The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow along with our daily blog throughout the summer.
TOP STORY: PSG offer Verratti and cash for Pogba
Paul Pogba has been criticised for some of his performances for both Manchester United and France, but it seems Paris Saint-Germain have no doubts about him.
The Sun reports that United “have been offered Marco Verratti plus cash for Pogba,” but stresses that it is unclear whether they would let their record signing go.
French champions PSG “have chanced their arm” by asking about the potential availability of Pogba, who became United’s record signing when he returned from Juventus in 2016.
Staying with matters United, the Sun adds that they may have priced Tottenham out of a move for forward Anthony Martial.
It reports that Spurs “made initial contact but were not interested in doing business at the price quoted,” which some reports suggested could have been £75 million.
Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly offering Marco Verratti plus cash to bring Paul Pogba back to France.
LIVE BLOG
09:55 BST: After missing out on Antoine Griezmann, Barcelona are looking for a “clone” of the Frenchman and will turn their attentions to Miralem Pjanic, according to AS. Gabriel Jesus is another transfer target, but they accept signing the Manchester City star would be “impossible”.
09:43 BST: Napoli will turn their attentions to David Luiz should they lose Raul Albiol, according to Il Mattino. The Spanish defender’s €6million clause means he is almost certain to leave San Paolo.
09.28 BST: Javier Pastore arrives as Rome’s Ciampino airport ahead of a move to Roma. The Argentine’s departure from PSG signifies the end of an era, given he was the Ligue 1 side’s first major signing following the arrival of Nasser Al Khelaifi in 2011.
When Javier Pastore landed in Rome… 🤩 pic.twitter.com/9SKkNaiMVD
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) June 26, 2018
09.00 BST: A rare brace of Lazio links here — this time an incoming midfielder linked with the Italian club.
None other than Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey, who Corriere dello Sport reckons is being eyed up as a replacement for Milinkovic-Savic.
08.40 BST: Paris Saint-Germain’s Javier Pastore has arrived in Rome for his medical ahead of his anticipated move to Roma.
The Argentine midfielder wrote a farewell message to PSG fans on Facebook and also told reporters upon arriving at Ciampino airport: “I’m really pleased about this new adventure. When I knew there was a chance to go to Roma, I accepted it immediately. This is a club you can’t turn down.”
Merci beaucoup PARIS 🇫🇷 https://t.co/oZuHAQmvRG
— Javier Pastore (@Javi_Pastore) June 25, 2018
08.20 BST: Barcelona recently made contact with Lazio about the asking price of coveted midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The La Liga giants are keen to bolster their midfield option during the summer transfer window but they believe that the €80m price tag slapped by Lazio is excessive.
Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus are also closely monitoring the situation of the Serbia international.
08.00 BST: Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has refused to comment on his future with reports linking him with a return to La Liga.
Sport reports that Barcelona and Real Madrid lead the race to sign the Spain international, who is tied to the Bundesliga champions until June 2021.
Bayern have reportedly placed a €70m price tag on the 27-year-old, who signed for Bayern Munich in the summer of 2013 from Barcelona in a €25m transfer.
When asked about his future, Alcantara told AS: “My future? Ask me another question…”
PAPER TALK: Chelsea won’t consider Loftus-Cheek sale
Ruben Loftus-Cheek will not be sold by Chelsea even if his value soars at the World Cup, the Telegraph reports.
Loftus-Cheek, who starred as he made his full World Cup debut in England’s 6-1 win over Panama, has said he does not want to return to Stamford Bridge to be on the bench.
And the Telegraph says that means Crystal Palace — for whom he played last season — Everton and West Ham could all try to bring him in on loan.
Chelsea “are determined that, no matter who is manager or who they sign, Loftus-Cheek will not be sold because they are confident he can be a major player for the club.”
The 22-year-old has three years left on his contract, but the Blues could try to offer him enhanced terms.
Arsenal still keen on Sevilla star
Sevilla may have said midfielder Ever Banega is not for sale, but the Independent reports that Arsenal’s interest is not over.
Gunners boss Unai Emery worked with the Argentina international in La Liga and “is well aware of the qualities and experience he could bring.”
The report says Banega “is considering his future after behind-the-scenes changes at Sevilla” and has a release clause of around £17.5m.
Could Arsenal trigger Ever Banega’s modest buyout clause?
Should Arsenal or another club succeed in persuading him to leave, Sevilla have lined up Swansea midfielder Roque Mesa as a replacement.
Meanwhile, the Mirror says Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk, linked with a switch to the Emirates when Arsene Wenger was manager, “has been told Arsenal won’t be moving for him now [that] Unai Emery is in charge.”
Seagulls captain Dunk now looks set to stay at the Amex, even though other Premier League clubs are interested.
Tap-ins
– West Bromwich Albion have turned down a £12m offer from West Ham for central defender Craig Dawson, the Telegraph says.
Dawson, reported to want to leave following West Brom’s relegation to the Championship, is a target for clubs including Burnley and the Baggies, who are “understood to rate the 28-year-old at more than £20m.”
– Plenty of players are being linked with Everton as manager Marco Silva gears up for a busy summer, and here’s another: Red Bull Salzburg attacking midfielder Hannes Wolf.
The Mirror reports that the 19-year-old is interesting the Merseysiders after scoring 12 goals for Salzburg last season.
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