Transfer News LIVE updates: Sanchez to Monaco; Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool latest

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE UPDATES: Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona, Real Madrid and more…

Friday August 4

Spurs double move

08:20: Tottenham want to sign Giovanni Simeone and Max Meyer this summer.

The Mirror claim Spurs are ready to finally enter the transfer market.

Simeone, the son of Atletico Madrid manager Diego, impressed at Genoa last season and also has Crystal Palace tracking him.

Meyer, meanwhile, is available for £30m this summer as his contract at Schalke expires at the end of the season.

Lemar keen on Arsenal deal

08:13: Thomas Lemar wants to join Arsenal, according to L’Equipe.

Arsenal have been chasing the winger over recent weeks but Monaco are holding out for £45m for their gem.

Arsenal have seen three offers rejected for Lemar.

But the French newspaper claims Lemar himself is receptive to a move and that a deal will go through if terms between the clubs can be agreed.

Monaco planning Alexis Sanchez swoop

06:30: Monaco will reportedly try and use Arsenal’s interest in Thomas Lemar to push for a deal for Alexis Sanchez.

Arsenal have been exploring a deal for Thomas Lemar, with Arsene Wenger keen to shore up his midfield options.

Meanwhile, Sanchez, who has one year left to run on his present contract, has yet to agree a new deal.

Paris Saint-Germain were previously tracking the Chilean before they thrashed out a £198million deal for Neymar.

And now according to The Sun, Monaco are weighing up a £45m bid.

AC Milan chief discusses Zlatan Ibrahimovic interest

05:30: AC Milan chief Marco Fassone has admitted the club are refusing to rule out a deal for Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Radamel Falcao.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was released by Manchester United at the end of June and is continuing with his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury.

Radamel Falcao, meanwhile, only signed a new three-year contract extension with Monaco earlier this summer.

And Fassone admits Ibrahimovic and Falcao are both on his shortlist.

“We continue talking about a striker, but must use our time wisely,” Fassone said.

“So far I haven’t said no to any of the names that have been mentioned, and I won’t say no to Falcao either, but among the six or seven names that have been suggested we’ve been closer to some than others.”

Jose Mourinho thinks he can sign Gareth Bale on the cheap

04:30: Jose Mourinho thinks he can sign Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale on the cheap.

Spanish outlet Don Balon say the Manchester United manager if confident of landing the Wales international.

And all for a fee of less than £90million.

In a day where Neymar costs a huge £200m, that would not be a bad piece of business.

Inter Milan say Ivan Perisic will not join Manchester United

03:00: Inter Milan are readying a new contract for winger Ivan Perisic – despite the player being on Manchester United’s radar.

“I don’t understand where some of these stories come from,” he told Mediaset Premium.

“Candreva has never been on the market and we have absolutely no intention of selling him.

“The same goes for Perisic, who is an important player and we are currently discussing a new contract with him.”

Jurgen Klopp speaks out on Philippe Coutinho

02:00: Jurgen Klopp has sought to dismiss talk that Philippe Coutinho will leave Liverpool this summer. 

Barcelona are looking for a replacement for Neymar, who joined Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record fee of £198million yesterday, signing a five-year contract in the process.

Reports emerged earlier in the week suggesting Liverpool believe Barca have already agreed a deal for Coutinho.

But Klopp is reluctant to let his prize asset leave Anfield.

When asked for his thoughts on Coutinho’s future, he said: “Everybody thought ‘he’s going, he’s going, he’s going’ but so far nobody is going.”

Tim Fosu-Mensah wanted by Crystal Palace

00:00: Crystal Palace want to sign Manchester United utility man Tim Fosu-Mensah on loan.

That’s according to The Sun, who say Frank De Boer is keen on a reunion with his compatriot.

They have supposedly wrapped up a deal for Arsenal’s Callum Chambers.

But De Boer will only complete that deal if United tell the Eagles that Fosu-Mensah will not be leaving. 

