Transfer news LIVE: Barcelona ANNOUNCE Kounde, Paqueta to choose Spurs over Arsenal, Everton in Gueye return talks,
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BARCELONA have officially announced the signing of Jules Kounde at the expense of Chelsea.
Elsewhere, Lucas Paqueta is claimed to favour a move to Tottenham over Arsenal, according to reports.
This comes despite Gunners sporting director Edu admitting his admiration of his fellow Brazilian last week.
Meanwhile, Everton are in preliminary talks with Paris Saint-Germain over bringing former midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye back to the club.
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More on Ronaldo's Lisbon return
Super-agent Jorge Mendes is eager to get his client out of The Theatre of Dreams and has held preliminary talks with Sporting over a shock return to the club.
That's according to , who claim the Primeira Liga side are interested in signing their former star - who they sold to United 19 years ago - on a one-year loan deal.
It is, however, claimed that Sporting chief Ruben Amorim isn't sold on the idea as signing Ronaldo would drastically "change the dynamic" of the team.
The astronomical wages of the former Real Madrid man are also said to be a potential stumbling block for the deal.
SunSport understands Ronaldo's camp have urged Manchester United to name their price so the superstar can trigger a move.
They are claiming they have a live offer on the table.
Milan after Ziyech too
Stefano Pioli is keen to build on his thriving young squad after they claimed the club's first Serie A title in 11 years last season.
And Bailly is not the only Premier League player they are looking to sign.
Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech is another star plying his trade in England that Milan are keen to reach a deal for.
Ziyech, 29, is available to leave Stamford Bridge following the signing of Raheem Sterling.
Milan want the Moroccan but so far their efforts to sign him have failed as Chelsea were not keen on their loan offer.
But a deal could progress with the Blues dropping their asking price to £8.4million - £24.6m less than they signed him for in 2020.
The two clubs are said to have held talks this week after previous negotiations failed.
AC Milan in race for Bailly
AC Milan have reportedly joined the race to sign Manchester United defender Eric Bailly.
The 28-year-old's chances of game time in the upcoming season were dealt another blow following the arrival of Lisandro Martinez at Old Trafford.
As a result, the Ivory Coast international has been linked with a move away this summer.
Roma are thought to be interested in acquiring his services, with manager Jose Mourinho the man who brought Bailly to Man Utd back in 2016.
But according to , they have now been joined in their pursuit of the defender by fellow Italian side AC Milan.
Sporting 'begin Ronaldo loan transfer talks'
Sporting Lisbon are in talks with Manchester United about signing Cristiano Ronaldo on a season-loan loan.
Ronaldo reiterated his desire to leave the club during meetings at Carrington this week, according to the Athletic.
Initial talks are taking place.
Toad in the goal
A Yorkshire North Riding League Premier division team has taken a battering before the season even starts with the delivery of toad-in-the-hole themed kit.
Non-league Bedale AFC will rise to the occasion in shirts and shorts displaying the classic British dish.
The sausage-and-batter-print outfits are complemented with green socks.
To make matters worse, the goalkeeper’s strip is modelled on a side order of mixed veg.
Overnight round-up
Cristiano Ronaldo upped up his plea for Manchester United to sell him and Bernardo Silva could follow Jules Kounde to Barcelona.
You surely can't end the week with three much bigger transfer lines than that!
Legend Ronaldo, 37, told United to name their price so he can accept a rival club's offer.
And Barca beat Chelsea to the Blues' main target, Sevilla centre-back Kounde.
It's also claimed Manchester City have made a sensational U-turn by offering playmaker Silva to Barca for £67million.
Bayern Munich might join the Red Devils and Chelsea in the hunt for Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic would reportedly choose United over other Prem admirers like Arsenal.
And the Gunners are tipped to offload several players this transfer window.
AC Milan and Roma have been linked with Old Trafford centre-back Eric Bailly.
And Marseille are said to be in advanced talks to sign ex-Arsenal and United striker Alexis Sanchez.
City shock as 'Silva is offered to Barca'
Manchester City have reportedly offered Bernardo Silva to Barcelona for £67million.
That’s despite issuing a hands-off warning to the Spanish giants just 10 days ago.
Silva, 27, was strongly linked with a City exit last summer.
And despite being one of their best players, the Portugal international continues to be tipped for a move.
Paris Saint-Germain are thought to be interested.
But Barcelona have made no secret of their desire to make Silva their next statement signing.
Ron: Let me go - I have an offer
EXCLUSIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Manchester United to name their price so he can trigger a move that is already on the table, writes NEIL CUSTIS.
Superstar Ron and his agent, Jorge Mendes, held showdown talks with the Old Trafford hierarchy this week in a bid to resolve his future.
Mendes told United chiefs he had a live offer but the club must slap a transfer fee on his head to get the deal done.
United refused and said they were not letting Ronaldo go.
The Red Devils also balked at the suggestion they should simply release him on a free transfer because of what was described as his “loyalty” to the club.
