Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd £80m deal ACCEPTED, Arsenal medical tomorrow, Liverpool stall
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - All the latest rumours and gossip coming out of Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Man United 'great move' for Harry Maguire says pundit
Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip
Monday, July 22
- Manchester United are on the verge of signing defender Harry Maguire
- The Red Devils have met Leicester’s £80million valuation
- Mykola Shaparenko is being monitored by three Premier League clubs
- Liverpool midfielder Ovie Ejaria is close to joining Reading on loan
22:25 UPDATE: Gareth Bale must leave... but not for China
Gareth Bale will be forced to leave Real Madrid because Zinedine Zidane wants him out, claims former Premier League ace Don Hutchison.
"It's a poker hand where Zidane is trying to move him out," said Hutchison. "Zidane wants money to bring in other players.
“It's a power struggle but there will only be one winner - Zidane. So Bale has to find somewhere he wants to play.
"For Gareth, he has to go to somewhere where he is at the elite level and China is not in my opinion.”
21:25 UPDATE: Bruno Fernandes latest
Bruno Fernandes will not be allowed to leave Sporting Lisbon on the chief, with president Frederico Varandas demanding a huge fee.
“I don’t know if there are many or if there are few [interested clubs],” Varandas admitted to Portuguese outlet RTP at Lisbon Airport.
“What I know, a lot has been spoken of values, coming to the press, €55m (£49m), €62m (£55m)… for that he doesn’t leave, for sure.
“If Bruno Fernandes leaves, players with quality will come. But if Bruno leaves.”
20:25 UPDATE: Man Utd appointment
Manchester United have shaken things up by making Nicky Butt their new head of first team development - a role in which he could save them millions.
“Manchester United is in my DNA and this is a very proud moment for me as I take on this new role,” Butt said.
“I am passionate about nurturing, developing and coaching the talent we have here to become top players at this club.
“Under Ole’s leadership, our vision will ensure that we continue to provide the right environment for our young players to thrive in.”
19:00 UPDATE: Ryan Sessegnon decides next team
Manchester United target Ryan Sessegnon would rather join Tottenham than the Red Devils when he leaves Fulham.
Sessegnon is one of England’s top prospects and cemented his reputation by figuring heavily in the Premier League last season.
He is now expected to call time on his career at Fulham following their relegation back down to the Championship.
The Daily Star report, however, that Sessegnon will not be on his way to United over fears of a lack of game time.
18:20 UPDATE: Antoine Griezmann wants Arsenal raid
Antoine Griezmann would love for Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette to join him at the Nou Camp now that he has completed his own move to Barcelona.
"As a player I would like to play with Alexandre Lacazette,” Griezmann said. "He's a friend of mine off the field and we've played together for the national team. He's got a lot of talent."
Griezmann and Lacazette went close to playing together at club level in 2017 after Atletico Madrid agreed to sign the latter from Lyon.
However, a deal was scrapped when Atletico were slapped with a transfer ban which stopped them from making any signings.
17:30 UPDATE: Man City deny swap deal
Manchester City deny they are speaking to Bayern Munich regarding a potential part-exchange deal involving Leroy Sane and David Alaba.
“We are not in negotiations with Bayern over Sane,” a senior source told the Mirror. “We are talking to him about a new contract and not looking to sell.
“We have also had no offer of Alaba. That is totally spurious and we are well stocked at left-back.”
Sane has been linked with a return to Germany having fallen down the pecking order at City last season.
17:20 UPDATE: Tottenham handed fresh boost
Toby Alderweireld insists he is fully committed to Tottenham as speculation over his future rumbles on.
“I've always said, I'm focused on Spurs and trying to deliver the job that I need to do,” Alderweireld said.
“In football, everything can go quick but my focus is on Spurs and to be ready for the start of the season.
“The manager knows that I'm committed to the team and to the club. I was made captain which shows the manager's trust in me.”
16:10 UPDATE: Ivan Rakitic opens door to transfer
Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic has admitted he is ready to consider offers should any suitable bids come in this summer.
"I am used to seeing my name mentioned every season," he said. "Since I got here, it has always been the same.
“I spoke with the club and with [Ernesto] Valverde and my idea is to stay here and its the club's plan too but I am open to everything."
Rakitic has previously been looked at by Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, although the Blues are now subject to a transfer ban.
14:45 UPDATE: Christian Eriksen waiting
Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen is waiting for bids to arrive.
