Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd £90m U-turn, Arsenal could have deal for Ceballos cancelled

Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip

Wednesday, July 24

• Dani Ceballos & William Saliba will have their Arsenal medicals today

• Bruno Fernandes has reiterated his desire to play Premier League football

• Gareth Bale would be a “perfect fit” for Liverpool instead of Spurs

• Goalkeeper David de Gea is on the verge of agreeing a new £375,000-a-week deal

• Barcelona have been set a transfer deadline to sign Neymar

12:15 UPDATE: Everton’s Zaha swoop

Everton could make a substantial offer for Wilfried Zaha.

Crystal Palace have knocked back two offers from Arsenal for their Ivorian talent.

But talkSPORT’s Jim White says Marco Silva’s side could make their presence known with a ‘substantial bid’ for the £80million-rated winger.

White tweeted: “According to @talkSPORT sources, don’t rule out @Everton making a substantial bid for Wilfried Zaha.”

12:00 UPDATE: Neymar on tour

Neymar’s return to Barcelona appears to have taken another twist.

The Brazilian superstar has made it clear that he wants to leave the French champions this summer with Barcelona leading contenders.

However, a deal may not be close with Neymar included in PSG’s 33-man squad for their pre-season tour of China.

The club’s sporting director, Leonardo, revealed last week that no offers have been lodged for the 27-year-old forward.

11:45 UPDATE: Nicolas Pepe bid rejected

Manchester United have seen their offer for winger Nicolas Pepe rejected by Lille despite claims he’s agreed personal terms at Old Trafford.

Earlier in the week Lille president Gerard Lopez confirmed that a move to an unnamed club was imminent for the forward, however, reports in France now claim the club have rejected an approach from United.

The report doesn’t reveal how much the Red Devils offered, but Yahoo Sport France claim the offer was refused.

However, United have reportedly made progress in the attempts to see Pepe make the switch to Old Trafford this summer, as according to Football Insider, United have agreed personal terms with Pepe.

The report claims the player has agreed to a five-year contract with United also holding the option of an additional year.

11:15 UPDATE: Liverpool to sell Ejaria

Liverpool are open to selling Ovie Ejaria.

Reports claimed Reading were set to sign the 21-year-old on a season-long loan.

But Liverpool Echo claim Jurgen Klopp’s side aren’t interested in another loan deal – they want to sell the England Under-21 midfielder permanently.

Ejaria made 16 appearances for Reading last season – netting once and providing two assists.

10:45 UPDATE: Philippe Coutinho theory

Barcelona fans are wondering whether Philippe Coutinho be at the Nou Camp next season.

And that’s because Barcelona B’s Carles Perez wore the Brazilian’s number seven shirt against Chelsea yesterday.

Coutinho has been given extra time to recover from his Copa America exploits so wasn’t playing in Japan on Tuesday.

The former Liverpool playmaker has been tipped to be used as a makeweight in a deal for PSG star Neymar.

10:30 UPDATE: Paulo Dybala would accept offer

Paulo Dybala ‘would not reject’ Manchester United if they come knocking.

That’s according to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, who claim Dybala is concerned about first-team action under Maurizio Sarri.

The Red Devils are preparing for the loss of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan and the Argentine talent is wanted by United chiefs.

Tuttosport also claim Dybala’s move to Old Trafford could open up the possibility of Paul Pogba returning to Juventus in an audacious swap deal.

10:00 UPDATE: Done Deal – Trezeguet signs

Aston Villa have signed Egypt winger Mahmoud Hassan from Turkish club Kasimpasa.

The 24-year-old – commonly known as Trezeguet – scored one goal in four appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations, and will boost the Birmingham club’s squad ahead of their Premier League return.

Trezeguet has enjoyed stints at Anderlecht and Mouscron in Belgium, after starting his career with Egypt’s Al Ahly.

He revealed his countryman and Villa right-back Ahmed Elmohamady had recommended the move to him, saying on Twitter: “He’s my captain and always speaks with me about Aston Villa, saying it’s an amazing club and that I’d be happy here.”

09:30 UPDATE: The final countdown

Inter Milan have seven days to conclude a deal for Romelu Lukaku.

Antonio Conte wants Lukaku, 26, to replace Mauro Icardi at the San Siro.

Manchester United want to recoup the £75million they paid Everton in 2017 and also want time to use the funds to buy his replacement.

The Mirror claim Ed Woodward and CO. will pull the plug on the deal if Inter don’t seal the deal before August 1.

