Transfer news LIVE updates: Chelsea Sanches snub; Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool latest

Tottenham deal

17:34: Tottenham’s Harry Edwards has signed a new contract at the club.

Spurs have tied the starlet down to a three-year deal.

He scored five goals in 10 games for Spurs’ U23 side last season.

Mauricio Pochettino said of the 18-year-old: “His qualities, it’s only looks, his body and the way that he plays, reminds me a little bit from the beginning of Messi.”

Inter won’t sell Candreva

17:14: Luciano Spalletti says Inter Milan will not sell Chelsea transfer target Antonio Candreva this summer.

“Candreva is a player who we value,” Spalletti said after the match.

“We have no replacements in his position, we want to keep him with us.

“But the market is always difficult to predict.”

Man Utd Fellaini talks confirmed

16:20: Galatasaray sporting director Cenk Ergun has now confirmed they are in talks with Manchester United over a deal for Marouane Fellaini.

“Fellaini will leave Manchester United and he is now in our radar,” Ergun told Turkish outlet Ajansspor.

“There will be surprises (in the transfer window), we are in talks with Fellaini.

“We have made an approach, we are close and if we get Fellaini we will end our pursuit of (Villarreal’s Alfred) N’Diaye.

“We need a player like Fellaini who can move around in midfield.”

Liverpool want Vanheusden

15:28: Liverpool have contacted Inter Milan regarding a summer deal for Zinho Vanheusden.

Southampton have also been in touch with the Serie A giants, who do not want to sell the promising defender.

Vanheusden, 18, is expected to get more game time at the San Siro this season.

Belgian newspaper Nieuws Blad say Inter have rejected both enquiries.

Man Utd can sign Dendoncker

14:27: Anderlecht’s sporting director Herman van Holsbeeck says they could sell Leander Dendoncker for just £22.3m this summer.

Manchester United scouts watched Dendoncker in action last night during Anderlecht’s 0-0 draw with Antwerp.

Holsbeeck told Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg: “We want to cherish him, but if a club is willing to pay between €25m (£22.3m) and €35m (£31.3m), we have a problem.”

Arsenal boss on Mbappe and Neymar

13:47: Arsene Wenger says this could be the summer the £200m transfer barrier is broken.

Arsenal have broken their transfer record to sign Alexandre Lacazette, who cost £50m.

But they saw an £87m bid for Kylian Mbappe rejected.

And Wenger says it’s difficult to get the men he wants because of the fees involved

“What’s next is to remain active,” he said on Arsenal’s website. “Not a lot [has] happened.

“I believe there are actually two ways to improve the team. First of all to improve the quality of what we do in training to improve the squad and improve the players we have, and secondly to bring more top-level players in. 

“The difficulty is to bring top-level players in because you pay a huge amount of money for very normal players at the moment. As well, all the big clubs are chasing the same players and that provokes huge inflation. Maybe this will be the first time we [football clubs] pay over £200m, maybe over £300m with Neymar and around £200m with Mbappe. 

“So there is a huge inflation. But we are active, we are working hard and I think we have done well with Kolasinac, we have done well with Lacazette and we are continuing to work.”

Galatasaray eye Fellaini

13:19: Galatasaray are working on a deal to sign Marouane Fellaini from Manchester United.

United want to sign Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic, meaning Fellaini could be offloaded to free up space in the squad.

Gala’s technical director Igor Tudor is said to be working on the deal.

That is according to Turkish newspaper Fanatik.

Barca president on Coutinho

12:27: Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu says the club will sign a midfielder this summer.

However, he refused to confirm or deny whether it would be Philippe Coutinho.

“He’s a Liverpool player and I have a lot of respect for Liverpool,” Bartomeu said.

“What we do in the summer is to be very discreet about everything.

“So we can not confirm or deny anything.

“There will be more players (coming in), one in the middle, that’s for sure.”

Everton’s Sigurdsson alternative

12:00: Everton to battle Arsenal and Barcelona for Jean Seri if Gylfi Sigurdsson transfer fails

The Toffees have reportedly entered the race to sign Nice midfielder Jean Seri.

