Transfer news LIVE: Aubameyang to Man Utd claim, 11th-hour Liverpool hijack, Chelsea £40m
Posted Friday, June 28, 2019 by Express.co.uk
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - All the latest rumours and gossip coming out of Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Neymar moving back to Barcelona moves forward
Neymar’s return to Barcelona may have taken a step closer as Ousmane Dembele is claimed to have held a meeting recently with Bayern Munich.
"Yes [Dembele] is very much a Plan B but it looks as if Plan A [Sane] might not happen,” Raphael Honigstein said on ESPN FC.
"So Dembele is someone who they wanted initially and were pipped to him by [Borussia] Dortmund when he was still at Rennes.
"And even I think they were preparing a bid while he was at Dortmund, he’s someone who’s always been on the radar for them.
"There has been a meeting not long ago between Bayern and his people.
"But of course I think the dynamic or the opportunity now has arisen in recent weeks from the Bayern side but also from the Dembele side as it looks as if Barcelona might now be very open to offers, making room both on the balance and on the actual pitch, for a certain Neymar to come in on the left.
"So, a little bit opportunistic as it was with Sane to begin with and at least an opportunity that needs exploring from Bayern’s point of view.
"I think [Dembele] was a bit of a panic buy [for Barcelona], I think they paid over the odds.
"I think perhaps no one was doing Dembele any favours by affectively asking him to be the successor to Neymar, especially at that transfer fee.
"But it will be interesting. I think Bayern are tempted.”
Transfer news LIVE: Will Neymar make a Barcelona return? (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd want a right winger
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants a right-winger despite signing Daniel James from Swansea, reports claim.
Many expect James to go straight into the United side given Solskjaer’s need for a right winger.
The club have struggled in that department with Anthony Martial, Alexis Sanchez and Marcus Rashford all better on the opposite flank.
But the Telegraph say Solskjaer still wants a right winger this transfer market as the club aim for a flying start to the Premier League season.
No names are mentioned but several stars have been tipped to make the move.
Transfer news LIVE: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to overhaul his Man Utd side (Image: GETTY)
Rangers hope to land Martin Skrtel
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard hopes to sign former Liverpool team-mate Martin Skrtel at the third time of asking.
The 34-year-old is now a free agent after running down a contract at Turkish outfit Fenerbahce.
Skrtel is now set to hold face-to-face talks with Gerrard as Rangers look to sign the central defender.
Gerrard will hope his former Anfield team-mate can help close the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premier League.
Transfer news LIVE: Rangers boss Steven Gerrard wants to sign Martin Skrtel (Image: GETTY)
Wilfried Zaha told to stay at Crystal Palace
Wilfried Zaha has matured since his failed spell at Manchester United and is ready for a move to another top club.
That is the opinion of former Crystal Palace and England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn.
"I hope they both [Zaha and Wan-Bissaka] will stay,” Martyn told VoucherCodes.co.uk.
"Palace tend to have a bit of a battle every year to make sure they stay in the division.
"They have the experience now of that division, so you’ve got to hold on to your better players, but the problem is when they have good seasons, other clubs come sniffing around.
"Zaha, if he goes, it’ll be to a big club.
"He tried that when he was younger, but he’s more mature now so possibly he is ready for that move now.”
Transfer news LIVE: Wilfried Zaha could be on his way to Arsenal (Image: GETTY)
Adrien Rabiot to Juventus
Adrien Rabiot is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain for Juventus this summer, it has been claimed.
Speaking recently to RTL, Rabiot's mother felt compelled to set the record straight as reports emerged of the midfielder missing a meeting with PSG sporting director Leonardo.
"I want to issue a formal denial,” said Veronique Rabiot.
"I’ve read that Adrien didn't show up for a meeting with Leonardo or that he refused an extension.
"It's absolutely false, there was no conversation between Leonardo and I. I've spoken to him on the phone once since he came back and we said goodbye politely.
"There was no offer before, there isn't one now and there won't be one. There hasn't been even a slight change.”
Transfer news LIVE: Adrien Rabiot is set to join Juventus (Image: GETTY)
Bruno Fernandes boost for Manchester United
Manchester United were handed a boost in their pursuit of Bruno Fernandes as Sporting Lisbon manager Marcel Keizer admitted it ‘will be difficult’ to keep him.
Fernandes remains one of United’s top summer targets after scoring 31 goals from midfield for Sporting last season.