Thursday August 3

Arsene Wenger doesn’t want to talk Alexis Sanchez

22.15: Arsene Wenger has hit back at talk over Alexis Sanchez’s Arsenal future, insisting it would be ‘suicide’ to do so.

Alexis Sanchez is into the final year of his contract, but has yet to agree an extension.

Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are both interested in signing him, with the former prepared to offer him weekly wages close to £400,000.

And Wenger has explained why he doesn’t want to be drawn into the debate over whether Sanchez stays or leaves.

“We know we have a duty to inform people, but to talk about some things is not information anymore – it is suicide,” he said.

Neymar’s five-year deal

21.05: “I am extremely happy to join Paris Saint-Germain,” Neymar said .

“Since I arrived in Europe, the club has always been one of the most competitive and most ambitious. And the biggest challenge, what most motivated me to join my new teammates is to help the club to conquer the titles that their fans want.

“Paris Saint-Germain’s ambition attracted me to the club, along with the passion and the energy this brings. I played 4 seasons in Europe and I feel ready to take the challenge.

“From today, I will do everything I can to help my new teamates, to open up new horizons for my club and to bring happiness to its millions of supporters around the world.”

Iheanacho joins Leicester

19.40: Kelechi Iheanacho has completed his move to Leicester from Manchester City, agreeing a five-year deal.

“It feels good and I’m happy to be part of this team,” he told LCFC TV

“I know the ambition of the team and speaking with the manager, he let me know what I need to do – to help the team achieve what they want.

“I was convinced and I’m happy to be here.”

Gareth Bale deal claim

19:25: Spanish newspaper Marca say Real are open to letting Bale go in order to sign Kylian Mbappe this summer.

Zinedine Zidane has already sold Alvaro Morata but he’s said not to want four attackers – in Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale, Karim Benzema and Mbappe – in his squad.

Zidane held talks with president Florentino Perez in June – before the Champions League final in Cardiff – to let him know this was the case.

He said if Mbappe was to join – and Zidane is a huge fan of his – that one of the big boys had to go.

PSG troll Barcelona

19:18: Paris Saint Germain have trolled Barcelona on Twitter in the most savage way.

With Neymar on his way to Paris, the Ligue 1 side have decided to use Marco Verratti to celebrate.

PSG tweeted a picture of the Italian, who’s been linked with Barcelona, posing with a thumbs up and the caption: “Hope you’re having a great day!”

Why did Neymar not join Man Utd?

18:58: Neymar was on Manchester United’s radar and a transfer deal was on the cards.

It didn’t go through – but why? Express Sport look at the reasons why a deal didn’t happen.

Here’s the full rundown on why Neymar’s move to Old Trafford fell through.

Neymar shirts being burnt

18:15: Barcelona fans are burning shirts with Neymar’s name on the back after his £200million move – the latest exchange rate figure – was confirmed.

The club announced today have accepted a payment of 222 million euros from Neymar’s legal representatives “with regards to the unilateral termination of the contract that united both parties”.

And supporters reacted by posting pics of burning Neymar shirts all over Twitter.

Barcelona confirm deal

18.00: “On Thursday afternoon Neymar Jr’s legal representatives visited in person the club’s offices and made the payment of 222million euros in the player’s name with regards to the unilateral termination of the contract that united both parties.

“As such, the club will pass on to UEFA the details of the above operation so that they can determine the disciplinary responsibilities that may arise from this case.”

Release clause paid

17.45: Neymar’s lawyer Juan de Dios Crespo have visited Barcelona to pay the winger’s £199million release clause, completing his move to PSG.

Crespo went to the headquarters of the LFP in Madrid this morning to pay the termination clause but was turned away.

He was instead told to pay the fee to Barca and arrived at their offices this afternoon to deliver the payment.

Crespo was accompanied by other lawyers and has now successfully paid the fee to Barca’s general director Oscar Grau, completing Neymar’s move to PSG.

