Transfer news LIVE: Bernardo Silva close to Barcelona move, Chelsea and Man Utd Sesko battle, Cristiano Ronaldo latest | The Sun
BARCELONA are reportedly close to signing Bernardo Silva from Man City.
Following the sale of a percentage of their TV rights, Barca are now said to be in a position to recruit the Portugal ace.
Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly still pushing for his man to leave Manchester United this summer.
And Man Utd and Chelsea have both met with Benjamin Sesko's agent as they look to complete a deal for the RB Salzburg star.
- Get all the latest transfer news from Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea with our live blogs
PLAY DREAM TEAM NOW FOR FREE WITH £100k IN PRIZE MONEY
Follow ALL of the latest transfer news and gossip below…
- Kostas Lianos
City and Reds debate
Former Manchester City ace Richard Dunne and ex-Liverpool star Glen Johnson debated which of the two teams has had the best summer transfer window.
They also argued about each team's front three, with City sporting the likes of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Julian Alvarez, Riyad Mahrez and of course Erling Haaland in their attack.
The Reds, on the other hand, have the likes of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino and of course Darwin Nunez.
Dunne told Betway: "So three top players already [Foden, Grealish & Mahrez].
"And then you add in Erling Haaland, he's got 135 goals in his last 138 games, or something stupid like that since he's gone to [Red Bull] Salzburg."
He added: "I don't think Nunez is going to have the same impact as Haaland so I'm gonna go for City."
Johnson retorted: "I just think if Nunez can get it right with the other two, I think that three will be more dynamic than the others until Haaland performs"
- Kostas Lianos
Man Utd monitor Vardy
Manchester United are "monitoring" Jamie Vardy's situation at Leicester as Cristiano Ronaldo's future remains uncertain.
According to 90min, a number of clubs are keeping tabs on Vardy, including United and Chelsea.
The striker has one year left on his current deal with the Foxes,
The 35-year-old has yet to holds talks with Leicester over a new deal
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
Jorge Mendes push
Cristiano Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes is still trying to engineer a transfer for the Manchester United superstar.
Several clubs have been linked with a move for Ronaldo and Mendes is still on the lookout for a potential suitor, according to the Daily Mail.
The super agent will reportedly do "everything he can" to push through a move with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner desperate to play Champions League football.
SunSport exclusively revealed last week that the Portuguese rep has a deal in place if the Red Devils give him a figure to trigger a move.
The Manchester giants remain insistent that th 37-year-old is not for sale as he is contracted to the club until 2023
- Kostas Lianos
Onana transfer agreement
West Ham have finally agreed a £35million fee with Lille for Amadou Onana, reports SunSport's Jordan Davies.
But the Hammers are still way off agreeing personal terms with Onana.
The East Londoners have had two bids rejected already this summer for the midfielder as manager David Moyes attempts to strengthen in the middle of the park.
West Ham have sought to act quickly to nab the Belgium international with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle also interested.
And after several frustrating weeks, Moyes side have made progress having agreed a price of £30m plus add-ons with hard-bargain negotiators Lille
- Kostas Lianos
Josko Gvardiol reminder
Manchester City have joined the race to sign RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol,.
According to Bild, City have already tabled a £66million bid for Gvardiol.
The reigning Premier League champions had been interested in signing the 20-year-old for a long time before committing to a bid.
However, Leipzig have reportedly knocked back the offer with no intention of selling the Croatia international
Credit: Getty - Justin Lawrence
Con the move
Forest Green Rovers are pushing to sign Connor Wickham on a free transfer, according to reports.
According to Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath, Forest Green have identified Wickham as a top transfer target.
Club chiefs have reportedly been in talks with the 29-year-old's representatives to discuss the possibility of a deal.
Wickham became a free agent when he was released by MK Dons at the end of last season.
If he were to join Forest Green before the transfer window closes, it would mark the eighth move of his career.
- Justin Lawrence
Everton face striker hunt
Everton are reportedly on the lookout for a striker after Dominic Calvert-Lewin picked up an injury just days before the start of the new season.
The forward missed training today after picking up a knock in yesterday's session.
It's unknown how severe the injury to Calvert-Lewin is, but with Everton hosting Chelsea on Saturday he could miss the season opener.
Toffees boss Frank Lampard now faces the prospect of going into the game without a striker.
- Justin Lawrence
Bournemouth eye Barcelona keeper
Bournemouth are preparing a move for back-up Barcelona keeper Neto with Scott Parker keen to add experience at the back, according to reports.
The newly-promoted side have made little dent in the transfer window so far despite a gruelling Premier League season ahead.
But they could be about to change that with a move for Barcelona's no.2 goalkeeper.
Neto plays second fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen at the Nou Camp and the Mail report he is attracting the interest of the Cherries.
