Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd complete £250k deal, Arsenal advanced talks, Liverpool exit

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

Monday, July 1

• Arsenal are in ‘advanced’ negotiations to sign Yacine Brahimi

• Marcus Rashford has signed a new four-year contract at Manchester United

• Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic has rejoined Hertha Berlin on loan

• Manchester United should sign Chelsea star N’Golo Kante

22:15 UPDATE: Done Deal – Kalas joins Bristol City

Tomas Kalas has joined Bristol City for a club-record fee.

The Chelsea centre-back returns to Ashton Gate for £8million having spent last season on loan with Lee Johnson’s side.

The 26-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Championship club.

“We saw last season the qualities he brings and Tomas is exactly the type of player we want to build our team around,” Bristol head coach Lee Johnson said. “Not only is he a fantastic footballer but someone with a winning mentality.”

22:00 UPDATE: Gerrard to trim squad

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is ready to trim his first-team squad following their pre-season training camp.

The Gers rounded off a trip to Portugal with a 2-0 training-ground win over Mansfield on Saturday when 30 players were handed action.

Gerrard had already left the likes of Graham Dorrans, Eros Grezda, Jordan Rossiter, Jason Holt and Kyle Lafferty at home when flying out to the Algarve.

Young players such as Jamie Barjonas and Josh McPake supplemented the squad in Portugal but Gerrard will tighten things up as he prepares for their Europa League opener on July 11.

“We have naturally got a big squad at the moment so some will drop out and by doing that, the quality will rise as well,” Gerrard told Rangers TV. “That isn’t to say not everyone has quality – it just naturally happens when you have less numbers.

21:45 UPDATE: Higuain stays at Juventus

Gonzalo Higuain is unlikely to return to Chelsea, according to his brother and agent Nicola.

Higuain, 31, spent six months on loan with Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea – but struggled to make an impression at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues had an option to make the deal permanent but opted against triggering the clause despite having only Olivier Giroud in attack.

Now, Higuain’s brother Nicola says Gonzalo will ‘respect’ his contract in Turin.

“The only Italian club Higuain will play for is Juventus,” Higuain’s brother Nicola tweeted. “He has two years left on his contract and it will be respected. Good Sunday to everyone.”

21:30 UPDATE: Allan Rodrigues de Souza extension

Liverpool midfielder Allan Rodrigues de Souza has extended his loan deal at Fluminense until the end of the year.

The 22-year-old initially moved to Brazil until the end of the season in February but he will now stay in South America until December 31.

Allan joined Liverpool in September 2015 but is yet to make a senior appearance under Jurgen Klopp and has spent time on loan at SJK, Sint-Truidense, Hertha BSC, Apollon Limassol and Eintracht Frankfurt.

21:15 UPDATE: DDG contract

Manchester United made another contract offer to goalkeeper David de Gea last week to try and convince him to extend his stay at the club, claims transfer expert Duncan Castles.

“Manchester United finally made an improved offer to David de Gea last week,” Castles said on the Transfer Window podcast.

“I’m told there was a meeting in London between Jorge Mendes and Manchester United to discuss whether they could find a solution to that longstanding impasse on De Gea’s new contract.

“As of today he is in the final year of his current deal, United having taken up that year option on his contract.

“As we’ve told you the situation has been extremely open in the sense that United have gone as far as making a bid for the Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana as a potential replacement for De Gea because they were unsure whether they were going to be able to retain him this season.”

21:00 UPDATE: Done Deal – Juve sign Rabiot

Juventus have secured the signing of Adrien Rabiot.

The 24-year-old completed his medical in Turin earlier today and has put pen to paper on a contract with the Serie A champions.

Juve didn’t disclose the details of the transfer – although it’s thought the French midfielder signed a five-year-deal worth £6.2million per-year.

Rabiot had been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Barcelona.

20:45 UPDATE: Rafa Benitez to China

Rafa Benitez is on the verge of joining Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang.

The 59-year-old Spaniard officially left the club at midnight on Sunday after talks over a contract extension ultimately failed to reach a successful conclusion.

But other clubs haven’t taken long to snap up his services.

It’s claimed Benitez has agreed terms on a £12million per-year deal and could be announced tomorrow morning.

20:30 UPDATE: Lee Cattermole exit

Lee Cattermole has left Sunderland.

The battling midfielder has spent over a decade at the Stadium of Light – but confirmed he would seek a new challenge.

“Sunderland is a special club and this decision has not been easy, but I believe it is the right time to find a new challenge,” Cattermole said.

“The football club, over my 10 years, has had some fantastic managers, staff and players and I have been lucky to be part of that.”

20:15 UPDATE: Dejan Lovren discussions

AC Milan are in talks to sign Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren.

Italian publication La Gazzetta claim Lovren’s representatives have arrived in Milan to discuss a potential deal.

Former Real Madrid striker Predrag Mijatovic is Lovren’s representative and was spotted arriving for talks.

Italian journalist Nicolo Schira tweeted: ““The #Milan insists on Dejan #Lovren for defense,” he tweeted. Contacts with the entourage of the Croatian central station leaving the #Liverpool.”

