Transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
The summer transfer window is in full swing with less than three weeks until the 2020-21 Premier League season gets underway. Deals are being completed every day with Manchester United’s capture of Jadon Sancho the most recent major done deal. And there’s plenty more business being conducted across the league with Manchester City keen to raid Tottenham for Harry Kane, Spurs themselves looking to do deals and Chelsea seeking a new striker. Arsenal and Liverpool are also exploring deals. Express Sport brings you all the latest transfer news throughout the day.
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West Ham make Man City bid
9pm update: West Ham have submitted an offer to sign Yangel Herrera from Manchester City, per reports.
The 23-year-old has never actually played for City, instead spending time on loan at New York City, Huesca and Granada since joining the Citizens in 2017.
Herrera has done well with Granada in Spain’s La Liga over the past two seasons and FUTVE English say West Ham have made an approach.
It’s claimed Crystal Palace, Leeds and Southampton all also like Herrera, who is under contract for another three years with City.
Arsenal’s Locatelli hopes fading
8.30pm update: Arsenal’s chances of bringing Manuel Locatelli to the Emirates may finally be ended in the coming days.
Goal say Juventus will next week meet with Sassuolo for a second time to discuss signing the Italy midfielder.
The Gunners have put £34m on the table for Locatelli but the player would prefer to join Juve, with Sassuolo waiting to see if the Turin club will match the Gunners’ bid.
Juve could look to offer players in return in a cash-plus-player move, or they could structure payments over several years, as they seek to broker an agreement.
Transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
Varane has Real Madrid wish
8pm update: Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane wants to leave the Bernabeu to join Manchester United – but wants to do so in the right way.
Goal report that Varane intends to leave the club with which he won four Champions League titles as a ‘gentleman’.
The 28-year-old wants to depart on good terms due to his respect for the club and president Florentino Perez.
He is expected to join United for a minimum fee of £39m though United could have to spend nearer to £47m for the France international.
Tottenham done deal
7.15pm update: Bryan Gil to Tottenham, with Erik Lamela heading to Sevilla in return, is a done deal per Fabrizio Romano.
Romano tweeted on Sunday evening: “Swap deal completed and signed, here we go confirmed! #THFC #Sevilla.
“Erik Lamela is in Sevilla to undergo his medical. Bryan Gil will be in London soon to sign until June 2026 as new Tottenham player.
“€25m to Sevilla from Spurs as part of the negotiation.”
Transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
Ben White’s Arsenal medical
6.30pm update: Ben White will undergo his Arsenal medical this coming Wednesday, per Sky Sports News.
Previous claims had suggested the defender was already having his medical this weekend, but Sky say otherwise.
The Brighton and England ace will become the Gunners’ third addition of the summer at a price of £50million.
Inter’s Lukaku message
5.45pm update: Inter Milan have made it clear they have no intention to sell Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea this summer.
Club CEO Giuseppe Marotta has firmly ruled out the possibility of Lukaku quitting the club to return to Stamford Bridge.
Express Sport understands in addition that the Belgian wants to stay with the Italian champions despite losing boss Antonio Conte.
Inter CEO Marotta: “Romelu Lukaku is untouchable for us this summer, absolutely. He’s a key player for Inter”, he told Mediaset. ������������������ #Inter #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2021
Varane to Man United close
5pm update: Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane next week after talks over a £39million transfer progressed on Sunday, according to reports in France.
French outlet Le Parisien say that United and Real are very close to an agreement for Varane.
The Red Devils will pay around £39m for the defender who is out of contract at the Bernabeu in a year’s time and wants a fresh challenge.
And it’s claimed progress is being made at such a rate that the Frenchman could be a United player next week.
Transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
Vlahovic’s Spurs stance
4.30pm update: Dusan Vlahovic could be tempted by a move to Tottenham, according to reports.
Vlahovic has been linked with a move to Spurs as they contemplate the potential departure of star striker Harry Kane.
Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport says talks between Fiorentina and Vlahovic have begun over a new contract with his current deal expiring in two years.
However, the report also says the presence of Fabio Paratici as Spurs’ managing director of football could be a temptation for Vlahovic.
Arsenal double deal
3.45pm update: Arsenal could gain an unlikely ally in their pursuit of Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham, with Newcastle preparing a double transfer swoop to raid the Gunners.
Abraham is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and Arsenal are weighing up a loan bid which would include a £40million obligation to buy the player in 2022.
And according to The Athletic, Newcastle boss Steve Bruce could help the Gunners out because he wants to sign Joe Willock as well as Ainsley Maitland-Niles this summer.