The Denmark international admitted he would be open to pursuing a new challenge elsewhere.
Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United have been linked with the 27-year-old - but none have made an official offer.
The Daily Mail claim Spurs have also offered Eriksen a £200k per-week deal to stay in north London.
14:30 UPDATE: Kieran Tierney could stay
Kieran Tierney could end up staying at Celtic, says Kenny Dalglish.
The Scottish full-back has been the subject of two bids from Arsenal while Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli have also been linked.
“Kieran Tierney’s transfer situation looks as though it could rumble on for a wee bit yet,” Dalglish told the Sunday Post. “Kieran hasn’t gone public on the situation.
“But he is also powerless in many ways as he can’t officially get involved until his club have agreed a fee and given him permission to talk about the length of contract and salary with a particular club. So, unless the valuation is met, there is a stalemate.
“The Hoops have every right to play hardball, and get what they believe to be a proper valuation. That could mean that the lad ends up staying at Celtic.”
14:15 UPDATE: Done Deal - Ampadu signs
Chelsea teenager Ethan Ampadu has joined Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
The teenager joins on a season-loan loan having successfully complete a medical on Friday.
Ampadu was signed as a defender from Exeter but will reportedly be deployed in midfield by RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann.
The 18-year-old will play alongside fellow Premier League star Ademola Lookman, who is set to join on a permanent deal from Everton.
Done deal! ������ @ethanamp4 signs for RB Leipzig ✍️
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) July 22, 2019
The 18-year-old Welsh defensive all-rounder joins on a one-year loan from @ChelseaFC and will wear the number 26.
������⚪ #DieRotenBullen pic.twitter.com/YITcqhlkEA
14:00 UPDATE: Pogba alternatives
Real Madrid have identified three alternatives to Paul Pogba.
The Manchester United midfielder has admitted that he would consider leaving the Red Devils for a fresh challenge elsewhere.
But that’s easier said than done with Ed Woodward and Co. reportedly wanting £150million for his signature.
Now, AS claim Zinedine Zidane is looking at Bruno Fernandes, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Tottenham star Christian Eriksen.
13:45 UPDATE: Gareth Bale free transfer
Real Madrid would allow Gareth Bale to join a club in China for free.
That’s according to ESPN FC, who claim Zinedine Zidane’s side would happily tear up the remaining three years on his contract to rid themselves of his £15.25million per-year wages.
China’s Super League clubs are subject to a 100 per cent tax on transfers - making a bid for Bale extremely difficult to complete.
But ESPN FC claim Real Madrid would allow interested clubs Jiangsu Suning and Beijing Guoan to snap him up for free.
13:30 UPDATE: Reinier Jesus
Manchester City and Liverpool have joined Everton in the battle to sign Brazilian teenager Reinier.
The Toffees were reported to have held talks with the teenager’s representatives and even said to have submitted a £35million bid.
But the Daily Mail claim things are heating up.
The report claims Liverpool, City and Barcelona are monitoring developments with their scouts preparing to watching him when he plays for Brazil Under-17s against Paraguay.
13:00 UPDATE: Mario Gotze revelation
Borussia Dortmund star Mario Gotze would consider a move abroad.
Gotze, 27, has one year left on his deal at Signal Iduna Park but despite talks over an extension - he’s open to leaving the Bundesliga.
"I am now going into my 10th Bundesliga season, so it's logical foreign countries sometimes play a role in your thoughts," Gotze told Bild. "As a footballer, you have the privilege of being able to work in almost every country in the world.”
Arsenal were linked with the German in January and could rekindle their interest if Dortmund decide to cash in on the midfielder.
12:45 UPDATE: Lionel Messi contract talks
Barcelona are set to open contract talks with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, ESPN FC claim.
Messi, 32, has entered the final two years of his contract but Catalan chiefs are eager to sign him up until June 2023.
Barcelona already have the option of triggering a one-year extension until 2022 - but president Josep Maria Bartomeu wants completely new terms on a four-year deal.
Messi is reported to currently earn a staggering £7.3million per month before tax - that’s approximately £1.7m per week.
12:30 UPDATE: Wilfried Zaha bid
Crystal Palace have rejected Arsenal’s improved offer for Wilfried Zaha.
That’s according to The Independent, who claim the Gunners suggested a £55million offer with £10m of that fee dependant on various clauses.