Ronaldo has a year left of his current deal but United have the option to extend that by another 12 months.
And with United’s Premier League opener at home to Brighton just nine days away, both sides are at an impasse.
Barca: Jules deal agreed ‘in principle’
Buoyant Barcelona released a statement saying a deal has been agreed in principle for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.
The Spanish giants added that the medical and signing of contracts will be the final steps.
And as Chelsea rued missing out on their main defensive target, Barca explained his qualities.
Their statement read: “Jules Kounde is known for being a very fast defender, quick to intercept, and being good on the ball.
“The French centre back, who can also play as a full back, is very difficult to beat one-on-one and is comfortable defending high up the pitch, as he trusts his recovery pace to get back.
“Kounde also likes playing out from the back and threatening his rivals though slide rule passes or by carrying the ball.
“He never thinks twice about leaving his position at the back to join in the attack by breaking the lines with the ball at his feet.”
Gunners tipped to offload several fringe players
Arsenal could make a sixth summer signing - but offload several players by September 1.
The Gunners are still tipped to target a right-winger.
And it's claimed left-sided Ainsley Maitland-Niles is one of the fringe stars vulnerable to departing before the transfer window closes.
Kimpembe still rated an option
PSG's Presnel Kimpembe is still on Chelsea's radar, reports say.
Another France centre-back, Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard, is on that wish-list after Sevilla star Jules Kounde snubbed the Blues for Barcelona.
And it appears Stamford Bridge chief Thomas Tuchel has a handful of names in mind.
'Utd want new striker'
Erik ten Hag wants a new striker - possibly even if Cristiano Ronaldo stays.
That's Fabrizio Romano's claim as Manchester United chiefs try to keep wantaway legend Ronaldo.
It's thought new manager Ten Hag would like a goal-getter for the future, regardless of 37-year-old Ron's future.
Transfer guru Romano said: “Ten Hag and the board are deciding together, they are waiting for Ronaldo’s situation, but they want to sign a striker.”
Tuchel ‘blocked Cristiano deal’
Cristiano Ronaldo was set for a move to Chelsea this summer – only for Thomas Tuchel to block the transfer.
According to Spanish journalist , the Portuguese legend had agreed in principle to join the Londoners.
The proposal came after new Blues owner Todd Boehly was spotted meeting with agent Jorge Mendes last month.
However, Tuchel soon expressed his concerns with the prospective deal – and the club instead turned to Raheem Sterling.
Ronaldo is desperate to leave Manchester United in order to continue playing in the Champions League, but is yet to receive any concrete offers.
Pavard 'on Chelsea wish-list for centre-back'
Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard is on Chelsea's wish-list of centre-backs after Sevilla's Jules Kounde joined Barcelona.
That's according to as Pavard's position has been weakened by Bayern signing Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus.
Frace star Pavard, 26, said only "I don't know, honestly" when asked about his future after Manchester City's 1-0 win over the German champions in Wisconsin last Sunday.
But football journalist suggests Pavard has worked his way up the list of options for Chelsea.
Arsenal 'have Youri agreement'
The Youri Tielemans transfer saga took another twist tonight with claims Arsenal have "broadly agreed" personal terms with the Leicester midfielder.
The Belgium superstar has also been linked to Manchester United ahead of the final year of his Foxes' contract.
And CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs told : “As Leicester have said and as I’ve said repeatedly, Arsenal have never made an offer for Youri Tielemans.
“What they have done is gone to the player and agreed personal terms, broadly speaking.
"What they do know is that Tielemans would like to move to Arsenal.”
Marseille ‘in advanced talks over Sanchez’
Marseille have entered advanced talks to complete a shock transfer for ex-Arsenal and Manchester United striker Alexis Sanchez, according to reports.
Chile superstar Sanchez is currently contracted to Inter Milan, but finds himself down the pecking order for minutes.
The 33-year-old is approaching the twilight of his career, but wants to carry on playing football for a Champions League team.
Ligue 1 side Marseille have entered the fold in this regard, able to offer significant minutes to a player of Sanchez’s quality and provide Champions League football courtesy of a top four finish in Ligue 1.
Talks between the two parties are said to be at an ‘advanced’ stage but a deal will ultimately only be possible if Sanchez RIPS UP his contract with Inter Milan, according to .
He played 1,273 minutes at Inter last season, contributing with 14 goals with a high proportion of his games starting from the bench.
Blues 'fight to keep Broja'
Chelsea are refusing to sell Armando Broja after rejecting West Ham's £30 million bid, according to reports.
The Albanian international is a man in demand after impressing at Southampton last season.
But the Blues have so far appeared unwilling to let him go despite the Hammers repeatedly making their interest known.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel does not want to let him go.
: "Chelsea, still not accepting any official bid for Armando Broja as of now.