20:00 UPDATE: Neymar talks

Neymar’s return to Barcelona could be completed tomorrow!

Journalist Marcelo Bechler of Brazilian outlet Esporte Interativo says Neymar’s father and lawyer will touch down in Barcelona for talks with Barca’s South American director Andre Cury.

It’s said that a meeting will take place tomorrow and the player’s representatives are confident a deal can be struck.

Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona will use Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho as makeweights – however Esporte Interativo say PSG haven’t asked for either.

19:45 UPDATE: Done Deal – Adams signs

Southampton have completed the signing of Birmingham forward Che Adams for an undisclosed fee believed to be £15million.

The 22-year-old, who registered 22 Championship goals for Blues last season, has agreed a five-year contract with the Premier League club.

Adams scored 38 times in 123 appearances during his three-year stay at St Andrew’s after joining from Sheffield United in 2016.

Earlier on Monday, Southampton announced the sale of left-back Matt Targett to top-flight rivals Aston Villa and confirmed the permanent transfer of Danny Ings from Liverpool for £20million.

19:30 UPDATE: Nabil Fekir to Arsenal

Arsenal have been offered Lyon star Nabil Fekir.

That’s according to the Mirror, who claim Fekir is being offered for just £30million.

The French international nearly joined Liverpool last summer until the Champions League winners cancelled the deal over medical concerns.

Now, Unai Emery’s side could capitalise on the 25-year-old’s reported desire to leave Ligue 1.

19:15 UPDATE: Alexis Sanchez stance

Manchester United have been open to letting Alexis Sanchez go this transfer window despite his goalscoring form for Chile, reports say.

Sanchez has been in stunning form for Chile at the Copa America, helping his side reach the semi-finals of the competition.

Yet despite his form, the Manchester Evening News say that United have been open to offloading the forward for much of the summer.

But finding a buyer has proven tricky.

Sanchez is on gargantuan wages of £500,000-a-week at United and has been the club’s highest earner ever since arriving from Arsenal in January 2018.

19:00 UPDATE: Adrien Rabiot’s medical

Juventus are close to wrapping up the signing of Adrien Rabiot.

Rabiot’s contract with PSG expired on 30 June, leaving him free to sign for another club.

Sky Sports claim the 24-year-old has now touched down in Turin and will undergo a medical having already agreed personal terms.

He will become Juventus’ second free transfer signing of the summer, following Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

18:45 UPDATE: Done Deal – Mateu Morey signs

Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Barcelona talent Mateu Morey.

The teenage right-back, 19, has signed a five-year contract with the Bundesliga club after running down his deal at the Nou Camp.

“Borussia Dortmund are a fantastic club that places a lot of emphasis on youth. I’m confident that, with my individual qualities, I will have a lot to offer the club in the years to come,” Morey said.

“I want to integrate myself quickly, support my team and, above all, learn the language. Doing the latter will certainly make everything easier!”

18:30 UPDATE: Lautaro Martinez release clause

Barcelona are prepared to pay a mammoth fee for Inter Milan talent Lautaro Martinez.

The Argentine international arrived at the San Siro from Racing Club for £12million last summer – scoring nine goals in his debut season.

Now, Corriere dello Sport claim Catalan giants Barcelona are ready to make their move.

The report claims Ernesto Valverde’s side are ready to trigger Martinez’s £100m release clause.

It’s said Martinez’s strong relationship with superstar Lionel Messi could be a big factor in the potential swoop.

18:15 UPDATE: Wilfried Zaha update

Wilfried Zaha dreams of playing for Arsenal, according to his brother Judicael.

Sky Sports claim the Gunners have submitted an opening bid of £40million for the attacking winger.

And in response to the story – Zaha’s brother has spoken.

“Wilfried will always hold Crystal Palace and their fans in the highest regard and all the support they have given means the world to him,” Judicael told Sky Sports.

“It’s my brother’s dream though, to play for Arsenal.

“Given all that Wilfried has given to Crystal Palace to help them remain a Premier League club, I hope Palace will be able to see their way to agreeing a deal with Arsenal that allows Wilfried to realise his dream of playing European Football for the club he’s supported since childhood.”

18:00 UPDATE: Wilfried Zaha bid

Arsenal have submitted their opening bid for Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.

Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol claims Unai Emery’s side have launched an offer of £40million for the Ivory Coast international.

Recent reports claim Zaha, 26, has asked the Eagles to allow him to join Arsenal this summer.

However, with the recent £50million cash influx from the sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United, Palace are under no obligation to sell and value Zaha at £80m.

17:45 UPDATE: Done Deal – Chelsea sign Kovacic

Chelsea have signed Mateo Kovacic on a five-year deal from Real Madrid.

The midfielder initially moved to Stamford Bridge on loan last summer, helping the Blues to win the Europa League in May.

He has now completed a permanent move, with the Blues expected to appoint Frank Lampard as their new manager in the coming days.

Kovacic told the club’s official website: “I really enjoyed my season on loan with Chelsea, I feel comfortable at the club and like London and the Premier League very much. I am very happy to be able to join permanently.”

