Transfer news LIVE: Barcelona line up £67m Alexander-Arnold bid, De Jong 'wants London move', Cristiano Ronaldo latest | The Sun
August 5, 2022BARCELONA are reportedly lining up a shock bid for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Catalans are said to be ready to make an initial offer of £67m for the Liverpool full-back.
Meanwhile the Frenkie de Jong saga is set to go down to the wire as the transfer window hots up.
Manchester United have had a £72m bid accepted by Barcelona and have insisted they would not pursue the player if they didn't believe he wanted to join.
But Todd Boehly is considering entering the bidding with Chelsea as he looks to kick off his ownership with another marquee signing.
In addition to being able to offer football, it is reported that De Jong would prefer to join the Blues as he would find living in London preferable to Manchester.
Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly still pushing for his man to leave Manchester United this summer.
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- Justin Lawrence
Lewandoski on his age
Robert Lewandowski insists his age doesn't matter as he gears up to launch his Barcelona career.
The 33-year-old veteran made the admission whilst being unveiled by the Catalan giants following his switch from Bayern Munich.
He said: "My age doesn´t matter.
"My body doesn´t feel that I am 33 and almost 34 years because I know that I can still play a few years at the top level. I feel better even than when I was 29 years old."
- Justin Lawrence
Wolves reject Gibbs-White offer
Wolves have reportedly rejected a third bid worth £35m from Nottingham Forest for Morgan Gibbs-White.
That's because Wolves boss Bruno Lage insists Gibbs-White is an integral part of his squad.
He said: "We rejected because he's an important player for me, my dynamic and the future. He feels important, he is happy.
"When you have this connection between manager and player, everything is good. He is fit and motivated."
- Justin Lawrence
Wes not be silly
Leicester City duo Wesley Fofana and James Maddison will NOT be sold this summer.
Chelsea are keen on Fofana, while Newcastle would like to sign Maddison.
But the Foxes have no intention of letting the pair leave, Brendan Rodgers insisted.
He said to the media: "Wesley Fofana and James Maddison are not for sale. These are very important players to us.
"We're in a situation where we need to move some players out but that doesn't mean getting rid of anyone, our best assets."
- Sam Dymond
Transfer watch: Bernardo to Barcelona?
It's the story that won't go away despite Pep Guardiola's insistence that Bernardo Silva is happy at Manchester City.
Reports this week state that the midfielder has already agreed terms with Barcelona despite the LaLiga giants not having the money to pay their players or restructure their squad to register new signings.
And yet there seems to be the belief that this deal will happen, but only IF Frenkie de Jong heads in the opposite direction to join Manchester United.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
- Sam Dymond
Rodgers shuts down transfer talk
Are Leicester in crisis?
Kasper Schmeichel has left, and there remains ongoing speculation regarding the immediate future of Jamie Vardy, James Maddison, Youri Tielemans and Wesley Forfana.
Added to that, it has been revealed this afternoon that Ricardo Pereira has been ruled out for six months with a ruptured achilles while Harvey Barnes faces a month out with an injury.
The Foxes won't be backed into a corner, however, and Brendan Rodgers has today come out fighting.
Speaking about the transfer responded, the Leicester boss responded in adamant fashion.
"These players are not for sale. These are very important players to us. We’re in a situation where we need to move some players out but that doesn't mean getting rid of anyone and everyone, and especially not our best assets."
- Sam Dymond
Howe extends deal with Toon
Eddie Howe has signed a new long-term contract with Newcastle United.
The Magpies boss replaced Steve Bruce last November after the Saudi-funded takeover.
They had still not won a Premier League game when the ex-Bournemouth manager arrived but a stunning 2022 saw Howe lead the Toon to an 11th-placed finish.
And he said: “It’s a great feeling to commit my future to this incredible club. I’m extremely proud to be the head coach of Newcastle United and have enjoyed every moment here."
- Sam Dymond
Transfer watch: Maddison to Newcastle?
Eddie Howe refused to comment on his club's pursuit of James Maddison earlier today, but did add that they were 'working hard to add to the group.'
The Toon Army have already had two bids of £40m and £50m rejected for the midfielder, but are likely to return with another offer nearing to Leicester's £60m valuation.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
- Sam Dymond
Atalanta confirm signing of Ademola
Atalanta have completed the signing of Ademola Lookman from RB Leipzig for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old forward has spent the past two seasons in the Premier League following loan spells with Leicester and Fulham.
The Nigerian international has penned a four-year contract with the Serie A side.
- Sam Dymond
Wolves reject third bid for Gibbs-White
Nottingham Forest have had a third bid for Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White rejected.
The newly-promoted club are understood to have offered £35m for the England U21 international.