09:00 UPDATE: Leroy Sane to Bayern

Bayern Munich are giving it their all to sign Manchester City star Leroy Sane.

Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben both left the club this summer with manager Niko Kovac desperate to lure Sane, 23, to the Allianz Arena.

“Our bosses have shown him a clear plan,” Kovac told Sport Bild. “We are very focused, Leroy knows what to expect here, and when a player with such capacity comes to FC Bayern, he knows his job.

“You can see that the transfer is not easy, but I know that our people are working very hard to make it happen. We will do everything to realise this transfer.

“We all know that Leroy Sane is our dream player. The public knows that, we know that.”

08:45 UPDATE: Paul Pogba swap

Juventus are considering a swap deal to bring Paul Pogba back to the club.

The French midfielder, 26, has openly discussed his desire to leave the club with Real Madrid and Juventus paying close attention.

Now, Corriere dello Sport claim the Italian champions have come up with a plan to navigate Manchester United’s £150million valuation.

It’s claimed Blaise Matuidi, Douglas Costa or Manchester City target Joao Cancelo could be used to tempt the Red Devils into selling.

08:30 UPDATE: Neymar deadline

Barcelona have been set a transfer deadline to sign Neymar.

According to French outlet CNews, PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi is concerned that talk over Neymar will disrupt their preparations for the new season.

And that PSG have set a deadline of July 31, nine days before the start of the new Ligue 1 campaign.

Should Barcelona fail to prise Neymar away from the Parc des Princes by then, he will reportedly remain with the group.

And the report adds PSG may even offer him a new contract with a vastly-improved salary to ensure he stay focused.

07:45 UPDATE: Three-player deal

Manchester United’s pursuit of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will NOT affect their interest in Bruno Fernandes.

That’s according to La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Nicolo Schira, who claims the Red Devils could sign both before the transfer window closes in 15 days.

Italian publication Repubblica report that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are close to landing Milinkovic-Savic from Lazio as Paul Pogba’s replacement in a deal worth £67million plus add-ons.

And Schira says that won’t impact on Fernandes’ potential Old Trafford arrival.

“The arrival of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic at Manchester United (offered €80M to Lazio) would not exclude that of Bruno Fernandes. Milinkovic should replace Paul Pogba (in the sights of Real Madrid),” Schira tweeted.

07:00 UPDATE: Rodgers sends Man Utd new Harry Maguire message

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has refused to comment on whether Harry Maguire has requested to leave or not.

The centre-back is the subject of heavy speculation, with Manchester United set to complete a move for the star. 

United have made multiple bids for Maguire, but have still not met the valuation for the star. 

When asked if Maguire wanted to leave, Rodgers replied: “That’s not really for me to say.”

05:00 UPDATE: Chelsea set to allow eight youngsters to leave

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will allow eight youngsters to leave the club on loan this summer, whilst one surprise face could be included.

Reece James is set to remain at Stamford Bridge and could play a part in the first team.

Matt Miazga, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Jack Clarke-Salter, Trevor Chalobah, Lewis Baker, Lucas Piazon, Dujon Sterling, and Izzy Brown are all expected to leave.

Miazga is close to agreeing a deal to return to Championship side Reading, having made a good impression last year.

04:00 UPDATE: Bale refuses to celebrate

Gareth Bale refused to celebrate against Arsenal amid growing uncertainty over his future.

The Real Madrid outcast is expected to leave the club this summer after Zinedine Zidane made it clear he no longer wanted the winger.

However, Bale is ready to sit out the remaining three years of his £600,000-per-week contract at the Bernabeu.

And after scoring against Arsenal, he made his feelings abundantly clear by refusing to celebrate, instead just jogging back to the halfway line.

03:00 UPDATE: Arsenal could miss out on Ceballos

Real Madrid could cancel midfielder Dani Ceballos’ loan deal with Arsenal just days before it is confirmed.

The youngster is close to joining Arsenal on a season-long loan after choosing the Gunners over Tottenham.

But after Marco Asensio suffered a bad injury against Arsenal in pre-season, it is possible that Madrid will cancel the deal.

22:55 UPDATE: Kieran Tierney to Arsenal OFF

Celtic boss Neil Lennon believes a potential deal for Kieran Tierney to join Arsenal this summer is now dead.

“The deal, as far as I’m aware, is not happening,” Lennon said. “We are delighted about that, obviously, and it’s just a question of appeasing his mind now.