17:30 UPDATE: Antoine Griezmann deal

Barcelona are finalising a deal for Antoine Griezmann.

That’s according to ESPN FC, who claim an official announcement should be made at some point in the next seven days.

The Atletico Madrid forward’s release clause dropped to £107m (€120m) from £179m (€200m) on July 1 and Barcelona aren’t wasting any time getting the deal over the line.

The Catalan side are due back for pre-season training on July 14 – and ESPN FC claim president Josep Maria Bartomeu and Co want Griezmann’s arrival wrapped up.

17:15 UPDATE: Romelu Lukaku bid expected

Inter Milan will this week launch a bid for Manchester United’s £75million wantaway striker Romelu Lukaku.

Antonio Conte has made signing the Belgium international his number one priority and Inter are keen to make a statement by getting him his man.

Inter know this and will try to use it to their advantage but United are demanding a down payment of around £50m.

The Italian’s could also try to throw in striker Mauro Icardi as a makeweight as they are desperate to offload the controversial Argentinean hitman.

17:00 UPDATE: Eddie has big plans

Eddie Nketiah wants to stay at Arsenal and fight for a place in Unai Emery’s side next season.

The 20-year-old started just three games for the Gunners last season and made eight substitute appearances in the Premier League.

“My ideal scenario is to be playing here, I want to play here next season but we have got to see how that goes,” he told PA.

“I am confident enough in my ability that I am good enough to play here so I have just got to work hard and show the manager that I can.”

16:45 UPDATE: Bruno Fernandes latest

Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas is already thinking of life after Bruno Fernandes, with Manchester United circling.

Sporting reportedly want £62.2million (€70m) for the playmaker, who is contracted at Jose Alvalade Stadium until 2023.

Whether United are willing to meet that valuation remains to be seen but Sporting president Varandas is hoping Fernandes would be the most lucrative sale in the club’s history.

“It could be the most expensive sale of Sporting,” Varandas told Radio Observer. “The most expensive so far was João Mário, for €40m (£36m). There have been only talks for Bruno Fernandes, for now.”

16:30 UPDATE: Done Deal – Dawson signs

Watford have completed the signing of defender Craig Dawson from West Brom for an undisclosed fee.

Centre-back Dawson has agreed a four-year deal at Vicarage Road to become the Premier League club’s first summer signing.

The 29-year-old scored three times in 45 appearances in all competitions for the Baggies last season as they reached the Championship play-off semi-finals.

“The club wishes Craig and his family all the very best in the future,” read a statement on West Brom’s website.

16:15 UPDATE: Yacine Brahimi talks

Arsenal are in ‘advanced’ negotiations to sign Yacine Brahimi.

That’s according to La Gazzette du Fennec, who claim the 29-year-old could soon bolster Unai Emery’s attacking options.

The winger is available on a free transfer after allowing his contract to expire with Porto.

Brahimi scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in 49 appearances last season – but there could be a stumbling block ahead with the Algeria international requesting a £3.5million signing-on fee.

The report adds that an official announcement could happen after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

16:00 UPDATE: Marcus Rashford signs

Marcus Rashford has put talk of a potential move to Barcelona to bed by signing a new four-year contract at Manchester United believed to be worth £250,000 per-week.

The 21-year-old England forward is now committed to the Old Trafford outfit until 2023 with the option of a further year.

The news, announced by the club on Monday, continues United’s positive summer after the recent signings of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

“Manchester United has been everything in my life since I arrived here at the age of seven,” Rashford said. “This club has shaped me, both as a player and as a person, so it is such a privilege every time I get the opportunity to wear the shirt.”

15:45 UPDATE: Done deal – Grujic signs

Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic has rejoined Hertha Berlin on loan for a second successive season.

The 23-year-old, who signed for the Reds in January 2016 for £5.1million, made 23 appearances for the Bundesliga club, scoring five goals.

Outgoing Hertha head coach Pal Dardai was so impressed he described the Serbia international as the club’s best midfielder in 20 years.

PA understands Liverpool will receive a £2million loan fee plus £500,000 in potential bonuses, with the German side paying Grujic’s wages.

15:30 UPDATE: Sign N’Golo Kante!

Manchester United should sign Chelsea star N’Golo Kante.

That’s according to Mark Bosnich, who wants the energetic midfielder to partner Paul Pogba at Old Trafford.

“I think what they’ve got to do is look at where Pogba has been most successful, at Juventus and at the World Cup, and who was playing with him? Well, at the World Cup it was N’Golo Kante and Blaise Matuidi,” Bosnich told talkSPORT.

“So, if you’re looking for players, either look to bring those two in with him, or players of that ilk to play alongside him and bring the very best out of him.”

15:15 UPDATE: Wissam Ben Yedder agreement

Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Sevilla star Wissam Ben Yedder, reports say.

The forward has found himself on the Red Devils’ radar amid uncertainty over the future of Romelu Lukaku.

And La Colina de Nervion, who report on stories about Sevilla, claim the Red Devils have everything agreed with Ben Yedder.

It’s claimed Ben Yedder could even arrive at the club regardless of what happens with Lukaku.

The player has a relatively low release clause of just £35m.