The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow along with our daily blog throughout the summer.
When does the transfer window close in the Premier League and the top European leagues?
Chelsea set for double swoop in frantic window finale
It’s going to be a hectic few days at Chelsea as Maurizio Sarri looks to put his stamp on the squad before the window closes, the London Evening Standard reports.
It says the Blues are targeting Inter Milan midfielder Matias Vecino and Juventus defender Mattia Caldara but now seem unlikely to sign his fellow Juve centre-back Daniele Rugani, long a mooted target.
The Blues have opened negotiations over midfielder Vecino, valued at around £30 million, and have made a £35.5 million bid for Caldara.
The Standard adds that Vecino “is one of the players Sarri has asked for to help fast-track his style of play,” having worked with the coach during his days at Empoli.
As far as potential departures are concerned, Willian could yet be sold, while Tiemoue Bakayoko‘s future also appears uncertain.
Everton set to sign Rojo as United continue defender hunt
Everton are stepping up their efforts to sign Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo as United maintain their own search for defensive reinforcements, sources have told ESPN FC.
And the Manchester Evening News says United “have identified Rojo, 28, as the expendable centre-back while they work on a possible deal for Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld or Leicester’s Harry Maguire.”
Rojo could cost Everton around £30 million, with Goodison Park boss Marco Silva keen to work with him again after having managed him at Sporting Lisbon.
United’s search for a new central defender continues to focus on Belgium international Alderweireld, but the Evening News reports that they “have struggled to make a breakthrough during negotiations with Spurs.”
And the Mirror says their hopes of signing Maguire are hanging in the balance, with Leicester poised to offer vastly improved terms following his outstanding World Cup for England.
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Liverpool ready to give Mane new deal
It’s been quite a summer for Liverpool, and the Telegraph reports that more good news is on the horizon as talks to tie Sadio Mane to a new deal begin.
The Champions League finalists, who have already seen Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino sign new contracts, are keen to reward Senegal international Mane for his fine form.
The former Southampton player, who scored 20 goals last season, has three years left on his current terms, but Liverpool “have initiated dialogue with his representative and agreeing a deal should be a formality.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Simon Mignolet looks set to leave Anfield in the near future, says the Mirror, which reports that he is not part of the preseason trip to France.
Mignolet has fallen to third in the Anfield goalkeeping order behind new signing Alisson and Loris Karius.
And the Mirror reports that although Alisson and Karius “will be with the squad when they head to France’s east coast on Monday, there is no place for Mignolet.” The Belgium international has been linked with Besiktas.
Fulham close in on Mawson
Swansea defender Alfie Mawson is on the brink of becoming a Fulham player, with the Guardian reporting that he will cost the Londoners around £20 million.
Mawson, widely expected to leave Swansea following their relegation, could undergo a medical as soon as Tuesday, with Burnley’s hopes of signing him now seemingly over.
The 24-year-old centre-back had also interested West Ham, who had a bid rejected last month.
Meanwhile, the Swans are targeting Manchester City midfielder Bersant Celina and Nottingham Forest winger Barrie McKay.
Tap-ins
— Marseille, having tried and failed to sign Mario Balotelli from Nice, “have re-ignited their interest in Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud,” according to the Mirror.
It reports that Giroud, who rejected Marseille last season in order to join Chelsea, could end up there soon with the Ligue 1 club ready to pay the Blues £13 million and hand him a lucrative contract.
— Wolves have suffered a setback in their attempts to bring in winger Adama Traore from Middlesbrough, with the Express and Star reporting that they have had a bid rejected.
It says Traore “is believed to have an £18 million release clause, but Wolves don’t believe that figure represents his value” and could now lose out to Huddersfield in a race for his signature.