“As far as I am aware, it is finished. I don’t know if Arsenal are going to meet our valuation. So, it is basically, ‘As you were’.

“That may be difficult for Kieran to get his head around, or he comes back to the fold and gets on with things. I’ll have to speak to him about it and I’m sure the club will as well. But it may rumble on as well, I don’t know.”

21:45 UPDATE: Gareth Bale hit with Tottenham plea

Tottenham hero Clive Allen wants Gareth Bale to head back to north London rather than over to the lucrative Chinese Super League.

“I think it has all been handled pretty horrifically,” Allen said. “So much has been made public about the fall out with Zidane. I think Real Madrid have handled in very poorly.

“I don’t think he should be going to China. I think there are so many possible suitors in European football and even Premier League football – I’d love to see him come back to the Premier League.

“I sat down with him and his family when he came to Spurs many years ago, and I said Spurs was the platform for him to go on and do anything he wanted, to fulfil his dreams. He bought into that and he came to Spurs.

“I’d say the exact same thing today. This is not the same club he joined those years aback, Tottenham Hotspur are up among the top teams in European football. Come back to Tottenham, Gareth. That’s my message to him, absolutely.”

21:35 UPDATE: Another new Chelsea contract

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is poised to put pen to paper on a new five-year deal which will initially net him more than £100,000 a week.

Express Sport understands the Bayern Munich transfer target has been convinced to stay put at Stamford Bridge until at least 2024.

Chelsea have given the youngster assurances he will form a key part of Frank Lampard’s first-team plans going forward.

And he is now set to follow fellow academy products Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount by signing on the dotted line.

21:00 UPDATE: Arsenal urged to buy Toby Alderweireld

Arsenal and Manchester United really ought to be snapping it out for £25m Tottenham star Toby Alderweireld, claims former Premier League and England ace Danny Mills.

“Let’s say he plays another three seasons, that’s around £8m-a-year,” Mills said. “People are paying loan fees of £8m-a-year, he’s a ready-made player. It’s an absolute bargain.

“How Manchester United are not coming and banging down the door, how Arsenal are not banging down the door and saying we want this player, I have no idea.

“£25m for a ready-made centre half who is going to get you through the next three seasons and bring on other players around them, it’s a no-brainer for me.”

20:10 UPDATE: Nicolas Pepe to Man Utd development

Nicolas Pepe is reported to have agreed personal terms with Manchester United ahead of a potential move to Old Trafford.

Football Insider reckon the Lille forward has hammered out a contract with the Red Devils, who have spent £65m so far this summer.

Now United need to sort out a fee for Pepe, who is understood to have been looked at by Liverpool and Arsenal as well.

Pepe would go into United’s well-stocked forwards department, which also boasts Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku.

19:30 UPDATE: Barcelona handed Neymar deal deadline

Barcelona only have until July 31 to strike a deal for Neymar or they risk missing out on a reunion with the Brazilian.

Neymar is determined to swap Paris Saint-Germain for Barcelona this summer because he is unhappy with life in France.

But Barcelona are running out of time to take him back to the Nou Camp if fresh reports are to be believed.

French outlet CNews reckon PSG chiefs have set a deadline for July 31 for a transfer to be completed by.

18:30 UPDATE: Newcastle seal Joelinton deal

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce is delighted to have completed the club-record signing of Joelinton from Hoffenheim.

“The kid’s got an exciting time ahead of him. He’s a smashing young player and we’re obviously delighted to get him. It’s been going on for a little bit now, so to get him is great for everybody,” Bruce said.

“He’s got everything that a modern-day player wants. He’s big, strong and athletic, and of course he’s got age on his side too which is vitally important.

“He’s learned the history and wanted it (the number nine shirt), and that’s always a big shirt to fill. But in his eyes, it was ‘bring it on – it’s what I’m here for’.”

18:00 UPDATE: Arsenal blasted over Wilfried Zaha offer

Arsenal have got the money to sign Wilfried Zaha and the time is right for the winger to leave Crystal Palace, says former Eagles chief Simon Jordan.

“Arsenal are not playing properly,” Jordan told. talkSPORT. “I don’t think they played particularly properly when they bought Ian Wright in 1991, and I don’t think they are playing properly now for different reasons

“If they can afford to pay £27million for a player and send him back on loan, they can afford to play £60/70million for Wilfried Zaha.”

“Is it the right time for Palace and Zaha? I think it probably is, in a perverse way. Because Palace are now becoming a side that are really built around Zaha and I don’t think for the long-term benefit of Crystal Palace they can afford to rely simply on Zaha.

