Transfer news LIVE: Erling Haaland updates, Wilshere denied Como switch, Saul Niguez first Chelsea training session
DEADLINE DAY did not disappoint as clubs scrambled to get last minute deals over the line.
In one of the signings of the summer, Saul Niguez is heading to Chelsea on loan after the Blues swooped for their man late in the evening.
But Atleti fans were appeased by the arrival of former favourite Antoine Griezmann, who joins from Barcelona with an obligation to buy.
Luuk De Jong was his replacement at the Nou Camp, while PSG sensationally turned down a mammoth bid from Real Madrid for Kylian Mbappe.
Tottenham were busy, bringing in Emerson Royal while Odsonne Edouard is a Premier League player after completing his move from Celtic to Crystal Palace.
Follow all of the latest transfer updates and Deadline Day reaction below...
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TOON SET TO BE RON'S SECOND UTD DEBUT
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his second Manchester United debut against Newcastle after he completed a sensational return.
The Portuguese legend - who left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in 2009 - has re-joined United after a whirlwind 24 hours.
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri only today confirmed Ronaldo wanted to leave after three years, having joined from Madrid.
And after Premier League champions City pulled out of the race, it gave United a clear sight to re-sign the club legend.
They soon made contact with the player and Juve and quickly agreed a transfer fee and personal terms.
Ronaldo, 36, with his agent Jorge Mendes flew into Lisbon where he was due to undergo a medical.
According to Sky Sports News, the forward is most likely to be given an emotional welcome back to Old Trafford on September 11.
United host Newcastle in the league, a team Ronaldo has NEVER lost to in ten matches, which includes nine wins.
VARANE JOY AT RON REUNION
New Manchester United defender Raphael Varane paraded snaps of his Real Madrid glory days with Cristiano Ronaldo as he prepares for his second spell with the legend.
Varane was with Real for the past decade - meaning seven years at the Nou Camp with Ron, who left for Juventus in 2018.
KEANE TO SEE RON BACK
Roy Keane posted a throwback Manchester United pic of himself with a curly-haired Cristiano Ronaldo as he too saluted the legend re-signing.
SPURS COMPLETE SARR DEAL
Tottenham have completed the signing of Metz midfielder Pape Matar Sarr.
The 18-year-old is believed to have penned a long-term deal - although Spurs have yet to confirm it’s length - after sealing his £13m move.
However, supporters will have to wait at least 12 months for a glimpse of him at the Tottenham Stadium.
The club also announced that the teen will remain in Metz on-loan for the rest of this season.
A Spurs statement said: “We are delighted to announce the signing of Pape Matar Sarr from Metz.
“The Senegalese international will remain on loan at Metz in Ligue 1 for the rest of the 2021/22 season.
“Still just 18, Pape joined Metz from the Generation Foot Academy in Senegal in September, 2020.
“He made his debut against Brest in Ligue 1 in November and went on to make 25 appearances in 2020/21, 22 in Ligue 1, three in the Coupe de France, scoring four times.”
'BIGGEST TRANSFER IN HISTORY'
Patrice Evra appeared to suggest he knew all along that former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo would be back at Old Trafford.
Ex-France left-back Evra posted an exchange he had with Ronaldo alongside another social media message saying: "People have to calm down sometimes!!
"Now I can post it. BIGGEST TRANSFER IN FOOTBALL HISTORY."
HARRY HAILS RON RETURN
Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire kept it short and sweet as he applauded Cristiano Ronaldo's return on social media.
The England centre-back posted: "Welcome home Cristiano."
BRUNO WHO DID IT!
Mischievous Bruno Fernandes welcomed Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford with a cheeky tweet taking the credit for his Portugal team-mate's return from Juventus.
Midfield maestro Fernandes posted: 'Agent Bruno'? Welcome back home Cristiano."
RED DEVILS MORE SCARY WITH RON
Jadon Sancho seems to be predicting plenty of fright nights for Manchester United's Prem rivals now that Cristiano Ronaldo is back.
The England attacker posted an impressive montage of Ron in his 2003-09 United pomp with the words: "SCARY HOURS!"
RON 5/1 FOR GOLDEN BOOT
Manchester United's returning hero Cristiano Ronaldo has been named 5/1 fourth favourite to win the Golden Boot as this season's top Premier league scorer.
Ladbrokes' Alex Apati said: "CR7 is back for one last dance, and it'll come as no surprise to see him priced so short for this year's Golden Boot in the Prem."
OLE'S PROPHETIC WORDS EARLIER TODAY
Here's how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave a less than subtle hint today he was determined to clinch the resigning of Cristiano Ronaldo - which United confirmed at around 5pm.
He stated: "I didn't think Cristiano was going to leave Juventus. But if ever he is going to move away from Juventus he knows we are here.
"We've always had a good communication, Bruno [Fernandes] has been talking to him as well. He knows how we feel about him.
"He is a legend of this club, the greatest players of all time if you ask me. So let’s see what happens with him."
I'M SOL HAPPY YOU'RE BACK
Just hours after labelling Cristiano Ronaldo the greatest player in history, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has turned back time to sign his former Manchester United team-mate.
Premier League champions and neighbours Manchester City pulled out of the running for the Juventus frontman earlier this afternoon.
And instead the 36-year-old will again step out at Old Trafford, where he burst into the world elite from 2003-09.
CRISTIANO'S £25m A YEAR UTD DEAL
Legend Cristiano Ronaldo's mega-money wages for his Manchester United return have already been revealed.
The Juventus superstar will pick up £25MILLION A YEAR - which works out at £480k a week plus add-ons.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano laid the figures bare.