The report says that Scott Parker wants to add some experience in between the sticks ahead of what will likely be a challenging year for the club in the top-flight.
- Justin Lawrence
Maddison urged to leave
Leicester City ace James Maddison has been urged to leave the Foxes for Newcastle by Danny Mills.
He said on talkSPORT: "It’s a step forward. You’ve got to look at where the two clubs are going.
“If you’re going to go off where they finished last year, okay, that’s the only argument that you have.
“But Newcastle is a club on an upward trajectory.”
- Justin Lawrence
Barcelona 'held to ransom'
Barcelona are being held to "ransom" by Martin Braithwaite who is refusing to rip up his contract, according to reports
It appears Braithwaite and Barca are now at a stand-off over his contract situation.
Sport report that with no buyers for the 31-year-old, the club's hierarchy were hoping to rip up his contract.
This would allow him to leave on a free contract and Barcelona were hoping to reach a compromise on the salary he would be due after rescinding his deal.
But Braithwaite is reportedly insisting he be paid the full amount, with Praiz Sport labelling the situation a "ransom".
- Justin Lawrence
Barcelona close in on Silva
Bernardo Silva is closing in on a transfer to Barcelona, according to reports.
The Manchester City star, 27, has been linked with a move to the Spanish giants for some time but the club's finances have held up the deal.
However, Barca have pulled another "economic lever" by securing a third loan against their future income.
According to Catalan newspaper Sport, the loans, which have partly come from selling the club;s TV rights, have enabled the club to bring in a chunk of badly needed capital this summer.
Sport's report also indicates personal terms are no issue between their camp and Silva's.
- Justin Lawrence
Rice praises Liverpool ace Thiago
Declan Rice has named Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara as one of the most difficult players he's ever come up against.
While appearing on the Tubes and Ange Golf Life YouTube channel, Rice said: "I played against Thiago for Liverpool last season.
"He’s just so silky. He just plays the game at his own pace. He was proper."
- Justin Lawrence
Messi sends Suarez cheeky message
Lionel Messi couldn't resist taking a dig at old pal Luis Suarez upon his move to Nacional.
Messi told Suarez: "Hello fatty, well you’re already there so I can’t give you a big hug, I wish you all the best in this new stage of yours.
“I know how important it is for you to be there at Nacional, to return to your home, to return to your country after so long, to prepare for a World Cup, which is very close.
“Now I am going to have to watch Nacional from here, even though us Newell’s Old Boys don’t have good memories with Nacional.
“You know that I will do anything for you, and I love you very much.
“Well, as I told you, I wish you the best, I love you very much and I hope to see you very soon. I send you a big hug.”
- Justin Lawrence
Depay in contract termination talks
Lawyers representing Memphis Depay are in negotiations with the club over terminating his contract, according to reports.
The Dutch attacker has been told by Barca boss Xavi that he is surplus to requirements and can leave.
Depay, 28, could have his deal at the LaLiga giants cut short making him a free agent.
To pay-off his current contract it would reportedly cost £16million, claims journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Barca are unwilling to spend that much on getting rid of him so Depay's lawyers are trying to work on an agreement.
The ex-Lyon and Manchester United man accepts he is being forced out and wants an immediate exit from the Nou Camp but speculation suggests he is only keen on a move to another top team.
- Justin Lawrence
West Ham agree Onana fee
West Ham have finally agreed a £35m fee with Lille for Amadou Onana, JORDAN DAVIES WRITES.
But the Hammers are still way off agreeing personal terms for the 20-year-old midfielder.
The east London club have had TWO bids rejected already this summer for Onana as boss David Moyes attempts to bolster his midfield.
West Ham have sought to act quickly to nab the Senegal-born Belgium international with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle also interested.
And after several frustrating weeks, West Ham have made progress having agreed a price of £30m plus add-ons with hard-bargain negotiators Lille.
- Justin Lawrence
City join hunt for Gvardiol
Man City have joined the race to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, according to reports.
According to German outlet Bild, they have already bid £66m for Gvardiol.
The club had been interested in signing the 20-year-old Croatia international for a long time before committing to a bid.
However, RB Leipzig have reportedly knocked back the offer with no intention of selling him.
- Justin Lawrence
Man City target versatile starlet
Man City are reportedly targeting Anderlecht's Sergio Gomez and are hoping to recruit the 21-year-old to their development squad.
The Premier League champions are believed to have scouted him extensively and view him as a player with much potential.
The Athletic report that while the club are keen on him, their interest is not related to their ongoing pursuit for a first-team left back.
Gomez would join the development team while City would continue to pursue an experienced defender.
- Justin Lawrence
Napoli 'won't sign African players'
Napoli will not be signing any more African players unless they sign an agreement not to participate in the AFCON tournament.