“You’ve got to get £60million plus for him… you’ve got to! He’s every bit as good as [Riyad] Mahrez. They are going to lose a lot by losing Zaha, but I don’t think they are going to keep him so they have to move on.”

16:35 UPDATE: Celtic stance on Kieran Tierney

Neil Lennon insists Celtic are in a strong position to keep hold of Kieran Tierney as Arsenal chase the left-back.

“It’s as you were really,” Lennon said. “I’ve had no information other than there was two bids that came in from Arsenal that were rejected.

“There has been no further inroads into that really. Our valuation of Kieran wasn’t met and it’s as simple as that.

“You will see other transfers not going through because valuations haven’t been met. It’s not a case of Arsenal being disrespectful.

“They put a bid in that they valued the player at. They came back again and obviously see Kieran as a very good player, as we do.

“But on a long-term contract we’re in a very strong position when it comes to Kieran.”

16:00 UPDATE: Gareth Bale statement

Real Madrid outcast Gareth Bale will not be leaving the Bernabeu on loan this summer, says his agent Jonathan Barnett.

“There will be no makeshift deals to get him out of the club,” Barnett said. ”Gareth is one of the best players on the planet.

“I can guarantee you he will not be going on loan to any club. Gareth is a Real Madrid player and for now he’s staying as a Real Madrid player.

“If something comes along that suits us, then things could change and he could be gone in a day or a week. Or he could still be a Real player in three years when his contract ends.”

15:00 UPDATE: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic progress

Manchester United appear to have lined up Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as the man to replace wantaway midfielder Paul Pogba.

Pogba is understood to be desperate to call time on his second stint at Old Trafford having grown disillusioned with life back in Manchester.

Italian newspaper La Repubblica reckon United are gearing up for Pogba to leave for Real Madrid with a replacement now in their sights.

It is claimed a five-year contract offer has been tabled to Milinkovic-Savic, with Lazio poised to receive £67m (€75m) plus add-ons for him.

14:15 UPDATE: Newcastle medical

Joelinton is set to undergo a medical with Newcastle.

The Hoffenheim striker has touched down in the North East ahead of his proposed £30million transfer.

The fee will dwarf Newcastle’s current record deal, which stands at £21m for Miguel Almiron back in January.

The centre-forward scored seven goals and provided seven assists in 28 Bundesliga appearances last season.

14:00 UPDATE: Harry Maguire alternative

Manchester United have identified an alternative to Harry Maguire as Leicester dig their heels in over a transfer this summer.

United have been keen to snap up Maguire to bolster their defence but Leicester are staying firm in demanding £90m.

However, according to the Daily Mail, United are ready to shelve their plans and go for Kalidou Koulibaly instead.

He was playing in the African Cup of Nations until last week, where Senegal lost to Algeria in the final – and United could revisit that interest and make a move for the Napoli ace.

13:45 UPDATE: Loris Karius snub

Loris Karius says he’s rejected five offers to cut short his two-year loan spell at Besiktas.

The German goalkeeper joined Besiktas rom Liverpool in 2018 and is contracted to stay until June 2020.

He’s put the Champions League nightmare behind him and earned interest from two British clubs.

“This season, through my agent, two clubs in the UK, three clubs from Germany, made offers,” Karius told Sporx. “I turned them down. Besiktas is very special for me.”

13:30 UPDATE: No disrespect – Zidane

Zinedine Zidane says he didn’t “disrespected” Gareth Bale and it was the club who wanted to sell the Welsh forward, not him personally.

Bale did not play for Real in their defeat to Bayern Munich in the International Champions Cup, with Zidane revealing his absence was due to the club “working on his departure”.

“At times my Spanish is very suspect,” Zidane told reporters. “I want to be very clear about this. Firstly, I have not disrespected anybody and least of all the player.

“I have always said the same, the players are the most important and every time I am with a player here I will be with them always.

“Second thing, I said the club is trying to sell him. Third point, I think it is very important and crucial to say that the other day Gareth did not change (play) because he did not want to.”

13:15 UPDATE: Nicolas Pepe deal almost done

Lille president Gerard Lopez says sought-after winger Nicolas Pepe’s future has ‘almost’ been decided.

Pepe, 24, has been strongly linked with Manchester United over the past week with Ed Woodward claimed to have advanced negotiations.

