Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Bellingham would prefer Real Madrid move

Houston Dynamo sign Luis Caicedo

Houston Dynamo have confirmed the signing of former New England Revolution midfielder Luis Caicedo.

He signs on a one-year deal, with options for 2024 and 2025.

Made for the midfield💪💥

Welcome to Houston, Luis Caicedo!🤘 #HoldItDown #ContraTodos

— Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) February 23, 2023

Tottenham set sights on Lecce's Hjulmand

Tottenham are interested in landing Lecce midfielder Morten Hjulmand in the summer, according to Calciomercato.

The 23-year-old is thought to have caught the eye of several suitors around Europe, including the likes of Napoli, Roma and Borussia Dortmund.

Given the long-term injury to midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, Hjulmand may now feature even higher on Spurs' summer shortlist.

Wrexham confirm Lainton contract extension

🧤 We're pleased to announce goalkeeper Rob Lainton has signed a one-year contract extension to the end of the 2023/24 season, with an appearance-related extension for a further season 👇

🔴⚪ #WxmAFC

— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) February 23, 2023

Newcastle among frontrunners for Fresneda

Newcastle are one of four clubs leading the way to sign Real Valladolid starlet Ivan Fresneda in the summer, according to journalist Simon Collings.

Collings took to Twitter to state: "Lots of clubs around Europe interested in Ivan Fresneda. Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Newcastle viewed as four frontrunners. Player will decide future in summer.”

Collings' corresponding Evening Standard article revealed the 18-year-old has a £26.5m release clause which will likely be triggered in the next window.

Bellingham swayed towards Madrid after Anfield domination (Fichajes)

Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that sought-after midfielder Jude Bellingham would now favour a move to Real Madrid - not Liverpool - after their dominating 2-5 victory at Anfield on Tuesday.

It is thought that Madrid's prowess in the Champions League is particularly attractive to the 19-year-old, who looks certain to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

Arsenal had January bid for Raphinha rejected

Arsenal had a bid worth €70 million (£62m) rejected by Barcelona for their Brazilian forward Raphinha in January, reports Spanish outlet Sport.

The north London club moved quickly after losing out on Mykhailo Mudryk to rivals Chelsea, although Barca turned down the proposal as they see a future for Raphinha at the club.

Arsenal landed Brighton's Leandro Trossard on a £27m deal shortly after.

Spurs lead Maddison race

Tottenham are leading the race to sign Leicester midfielder James Maddison in the summer, according to sources close to Football Insider.

The north London club are thought to be ahead of the likes of Manchester City and Newcastle in landing the England international.

Maddison reportedly wants to be the star player of the project he eventually joins, and it is believed Spurs can offer him that opportunity.

Dyche confirms imminent Pickford contract extension

New Everton manager Sean Dyche has confirmed goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is set to sign a new deal with the club.

“He’s a very, very good player, a good servant to this football club so far and he’s going to continue to be that for sure,” the Toffees boss said in a press conference. “I think it’s a sign that he’s enjoying our new regime and he’s accepting of what we’re looking to offer. He’s been a fantastic player, so we want."

The England international has made 222 appearances for Everton since signing in 2017, and Pickford' continuation will be a big boost for the club's survival hopes.

Saka set to sign new £10m-a-year deal

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka looks poised to sign a new £200,000-a-week contract with the Gunners, which would keep him at the club until 2028.

Chelsea close to verbal agreement for Paez

EXCL: Chelsea are closing in on verbal agreement with Independiente del Valle to sign Ecuadorian gem Kendry Paez — deal close to be completed. 🚨🔵🇪🇨 #CFC

Midfielder born in 2007, one of the best talents in South America, Kendry will be able to join Chelsea when he will turn 18. pic.twitter.com/mM6vJORa8n

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 23, 2023

Napoli, AC Milan and Leicester after Dahoud

Teams are lining up to sign Mahmoud Dahoud from Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Calciomercato reports that AC Milan and Napoli hope to sign him, but Leicester hope to lure him to the Premier League.

Arsenal battle Real Madrid for Hojlund

Arsenal face competition from Real Madrid in the race to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta, claims Marca.

The striker has impressed since joining the Serie A side last summer and the two teams are eager to sign him.

Both sides have reached out to discuss a possible move, though Madrid will only go after him if they cannot sign Erling Haaland.

Nacho stalls on Real Madrid contract

Real Madrid defender Nacho is considering leaving the club for free at the end of the season.

Mundo Deportivo reports the Spanish and European champions want the 33-year-old by tying him to a new contract but he could opt for a free transfer elsewhere.

Umtiti set for AC Milan switch?

Samuel Umtiti could be set to stay in Serie A for years to come.

The defender has impressed on loan at Lecce and Barcelona are looking to offload him this summer.

Sport reports that AC Milan are interested in luring him to San Siro and believe they can snap him up for free.

Barca eye ex-Real Madrid man Kubo

Barcelona coach Xavi wants to bring Takefusa Kubo back to Camp Nou.

The Japan international spent years in the Barcelona academy before moving to Tokyo.

He ended up at Real Madrid but was unable to secure a place in the first team and was sold to Real Sociedad.

However, AS reports that a return to the Catalan club may be on the cards as Barca have been impressed by his progress.

AC Milan and Roma eye Icardi

Mauro Icardi could be back in Serie A next season.

Fichajes reports that AC Milan and Roma are interested in bringing him back to Italy from Galatasaray.

Milan may have the advantage to land him as the Argentine attacker still has a house in the city.

United plot Kim Min-jae swoop in summer

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a surprise swoop for Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae after being alerted to his £42 million release clause, according to Corriere dello Sport in Italy.

The Napoli star's release clause is set to become active for a 15-day period in the summer window, and United will have to move quickly to secure his signature.

Brazilian outfit Internacional set to land Valencia

Internacional are set to complete the deal to sign Enner Valencia on a free transfer from Fenerbahçe valid from the end of the season 🚨🇪🇨🇧🇷 #transfers

Pre-contract until June 2025 has been agreed, waiting to get it sealed. pic.twitter.com/bqVe1px0RL

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 23, 2023

Bellingham likely to cost €150m for potential suitors

Clubs lining up for Jude Bellingham. Liverpool, Man City, Man Utd, Real Madrid likely to be primary contenders if 19yo exits Dortmund. Price expected to be ~€150m but currently many factors + little certainty. W/ @MarioCortegana @honigstein @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/EEQ4KJiZ52

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) February 23, 2023

Lovren retires from international football

Thank you @HNS_CFF for everything!

Forever in my heart. ❤️🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/GSebjeEKK8

— Dejan Lovren (@Dejan06Lovren) February 23, 2023