That's if president Aurelio De Laurentiis sticks to his word.
Laurentiis made the shocking admission to Football Italia, saying: "I told them lads, don’t talk to me about Africans anymore!
“I love them, but either they sign something confirming they’ll back out of playing the Africa Cup of Nations, or otherwise between that tournament, the World Cup qualifiers in South America, these players are never available!
“We are the idiots who pay salaries only to send them all over the world playing for others.”
- Justin Lawrence
Maddison's future options discussed
Newcastle could miss out on Leicester star James Maddison to Chelsea who can offer him Champions League football.
That's the view of Danny Murphy who made the claim whilst discussing Maddison's future.
He said on talkSPORT: "It depends how quickly they try to transform the club and how quickly they get forward. At the moment, Leicester and Newcastle, you would say Leicester are arguably better.
“But Newcastle will quickly overtake them. I know he’s earning a lot of money at Leicester, but I would be tempted to the project.
“If someone like Chelsea were to come in, then I would rather go to a ready-made team. Is he good enough? Yes. He has all the qualities to play Champions League football and international football.”
- Justin Lawrence
Foden seals new City contract
Man City are close to announcing a new six-year deal for Phil Foden with the England international set for a bumper pay rise.
SunSport exclusively revealed on July 9 how the Citizens will treble his wages to £200,000-a-week.
It is understood that the Premier League champions have already agreed the new deal, with only an announcement needed.
- Gary Stonehouse
Overnight round-up
Arsenal are said to be confident of signing Youri Tielemans and Sporting Lisbon are reportedly keen on Cristiano Ronaldo.
It's claimed the Gunners have virtually agreed personal terms with Leicester midfielder Tielemans.
And if they came close to the Foxes' £51million valuation then a sale could be likely.
Meanwhile, Manchester United legend Ronaldo has attracted little interest publicly since revealing earlier this month his desire to move on.
But it's suggested old club Sporting are ready to put together a record package to tempt the 37-year-old.
Arsenal's back-up keeper Bern Leno has finally joined Fulham for £8m on a three-year deal.
Lazio are said to want £50million for Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who has been linked to Old Trafford.
RB Salzburg’s strike starlet Benjamin Sesko could cost £45m amid speculation that Chelsea, United and Newcastle are circling.
And Arsenal are adamant England winger Bukayo Saka will not be sold, least of all to Liverpool.
- Ian Tuckey
Sporting linked to Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo's old club Sporting Lisbon are said to have a 'genuine interest in resigning the wantaway Manchester United legend.
A host of top clubs have ruled themselves out of signing the 37-year-old.
Barcelona have NOT said no – but former team Real Madrid and Atletico have distanced themselves from the Portugal legend.
- Ian Tuckey
Leno signs three-year Fulham deal
Bernd Leno's move from Arsenal to Fulham has been confirmed with the goalkeeper signing a three-year deal at Craven Cottage.
The 30-year-old has linked up with the newly-promoted side in an £8milion transfer where he will be the club's new No1 between the sticks.
After four years in North London, Leno has decided to depart in search of regular first-team football in his bid to be named in Germany's World Cup squad for Qatar.
Mikel Arteta allowed the ex-Bayer Leverkusen shot-stopper to leave having already brought in Matt Turner to be Aaron Ramsdale's back-up.
And after undergoing his medical on Tuesday, the Cottagers have finally announced his arrival.
Leno has put pen-to-paper on a contract until 2025, with the option of a further 12 months.
- Ian Tuckey
Ron the bench
EXCLUSIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo is set for a humiliating stint on the bench, with his future still in doubt at Manchester United, writes NEIL CUSTIS.
The star, 37, missed the tour of Bangkok and Australia for family reasons and has played just 45 minutes since then, in Sunday’s draw with Rayo Vallecano.
That is not enough for boss Erik ten Hag to start him in their Prem opener at home to Brighton on Sunday.
Ten Hag wants to stick with the front three of Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford that served him so well on the pre-season tour.
That means even when Ronaldo is up to speed he could be benched.
And it will not go down well because he was furious in March when interim boss Ralf Rangnick dropped him for the derby away to Manchester City.
Rangnick told Ronaldo he would be an impact substitute in the game, which United lost 4-1. But an angry Ronaldo then developed an injury and flew off to Portugal.
On Sunday, the former Real Madrid striker had a touchline tiff with Ten Hag during a break in play against Vallecano. He was then the only player subbed at half-time.
- Ian Tuckey
'One or two more signings'
Arsenal will make "one or two more signings" this month
That's the prediction of Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, despite Mikel Arteta already bringing in five newcomers.
Romano told GIVEMESPORT: “It will take some time but I’m sure Arsenal will be busy in August with one or two more signings.
"It depends on the opportunities or outgoings, though.”
Source: Read Full Article