Seri has been heavily linked with a move away from Nice this summer, with a number of Europe’s top clubs said to be interested in the Ivory Coast international.

The 26-year-old bagged seven goals and provided nine assists in 34 Ligue 1 appearances last term as Nice finished third in the table.

And now The Guardian claim Everton have set their sights on Seri as they continue to struggle in negotiations for Swansea playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Neymar speaks at Barcelona Nike event

11:24: Neymar says he is “perfect” at Barcelona amid speculation he could join PSG.

Speaking at a Nike event in Miami yesterday, he said: “For now, everything’s going well.

Asked about his new boots, he said he hoped “to be able to score a lot more goals” with them.

There was no chance to ask Neymar about PSG’s interest, his training-ground spat with Nelson Semedo, or anything else.

Chelsea’s Candreva plan a blow for Man Utd

10:58: Chelsea’s move for Antonio Candreva has put Manchester United’s bid for Ivan Perisic in danger of collapse.

Calciomercato claim Chelsea want to sign Candreva and that Inter could accept an £18m deal.

The Blues are keen to add further attacking talent to their squad following Alvaro Morata’s arrival from Real Madrid.

But the report claims Inter will not let both Candreva and Perisic go – and that boss Luciano Spalletti favours Croat Perisic remaining.

United are yet to match Inter’s £48m valuation of Perisic and the Serie A giants will shut up shop if Candreva leaves as they cannot afford to lose two playmakers so close to the start of the season.

Guardiola on Man City youth

10:17: Pep Guardiola says he has bought a young team together at Manchester City that will achieve success in the coming years.

Guardiola has signed John Stones (23), Leroy Sane (21) and Gabriel Jesus (20), Ederson Moraes (23), Bernardo Silva (22), Benjamin Mendy (23) and Douglas Luiz (19) over the past year.

“All the players’ ages are so, so young,“ he said. “So for the next five, six or seven years they will be here.

“They are really good players – good enough that it doesn’t matter who the manager will be. For Manchester City that is the most important thing.”

Manchester United done deal

10:06: Manchester United have sent Devonte Redmond on loan to Scunthorpe for six months.

The midfielder, 20, will play the first half of the season at the League One side.

Scunthorpe have now signed five players this summer, with Redmond following Matt Gilks, defenders Rory McArdle and Cameron Burgess, and Belgian midfielder Funso Ojo to the club.

Bravo wants Sanchez at Man City

09:55: Claudio Bravo wants Alexis Sanchez to join him at Manchester City.

Sanchez’s Arsenal contract is up next summer and he does not appear willing to sign a new deal.

“If he decides to go, we’ll wait for him with open arms at City,” Bravo told Chilean broadcaster 24 Horas.

Sanchez could cost City £50m – although Arsenal don’t want to sell.

Neymar worth £268m

09:37: Andres Iniesta says Neymar is worth more than £268million to Barcelona.

Neymar has been linked with a £196m move to PSG.

But Iniesta says his club must keep the Brazilian striker.

“I do not think €200m to €300m (£268m) will be more beneficial for Barcelona than having Neymar.

“He is one of the best players in the world and I always want the best players in my team.

“I have no doubt that we all wish him to continue with us.”

Neymar agrees PSG contract

09:21: Paris Saint-Germain appear to be closing in on a deal for Barcelona superstar Neymar, according to reports in France.

Neymar has been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, with the Ligue 1 club reportedly set to meet his £199million release clause.

And according to French broadcaster RMC, PSG have now reached an agreement with the Brazil international over personal terms.

Neymar’s father has been in discussions with PSG and is said to have agreed a five-year deal, which will see him earn almost £27million a season after tax.

RMC add that PSG could complete the signing of Neymar as soon as Tuesday.

Eden Hazard to Barcelona?

05:00: Chelsea star Eden Hazard is being considered as a potential replacement for Neymar, according to reports.

Claims emerged from France suggesting Neymar could become a Paris Saint-Germain player as soon as Monday.

And according to the Daily Mirror, Hazard has been added onto a list that features Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho and Tottenham star Dele Alli.

Barca are supposedly prepared to pay £90million for Coutinho.

