Premier League transfer gossip and rumours
Eriksen waits on Real and Pogba
Tottenham’s wantaway midfielder Christian Eriksen is playing the waiting game – although it’s not of his choice.
The Daily Express says that the Dane is Real Madrid’s “back-up option” if they cannot sign Manchester United’s Paul Pogba.
Spanish giants Real are still hopeful of luring French midfielder Pogba to the Bernabeu before the European transfer window closes on 2 September.
But the Express believes that even if they did fail and then turn to Eriksen, the move might be blocked by Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, who would be unable to sign a replacement before January.
United in talks with clubs over Alexis
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed talks are being held with clubs interested in Alexis Sanchez. Italian sides Inter Milan and AS Roma have both been linked with the Chilean forward.
Solskjaer told Sky Sports: “There are still talks with some clubs. As I have said he is working well. Let’s see in September what is going to happen.”
Llorente to be a Red Devil?
There are mixed messages concerning Man Utd’s interest in Fernando Llorente, who has also been linked to Lazio and Napoli of late.
The Daily Mail says that the Red Devils have passed on the Spanish striker, who left Spurs at the end of last season, but The Sun claims otherwise with a little help from Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
In the Sun’s version of events the 34-year-old “has agreed a two-year deal with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side”, as the United boss looks to replace the recently-departed Romelu Lukaku, and a deal should be announced imminently.
Nkoudou leaves Spurs
Georges-Kevin Nkoudou has said his goodbye to Tottenham after finalising a move to Turkish giants Besiktas, reports the London Evening Standard.
The Frenchman has followed Daniel Sturridge in starting a new adventure in Turkey in what is believed to be a move worth £4.6m.
The Standard says the 24-year-old has penned a four-year contract worth around £29,000-a-week, putting an end to his failed sojourn at White Hart Lane following his arrival from Marseille in an £11m deal in 2016.
Fernandinho’s not fretting
Fernandinho is considering his options before penning a new deal at Manchester City, reports The Sun.
The veteran Brazilian midfielder has nine months to run on his contract at the Etihad and it’s unclear whether Pep Guardiola will offer the 34-year-old an extension.
The three-time Premier League winner has a “strong relationship with City” and consequently the Sun says that both parties are confident that when the time comes to discuss the future it will be done in a civilised manner.
Lampard’s squad settled
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard does not expect any more departures ahead of the European deadline day.
Sky Sports suggests that Tiemoue Bakayoko and Michy Batshuayi might be staying put for now at Stamford Bridge.
Mustafi and Elneny can leave
Arsenal head coach Unai Emery says defender Shkodran Mustafi and midfielder Mohamed Elneny are free to leave the club.
Emery said: “I spoke with them a lot of times last year and in pre-season, and I think it is positive for them to leave and sign for another team where they can be protagonists, be happy and continue their careers.
“They are very big players but for one circumstance or another, they are going to have less chances to show their capacity or to be happy with us and the minutes they play in matches.”
Summer 2019 transfer window
Transfer deadline day: dates and times
- Premier League: closed
- EFL Championship: closed
- EFL Leagues One and Two: 5pm on Monday 2 September
- Scotland: Monday 2 September (midnight on 3 September)
- Germany Bundesliga: 5pm on Monday 2 September
- France Ligue 1: Monday 2 September
- Italy Serie A: Monday 2 September
- Spain La Liga: Monday 2 September
- Portugal Primeira Liga: Sunday 22 September
This weekend’s Premier League fixtures
Friday 23 August
- Aston Villa vs. Everton (8pm, live on Sky Sports)
Saturday 24 August (3pm unless stated)
- Norwich City vs. Chelsea (12.30pm, live on BT Sport)
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Southampton
- Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace
- Sheffield United vs. Leicester City
- Watford vs. West Ham United
- Liverpool vs. Arsenal (5.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
Sunday 25 August
- AFC Bournemouth vs. Manchester City (2pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United (4.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Burnley (4.30pm)