The Portuguese has become one of the most sought-after players in the market and United face reported interest from Liverpool and Tottenham for the 24-year-old.
Amid interest in the player, Sporting boss Keizer broke his silence to all but wave the white flag.
"I want Bruno Fernandes to stay, but everyone knows the current situation,” he told Portuguese newspaper Record.
"It's going to be difficult to keep him. He's on vacation, we'll see what happens."
Transfer news LIVE: Bruno Fernandes could join Manchester United (Image: GETTY)
Bruno Fernandes twist
Manchester United’s hopes of signing Bruno Fernandes have reportedly been dealt a blow with Liverpool reportedly bidding for the Portugal international.
United are keen to make Fernandes their third signing of the summer once their deal for Aaron Wan-Bissaka is officially concluded.
Tottenham also have an eye on the Sporting Lisbon star.
But Portuguese newspaper Journal de Notices claim that Liverpool have made an approach for the midfielder and want him signed this transfer window.
Journal de Notices add that Liverpool are not prepared to match Sporting’s £62m transfer valuation.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Wan-Bisska making the wrong decision
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is making a mistake joining Manchester United this summer, claims former Crystal Palace goalkeeper Nigel Martyn.
"[Wan-Bissaka] has been amazing,” Martyn told VoucherCodes.co.uk. “He’s come into the team and settled in well and is also pushing for England.
"He could do with staying at Palace for another season at least to get a bit more experience.
"Then, if there is a bigger club that comes in, he’ll be more ready for that.”
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Neymar is worth it - Rivaldo
Barcelona should take the financial hit to bring Neymar back to the Nou Camp.
That’s according to Barcelona legend Rivaldo, who thinks the Brazilian will need to accept a salary reduction to make the transfer possible.
Speaking with Betfair, Rivaldo said: “The best option for Neymar this summer is to return to Barcelona, the club he left for Paris Saint German two years ago. The Brazilian should apologise to the Barca fans and tell them he's realised that it is in Barcelona that he can play his best football.
"Neymar may need to accept a reduced salary to complete the move, but I believe it would be worth the financial sacrifice as he would probably recover his happiness on and off the pitch. Barca is where he has played his best football to date and won his most important club trophies.”
Nabil Fekir needs a challenge
Nabil Fekir should leave Lyon for a new challenge, says his former manager Bruno Genesio.
Fekir, 25, has long been linked with a high-profile exit with Liverpool the closest to capturing his signature.
"I think that Fekir was very frustrated with his canceled transfer to Liverpool at the beginning of the season," Genesio told French radio station RMC.
"I think that he needs a new challenge, to push his limits, and to be self-critical. Because we know, we always need a personal challenge in a career, and to ask questions of ourselves."
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Bruno Fernandes deal
A deal for Sporting Lisbon star Bruno Fernandes should agreed ‘very soon’.
That’s the claim from Portuguese newspaper A Bola, who claim talks have accelerated in recent days with Manchester United and Tottenham vying for his signature.
It’s claimed both the Premier League sides have offered £50million for the dynamic playmaker.
However, A Bola say Sporting are holding out for £62m.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says YES claim
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been linked with a shock move to Manchester United and Italian reports claim the striker is keen on the move.
During a difficult period of transition for Arsenal, Aubayemang has been a shining light ever since he arrived from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 for a club-record fee of £56million.
However, Tuttosport, claim Aubameyang has said yes to a shock move to Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly keen on finding an experienced replacement for Romelu Lukaku.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
No Turnbull…
Motherwell midfielder David Turnbull's move to Celtic has collapsed after the clubs failed to re-negotiate fresh terms.
The Hoops asked for further talks on their £3.25million swoop for the 19-year-old after a medical uncovered an existing knee complaint.
But Well chiefs have now announced the deal is off after failing to reach an acceptable compromise with their Parkhead counterparts.
Keylor Navas pursuit
Manchester United and PSG are no longer interested in Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
The pair had been tipped to make an approach for the stopper, who was dropped to the bench after the arrival of Thibaut Courtois.
Spanish publication AS report that Madrid want to keep the Costa Rica international with PSG now looking at other options.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: PA)
Two more lined up…
Manchester United have two Premier League stars on their transfer radar after wrapping up a deal for Crystal Palace star Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The Red Devils are on the verge of announcing the 21-year-old, who will join for an initial £45million on a long-term contract.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has more additions in the pipeline.