Candreva Chelsea blow

16.40: Inter Milan are not looking to sell Antonio Candreva to Chelsea and have labelled him ‘untouchable’, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

“Concluding the deal that led Vecino to the Nerazzurri, Inter is now focusing on the next inbound and outbound operations and works to hold back some of their players,” Di Marzio said.

“Starting with Candreva who is considered at the moment untouchable by the club and [Luciano] Spalletti.

“The coach has not endorsed his departure and Chelsea have not made an offer.”

Diego Costa transfer request

16:10: Diego Costa’s lawyer says the Chelsea striker will hand in a transfer request to push through his departure.

Costa’s lawyer Ricardo Cardoso Spanish outlet EFE: “We are going to activate all the legal mechanisms [to secure Costa’s exit] and formally present a transfer request.

“There is no way that he can continue to play for Chelsea, a message which has been communicated various times to those in charge there. 

“And he will not play for any other club that is not Atletico Madrid, a club where he had sporting success, but above all where he was always respected, even after he had joined Chelsea.”

Neymar deal drama

15:42: Neymar’s proposed world-record move to Paris St Germain has been held up as La Liga officials turned away the delegation sent to meet his eye-watering buy-out clause.

But France’s league body, the Ligue de Football Professionnel, responded with incredulity and told La Liga it “demands they abide by the rules of FIFA and its responsibilities”.

A statement added: “The LFP is astonished and does not understand the refusal of LaLiga to simply accept payment of the release clause of the player Neymar.

“The LFP supports Paris St Germain and looks forward to the arrival of Neymar in Ligue 1.

“The legal services of the LFP are in support and available to Paris St Germain so that the contract of Neymar can be approved as soon as possible.”

Borthwick-Jackson to Leeds United

15:40: Manchester United have agreed to let Cameron Borthwick-Jackson join Leeds United on loan.

Borthwick-Jackson, 20, played 14 times for United in the 2015-16 campaign before spending last season at Wolves.

He had not been involved in United’s pre-season and ESPN say Jose Mourinho has done a deal to send the right-back to Championship side Leeds.

Neymar joins North Ferriby United

15:14: Neymar has signed for PSG… no, wait, North Ferriby United.

They tweeted today: “WELCOME @neymarjr. We are delighted to announce that we’ve pipped @PSG_inside to the post! In other news, season passes are now £2,845,212/“

Costa’s agent threatens legal action

14:40: Diego Costa’s lawyer Ricardo Cardoso has vowed to formally request that Chelsea allow him to join Atletico Madrid.

Cardoso has accused Chelsea manager Antonio Conte of making it impossible for the Spanish striker to leave Stamford Bridge, and will start formal proceedings.

“We are going to take advantage of all the legal avenues to make Chelsea responsible for his behaviour, and to make Diego Costa’s exit viable,” Cardoso told EFE.

“We are going to formally solicit a transfer request.”

Leeds close to Borthwick-Jackson deal

14:10: Manchester United youngster Cameron Borthwick-Jackson is on the verge of joining Leeds.

ESPN FC claim the 20-year-old has agreed to join the Championship outfit on a season-long loan to gain regular first-team football.

Borthwick-Jackson spent last season on loan at Wolves and had not been involved in United’s pre-season preparations.

Leeds coach Thomas Christiansen has been searching for a defender to replace Charlie Taylor, who joined Burnley, and has identified Borthwick-Jackson as the ideal candidate.

Barca want Coutinho deal completed by Monday

13:40: Barcelona want to sign Philippe Coutinho by MONDAY and are ready to pay over £100m to land him.

Barcelona have been rocked by the stunning departure of superstar Neymar who is on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain.

And Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo say Ernesto Valverde’s side want to sign Coutinho from Liverpool by Monday when they will unveil their new squad to fans.

Swans interested in Chadli

13:10: Swansea have expressed interest in signing West Brom forward Nacer Chadli, according to the BBC.