Asked about Pepe’s future, Lille president Lopez told La Voix du Nord: “In terms of departures and arrivals, if a player leaves, we will go and get what we need.

“For Nico, it is almost done and he could have left last summer. It is true that there are big offers and big clubs in for him, so I think [he will leave].”

13:00 UPDATE: Nicolas Pepe latest

Manchester United have advanced their pursuit of Lille winger Nicolas Pepe.

That’s according to journalist Duncan Castles, who claims Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are still in talks with the Ligue 1 side.

Arsenal and Everton have been linked with the 24-year-old but Castles suggests the Red Devils are in pole-position.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Transfer Window Podcast, Castles said: “Manchester United I told you back in May had made their first enquiry direct to the club about Pepe to ask what his salary would be, what kind of money Lille would want for the player.

“They [Manchester United] have advanced that interest in the last week and been involved in further discussions with Lille over a transfer.”

12:45 UPDATE: New target for Arsenal

Arsenal have added Juventus defender Daniele Rugani to their transfer wish list, according to reports in Italy.

And according to Tutto Mercato Web, Arsenal could move for Rugani, who Juve are willing to let go.

The report states that Rugani will probably leave the Turin club anyway, due to the purchase of Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax.

Rugani also faces stiff competition from the likes of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.

12:30 UPDATE: Everton Soares latest

Arsenal are closing in on the Brazilian star Everton Soares as the club’s new technical director Edu works to secure the Gunners’ transfer target.

It has been reported a fee of £36million has been offered by the Gunners to Gremio, which is expected to come in the form of £25m up front and a further £11m in add-ons.

Arsenal have already brought in a Brazilian this summer as Edu returned to the club where he won two league titles to become the club’s first technical director.

And when he was recently asked about Everton making the move to north London by a Gunners fan, he said: “Let’s see.”

According to Brazilian publication GloboEsporte, although no agreement has been reached between the two teams, talks are ongoing between the Brazilian side and an unnamed English side.

12:15 UPDATE: Man Utd agree £375k deal

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is on the verge of agreeing a lucrative contract extension.

De Gea, 28, has frequently been linked with a departure but is set to sign a new six-year deal at Old Trafford worth £375,000-a-week.

United’s previous captain Antonio Valencia left at the end of last season and De Gea is one of several players in the frame to replace him along with Ashley Young, Juan Mata, Chris Smalling and Paul Pogba.

“I’ve been captain for some games. Of course it is amazing to be captain of a club like Manchester United and defend this badge,” De Gea said. “It’s amazing, so of course I’ll be really, really happy to captain.”

12:00 UPDATE: Arsenal double medical

Arsenal are close to completing a double deal.

That’s according to the BBC, who claim the Gunners have reached agreements for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos and Saint-Etienne centre-back William Saliba.

Saliba, 18, will undergo a medical today ahead of his proposed £27million transfer – before returning to Saint-Etienne for the 2019/2020 campaign.

Spanish newspaper AS claim Ceballos, 22, will also have a medical today before joining on a season-long loan with no option to buy.

11:45 UPDATE: Bruno Fernandes plea

Sporting Lisbon star Bruno Fernandes has reiterated his desire to play Premier League football next season.

The Portuguese international has been tipped to join Manchester United as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seeks to bolster his midfield options.

But Ed Woodward and Co. will have to spend big with Sporting president Frederico Varandas demanding more than £55million for his signature.

“The president decides that, not me,” Fernandes said. “The only thing I can do now is that I need to catch the plane so I don’t miss it.

“Will this be the last match for Sporting? I don’t know, it’s the coach who decides. I told you I liked to play in England, but that’s not what interests me. It may be when the club decides.”

11:30 UPDATE: Gareth Bale to Liverpool?!

Gareth Bale would be a “perfect fit” for Liverpool instead of former club Tottenham as the Spanish giants explore transfer options for the winger, says BBC pundit Paul Ince.

Bale left Tottenham to join Real in 2013 for a then world-record fee of £86m and despite winning four Champions Leagues with the club, he has fallen out of favour with many of its fans.

But Ince feels a return to Spurs and playing under Mauricio Pochettino wouldn’t be the best option for him and instead prefers Liverpool, as he thinks they can offer him the chance to win more trophies.

“My opinion is if Liverpool can afford him, he should go there,” Ince told BBC Sport. “Liverpool’s front three haven’t had much rest before the season – Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have played all over the summer.

“Bale can play right, left or central. If I was looking at a team if they could afford him, it would be Liverpool.

11:15 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.