Premier League transfer gossip and rumours
Pepe pursuit
Manchester United are in advanced negotiations with Lille over the transfer of Nicolas Pepe.
Claiming its information came from a source close to the frontman, The Sunday Times says that United have a “long-standing interest” in Pepe, who is valued by Lille at more than £70m.
Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool have all been linked to Pepe in recent months, but the Ivorian has yet to receive any official offers from his suitors. That’s encouraged United to step up their own pursuit of the striker, who last season scored 22 times in helping Lille to Champions League qualification.
The 24-year-old has three years remaining on his contract and the ST says that Lille president Gerard Lopez is “open about their intention to sell him to fund reinvestment in their squad”.
Lukaku bid binned
Manchester United have rejected a £53.9m bid from Inter Milan for Romelu Lukaku, with the Red Devils “holding out for a figure in excess of the £79m they paid for him”.
Ironically, Inter and United faced off in a pre-season International Champions Cup match at the weekend, and afterwards the Italians’ boss, Antonio Conte, made no secret of his wish to bring the Belgian striker to the San Siro.
“He is a United player and for this reason we must show great respect for the club, for the player and also for my own players,” said Conte, after his side lost 1-0.
“Lukaku is a player that I like because I consider him a player that could improve our team. On one side is my will and my hope. On the other side we will see what we find with the club.” (Daily Mirror)
De Gea deal
David de Gea has agreed a new contract with Manchester United, and it’s one that is “six years in length and worth about £117m”.
In putting pen to paper the Spanish international will become the best-paid goalkeeper in the world, and it will end once and for all the rumours linking him to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
Critical to De Gea’s decision to sign a new deal is the faith shown in him by United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian stood by De Gea when his form slumped, and the Spaniard “was pleased by Solskjaer’s decision not to drop him from the team”.
There’s also the little matter of his wages, which will increase from about £200,000 a week to £375,000 a week. (The Sunday Times)
Iwobi quit threat
Alex Iwobi has said he might quit Arsenal if they land Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace.
Despite the Eagles’ £80m asking price, Arsenal are determined to bring the Ivory Coast winger to the Emirates and that has led Iwobi to ponder his future.
“I am not one to chicken out,” said Iwobi. “I have had it all over the years, being told I’m not good enough.
“So whenever the chance comes I always try and prove I should be starting. But it’s going to be difficult if Zaha comes. He will add more stress. I am up for the fight but the only time I would consider leaving is if I am not playing as much as I would like to.” (The Sun)
Bayern eye Zaha
It’s not just Arsenal who are keen on Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha, but also Bayern Munich. The German giants are considering a bid for Zaha after failing to land Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi, Manchester City’s Leroy Sane and Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale. (90min)
Italian Rose
Juventus are the “frontrunners” to sign Tottenham defender Danny Rose. The England left-back has sat out Spurs’ pre-season jolly to Singapore, with the permission of the club, in order to “sort out his future”.
Said to be attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain and German outfit Schalke, Rose is also apparently being eyed by new Newcastle boss Steve Bruce as a statement of his intent on Tyneside.
Tottenham have slapped a £20m price tag on Rose and are confident they will receive the full sum in the coming weeks with Juventus ready to do business. (Daily Mirror)
Mata hails Pogba
Juan Mata has praised his Manchester United team-mate Paul Pogba, describing the French midfielder as “fantastic”. Pogba has been linked with moves to Real Madrid and former club Juventus, but Mata hopes he will stay at Old Trafford. The Spaniard said: “We all know Paul and he’s a fantastic midfielder and he’s a very good guy, very positive, good influence for everyone. I think he’s happy, he brings everyone together.” (Daily Mail)
Milner waits for talks
Liverpool midfielder James Milner has revealed that new contract talks with the Champions League winners are yet to begin. The 33-year-old, who is now in the final year of his deal, said: “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. We haven’t heard anything since, so that’s where we are at.” (ESPN)
Koscielny returning to France
According to reports in France Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has agreed to join Ligue 1 club Rennes. The 33-year-old is on his way out of the Emirates after refusing to go on the club’s pre-season tour of the United States. (RMC Sport)
Gunners eye loan for Ceballos
Arsenal are confident they can beat rivals Tottenham to the loan signing of Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos. The Gunners hope to soon complete a season-long deal for the 22-year-old Spanish midfielder. (Daily Mirror)
Real reject six offers for Asensio
Another Real Madrid midfielder in demand is Marco Asensio. According to reports Real have rejected six separate bids for the 23-year-old Spanish international, who has previously been linked with Liverpool. (Football Espana)
Bale out
Gareth Bale’s time at Real Madrid appears to be over with his agent, Jonathan Barnett, describing Real head coach Zinedine Zidane as a “disgrace” in the way he has handled his client.
At the weekend Zidane said of Bale: “We hope he leaves soon. It would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team. I have nothing personal against him, but there comes a time where things are done because they must be done.”
As for where the Welshman may play his football next season, The Sun says that the bookies believe China is his most likely destination, although Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also possibilities.
The 30-year-old has reportedly been offered £1m-a-week to join Chinese club Beijing Guoan.
Today’s back pages: Bale’s £1m-a-week offer