Permanent departures for the pair, or loans that will eventually turn permanent, would allow Arsenal to put the funds in place for a deal for Abraham.
Transfer update: PSG ‘raising Pogba funds’; Ronaldo ‘shock’
Five Tottenham targets
3pm update: Tottenham have another five centre-backs on their shortlist if they sell one of Davinson Sanchez or Eric Dier.
Spurs are keen to bring in Cristian Romero but are also working on a deal for Takehiro Tomiyasu, but could sign a third new centre-half if Sanchez or Dier move on.
Football.london say Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar, Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic, Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix and Lyon’s Joachim Anderson are all liked.
Man Utd Haaland swap deal
2pm update: Manchester United are considering using Anthony Martial in a swap deal to beat Chelsea to the signing of Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, according to reports.
Mundo Deportivo say United have been weighing up whether to use Martial as bait to land Haaland, who recently turned 21.
Chelsea are currently the club most eager to land the Norwegian but the Red Devils are also long-term admirers.
It is unclear whether Dortmund would be keen on taking Martial to the Bundesliga if United firmed up their interest with a formal bid.
Transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal’s Xhaka transfer twist
1.30pm update: Granit Xhaka’s hopes of leaving Arsenal have been hit by a fresh blow, with reports from Italy stating Roma are still yet to agree a fee with the Gunners for the midfielder.
Although personal terms are thought to have been agreed, Arsenal and Roma are still at a stalemate over a fee.
Il Tempo report that ‘everything has stopped’ on the potential deal.
I Giallorossi are yet to present an offer ‘close to’ Arsenal’s asking price, with the Gunners able to hold out for their valuation.
Arsenal have free run at Neto
1pm update: Arsenal will get a free run at Barcelona goalkeeper Neto with Pierluigi Gollini having joined Tottenham on loan.
Spurs’ north London rivals want a rival to Bernd Leno between the sticks and Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale is their top target, but will cost around £30million.
Barcelona’s Neto could be a cheaper alternative Mundo Deportivo say the Brazilian wants to leave Barca in the current window.
Better yet, the report says Spurs signing Gollini leaves Arsenal as the only club who hold a strong interest in Neto.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is said to admire Neto’s ability with the ball at his feet and thinks he is better in that area than his current keepers.
Jadon Sancho’s Erling Haaland hint
12.15pm update: Jadon Sancho has teased Manchester United fans over the prospect of former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland joining him at the club.
Haaland was one of many to congratulate Sancho on his move to Old Trafford, saying earlier this week on Instagram: “Good luck on your next journey bro, we had some good times together! Can’t wait to see you shine!”
And Sancho has teased the possibility of Haaland joining him in Manchester in the future.
He replied: “A connection like no other, we will soon meet again brother. Take care and good luck to you to.”
Sancho excited to play with Utd’s young stars
Man Utd’s Dan James decision
11.45pm: Manchester United are thought to have decided they will not allow Dan James to leave on loan or permanently this summer.
That’s despite the arrival of Jadon Sancho, which could further limit the Welshman’s minutes at Old Trafford.
However, with Marcus Rashford set to miss the first few months of the season with the forward to undergo surgery, United want to keep James to ensure they’re not left light on the wings.
Romelu Lukaku EXCLUSIVE
11am update: Romelu Lukaku is happy at Inter Milan and isn’t planning on leaving the club this summer, Express Sport understands.
Chelsea will have to look elsewhere for potential alternatives to Erling Haaland, who also appears too tricky to sign before the end of next month.
While Lukaku was upset by the departure of Antonio Conte, he’s ready to give his all for new manager Simone Inzaghi as they look to retain their Serie A crown.
The Belgian feels appreciated by Inter, unlike when he was last in the Premier League with Manchester United.
And it seems Chelsea will now have to look at alternatives, especially with Haaland set to be beyond their reach as well. More here.
Transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
United belief will worry rivals
10.30am update: Having announced the signing of Jadon Sancho on Friday, Manchester United are said to be confident they have one of the best attacks in Europe.
The Red Devils can line up with, when fully fit, Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani in attack with the likes of Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial in reserve.
And the Manchester Evening News say United believe they have one of the best and most exciting frontlines on the continent.
Even more so, United plan to move for a long-term new centre-forward in 2022 with Erling Haaland among the options they could target.
Transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
Spurs deal approved
10am update: Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has given his thumbs up to a deal for Cristian Romero – and Spurs are confident of signing the Argentine.
That comes from football.london. Romero is on loan at Atalanta from Juventus for another year but can join the club permanently this summer for around £13.8million.
