The Premier League transfer window has closed, but the rest of Europe remains open for business until Monday. Plus, it’s never too late to look forward to January! Click here to view the latest transfers and keep up to date with the newest gossip below.
All the major completed transfers | European transfer review
TOP STORY: Madrid to move for Mbappe in the summer
After missing out on a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar, Real Madrid will turn their attentions to the Brazilian’s teammate Kylian Mbappe next summer, according to reports at Spanish publication Sport.
The news comes following talks between Real’s bitter rivals Barcelona and the Parisians regarding a move back to the Nou Camp for Neymar, but it was the long-term future of Frenchman Mbappe that also became a key talking point. During negotiations, the Ligue 1 champions warned the Catalan giants of Real’s intentions to launch talks over a deal for the 20-year-old.
Mbappe had a stunning season in front of the net last year for PSG, scoring better than a goal a game in the league, and he already has two goals in the current campaign.
Mourinho opted against Van Dijk United swoop
The Mirror claims Manchester United pulled out of a move to sign Virgil van Dijk to set their sights on other defensive targets.
It is believed the Old Trafford club had made then-manager Jose Mourinho aware of the Dutchman’s availability while the centre-half was at Southampton, but the Portuguese instead preferred to pursue ultimately unsuccessful moves for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Toby Alderweireld of Spurs.
United officials were also of the belief that the 28-year-old had his heart set on a move to Liverpool — which also prompted Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola to pull his side out of the running for the former Celtic man.
Van Dijk has emerged as one of the world’s top central defenders following his switch to Anfield, and was named UEFA’s Men’s Player of the Year at the end of August, beating off competition from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Juve enter race for Havertz
Serie A giants Juventus have become the latest club to register their interest in Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Kai Havertz, according to reports at Calciomercato.
The 20-year-old made his Leverkusen debut as a 17-year-old in October 2016, but he was a revelation in the last campaign, scoring 17 Bundesliga goals to help move his side into the Champions League places.
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That form has alerted Juventus chiefs, who will be keeping a close eye on the Germany international when the two sides face each other in October and December.
Interest in the attacking midfielder is rife, with Bundesliga big boys Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund already keeping tabs on the youngster, and there is also rumoured to be interest from the Premier League, with Arsenal having a long-standing interest in the former Alemannia Aachen trainee.
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– Belgian winger Yannick Carrasco has put a string of European clubs on red alert after announcing he would be open to a move back to the continent at the turn of the year, reports Calciomercato. The 24-year-old is plying his trade with Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang, but he is rumoured to be itching for a move.
– The Daily Record has reported claims from Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Nicolo Schira that former Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has turned down a move to Glasgow Rangers. The 33-year-old is a free agent after leaving Russian side Zenit Saint Petersburg in July.
– PSG defender Thomas Meunier has dealt a blow to Arsenal and Manchester United’s hopes of signing him after claiming he is not interested in a move away from the French capital for this season at least. So says the Sun regarding the Belgian, who has less than a year remaining on his contract at the Parc des Princes and would be available on a free next summer.