The Baggies signed Chadli for a club-record £13million transfer fee in August 2016, but his relationship with manager Tony Pulis is strained.

The attacker was left at home during West Brom’s tour of Austria after a confrontation with Pulis about his pre-season training regime.

Arsenal “some way off” winning the title – Nicholas

12:40: Can Arsenal win the Premier League title? Charlie Nicholas doesn’t think so.

The Sky Sports pundit believes Manchester City are the leading contenders, and Arsene Wenger’s side are “some way off.”

Asked if Arsenal were capable of stepping up to the plate, Nicholas said: “That’s the simple question right now. Forget the Europa League, it’s all about the Premier League and taking on the big spenders, led by Manchester City. 

“I fear there are some way off because of the confusion at the club. Arsene Wenger used the wrong terminology when suggesting they are in an ideal situation with the contracts.

“Wenger is caught in a difficult place because he’s such a loyal guy and, while I have no issue with him being prudent, he said he would analyse it all at the end of the campaign but he’s still not addressed the defensive issues. 

“I stand by what I said last season, they don’t have the best XI, maybe not the best 15, but the squad is among the best around.”

Liverpool have company

12:25: Liverpool have company in their pursuit of Brazilian forward Luan.

Liverpool were considered to be favourites to sign the versatile Gremio forward, eared his first cap for the Brazil national side earlier this year.

However, Foot Mercato claim Fenerbahce have entered the race and want to secure his services before his price-tag inflates.

Longest-serving player to leave Chelsea

12:15: Chelsea’s longest-serving player, Matej Dalec, says he’ll be leaving the club.

Dalec, 24, has spent eight years with the Premier League champions without ever making a senior appearance.

But with less than a year remaining on his contract, the stopper believes Chelsea will try and offload him for a nominal fee this summer.

He said: “I’m under contract for another year, but the chance of a work permit is zero. That’s why Chelsea will sell me.

“When I joined the situation was different. I had a good season at Inter Zapresic and Slaven Bilic selected me for Croatia, so there was good hope that I could play the required number of internationals to get a work permit.

“The reality was unfortunately different. I was injured for three months, lost my place in the national team and that was that.”

Perisic deadline

11:45: Inter Milan have given Manchester United until next Friday to match their valuation of Ivan Perisic of drop their interest.

United want to sign Perisic but have had two bids rejected already this summer.

Inter want £48m for their star winger.

And Tuttosport claim Inter will wait only eight more days for United to meet their demands – otherwise no deal will take place.

Toffees eye £200m spend

11:30: Everton are ready to take their summer spending to an astonishing £200MILLION.

The Mirror say Everton will take their summer outlay towards £200m by wrapping up a deal for Gylfi Sigurdsson and making TWO more signings.

Express Sport understands talks between the Toffees and Swansea are continuing with a £50m resolution expected in the next few days.

Koeman is also interested in Arsenal hitman Olivier Giroud and Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke.

The Dutchman also wants another defender with Ashley Willians turning 33 and Phil Jagielka hitting 35 this month.

Liverpool’s Keita boost

11:20: Liverpool have received a long-term boost in the pursuit of RB Leipzig star Naby Keita.

Liverpool have seen three separate bids for the Guinea international rejected this summer, but they might have more luck next year.

Keita is contracted until June 2020, but Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick doesn’t think he will extend the deal.

“I am not currently assuming that we will be able to extend his contract prematurely,” he revealed.

“I can assure you that Naby will be playing with us this season. All other scenarios also depend on how we do this season, how Naby plays himself and so on.”

BREAKING: Neymar deal off?!

11:13: La Liga have REFUSED to accept PSG’s attempt to pay Neymar’s £199m release clause at Barcelona.

About five lawyers arrived at La Liga HQ  near Madrid airport this morning.

But Sky Sports say they left after 15 minutes with no agreement reached.