The deal would also included Reiss Nelson on loan until the Eagles can find a suitable replacement for their Ivory Coast international.
Crystal Palace have rejected the offer. They don’t think that’s enough for a player of his standing.
The Independent add that Roy Hodgson’s side are interested in a player exchange but want more guaranteed cash up front.
12:15 UPDATE: Gareth Bale offered
Manchester United and Tottenham rejected the opportunity to sign Gareth Bale.
The 30-year-old looks set to leave the Bernabeu six years after arriving from Tottenham in a then world-record £85million deal.
Zidane confirmed Bale was left out of Real's squad to face Bayern Munich in the International Champions Cup in Houston on Saturday because "the club is working on his departure".
Spanish newspaper AS claim Bale was offered to United, Spurs, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich - all snubbed the Wales international.
12:00 UPDATE: Dean Henderson loan
David de Gea signing a new contract is set to trigger Dean Henderson leaving Manchester United on loan, claims Sky Sports reporter Anton Toloui.
De Gea has reportedly agreed a six-year contract extension worth £375,000-a-week at Manchester United.
“The knock on [to De Gea’s contract], Dean Henderson gets his Premier League loan to Sheffield United probably off the back of this as well,” Toloui said.
“So not only have they got David de Gea locked down for the next few years, they’ve potentially got their replacement or long-term goalkeeper strategy, and [Sergio] Romero as well.”
11:45 UPDATE: Nicolas Pepe latest
Manchester United are leading the chase to sign Lille star Nicolas Pepe.
Thats according to The Times, who claim the Red Devils could fund the move by selling Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan.
Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool have all been linked with the 24-year-old Ivory Coast international.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are said to have leaped to the top of the queue of English clubs trying to sign Pepe.
The report comes 24 hours after The Sunday Times claimed United were ‘progressing’ their interest in the £70million-rated winger.
11:30 UPDATE: Wilfried Zaha interest
Bayern Munich are interested in signing Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.
The German champions are looking to replace Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery this summer and the Ivorian has been added to their transfer shortlist.
Arsenal are keen on signing the winger this summer and have already had a £40million offer rejected by the south London club.
The former Manchester United star is valued at £80million and is tied to Selhurst Park until June 2023.
11:00 UPDATE: Ademola Lookman medical
Everton winger Ademola Lookman will undergo a medical with RB Leipzig in the next 48 hours.
A £22.5million fee has been agreed between the two parties with the 21-year-old heading back to the Bundesliga.
The Daily Mail claim Leipzig will pay an initial £18m wth a further £4.5m in performance-related add-ons.
Lookman played 48 games for Everton, scoring four goals and getting two assists.
10:30 UPDATE: Kylian Mbappe £860k deal
Barcelona could profit from a stunning new contract for PSG star Kylian Mbappe.
French publication El Pais say Manchester City have been trying to bring the World Cup winner to the Etihad Stadium.
And PSG plan to halt the speculation by offering Mbappe, 20, a whopping £860,000-a-week to stay at the Parc des Princes.
However, the deal hinges on Neymar.
El Pais claim PSG will only be able to make Mbappe the second-best paid player on the planet IF Neymar’s £27m annual wages are cleared off the books.
That could potentially help Barcelona in their quest to bring Neymar back to the Nou Camp - with PSG perhaps willing to accept a lower offer.
10:00 UPDATE: Toby Alderweireld clarification
Tottenham look set to keep Toby Alderweireld for the 2019/2020 campaign.
The Belgian international has been tipped to leave north London this summer with plenty of clubs including Manchester United showing interest.
But Mauricio Pochettino made him captain in Sunday’s pre-season clash with Juventus and Alderweireld says he’s “focused on Spurs”.
“In football, everything can go quick but my focus is on Spurs and to be ready for the start of the season,” added Alderweireld.
“The manager knows that I'm committed to the team and to the club. Today I was made captain which shows the manager's trust in me.”
09:30 UPDATE: James Milner doubt
Liverpool midfielder James Milner is still in the dark over his future at Anfield.
Milner, 33, has entered the final year of his contract with the Champions League winners - but could be a free agent next year with talks over an extension yet to take place.
“As it stands, last year we spoke to the club and asked them if they wanted to do something and they said not at that time,” he told reporters. “We haven’t heard anything since, so that’s where we are at.
“All I can do is concentrate on my football and do what I can.