"Tuchel insists in keeping the player, not happy with potential permanent transfer - after West Ham's £30m proposal rejected 10 days ago. More talks on Chelsea side will take place soon."
Despite the manager's insistence that he stays, it is still not clear how much game time Broja would get if he were to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Despite Romelu Lukaku returning to Inter on a loan deal, the likes of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz are still believe to be ahead of the 20-year-old. West Ham lead the chase for Broja, with West Ham and Southampton amongst the other Prem clubs reportedly interested.
'Milan and Roma keen on Bailly'
AC Milan and Roma are reportedly interested in Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly.
say Milan are keen on recruiting a new defender, while Roma chief Jose Mourinho is a fan of the Ivorian.
Lisandro Martinez's arrival at Old Trafford from Ajax could relegate Bailly as low as fifth-choice in manager Erik ten Hag's pecking order.
So he might well be happy with a move to another elite club.
Hunt for De Jong widens
Bayern Munich could yet join Manchester United and Chelsea in pursuing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
But expect the stand-off between the Holland star and Barcato be resolved in the next few days days.
The Spanish publication believe that an agreement regarding the £17m that is owed to the player in deferred wages is near.
A positive outcome is likely to trigger De Jong’s transfer away from the Nou Camp.
Manchester United are in pole position to take advantage, but Chelsea are also in the mix if Barca consider lowering their valuation.
And the media outlet reckons that Bayern should not be ruled out of the running with the suggestion being that the Bundesliga champions could make a late bid for the 25-year-old.
'Cesar still in Barca talks'
Cesar Azpilicueta is still in talks with Barcelona as his transfer saga continues.
There has been no official agreement between Chelsea and Barca, but Nou Camp boss Xavi is not backing down.
It is thought that Thomas Tuchel would like to keep Azpilicueta at Stamford Bridge.
But according to journalist , Xavi remains dead set on landing his compatriot.
A report by Spanish news outlet stated: 'Xavi has promised the international that he is not going to let him down and that the Kounde operation is independent of his.'
Barcelona's pursuit of Azpilicueta has been halted by the signing of Jules Kounde, who Chelsea were originally hoping to nab before the La Liga side snatched him from under their nose.
Barca have been a serious obstacle to the Blues' transfer plans this summer, having also stolen Raphinha from their grasp. In addition, the Catalan side have taken defender Andreas Christensen from the Bridge.
Prem target Sergej 'prefers Man Utd to Arsenal'
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has reportedly told his agent he'd prefer to join Manchester United over Arsenal .
The Lazio midfielder is admired by a string of Premier League giants.
It's claimed the Gunners were considering launching a bid - just as United were again linked with the Serbia star.
But tonight it appears Old Trafford is his top choice if he moves to the Prem.
Delay, big spender
West Ham boss David Moyes has warned the Premier League’s “sexy” spenders not to get too excited yet.
Manchester City signed Erling Haaland and Liverpool recruited Darwin Nunez as top-flight clubs bring in more overseas talent.
In contrast, the Hammers have made low-key additions in French keeper Alphonse Areola arriving permanently after his loan, defender Nayef Aguerd, midfielder Flynn Downes and forward Gianluca Scamacca.
The Hammers welcome Haaland and City to the London Stadium on the opening weekend of the Prem campaign.
Yet Moyes said: “There are loads of good players coming into the Premier League, and it would be wrong to name people now because you think they sound quite sexy.
“We have had so many sexy players come into the Premier League over the years. Some have been great, and there have been a lot who have been pretty disappointing.
“So, there is no point me saying something now because it might be wrong. There is just no certainty in football. But, we have certainly got a lot of really, really good teams and good players at the moment.”
Barca: Jules deal agreed ‘in principle’
Buoyant Barcelona released a statement saying a deal has been agreed in principle for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.
The Spanish giants added that the medical and signing of contracts will be the final steps.
And as Chelsea rued missing out on their main defensive target, Barca explained his qualities.
Their statement read: “Jules Kounde is known for being a very fast defender, quick to intercept, and being good on the ball.
“The French centre back, who can also play as a full back, is very difficult to beat one-on-one and is comfortable defending high up the pitch, as he trusts his recovery pace to get back.
“Kounde also likes playing out from the back and threatening his rivals though slide rule passes or by carrying the ball.
“He never thinks twice about leaving his position at the back to join in the attack by breaking the lines with the ball at his feet.”
Kounde’s Nou deal CONFIRMED
Chelsea have been dealt a blow over their pursuit of Jules Kounde as Barcelona announce that a deal has been struck for the Sevilla defender, writes KIRO EVANS.
It appears that the medical and paperwork is the only hurdle between the centre-back officially being unveiled as a Barcelona player.
It will bring to an end a long chase from the London club to land the centre-back.
They have been locked in battle with Barcelona for weeks and it one stage it appeared that Thomas Tuchel’s side had gotten the job done.
But an announcement and tweet this evening from the Catalan club have made clear that Kounde is edging closer to the Nou Camp.