Yesterday La Liga insisted they would not accept the payment from PSG to trigger Neymar’s release clause.

A spokesman for the office of La Liga president Javier Tebas said: “We will not accept the money for the liberation clause, the reason is that we have doubts that this money is in accordance with UEFA Financial Fair Play rules.”

Done Deal: Negredo joins Besiktas

11:00: Besiktas have announced the signing of former Manchester City and Middlesbrough striker Alvaro Negredo.

The Spanish striker arrives from Valencia on a three-year deal.

Chelsea ‘serious’ about signing Drinkwater

11:10: Chelsea are serious about signing Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater, according to journalist Nizaar Kinsella.

Sky Sports claimed earlier this week that manager Antonio Conte was looking to recruit a fourth midfielder to join Tiemoue Bakayoko, Cesc Fabregas and N’Golo Kante.

And Kinsella‏, who works for Goal, tweeted to confirm Conte’s interest was genuine.

He said: “Chelsea’s interest in Danny Drinkwater is real and serious. It will be hard to convince Leicester though.

“Remember: Chelsea have Cesc, Kante and Bakayoko. The last arrival may end up as fourth choice in central midfield.”

Leicester close to Iheanacho deal

10:55: Sticking with Leicester.

The Foxes are on the verge of completing a deal for Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho.

The 20-year-old Nigerian passed his medical yesterday, and could potentially make his debut against Arsenal next Friday.

Sky Sports claim Leicester will pay £25million for his signature, but City have inserted a buy-back clause that would allow them to re-sign the forward for £50million.

Foxes reject Gray bid

10:45: Leicester have rejected Bournemouth’s approach for winger Demarai Gray, reports claim.

According to Sky Sports, Eddie Howe’s side offered a fee in the region of £20million for the England Under-21 international.

But the former Premier League champions have dismissed the offer, and insist their attacking talent is NOT for sale.

The rejected bid came a few days after manager Craig Shakespeare revealed Riyad Mahrez was still looking to leave the King Power.

Poch wants Gazzaniga

10:30: Mauricio Pochettino is ready to plunder former club Southampton for goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

The Sun claim Pochettino wants more competition for Hugo Lloris, and is prepared to pay £2million for the 25-year-old.

Chelsea could influence Mane bid

10:15: Italian newspaper La Gazzetta Dello Sport claim Chelsea hold the key to Sadio Mane’s Liverpool future.

Express Sport reported earlier this week that Inter Milan have their sights on the Senegal international, and could launch a £35million move for the winger.

However, reports in Italy suggest the approach hinges on Chelsea.

They claim Inter manager Luciano Spalletti will target Mane, 25, if Antonio Conte attempts to sign Antonio Candreva.

Candreva, 30, was part of Conte’s Italian national side, and the Premier League-winning tactician wants to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

AC Milan still after Costa 

10:00: Back to Costa again…

AC Milan are not giving up their pursuit of Diego Costa despite reports he has snubbed a move to the San Siro.

Chelsea want to get rid of Costa and Milan are happy to oblige, with the Serie A club keen on a £55m deal.

The Sun yesterday claimed Costa has refused a permanent move to Italy.

And Corriere dello Sport today claim Milan have changed their tact and will instead offer to take the striker on loan.

Chelsea will get a significant loan fee for agreeing the deal.

Balotelli reunion on the cards

09:45: Liverpool have learnt their five possible opponents in the Champions League play-off stage.

Liverpool are among the seeded teams in Friday’s draw and know a win will put them in the group stages of the competition.

Following the third qualifying round matches this evening, Jurgen Klopp’s side have the chance of meeting former Red Mario Balotelli again.

Balotelli’s Nice side sealed this place with a 3-3 aggregate win over Ajax.

Romanians Steaua Bucharest, Swiss side Young Boys, Germans Hoffenheim and Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir are also possible opponents.

Lampard joins BT Sport

09:30 Here’s a transfer… of sorts!