Sergio Ramos endorses Real Madrid move for Kylian Mbappe

04:15: Sergio Ramos has entertained the prospect of Real Madrid trying to sign Kylian Mbappe.

The Monaco sensation enjoyed a fabulous campaign last term, helping the principality outfit lift the Ligue 1 title and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

And Ramos hasn’t batted an eyelid at the prospective £160m fee and thinks people should focus on Mbappe’s qualities.

“It’s not a decision for me but Mbappe is a great prospect, there are not young players around like him,” he said.

“We have an important year ahead of us and already have excellent players.

Antonio Conte makes Chelsea transfer admission

02:45: Antonio Conte insists Chelsea have a long way to go to compete effectively in the Champions League and maintains he must be backed sufficiently in the transfer window.

Chelsea won the Premier League last term, but they didn’t have to contend with European football which ultimately helped their cause.

And Conte has warned of the need to make sure the Blues have a productive window if they are to see off their European rivals.

“I know we have a lot of road ahead before we can compete to try to win the Champions League,” Conte said.

“We are trying to rebuild a situation and it’s not easy.”

Manchester City to offer Alexis Sanchez huge contract

01:20: Alexis Sanchez is in line for a whopping deal if he leaves Arsenal for Manchester City, reports claim.

Sanchez is in the final year of his contract at Arsenal, although both parties have reached a deadlock over a new deal.

The Chilean has been strongly linked with a summer move away from the Emirates, with Manchester City potential suitors.

And the Daily Mail claim City are willing to pay Sanchez a staggering £320,000-a-week.

The wages, it is said, will be topped up by performance-related bonuses.

Friday July 28

Hugo Lloris not surprised by Kylian Mbappe price-tag

23:50: Hugo Lloris insists he isn’t surprised how much teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe will cost Real Madrid.

The Spanish giants are closing in on a stunning £160m deal for the teenage superstar.

But fellow Frenchman Lloris reckons the striker is worth every penny and will handle the pressure should he join the European champions.

The Tottenham ace said: “I’m not surprised at all. 

“I spent some of the international break with him and he’s very, very talented. He’s young but has great potential. 

PSG closing in on Neymar deal

23:10: Neymar could complete a move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain as soon as Monday, according to sensational reports in France.

Neymar has been heavily linked with a move to PSG, who are prepared to trigger his staggering £196million release clause.

Intriguingly, the 25-year-old pulled out of a media event in China in order to concentrate on trying to complete his switch to the Parc des Princes.

And according to French broadcasters RMC Sport, a transfer could be finalised by Monday or Tuesday.

PSG, the report suggests, are well aware of Neymar’s commercial value in terms of being able to shift huge volumes of shirt sales.

Marseille refuse to leave Olivier Giroud alone

22:30: Marseille aren’t giving up on signing Olivier Giroud, reports claim.

A move to Everton has been discussed, and while the Toffees re-signed Wayne Rooney, another No.9 is on Ronald Koeman’s agenda to compensate for the loss of Romelu Lukaku, who joined Manchester United.

Marseille have been touted as a possible destination for Giroud, who looks to rejuvenate his career.

And now according to French paper L’Equipe, they haven’t given up on Giroud.

The report suggests they are still keen on a deal and the sports director has already tried to establish contact with Gunners chiefs over a summer transfer.

Jakub Jankto’s agent talks Arsenal interest

21:50: Arsenal are weighing up a summer move to sign Udinese midfielder Jakub Jankto, according to his agent.

A proven midfielder that can add strength to the team has been identified as a priority by Arsene Wenger.

And now his agent, Beppe Riso, has confirmed Arsenal are in the mix for his signature.

“Arsenal like him, he’s a lover of English football, and he’s also liked by Juve, Inter and other teams,” Riso told Sportitalia.

“Do I see him more in the Premier League than other leagues? Yes.

Sanchez must be sold – Smith

21.30: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been told to sell contract rebel Alexis Sanchez by former striker Alan Smith.

Wenger is adamant Sanchez will not be allowed to leave but Smith believes the board will want to cash in on Sanchez to prevent him leaving on a free next year.