FANS' MIXED REACTION TO 'KING RON' RETURN
Amazement seems the main instant reaction on social media to Cristiano Ronaldo rejoining Manchester United.
One supporter tweeted "the king is back" and another claimed his return will inspire United to title glory.
But others suggested United don't need the 36-year-old.
Here's a quick snapshot of opinions:
DANCING IN THE STREETS?
Here's how Sky Sports announced the Red Devils recapturing Ronaldo.
UTD 'DELIGHT' AT RON RETURN
Manchester United jave just confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo's sensational return from Juventus - "subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical".
Here's the club's statement:
"Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical.
"Cristiano, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has so far won over 30 major trophies during his career, including five UEFA Champions League titles, four FIFA Club World Cups, seven league titles in England, Spain and Italy, and the European Championship for his native Portugal."
UTD SIGN RONALDO
BREAKING NEWS: Manchester United have confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo’s return.
DALOT DORTMUND DEAL NOW UNLIKELY
Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot’s loan move to Borussia Dortmund now seems off.
United only want to let him go if the Germans have an obligation to later buy him
RON DEAL ‘IMMINENT’
Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock return to Manchester United is reportedly about to be announced any minute.
We’ll have all the details – just hours after neighbours City pulled out of the running for the Juventus superstar.
RONAL-GO
Cristiano Ronaldo is on the brink of a sensational return to Manchester United.
The 36-year-old was available at 20/1 to rejoin the Red Devils last week and 6/1 on Friday morning. But those odds have now plummeted to 1/12 after some frenetic activity in the betting market.
City were considered frontrunners for his signature after missing out on Tottenham talisman Harry Kane.
But reports suggest the Premier League champions are now completely out of the running at odds of 33/1.
Cristiano Ronaldo next club - Sky Bet odds
Manchester United - 1/12 - Was 20/1
Paris Saint-Germain - 18/1
Juventus - 22/1
Manchester City - 33/1HOME RON - LATEST
Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of a shock return to Manchester United after a £21.4million bid was launched for the Juventus star.
Premier League champions Manchester City have pulled out of the running despite being tipped to sign the wantaway striker.
The Athletic state that Ronaldo‘s camp are in advanced talks with United over a deal, with a two-year contract mooted. Goal say it's a done deal.
A medical in Lisbon is planned, as reported by the Mail.
And Sir Alex Ferguson has even thrown his weight behind the deal by contacting the player personally on Friday morning, according to MEN.
The forward, 36, said his goodbyes to his Juventus colleagues after informing coach Massimiliano Allegri of his decision to leave.
Allegri confirmed to reporters: “Yesterday Cristiano told me that he has no intention of continuing at Juventus. I am absolutely not disappointed. He has made his choice.”
'DONE DEAL'
Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United is reportedly a done deal!
That is according to Goal's Juventus correspondent Romeo Agresti.
Man City pulled out earlier today and a Red Devils return has now reportedly been sealed for the 36-year-old.
...
"My story at Real Madrid has been written. It’s been recorded. In words and numbers, in trophies and titles, in records and in headlines. It’s in the Museum at the Bernabeu Stadium and it’s also in the minds of every fan of the club.
"And beyond what I achieved, I remember that in those nine years I had a relationship of deep affection and respect for 'merengue afición', an affection and respect that I retain to this day, and that I will always cherish.
"I know that the true Real Madrid fans will continue to have me in their hearts, and I will have them in mine.
"As well as this most recent episode in Spain, there have been frequent news and stories associating me with a number of clubs in many different leagues, with nobody ever being concerned about trying to find out the actual truth.
"I’m breaking my silence now to say that I can’t allow people to keep playing around with my name.
"I remain focused on my career and in my work, committed and prepared for all the challenges that I have to face. Everything else? Everything else is just talk."
CHANGE OF HEART
Cristiano Ronaldo posted this on Instagram just ten days ago.
But with a move to Manchester United reportedly on the cards, it appears the Portuguese superstar has had a change of heart.
He wrote: "Anyone who knows me is aware of how focused I am on my work.
"Less talk and more action, this has been my guiding motto since the start of my career.
"However, in view of everything that’s been said and written recently, I have to set out my position.
"More than the disrespect for me as a man and as a player, the frivolous way that my future is covered in the media is disrespectful to all the clubs involved in these rumours, as well as to their players and staff....
BACK RON
Manchester United have offered Cristiano Ronaldo a contract after he held talks with former boss and 'father figure' Sir Alex Ferguson, according to reports.
The Red Devils’ hierarchy have made a late bid to hijack that move, which led to City ending their pursuit for the star forward, and thus an epic return to Old Trafford is very much on the cards.
According to Manchester Evening News, Ferguson reached out to the Portugal international on Friday when it seemed like he will be moving to the Etihad.
And it seems like the legendary coach convinced him to snub the Citizens and consider a long-awaited homecoming. United‘s board is now reportedly trying to bring the 36-year-old back and have even drawn up a contract.
Ronaldo and Ferguson go way back as the 79-year-old Scot was the one that signed the Portuguese superstar back in 2003 from Sporting Lisbon.
The pair went on to win a total of three Premier League titles, one FA Cup as well as the 2008 Champions League.
BREAKING!
Manchester United have launched an official bid to sensationally re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo with a medical targeted in Lisbon.
The Old Trafford legend informed current club Juventus of his desire to leave after three years in Italy.
Initially, his agent held talks with City over a possible move but the Premier League champions ruled themselves out without making an offer.
Attention then soon shifted to United after their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - Ronaldo's former team-mate - opened the door for a transfer.
And according to Fabrizio Romano, Juve have received an offer from United, who are ready to find an agreement.
With Ronaldo hoping to resolve his future immediately, a medical is already planned for Lisbon, the Daily Mail report.