Frank Lampard has joined BT Sport as a pundit, and will work alongside Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes in the studio next season.

“I’m delighted to be joining BT Sport,” Lampard said.

“I’m looking forward to an exciting new season both here and in Europe and can’t wait to begin working with the team.”

£185,000-a-week for nothing…

08:55: The Sun claim Chelsea are struggling to offload Diego Costa, and may be forced to pay his £185,000-a-week wages until he leaves next year.

Costa, who was told he’s surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, has his heart set on joining Atletico Madrid and will wait for them to make an approach.

AC Milan are known to be interested, but Costa would prefer a return to Spain.

Paper round-up – Neymar, Hazard, Coutinho and Sigurdsson

08:50: Neymar’s world record move to Paris Saint-Germain dominates the back pages this morning, but there is also plenty of other transfer gossip for fans to digest.

Barcelona are reportedly intending to use Neymar’s huge transfer fee to sign Premier League duo Eden Hazard and Philippe Coutinho, while Everton are finally closing in on Gylfi Sigurdsson.

To catch up on all today’s best back page stories, check out our paper round-up here. 

Matic is a genius – Mourinho

08:30: Jose Mourinho hailed new signing Nemanja Matic “a genius” as the holding midfielder made his Manchester United debut.

Matic started for the Red Devils in their 2-1 friendly win over Sampdoria in Dublin yesterday following his £40million switch from Chelsea.

He lasted 45 minutes, with Mourinho admitting the Serbian still lacked full match fitness.

“He needs time but his experience, intelligence, a genius in the way he thinks – he thinks football,” Mourinho said.

“We will help him to be ready sooner rather than later.”

Common confident of Sigurdsson deal

08:10: Everton are more hopeful than ever of being able to thrash out a deal for Swansea’s Gylfi Sigurdsson this week and will then turn their attentions to landing a striker and left-sided defender.

When asked if he expected a resolution to their Sigurdsson pursuit in the coming days, Ronald Koeman said: “I hope.”

Mbappe battle intensifies

07:50: Barcelona and Real Madrid will go head-to-head for Monaco superstar Kylian Mbappe, reports claim.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe, the £199million sale of Neymar to Paris St-Germain will spark a bidding war between the heavyweights.

Barcelona supporters are desperate for a marquee signing after the loss of their Brazilian talent.

And they may have received a breakthrough after reports emerged that Mbappe has spoken to his representatives about leaving the Ligue 1 champions.

ICYMI Neymar is joining PSG

07:04: We’re joking, unless you were actually living under a rock yesterday you know all about Neymar’s £199m move to PSG – where he will earn an eye-watering £650,000-a-week.

But what about Neymar the man?

Just how did Neymar da Silva Santos Junior go from kicking a ball around barefoot on the mean streets of Brazil to completing the biggest transfer deal in history.

We’ve got the inside story here.

Arsenal fail with Ousmane Dembele bid

06:00: Borussia Dortmund have rejected an offer from Arsenal for wing wizard Ousmane Dembele, reports have said. 

Arsenal are attempting to sign a winger with Arsene Wenger determined to add more firepower to his squad for the forthcoming campaign.

The Gunners are growing increasingly likely to lose Alexis Sanchez, with the Chile star’s contract up next year.

Express Sport understands Paris Saint-Germain will launch a £35million bid for him once they have completed the signing of Neymar.

But Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo say they have failed with a bid to sign Dembele.

Phil Thompson backs Liverpool to sign Virgil van Dijk

05:00: Virgil van Dijk will end up at Liverpool this summer, according to ex-Red Phil Thompson.

The Reds have struggled to get a deal for the Dutchman done – but Thompson thinks a move will still happen.

“I think the Van Dijk deal will still happen and I think Dominic Solanke was a fantastic steal from Chelsea,” Thompson told Sky Sports.

“I hope he gets the game time he’s joined for.”