However, the Molineux outfit insist that the 22-year-old is not for sale, and a key part of their plans for the season.
Gibbs-White was one of the standout performers in the Championship last season while on loan at Sheffield United.
- Sam Dymond
Breaking: Blues sign Marc Cucurella
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of defender Marc Cucurella from Brighton on a six-year deal.
And in a cheeky club announcement, the Blues have taken a dig at the Seagulls.
During negotiations earlier this week, the south coast club tweeted an official statement denying that there had been any agreement for Cucurella, dismissing many media reports.
Credit: @OfficialBHAFC Twitter But now the Blues have sealed the transfer, and in doing so have confirmed the news in incredibly similar fashion, mimicking the style and wording of Brighton's denial.
The fee for the Spaniard is understood to be £55m that could rise to £62m with add-ons.
Credit: @ChelseaFC Twitter - Sam Dymond
United baffled by ‘messy’ reputation
Manchester United are growing increasingly frustrated by the Frenkie de Jong transfer saga, and are confused by the manner in which they have been labeled during negotiations.
The Manchester Evening News reports that Old Trafford sources do not understand why they have been ‘portrayed as the dysfunctional club’ when the deal has been held up by issues between De Jong and Barcelona.
United are understood to have agreed a transfer fee with Barca of around £70m, but progress has been hampered by the £17m that the Catalans owe the midfielder in deferred wages.
The Red Devils are reluctant to walk away from the deal following more than three months of discussions, but their patience is wearing thin.
- Sam Dymond
Fulham bring in Brighton's Duffy
Fulham have confirmed the signing of Shane Duffy on a season-long loan from Brighton.
News only broke of the Cottagers' interest this morning, but the deal has already been completed.
Graham Potter indicated that he would have liked to have kept the Irish international as a squad player, but understood his desire to play regular first team football.
Duffy could be available to face Liverpool tomorrow at Craven Cottage in Fulham's opener on their return to the Premier League.
Credit: fulhamfc.com - Sam Dymond
Onana on Merseyside for medical
Lille midfielder Amadou Onana has arrived at Everton to undergo a medical ahead of a move to Goodison Park.
The Toffees hare understood to have agreed a fee for the Belgian that could eventually rise to £40m.
Onana originally appeared to be heading to West Ham, but talks with the Hammers broke down over personal terms.
The 20-year-old is coming off an impressive season with LOSC where he excelled both in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
- Sam Dymond
Seagulls swoop for Colwill loan
Levi Colwill will join Brighton on a season-loan as part of the deal that takes Marc Cucurella to Chelsea.
The highly-rated Blues defender will move temporarily to the south-coast club for the 2022-23 campaign, but there will be no option for the Seagulls to buy the youngster next summer.
It's a break from the norm for Brighton, who have made it their philosophy not to develop other clubs' players since reaching the Premier League.
However, Colwill's arrival will help to fill the gap in centre-back cover left by Cucurella's exit – especially with Shane Duffy poised to join Fulham.
- Sam Dymond
Vieira tight-lipped on Aaron return
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira refused to be drawn on whether a bid is being prepared to bring Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to Selhurst Park.
However, the Eagles boss did admit that he hoped for new arrivals when quizzed about transfer talk on the eve of the Premier League season.
“As a manager I think you always want more. So far, I’m really happy with the players we’ve managed to bring in but, obviously, we’re still pretty short on numbers,” Vieira told the press pack.
The Frenchman declined to comment on the potential return of right-back Wan-Bissaka though, instead highlighting the competition he currently has in that position.
“When names are going about it’s always difficult to talk about. We already have a couple of players on the right-hand-side that have done well since I’ve been at the club.”
- Sam Dymond
Xavi dismisses Blues Auba bid
Barcelona boss Xavi has reportedly shut down talk of Chelsea target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaving this summer.
The former Arsenal captain has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge just eight months after arriving at the Nou Camp.
It comes as Thomas Tuchel searches for a replacement for Romelu Lukaku – who returned to Inter Milan on loan after a difficult 12 months with the Blues.
However, Xavi now appears to have poured cold water on an Aubameyang-Chelsea link-up.
According to Sport, the club have no intention of selling him in the current window.
Despite the arrival of Robert Lewandowski, Xavi believes the attacking pair can co-exist within the squad and even link-up together in certain matches.
- Sam Dymond
Transfer watch: Tielemans to Arsenal?
Arsenal are not done in the transfer market, and further signings will arrive.
That was the indication from Mikel Arteta yesterday, and next on the agenda is Leicester’s Youri Tielemans.
The wantaway Belgian has been a long-term target for the Gunners, who are now finally ready to make a bid with the midfielder’s contract running down.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
- Sam Dymond
World record fee for Wes?
