide in a few days and the only target in my mind was to win this final.
"I have made my decision already and now I'm waiting on both clubs. I think it is a goodbye, but in football you never know.
"My dream was to play in the Premier League and I have done that for one of the biggest clubs so maybe now it is the time for a new challenge.”
Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool have opened talks with Lille over star forward Nicolas Pepe (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool talks
Liverpool have opened talks with Lille over forward Nicolas Pepe, journalist Duncan Castles claims.
"[Liverpool] have been, I’m told, in contact with Pepe’s agent to discuss a deal, discuss his interest in coming there, what it would cost to bring him there,” he told The Transfer Window podcast.
"Lille are aware of this and are waiting for a bid. As we told you on The Transfer Window a couple of weeks ago, Manchester United have enquired direct with Lille about what the transfer fee would be.
"Bayern had put a bid in of €60m some time ago. They have shifted their attention to Leroy Sane and are trying to get that deal done instead.
"Paris St-Germain have an interest in Pepe. Lille have stated that the player is for sale, they’re very clear that he’s on the market.”
Transfer news LIVE: Will Arsenal splash the cash? (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal exits?
Arsenal will struggle to keep hold of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Martin Keown claims.
Keown said: "[It was] a system failure for Arsenal. [Chelsea were] too good for Arsenal tonight. It really magnifies the decline of Arsenal football club. It's nowhere near the club it once was.
"Whether it was [Arsene] Wenger was there too long. Recruitment is what it has to be, and I don't know if the budget is there to bring Arsenal into the top four next season.
"You mention about keeping the players. Aubameyang and Lacazette, it won't be easy to hold onto those players. It severely dents the budget. Maybe £40million worse off.
"He's [Unai Emery] put a lot of work into this, tried to wring out intensity. The judgement of players, the type of player that's been bought has been more technical, and the, toughness, steeliness doesn't seem to be there."
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