He could join Atalanta then immediately be flipped to Spurs for around £38.5m. The report claims there is a growing confidence at the north London club that they can get a deal done.
The two teams are making progress in negotiations to agree a deal and Levy has given his thumbs up to the signing.
Romero is said to be keen on following team-mate Gollini to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Man Utd target Varane ‘uncomfortable’
9.45am update: Raphael Varane is reportedly ‘uncomfortable’ at having returned to pre-season training at Real Madrid amid ongoing interest from Manchester United.
The Red Devils are looking to wrap up a deal for the French World Cup winner and Spanish outlet AS says United are confident they can sign the 28-year-old for as little as £34.2m (€40).
Real, though, want up to £59.9m (€70m) despite knowing they could lose the player for nothing in a year’s time.
The report claims the situation has left Varane ‘uncomfortable’ after returning to the club’s training ground earlier this week.The highly-rated centre-half is now waiting to see when United can agree a fee with Los Blancos.
Varane: All you need to know about Man Utd-linked defender
Man Utd risk repeating mistake
9.15am update: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must be wary of repeating mistakes in the transfer window, writes Ben Parsons.
United fell to a 4-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Championship side QPR on Saturday afternoon as a second-string side were torn apart in the second half.
Ben writes: “Solskjaer has been reminded time and time again of United’s lack of squad depth and the issue was highlighted against QPR.”
He added: “United require the signing of an assured central defensive midfielder to help make Solskjaer’s new system functional and bolster the quality in the squad.
“And while the Red Devils would almost certainly not have been as vulnerable against QPR with their first-choice back four, an elite central defender, namely Raphael Varane, is still required.”
Click the link above to read more.
Transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
Carragher hits out at Wijnaldum
9am update: Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has hit back at Gini Wijnaldum’s claims he “didn’t feel loved and appreciated” at Anfield.
The Dutchman also said that he was too harshly criticised on social media, saying: “On social media, if we lost, I was the one who got the blame.”
But Carragher has responded to the now Paris Saint-Germain midfielder and said he could’ve simply deleted the Twitter app.
I love Gini but this is not right, social media is a circus & every club has clowns. Turn off your notifications & if it’s bothering you that much delete the app! He wanted more money the club said no, that’s football! https://t.co/NNmiyFXYBY
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 24, 2021
Paul Pogba to snub PSG?
8.30pm update: Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, who is out of contract in 2022 and is linked with Paris Saint-Germain, could remain at Old Trafford if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s words are anything to go off.
The United boss offered an update on the Frenchman’s future after their friendly clash with QPR yesterday.
The Norwegian said: “The talks are ongoing between Paul’s representatives and the club’s representatives. All that I’ve ever heard from Paul is that he is looking forward to the start of the season.
“There’s always speculation about Paul. As for the talks between the club and Paul’s representatives, I’ve not got every detail.
“There are always clubs interested in him. We’ve seen Paul at his best – and Paul knows what we feel about it.
“I’ve enjoyed my time working with him and hopefully we can work together. It’s all speculation again. Let’s see what happens.”
Transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
Lukaku’s Chelsea return stance
8am update: Romelu Lukaku would seemingly be open to swapping Inter Milan for Chelsea if the opportunity arises this summer, going off reports.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is working on a move for Lukaku with Erling Haaland unobtainable at in excess of £150million.
According to Eurosport, former Blues striker Lukaku is happy in Milan but would jump at the chance to prove himself at Stamford Bridge.
The Londoners are said to have already submitted a ‘very good’ personal offer to the striker through intermediaries earlier in the summer as they seek to bring the Inter man back to the club.
Transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal’s Maddison hope
7.30am update: Arsenal have been offered hope of landing James Maddison from Leicester, with the Foxes willing to cash in on the playmaker.
90min.com say that Brendan Rodgers and co. will give up England international Maddison, who did not go to the Euros, for the right price.
A £60million price tag has been bandied about in connection with the 24-year-old, who has 21 goals and 17 assists in 98 Premier League appearances.
Leicester are not actively looking to get rid of their attacking midfielder, who is under contract until 2024, but are ready to listen to offers.
Spurs angry at Kane
7am update: Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is ‘more determined than ever’ to prevent Harry Kane joining Manchester City, per reports.
Reports emerged in May that the Spurs chief was furious with Kane for making public his desire to move on from the north London club.
And according to The Athletic, Levy is now insistent he will not give in and allow the striker to join champions City in light of reports that he was willing to agree to concede defeat.
City have made it clear they will not meet Spurs’ £160million price tag but The Athletic add they are not giving up on Kane just yet.
Senior figures at Spurs are confident he will remain at the club for the new season.