Jose Mourinho wants one more deal

04:00: Jose Mourinho is pleased with how Manchester United’s squad is shaping up, but concedes he would like to make one more signing.

Manchester United have made three acquisitions so far this window in the form of Victor Lindelof, Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic.

Despite their flurry of deals, Mourinho would still like to bring in another fresh face through the door.

“The club did a fantastic job by getting three of them, which is very difficult in the crazy market we’re in now,” Mourinho said.

“I thank the club. I’ll be happier if they give me four of four but they did a great effort.”

Monaco dampen talk of a Thomas Lemar exit

02:30: Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim has tried to brush aside talk linking Thomas Lemar with a move away from the club.

Thomas Lemar has been heavily linked with a summer move to Arsenal.

Monaco are holding out for a fee of £50million for the highly-rated midfielder, who helped them win the Ligue 1 title and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League last term.

And Jardim has tried to kill off suggestions of a move for the 21-year-old.

“All the players who were important last season are important to keep for the club,” Jardim said.

“But it has been showed over the years that it’s not always possible to keep the players, and you know how our project works.

Wednesday August 2

Nemanja Matic takes swipe at Chelsea

01:00: Nemanja Matic has well and truly put his Chelsea days behind him.

The Serbian midfielder made his Manchester United debut in the 2-1 win over Sampdoria last night at the Avigva Stadium in Dublin.

And although Chelsea is part of his history, Matic seemed to make a dig at his old team-mates.

When asked for his thoughts on the current United squad, Matic said: “They are amazing.

“I played in a few clubs in my career, but these guys are amazing.”

Tuesday August 1

Jose Mourinho speaks out on Neymar

23.30: Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho reckons Neymar’s imminent move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain is ‘not expensive.’

Express Sport understands a deal will cost a huge £198million – making him the most expensive player in football history.

Manchester United were previously linked with a move for the Brazil international, with reports even suggesting they had an agreement in place last summer.

And Mourinho, who sanctioned that move, reckons the deal taking Neymar to France is a snip.

“When we paid that amount for Paul I told that he was not expensive,” Mourinho said. 

“Expensive are the ones that get into a certain level without a certain quality.

Perisic deal off?

22.45: Manchester United have reportedly given up on trying to sign Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic, according to Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio.

“Perisic could stay,” Di Marzio said on his official website.

“Manchester United has dropped off from the radar and have not made another attempt.”

Sanchez to Barca?

20.55: Barcelona are reportedly looking at Alexis Sanchez as a potential replacement for Neymar.

The Brazil international is nearing a record-breaking £200m move to Paris Saint-Germain.

And Spanish outlet Don Balon claim the La Liga side could bring Sanchez back to the Nou Camp, three years after he departed the club.

Juventus forward Paulo Dybala has also been linked.

Coutinho swap deal

19.45: Barcelona have reportedly offered Liverpool Arda Turan, Denis Suarez or Rafinha in a swap deal for Philippe Coutinho.

Spanish newspaper Sport claim the Catalans are so keen to sign the Brazil international the Reds can take their pick.

The transfer is believed to be a player-plus-cash deal as Barca desperately seek a replacement for Neymar.

The winger is set to sign for Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year deal worth in excess of £500k a week.

Ospina wants to stay at Arsenal

18:22: David Ospina has said he wants to remain at Arsenal this season, despite reports linking him with a move away.

Arsenal announce done deal

18:10: Arsenal have announced Emi Martinez has joined La Liga side Getafe on loan for the 2017/18 season.

Arsenal said in a statement: “The 24-year-old made five first team appearances for us last season, keeping three clean sheets.

“He featured twice in the Premier League, impressing and keeping a clean sheet in the 3-0 home win over West Ham United.

“The Argentine has amassed over 50 career appearances since joining us from Independiente in 2010, during which time has also enjoyed loan spells with Wolves, Rotherham United, Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford United.”

Chelsea target Sanches to Liverpool

17:36: Renato Sanches could sign for Liverpool this summer, according to pundit Paul Mariner.