Chelsea are willing to meet Leicester’s £85m asking price for Wesley Fofana.
The centre-back is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, but it will cost the Blues a world record fee for a defender to force the Foxes’ hand.
The Londoners had a £60m offer for the 21-year-old rejected earlier this week, but are prepared to return with the eye-watering offer.
Brendan Rodgers does not want to sell the centre-back, but would reluctantly consider a bid eclipsing the world-record £80m that Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019.
- Sam Dymond
Sesko will soon make decision
Red Bull Salzburg hot-shot Benjamin Sesko will make a decision on his future 'next week', according to reports in Slovenia.
The 19-year-old striker has been at the centre of another transfer battle between Manchester United and Chelsea.
The Red Devils are understood to be leading the race for Sesko, but may have to pay as much as £50m for the highly-rated teenager.
Both Erik ten Hag and Thomas Tuchel are keen to bolster their options in attack.
- Sam Dymond
Cottagers close to Duffy loan
Fulham are set to seal the loan signing of Brighton's Shane Duffy, according to The Athletic.
The newly-promoted Cottagers are in desperate need of centre-backs with Tim Ream and Tosin Adarabioyo the only two currently in their senior squad.
The 30-year-old Duffy has over 100 Premier League appearances to his name, and bounced back from an ill-fated spell at Celtic in 2020-21 to fill in admirably for the Seagulls last season.
Brighton are expected to bring in Chelsea centre-back Levi Colwill shortly as part of the Marc Cucurella deal.
- Sam Dymond
Cornet set for Hammers medical
Maxwel Cornet will undergo a medical at West Ham this weekend as he edges closer to joining the East London club.
The Hammers were reported as being in advanced talks with the Burnley forward yesterday, having met his £17.5m release fee.
There has been much Premier League interest in the Ivorian following the Clarets' relegation, but David Moyesappears to have beaten the likes of Leicester and Newcastle to the punch.
Cornet struck an impressive nine goals last term, but couldn't help the Lancashire club from avoiding the drop.
- Sam Dymond
Chelsea closing in on Cucurella
Marc Cucurella is hours away from being confirmed as a Chelsea player – and could feature for his new club this weekend.
Fabrizio Romano understands that the Spaniard will soon be unveiled by the Blues after they worked tirelessly through the night with Brighton in order to complete the necessary paperwork.
The defender’s medical is also said to have progressed without a hitch, signalling a clean bill of health for the 24-year-old.
The fee has been confirmed as £55m plus the potential for another £7m in add-ons.
Cucurella signed for the Seagulls from Getafe 11 months ago for just £15m.
- Sam Dymond
Neto to undergo Cherries medical
Barcelona goalkeeper Neto will be in England today to undergo a medical at newly-promoted Bournemouth.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Brazilian has already agreed personal terms with the Cherries after Barca accepted the south coast club's offer.
The 33-year-old will become Scott Parker's third summer signing after the arrivals of Joe Rothwell and Ryan Fredericks on free transfers.
It remains to be seen as to whether Neto will be the first choice stopper at the Vitality Stadium, or competition for the impressive Mark Travers.
- Sam Dymond
Big-spending Forest chasing Che
Newly-promoted Nottingham Forest have already splashed the cash on 12 signings this summer, and they could be about to make it lucky 13.
According to Football Insider, the City Ground club are in talks with Southampton striker Che Adams.
The Scotland international struck seven times in the Premier League last season, and is also a target for Leeds United.
Adams has another two years to run on his current deal at St Mary's, and is expected to cost in excess of £20m.
- Kealan Hughes
Good morning football fans
Marc Cucurella is one step away from joining Chelsea – with reports claiming the Brighton star has passed his medical.
The Seagulls banned Cucurella from training earlier on Thursday as the Blues' £62million move edged closer.
Despite Brighton claiming NO deal was in place, Fabrizio Romano has revealed Cucurella is in London.
The in-demand full-back – also wanted by Manchester City – has now passed a medical ahead of his move to Stamford Bridge.
Various paperworks will soon be signed, allowing Chelsea to finally confirm the deal after Brighton refuted an agreement last night.
And Romano adds that the Blues will pay a fixed fee of £55m, with £7m in add-ons.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are leading the way in the Premier League in terms of summer spending after also topping last year’s chart having splashed £150m.
And this window, they’re nearing that figure again having spent £119m on the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
North London rivals Tottenham are a close second, having spent £99m.
Manchester City and Leeds then follow, with Liverpool behind.
Chelsea have forked out £85m on Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, which is more than what West Ham and newly-promoted Nottingham Forest have spent.
Man Utd follow in ninth just in front of Newcastle, having splashed £65m on Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia.
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