“But in terms of where I am with my contract, that’s what has happened up until now and I haven’t heard anything from the club.”
09:15 UPDATE: Rejected!
Chelsea have rejected a £20m bid from Crystal Palace for Reece James.
The Eagles are in the market for a new right-back after Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s £50m switch to Manchester United.
The Daily Star claim Chelsea have rejected a £20m bid for James.
The Blues see their academy product as a prospect for the future and they’re not willing to let him go while they have a transfer ban.
09:00 UPDATE: Juan hopes Paul stays
Juan Mata hopes Paul Pogba will remain at Manchester United.
Three years after returning to Old Trafford in what was a world-record £89million deal, the 26-year-old has publicly admitted he is open to "a new challenge somewhere else".
“We all know Paul and he's a fantastic midfielder and he's a very good guy, very positive, good influence for everyone," Mata said. "I think he's happy, he brings everyone together.
"But I cannot speak for other people. I cannot speak for myself, for my present and my future in the club.
"And obviously as a team-mate, and as a friend also, I would like
08:45 UPDATE: William Saliba medical
William Saliba will undergo his Arsenal medical on Tuesday.
That’s according to RMC reporter Mohamed Bouhafsi, who says the Gunners will pay £27million for the defender.
It’s believed that the Gunners will sign the 18-year-old, and immediately loan him back to Saint-Etienne for the 2019/2020 campaign.
The deal will also include a number of payment instalments, so the transfer won’t eat too much into the Gunners' budget for this summer.
“William Saliba’s medical with Arsenal will occur on Tuesday,” Bouhafsi tweeted. “Everything is now finalised between the Gunners & St Etienne.”
08:30 UPDATE: Dani Ceballos U-turn
Real Madrid are no longer interested in selling Dani Ceballos on a permanent deal.
However, they will sanction a season-long loan with the Spanish midfielder expected to join Arsenal in the coming days.
It was claimed Real Madrid were happy to sell Ceballos, 22, to recoup funds spent on the likes of Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Luka Jovic and Eden Hazard.
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol told the Transfer Talk podcast: “We were of the understanding perhaps Real Madrid wanted to do a permanent deal, and bring in some money, because they’ve spent a lot in this transfer window.
“But I think their minds were changed when they saw Ceballos perform so well at the European Under-21 Championships.”
08:15 UPDATE: Arsenal track Mykola Shaparenko
Mykola Shaparenko is being monitored by three Premier League clubs.
That’s according to CaughtOffside, who claim Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all keeping tabs on the versatile midfielder.
Shaparenko, 20, scored eight goals and provided three assists in 33 appearances last season.
The report claims West Ham have also registered their interest in the four-capped Ukraine international, who would reportedly struggle to obtain a work permit.
It’s thought Shaparenko would need to be loaned elsewhere next season to be eligible for the 2020/2021 campaign.
08:00 UPDATE: Harry Maguire deal
Manchester United are on the verge of signing Leicester defender Harry Maguire.
The Red Devils have been chasing the England international for months but have finally made the breakthrough.
Journalist Miguel Delaney of the Independent claim his signing is “imminent” now that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have come up with “acceptable terms”.
It’s claimed the Red Devils have met Leicester’s £80million valuation with £70m up front and an additional £10m in conditional clauses.
Thank you, Singapore ������
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 22, 2019
Next stop, Shanghai ������������#MUFC #MUTOUR pic.twitter.com/5vPoKg20H8
07:45 UPDATE: Arsenal track Mykola Shaparenko
Mykola Shaparenko is being monitored by three Premier League clubs.
That’s according to CaughtOffside, who claim Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all keeping tabs on the versatile midfielder.
Shaparenko, 20, scored eight goals and provided three assists in 33 appearances last season.
The report claims West Ham have also registered their interest in the four-capped Ukraine international, who would reportedly struggle to obtain a work permit.
It’s thought Shaparenko would need to be loaned elsewhere next season to be eligible for the 2020/2021 campaign.
07:30 UPDATE: Ovie Ejaria loan deal
Liverpool midfielder Ovie Ejaria is close to joining Reading.
Ejaria, 21, spent a six-month spell with the Championship side last season and looks set to return.
Football Insider claim talks between the two parties have reached an advanced stage and Ejaria will spend next season on loan at the Madejski Stadium.
The Royals are under a soft transfer embargo and will need the green light from EFL chiefs to make new signings.