“If you’ve got an unhappy player, a bit like (Philippe) Coutinho at Liverpool if he desperately wants to go to Barcelona, that’s not a great situation to have in the dressing room,” Smith said on talkSPORT.

“It happens time and time again at Arsenal. What the owners would think about keeping a player you could get £60m for and then letting him go for nothing in 12 months time, I don’t know.

“For me, it’s a no-brainer, you’ve got to let him go, get the money and move on.”

Keita interest long over

20.05: Liverpool ended their interest in RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita TWO WEEKS ago.

Liverpool had offers of around £60million rejected but Keita will be available for significantly less than that next year, as he has a release clause of £48million.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth says Liverpool will look to activate that.

“We’re told Liverpool effectively ended their interest in the player two weeks ago when their second and final bid was rejected,” Sheth said.

“It’s understood they will leave any interest until next summer when a £48million release clause kicks in.”

Everton’s Giroud wait

19:14: Everton must be patient if they want to sigh Olivier Giroud this summer.

Giroud’s Arsenal future is far from secure but the Gunners are yet to decide whether or not he can leave.

Marseille have already backed out of a deal for the striker because of Arsenal’s indecision.

And L’Equipe claim other suitors, with Everton favourites to sign him, must wait to see what happens to Arsenal later in the transfer market.

Premier League sides eye Rafinha

18:42: Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham are all chasing Barcelona’s Rafinha.

Rafinha, 24, is recovering from a knee injury and has not been on Barca’s pre-season tour of the USA.

Munro Deportivo claim Liverpool eye eyeing a deal for the midfielder that could reach as much as £35.8m (€40m).

However, they also claim Arsenal and Tottenham have been in contact with Barca regarding the Brazilian.

Neymar to China off

17:37: Neymar’s tour of China has been cancelled so the player can focus on “transfer business”.

Neymar was due to leave his Barcelona team-mates after they face Real Madrid in a friendly and head to Shanghai for a promotional tour.

The Brazilian was expected to arrive on Monday but Chinese travel agent Ctrip say the trip has now been scrapped.

The announcement comes amid speculation that Neymar wants to join Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

Liverpool send Randall to Hearts

17:20: Liverpool right-back Conor Randall has joined Hearts on a season-long loan.

Randall made just one appearance for Liverpool least season.

“Connor’s a very hungry young player, athletically excellent and has experience in a number of positions,” said Hearts boss Ian Cathro.

“He brings a great intensity to his play and I probably go back to the hunger that he has at this stage in his career.

“He’s a player that I’m really pleased to have been able to bring, he’s someone who we’ve been tracking, probably right since we arrived, as an option from a number of clubs that we talk to and spend a bit of time with.

“We’re pleased that he’s joined us.”

Chelsea’s Miazga loan

15:55: Chelsea have sent Matt Miazga out on loan.

Miazga, 22, will spend a second season at Dutch side Vitesse Arnheim.

The American has made two appearances at the Blues since arriving from New York Red Bulls 18 months ago.

Alexis Sanchez ignores agent

15:32: Alexis Sanchez is refusing to take his agent’s advice over the best way to leave Arsenal.

Sanchez has less than 12 months remaining on his contract and Arsenal don’t want to sell him this summer.

That means he will likely leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.

This is what his agent Fernando Felicevich wants – because Sanchez can then sign a lucrative new contract as his new club won’t have to pay anything in transfer fees.

But the Mirror claim the player wants to leave now and is at odds with the player.

Spalletti clears Perisic chat

14:45: Inter Milan boss Luciano Spalletti has claimed talk of Ivan Perisic joining Manchester United is over and he will now strongly oppose his transfer.

“There was a contact a few weeks ago, then the negotiation stopped, so for me it is closed,” Spalletti told Italian broadcaster Premium Sport.

“The more days that pass, the more difficult it becomes for us to find a replacement of his calibre.

“I’ll strongly oppose his sale.”

Robben and Ribery are too old – Davidsen

14:30: Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are too old for the Chinese Super League, according to Shanghai SIPG technical director Mads Davidsen.