The 19-year-old had been linked with Chelsea but they’ve subsequently moved for Tiemoue Bakayako.

And that’s left former Arsenal star Mariner believing a move to Anfield is on the cards.

On a move to the Bridge, Mariner told ESPN FC: “No, not yet, I don’t think so. I think it would be a bit too much for him.

“I think if he goes to Chelsea he just goes into the rotation. That’s not what he wants.

“He’s a fantastic player this kid, a young player, a sensational player. I think that he may end up at Liverpool.”

Jack should leave Arsenal – Mariner

17:30: Former Arsenal forward Paul Mariner believes Jack Wilshere should leave the club.

The 25-year-old has been told he can leave the Emirates Stadium and has attracted interest, but Arsenal are demanding a fee in the region of £20million.

Mariner told ESPN FC: “Yeah, it is [time for him to leave Arsenal].

“What I didn’t like from Wilshere is he wants to stay in London.

“I mean look you go play your football wherever you’re going to play your football.

“I just don’t like that from him. I think he’s got to spread his wings.

“To be honest as an Englishman and an ex-Arsenal player I’d like to see him just spread his wings totally and go abroad.”

The Clamped United…

17:10: That’s a shame.

There’s been picture of Manchester United’s team bus being clamped ahead of their pre-season clash at the Aviva Stadium tonight.

The Red Devils are scheduled to play Sampdoria, and it looked like they would have some difficulty getting there.

However, it appears the gentleman in the picture is only holding the clamp over the wheel for a funny photo.

He’s certainly succeeded in his mission!

Done Deal: Mario Pasalic joins Spartak Moscow

17:00: Mario Pasalic has become the latest player to sign a new contract at Chelsea before heading out on a season-long loan.

Pasalic will spend the 2017-18 season on loan at Spartak Moscow, Chelsea announced today, after signing a four-year contract with the Blues.

The 22-year-old Croatian midfielder joined Chelsea in 2014, but is yet to make a first-team appearance.

Pasalic was on Chelsea’s tour of Asia last month, playing in the friendly games with Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

Neymar sends message to Lionel Messi to confirm he’s going

16:33: Neymar has confirmed he’s joining PSG in a public message to Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Messi bid Neymar farewell today ahead of his £199million move to the French giants in a moving Instagram video.

The Argentine wrote: “It was an enormous pleasure to have shared all these years with you friend Neymar. I wish you luck in this new stage of your life. I love you.”

And Neymar responded to the message: “Thank you brother. I will miss you!”

Keita to Liverpool blow

16.25: RB Leipzig director Ralf Rangnick has insisted Naby Keita will not be sold this summer and also confirmed new contract talks are underway.

“I am not assuming prematurely that we will be able to extend his contract,” Rangnick told German magazine SportBild.

“But I can assure everyone that Naby will play for us this season. It does not matter at all whether there are €75m or €100m offers.

“We have not developed for five years so that we can lose one of our best players in the first Champions League year. That would make no sense.”

Neymar sends message to Lionel Messi to confirm he’s going

16:33: Neymar has confirmed he’s joining PSG in a public message to Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Messi bid Neymar farewell today ahead of his £199million move to the French giants in a moving Instagram video.

The Argentine wrote: “It was an enormous pleasure to have shared all these years with you friend Neymar. I wish you luck in this new stage of your life. I love you.”

And Neymar responded to the message: “Thank you brother. I will miss you!”

Keita to Liverpool blow

16.25: RB Leipzig director Ralf Rangnick has insisted Naby Keita will not be sold this summer and also confirmed new contract talks are underway.

“I am not assuming prematurely that we will be able to extend his contract,” Rangnick told German magazine SportBild.

“But I can assure everyone that Naby will play for us this season. It does not matter at all whether there are €75m or €100m offers.

“We have not developed for five years so that we can lose one of our best players in the first Champions League year. That would make no sense.”