The Times claim Solskjaer is also eyeing transfers for Leicester star James Maddison and Newcastle talent Sean Longstaff - who are reportedly worth £60m and £25m respectively.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: REUTERS)
Arsene Wenger return?
Arsene Wenger has admitted he is not yet ready to return to football after being linked with the soon-to-be-vacant manager's job at Newcastle.
The 69-year-old Frenchman, who ended his 22-year reign as Arsenal boss in May last year, has been out of the game since and is one of a series of names to have been mentioned as the Magpies look for a replacement for Rafael Benitez after announcing he will leave the club when his contract expires on Sunday.
However, Wenger is not planning an imminent comeback despite revealing he thought he might be ready to resume his career after a season-long break.
Asked if there was a chance he would be back on the sidelines this season, he told France 24: "Not in the near future, no. I still am not ready to go back. I thought 'Yes', but I don't think at the moment I will come back.”
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Gerrard backs Aribo
Steven Gerrard said Joe Aribo can become a better player at Ibrox after the Rangers boss finally secured the signing of the Charlton playmaker.
Aribo has been top of Gerrard's wish list for most of the summer and the Light Blues manager has now got his man on a four-year deal, subject to international clearance.
Gerrard, whose club will have paid a compensation fee of around £300,000 to land Aribo, told RangersTV: "There were a lot of clubs in for Joe around Europe, in the Premier League and the Championship. There was a lot of interest in him, but for me it's just another top player joining Rangers.
"He's mobile, dynamic, can burst past a player and create and score goals. There is room for him to develop, but he'll give us something we've not got in the midfield department.”
Bruno appointed
Former Brighton defender Bruno has returned to the club as senior player development coach ahead of the new season.
The 38-year-old retired from playing at the end of the last campaign but will rejoin the Seagulls as part of the backroom staff under new head coach Graham Potter.
Spaniard Bruno joined Brighton from Valencia in 2012 and went on to make more than 230 appearances for the club, helping them win promotion to the Premier League.
Bruno's new role will see him work in the first-team set-up, with an emphasis on helping new players adapt to life at the south-coast club while also mentoring the under-23 squad and providing support to players out on loan.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Mateo Kovacic fee
Chelsea are close to making their first signing of the summer transfer window after Frank Lampard gave the green light for the club to buy Real Madrid’s Mateo Kovacic.
Lampard has given his permission for Chelsea to confirm the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid, according to Marca.
The clubs have agreed a fee of around £45m (€50m), but there are still a few discrepancies to iron out, it said.
The transfer will be Chelsea’s first - and likely only - deal of the summer.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Romelu Lukaku bid
Manchester United are set to reject Inter Milan’s opening offer for Romelu Lukaku.
That’s according to ESPN FC, who claim Antonio Conte’s side have offered a two-year loan deal worth £9million with an obligation to sign Lukaku on a permanent basis for £53million.
However, ESPN FC say Ed Woodward and Co will snub the approach.
It’s believed United want £80million for the Belgian international without any add-ons or players in exchange - not even Mauro Icardi.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Neymar problems
Neymar’s return to the Nou Camp isn’t financially viable for Barcelona.
That’s according to RMC Sport journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi, who claims the Catalan giants would have to part with upwards of £268million.
In an interview with Get French Football News, Bouhafsi said: “It is a very difficult situation. PSG tell us that he is not for sale, unless there is an enormous offer worth €350m for the Brazilian.
"Then the question to ask is can Barcelona make a bid worth €300m, €350m, €400m? Especially when they are set to sign Antoine Griezmann. I think there is a lot of noise about something that for the moment I don’t believe is financially viable.”
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Lucas Torreira loan bid
AC Milan are preparing an offer for Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira.
Sky Sports claim the Italian side will submit a two-year loan offer worth £4.5million and an obligation to permanently sign the Uruguayan for £25million.
Sky Sports report that Torreira, 23, is open to returning to Italy one year after his Emirates arrival.
However, manager Unai Emery is said to be against the prospect of losing another midfielder after the departure of Aaron Ramsey.
Matthijs de Ligt to Juventus
Matthijs de Ligt has rejected the chance to join Manchester United or Barcelona after agreeing a five-year deal with Juventus.
That’s according to Sky Sports in Italy, who claim that a deal could be completed in the coming days.
Several reports had suggested that De Ligt was more willing to join Barcelona - with members of his family encouraging him to do so - but agent Mino Raiola was more inclined for him to join Juve.