“If Ribery had an offer two or three years ago from China then that was his chance but an ambitious Chinese team like Shanghai SIPG wouldn’t sign him or Robben now,” he said.

Liverpool monitoring Inter starlet

14:15: Liverpool are keeping tabs on Inter Milan teenager Zinho Vanheusden, reports claim.

According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Vanheusden has impressed the Merseyside outfit, who could swoop for the 17-year-old.

The Belgian signed from Standard Liege in July 2016, and was recently included in Inter’s squad for their pre-season tour of China.

Mahrez staying at Leicester

14:00: Leicester looking increasingly likely to keep Riyad Mahrez at the King Power.

Roma are the front-runners in the battle to sign the Anergia international, who wants European football next season.

But an unnamed source has told FootMercato that it’s unlikely the deal will get over the line.

“The situation hasn’t moved on with Roma. Up to now, there has been no new offer,” the source said. “It remains very improbable that the Italian club meets Leicester’s demands.”

Agent on Bale move

13:50: Gareth Bale’s agent has dismissed reports linking the Real Madrid star with Manchester United.

United are hoping Real’s push to sign Kylian Mbappe opens an opportunity for them to sign Bale.

But Jonathan Barnett told BBC Sport: “It’s a ridiculous, stupid story.”

Coutinho’s Barca wage cut

13:37: Philippe Coutinho is willing to take a pay cut to join Barcelona.

Spanish newspaper Sport claim Coutinho is keen on a move to the Nou Camp.

And he is even prepared to drop his basic salary in order to help a deal through.

However, he could still make up the difference in pay if he succeeds with Barca, who offer players hefty bonus incentives.

Bale not happening – Humphrey

13:30: BT Sports presenter Jake Humphrey doesn’t think Gareth Bale is considering joining Manchester United.

The Welsh international has been linked with a money-spinning return to the Premier League with Jose Mourinho reportedly interested.

But Humphrey, who interviewed Bale a few days ago, doesn’t think there’s any prospect of that happening.

He tweeted: “Lots of Utd chat today. Filmed with Gareth Bale a few days ago. He loves RM, just got a new house, moving clubs not on his radar at all.”

Leeds United offload Irwin

13:15: Leeds United have offload striker Lee Irwin onto Kilmarnock.

The 22-year-old has signed a two-year contract at Kilmarnock.

He joined Leeds in June 2015 but ended up on loan at Bury and Oldham.

Coutinho’s agent agrees move to Barcelona – Balague

13:00: Philippe Coutinho’s agent has agreed a deal for his client to move to Barcelona, according to Guillem Balague.

The Spanish football expert claims there is an agreement in place for Coutinho to swap Liverpool for the Nou Camp – although nothing has been confirmed between the two clubs.

But the switch isn’t straight forward and Balague has been left unimpressed by Barcelona’s transfer deals.

He’s accused Barcelona of being desperate in the transfer market – after they contacted Monaco over signing Kylian Mbappe.

Express Sport understand that Real Madrid are poised to sign the Frenchman this summer instead.

Balague tweeted: “On Neymar: deal with PSG only slowed down due to its complexities. FCB think he made his mind up to leave. So, what of Coutinho/Mbappe?

“FCB contacted Mbappe and has an agreement with Coutinho’s agent. But Liverpool determined not to sell. FCB need Neymar’s money.

“Everything FCB are doing now smells of desperation. They have been reactive (not proactive) for too long. Even Mbappe contact arrives late

“The offer FCB took to Liverpool for Coutinho (€80m) is something they cannot pay if an unexpected twist Neymar decides to stay #improvising.”

Done Deal: Middlesbrough sign Fletcher

12:45: Middlesbrough have signed striker Ashley Fletcher from West Ham for £6.5million on a four-year contract.

Fletcher, who joined West Ham last July, failed to find the net in limited first-team opportunities under manager Slaven Bilic, starting only twice in all competitions during the 2016-17 season.

A former Manchester United trainee, Fletcher scored eight goals in 27 appearances during a six-month loan spell with Barnsley last year.

Done Deal: Newcastle sign Merino

12:30: Newcastle have signed midfielder Mikel Merino from Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan.

