Luka Modric has grown as a consistent player says Roy Keane
REAL MADRID TRANSFER NEWS LIVE
Thursday, August 2
Maurizio Sarri wants Mateo Kovacic
Maurizio Sarri is keen to sign Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
Chelsea and Manchester United are chasing the 24-year-old, who is keen to quit the Bernabeu this summer.
Spanish newspaper Marca yesterday claimed that Kovacic has snubbed the Red Devils due to Jose Mourinho’s negative tactics.
And according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Chelsea are ready to up their interest in Kovacic before the transfer window shuts on August 9.
Double transfer update
Sky Sports man Dharmesh Sheth has given the latest on two Chelsea transfer deals.
Sheth has been told by his Sky Italy colleagues that AC Milan are interested in midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.
Sheth says it’s unlikely Chelsea will sell but that could be a different case for Thibaut Courtois.
He told the Sky Sports transfer talk podcast: “Our colleagues in Italy are saying AC Milan are keen on Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.
“It’s safe to say this one would be very difficult to get over the line.”
On Courtois, Sheth added: Real Madrid value him at £32m. Courtois we know wants to go sue to family reasons. His two children are there, his ex-partner is in Madrid.
“But Chelsea will not resume talks with Real Madrid unless they’ve got a replacement. That replacement will come from the list of Jordan Pickford, Kasper Schmeichel and Jack Butland.”
Maurizio Sarri: There’s no news
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has offered a transfer update on Eden Hazard, Willian and Thibaut Courtois.
The Stamford Bridge trio have been linked with Manchester United and Real Madrid in recent weeks, but Sarri says no decisions have been made.
“I will see them on Saturday for the first time, so I don’t know the situation in this moment,” he said.
“There is no news. We are talking about top players and every club wants to keep their top players. We are trying to do it.”
Mateo Kovacic decision
Jose Mourinho is not interested in Real Madrid ace Mateo Kovacic.
The Croatia international, who is keen to quit the Bernabeu, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks.
However, according to the Manchester Evening News, United boss Mourinho has no interest in signing Kovacic.
Following the arrival of Fred this summer, the Red Devils have seven midfielders battling to get a starting spot under Mourinho.
The MEN add that Mourinho wants a centre-back and a forward this summer, however, the Special One is not confident about Old Trafford transfer chiefs meeting his demands.
Willian legal action
Chelsea and Brazil midfielder Willian is taking legal action after insisting a document appearing to authorise a change of agents used a "forged" signature.
The 29-year-old has instructed his lawyers following the emergence of a letter which appears to show Denirobson Dias giving Renee Pinheiro Anunciacao permission to represent the Premier League player.
But Willian has rejected the validity of the letter, which he shared in an Instagram post.
He wrote: "In the recent days I have been informed that a 'letter of authorisation for player agent FIFA', allegedly signed in my name has been circulated through the football market.
"I would like to clarify that I never signed such letter, the content of which I completely deny.
"Finally, since there seem to be clear evidence that my signature has been forged, or anyway misused, I hereby inform that my lawyers are already instructed to proceed with all appropriate legal measures before any competent courts or authorities.”
Real Madrid Transfer News: Jose Mourinho is not interested in Real Madrid ace Mateo Kovacic (Image: GETTY)
Robert Lewandowski swap deal?
Manchester United will demand Robert Lewandowski in a swap deal if Bayern Munich up their interest in Anthony Martial.
According to The Sun, United will ask for Lewandowski in a swap deal should Bayern make an official move for Martial.
They say the Bundesliga are so far unwilling to meet United’s £70m asking price, with Bayern setting a £50m limit.
So the Red Devils’ cunning plan is to include Lewandowski, 29, in a player-plus-cash deal involving Martial.
A source told the newspaper: “Bayern are still keen and United have been after Lewandowski for a long time and want him.
“His agent is close to Jose and United and he is keeping them both in the loop along with Real Madrid.”
Real Madrid done deal
Real Madrid have signed Getafe youngster Ayoub Abou on a free transfer.
Los Blancos came to an agreement with Getafe to cancel Abou’s contract, despite him having only joined the La Liga minnows last month.
The 20-year-old’s agency confirmed the deal on twitter, stating: “Ayoub Abou, new player of Real Madrid Castilla. The midfielder has rescinded his current contract with Getafe CF and has reached an agreement with the white club for the next four seasons. Luck and success!”
Abou will head straight to Real Madrid’s revere side Castilla.
He played 31 games for Rayo Majadahonda in the Spanish second tier last season.
He moved back to Spain from Porto after coming up the youth ranks at Real Madrid's rivals Barcelona.
Whether or not he ever makes the grade at the Bernabeu it remains to be seen.
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Real Madrid transfer news LIVE: Ayoub Abou has joined from Getafe (Image: MEIDA BASESPORTS)
Luka Modric to Inter Milan latest
Luka Modric wants to join Inter Milan, reports in Italy claim.
Modric has been linked with a shock move to the San Siro giants.
It appeared unfathomable that Real Madrid would want to let their midfielder - named the Player of the Tournament at the World Cup - leave this summer.
But Gazzetta dello Sport claim a move is in the making - and it was Modric who instigated it.
According to the report, his wife contacted bosses in Milan and asked whether or not they would be interested in signing the Croatia international.
They confirmed their interest and have since put a move for Arturo Vidal on hold.
Were Modric to leave Real it would have to be on an initial loan deal, with an option to buy at the end of the season.
In doing so, Inter can avoid financial fair play breaches and offset the transfer onto the next financial year.
Courtois to Real Madrid 'makes a whole lot of sense' says Hislop
Real Madrid transfer news LIVE: Chelsea could sell Thibaut Courtois (Image: GETTY)
Courtois deal likely
Chelsea are likely to sell Real Madrid target Thibaut Courtois before deadline day.
That is according to Sky Sports pundit Dharmesh Sheth.
Sheth said: "The noises coming from Chelsea with regard to Hazard is he's not for sale.
"He has two years left on his contract so Chelsea have a little bit more power there.
"The one that looks likely and there's a bit more pressure to sell is Thibaut Courtois.
"He's made it clear he wants to move back to Madrid for family reasons, his children live there and his ex-partner is there as well.
"He has one year left on his contract and the power is shifting towards the player."