De Ligt will apparently sign a deal worth €12million-a-year (£10.75m) for five seasons in Turin, after being offered half of that by Barca.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Two more lined up…
Manchester United have two Premier League stars on their transfer radar after wrapping up a deal for Crystal Palace star Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The Red Devils are on the verge of announcing the 21-year-old, who will join for an initial £45million on a long-term contract.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has more additions in the pipeline.
The Times claim Solskjaer is also eyeing transfers for Leicester star James Maddison and Newcastle talent Sean Longstaff - who are reportedly worth £60m and £25m respectively.
Neymar exchange?
PSG have asked for Barcelona forwards Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho to be included in any deal for wantaway superstar Neymar.
That’s the claim of Spanish publication Sport.
Barca have apparently already sent two offers to PSG, both including cash and players.
The first offer included £89m and three Barca players - Ivan Rakitic, Dembele and Umtiti - and the second was the same cash sum but with Coutinho included instead of the trio of stars.
Now, PSG have reportedly demanded both Coutinho and Dembele in a deal for the Brazilian forward.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Done Deal - Neto signs
Barcelona have announced the signing of Brazil international goalkeeper Neto from La Liga rivals Valencia.
The 29-year-old, who has a single senior cap, has signed a four-year deal at the Nou Camp after the clubs agreed a fee of £23million - with another £8m in add-ons.
Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillesen moved the other way earlier in the week and Neto will now provide cover for Barca's first-choice Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
"Valencia CF have reached an agreement with FC Barcelona for the transfer of Brazilian goalkeeper Norberto Murara -'Neto'," a statement on Valencia's website read.
’Hands off Gerrard’
Former Rangers manager Ally McCoist insists Steven Gerrard is working for a "bigger" club than Newcastle following reports the Premier League club want him as their new manager.
Magpies owner Mike Ashley is on the hunt for Rafa Benitez's replacement, with sources in the North East claiming Newcastle are "confident" of securing Rangers' manager Gerrard to succeed his former Liverpool mentor.
Asked if he was would say that moving to Newcastle would be a step up or a sideways move, McCoist told talkSPORT: "No I'm not actually because... you want me to cause a riot on national radio and I probably will.
"I think Rangers are a bigger club. I think Newcastle play in a far better league. That's the way I see it at this moment in time.”
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Lucas Torreira replacements…
Unai Emery has lined up three possible replacements if Lucas Torreira quits the club to join Italian giants AC Milan this summer.
Arsenal signed Torreira from Sampdoria in 2018 for a fee of around £26million but could soon be on the move again.
Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web have revealed that the Gunners have three possible players in mind if Torreira decides to leave, including two players that have been heavily linked to their north London rivals Tottenham.
The players are Napoli’s Amadou Diawara, Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos and Real Betis star Giovani Lo Celso.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Failed Liverpool hijack
Bayern Munich attempted a late swoop to steal Sepp van den Berg away from Liverpool.
The Reds reached a £1.3million agreement to sign the Holland Under-19 defender from PEC Zwolle and officially announced his arrival today.
However, journalist Paul Joyce of The Times claim Bayern did their best to hijack the deal DURING his Merseyside medical.
“Bayern Munich sought to hijack Sepp van den Berg’s move to Liverpool while he was having his medical on Merseyside,” Joyce tweeted.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Neymar ignored
Neymar wants to join Barcelona… but the Catalan giants aren’t interested in signing him!
That’s according to Barcelona vice-president Jordi Cardoner, who says the club are not ‘concerned about his signature.’
Reports of Neymar’s return to the Nou Camp have ramped up in recent weeks with the Brazilian superstar eager to leave PSG - two years after his £200million arrival.
"It’s true that Neymar wants to go back to Barcelona,” Cardoner told reporters. “However, I do not agree Barca is concerned about his signature.
"The subject is not on the table. I did not like a lot when he left. We did not sign anyone, we did not keep in touch with him."
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Samuel Umtiti swoop
Manchester United contacted Barcelona over a potential deal for defender Samuel Umtiti.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to bolster his defensive ranks and the Daily Star claim Leicester have priced him out of a move for £100m-rated Harry Maguire.
Now, Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claim the Red Devils have also shown interest in Umtiti, 25.
It’s said Barcelona will possibly consider selling the French international IF they snare the services of Matthijs de Ligt.
However, United were given a firm no when they initially enquired about Umtiti's availability.
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