The Spain under-21 international is manager Rafa Benitez’s fifth signing of the current transfer window following the arrivals of Christian Atsu, Florian Lejeune, Jacob Murphy and Javier Manquillo.

“It feels good and I’m very happy to be here, to be part of this club. I’m looking forward to touching the ball, meeting my new team-mates and starting to play football,” Merino told Newcastle’s website.

“I know it’s a great club and a really nice city. I had different options but I think this is the right place for me to play.”

Dele’s better than Philippe – Murphy

12:15: Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli is better than Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, according to Danny Murphy.

“Coutinho scored 14 goals last season and that was his best return,” Murphy told talkSPORT.

“If Liverpool rate him at around £100m, what’s Dele Alli worth? He’s better than Coutinho! Different but better.

“If they get £80m or £90m, you’d think they’d sign someone else.”

Costa contact made

12:00: AC Milan chairman Marco Fassone says he’s met with Diego Costa’s agent.

Costa, 28, was told he would NOT feature in the club’s plans next season with Atletico Madrid the favourites to secure his services.

But AC Milan could still mount a challenge.

Fassone revealed he met with Jorge Mendes to explore alternative options.

Asked about the Brazil-born Spain international, Fassone said: “I would prefer to avoid talking about players from other teams. Diego Costa is a great player, but a Chelsea player.

“We went to see Jorge Mendes; there is a lot you can talk to him about. Costa is a great player but he is of Chelsea. That’s all.”

Arsenal on the verge…

11:45: Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the signing of Monaco star Thomas Lemar.

Arsenal are said to have already had two bids turned down for Lemar, with Monaco reportedly slapping an £80million price tag on the 21-year-old to deter the Gunners’ interest.

But according to The Sun, Arsenal have made a breakthrough in negotiations with Monaco and are now closing in on a £45m deal.

The report claims Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with the Frenchman after he told Monaco to allow him to move to the Emirates.

The former Caen man is said to want to complete his move before Monaco face Paris-Saint Germain in Morocco tomorrow in the Trophee des champions.

Neymar scrap

11:40: Neymar has been involved in a training-ground spat.

Sky Sports released footage of the Brazil superstar kicking out at new signing Nelson Semedo, before being held back by Sergio Busquets and eventually storming out of the session.

Neymar has been the subject of speculation this summer, with the latest reports claiming that he’s agreed a five-year deal with Paris St-Germain.

And this latest incident will only serve to increase claims that he’s unhappy at Barcelona.

Alonso prepared to fight

11:00: Marcos Alonso is ready to fight Juventus left back Alex Sandro for a starting role – should Chelsea secure his signature.

Antonio Conte is determined to increase competition for places, with the Brazil international high on his transfer shortlist.

But Alonso says he would relish the challenge.

He said: “This is Chelsea. We play in four competitions this year, so many games and competition can only be good for me and for the team. That’s it.

“I will just keep training, keep improving, keep doing well for the team and keep fighting.”

Another loan on the horizon

10:30: Spartak Moscow are looking to sign Chelsea outcast Mario Pasalic, reports claim.

The Croatia international, who arrived in West London for £3million in 2014, has never made a senior appearance for Chelsea.

He’s spent the last three seasons on loan with Elche, Monaco and most recently AC Milan, where he scored five goals in 27 appearances.

And ABC de Sevilla claim he could be leaving on another season-long loan with Spartak Moscow or Real Betis, who are also interested.

Hands off Hazard!

10:00: Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has issued a ‘hands off’ warning to Barcelona regarding Eden Hazard.

“He is very happy to stay with us and to play for Chelsea,” Conte said.

“I don’t know anything about this situation.

“In the past I read a lot of stories about Hazard with Real Madrid – and now Barcelona. This is the transfer market and we must understand this.”

Pennant joins… Billericay Town?!

09:45: Jermaine Pennant is set to complete a shock move to non-league big-spenders Billericay Town.

Pennant will pick up around £3,000-a-week at Billericay, whose dramatic spending spree is being overseen by millionaire steel magnate Glenn Tamplin.

