Thursday's transfer news: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham rumours and gossip
Follow LIVE updates this Thursday with all the latest transfer news, rumours and done deals.
Manchester United are still attempting to finalise a deal for Harry Maguire, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side yet to meet Leicester’s £80m evaluation. Meanwhile, the Red Devils are also set to make their first official bid for Bruno Fernandes, after the midfielder impressed and scored in a friendly against Liverpool yesterday. North London neighbours Tottenham have made contact with Juventus over signing Paolo Dybala, however, the move is believed to be a negotiating tactic on the part of Spurs as part fo the club’s pursuit for Real Betis’ Giovani Lo Celso.
Arsenal are set to complete two deals imminently, with William Saliba‘s agent arriving back in France after negotiations were concluded with the club. Saliba will return to Saint-Etienne on loan this season once the £30m deal is completed. The Gunners are also set to secure the signing of Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos on loan after the Spaniard arrived in London to complete his medical. However, the club’s pursuit of Wilfried Zaha has hit another stumbling block as Everton entered the race to sign the winger.
First up it's Arsenal, who are finally set to complete two deals today with William Saliba joining for around £30m before heading back on loan, while Dani Ceballos was in London yesterday to complete his medical ahead of a loan move from Real Madrid.
Tottenham have reportedly made contact with Juventus over a move for Argentinian forward Paulo Dybala. However, it might well be a negotiating contact in the club's move for Real Betis playmaker Giovani Lo Celso.
The two clubs have been haggling over a price, while Betis completed the signing of Lyon's Nabil Fekir this week, opening the door for Lo Celso's exit.
Sky Sports News report that Manchester United are now unlikely to sign Sporting Lisbon's Bruno Fernandes this summer.
Both camps have been playing hardball over any deal, with Fernandes' agent having travelled to London on a number of occasions. The Portuguese midfielder scored against Liverpool in a friendly yesterday, however, it appears his hopes of joining a club in England's top six are beginning to fritter away.
Sky Sports News also report that Arsenal are only a "few million pounds" short of Celtic's evaluation for full-back Kieran Tierney.
The Gunners have seen bids knocked back because too many add-ons are related to the club's performance, with regaining a Champions League spot on of those cited.
Manchester United have reportedly agreed a £71m fee for Sergej Milinković-Savić. However, the completion of a deal for the Lazio midfielder is dependent on Paul Pogba leaving for Real Madrid.
United are adamant Pogba will remain at Old Trafford, however, Zinedine Zidane is still pushing for the French World Cup-winner to join him at the Bernabeu.
Jurgen Klopp has dismissed Gareth Bale as a potential target for Liverpool and insisted he is focused on building a team rather than acquiring individuals.
The German watched on as the Reds drew 2-2 with Sporting Lisbon in their latest pre-season friendly in New York.
But despite the Welsh star’s availability, Klopp is adamant Liverpool are not interested.
“These fantastic football players have some strange ideas. I respect them all so much, but they probably only say these things because somebody asked them,” Klopp said. “Bale is a Real Madrid player and if he leaves it will be outstandingly expensive and big wages.
Everton are set to cause another stumbling block in Arsenal's pursuit of Wilfried Zaha.
The Merseysiders are now considering an offer and have opened talks with Crystal Palace, after Arsenal saw two approaches firmly rejected by the Eagles.
The belief within Zaha's camp is that Arsenal will be unable to meet Palace's £80m evaluation, nor a middle ground in-between.
Crystal Palace have signed Jordan Ayew from Swansea on a three-year deal.
The Ghanaian spent last season with Palace, making 20 appearances.
"I enjoyed the stadium, the fans, the boys - they were really good to me - everything here was positive and that's why I decided to continue with Crystal Palace."
Sky Sports are reporting that Wolves are close to signing Italian forward Patrick Cutrone.
A deal worth £16m plus add-ons is being negotiated by the clubs, Milan were holding out for £23m but are under FFP restrictions and need to recoup funds.
Cutrone is with the Milan squad in the US and is not wanting to rush a decision.
Sky Sports are also reporting that Wolves are interested in signing Mario Lemina from Southampton.
Nuno Espirito Santo wants to bring in a new central midfielder before the transfer deadline and Lemina is on the list alongside Lille’s Boubakare Soumare.
Manchester United will offer 17-year-old Mason Greenwood a new contract according to The Sun.
The winger has scored twice so far this pre-season, against Leeds and Inter Milan, and are set to offer him a new deal as reward for his impressive displays.
“Ole wants him to focus on his football at the moment and he is doing a terrific job of that.”
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has said the club are not under pressure to invest heavily in the transfer market despite signing a record shirt sponsorship deal.
Spurs announced an eight-year agreement with AIA where they willl earn £40m-a-season from the deal, up from the £35m-a-year the previous agreement provided, putting them on a similar level to Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.
"We don't feel the pressure. Our view is, wherever we can, we will improve the team.''