Tamplin bought the club last year and is spending close to £30,000-a-week in wages to try and fire Billericay to promotion with Paul Konchesky and Jamie O’Hara also on his books.

He told The Sun: “Jermaine will be a great signing and will help us get to where we want to go.

“We all know he is a top player. He is good mates with Jamie O’Hara and when he heard about what we are doing, he let it know he wanted to come here.

“The fact Jermaine chose us over Hibs shows how much we are growing.

“Jermaine’s ability will make us even stronger and his experience will help our younger players reach the next level.”

Sanchez selfie = panic!

09:30: Alexis Sanchez has sparked more transfer discussion.

The Chilean posted a picture on his Instagram account with the caption “Sick!” followed a series of medicine-themed emojis hours after manager Arsene Wenger confirmed he would begin training on Sunday.

Sanchez has missed most of Arsenal’s pre-season preparations due to his involvement in the Confederations Cup, and his latest post suggests there will be no reunion with his Arsenal teammates this week.

Manchester City and Paris St-Germain are reported to be monitoring the 28-year-old, and his absence will do little to ease transfer speculation.

Santi will be back – but date unknown

09:00: Arsenal star Santi Cazorla has dismissed any suggestions that he will retire.

The Spanish playmaker hasn’t played since October 2016 after undergoing eight surgeries on his troublesome heel.

He said: “I don’t want to put any dates on a return because then if it takes longer, I feel I would disappoint.

“I really want to play again and I will work hard to return as soon as possible but the truth is that neither the doctors nor the trainers know when I will be able to return. 

“Every day my son asks me if I can play again. He really wants to see me on the pitch and I hope it will be soon.”

Silva seeks signings

08:30: Watford’s new manager Marco Silva wants more signings.

The 40-year-old said he held talks with club owner Gino Pozza with plans of a major overhaul of their roster that finished only six points above the relegation zone last season.

“Everybody knows my opinion. Gino and the board know what we need to complete our roster,” Silva told a news conference.

“We have targets in our mind. The market is not easy but we will keep working to improve the situation.

“It’s better for everyone if we have 95 per cent of our roster complete, that’s better for the coach. We need to do four, five, six moves in the market.”

Arsenal close in on Thomas Lemar signing

07:40 Arsenal appear to be closing in on the signing of Monaco winger Thomas Lemar.

That is according to The Sun, who claim Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with the France international.

Monaco reportedly put an £80million price tag on the 21-year-old to deter the Gunngers’ interest, but the Premier League outfit are said to have agreed a £45m fee.

Lemar is expected to become Arsene Wenger’s third signing of the summer, following striker Alexandre Lacazette and left-back Sead Kolasinac.

Eden Hazard heading to Barcelona?

07:00: Chelsea could lose Eden Hazard to Barcelona if Neymar leaves for Paris Saint-Germain.

Neymar continues to be linked with a move to France in the transfer saga of the summer so far.

And journalist Carles Escolan says a departure could see Barcelona try and sign Hazard.

Talk of the Belgium international leaving is nothing new, with Real Madrid regularly linked with a summer swoop.

Manchester United handed Gareth Bale boost

06:30: Real Madrid are willing to sell Gareth Bale this summer, Express Sport understands.

Manchester United want to sign Bale but it was thought Real would not agree to a sale.

But Zinedine Zidane’s pursuit of Kylian Mbappe means Bale’s place in the Real side is in doubt.

Express Sport understands United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward would jump at the chance to sign the Wales superstar if he became available.

And a move could be on as the Red Devils seek further recruits this summer.

Philippe Coutinho turned by Barcelona?

06:00: John Barnes feels something is not right with Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho.

Coutinho has been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer as Barcelona continue to show an interest in the Brazil international.

Liverpool are desperate to keep hold of Coutinho and swiftly knocked back the La Liga side’s offer.

However, former Liverpool winger Barnes reckons the Reds could be fighting a losing battle.

“You could tell by the way he reacted after he scored, with no celebration or anything, that something isn’t quite right with Philippe at Liverpool,” the Reds hero told ESPN FC.

“It would be great if Liverpool keep him, but if he goes, I wish him all the best.”