Sunday’s transfer news: Manchester United wait on Donny van de Beek, Lionel Messi will skip Barcelona return, Arsenal set for double boost
Review all the day’s transfer news, rumours and gossip
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Your support makes all the difference.Review all the day's transfer news, rumours and gossip as the uncertainty over Lionel Messi’s future continues after the forward missed Barcelona’s return to training on Sunday as he pushes for a move to Manchester City. Messi’s request to meet with president Josep Bartomeu to reach an amicable exit has been rejected by the club, resulting in the 33-year-old deciding that he has to force his way out of the club.
Manchester United are keen on signing Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek, but the 23-year-old is holding off on any final decision in the hope that Barcelona make an offer. Tottenham are also reported to be interested in the Dutch international. Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles meanwhile is keen on staying at the club after his man-of-the-match display in the Community Shield on Saturday, and although Wolves remain interested in his services, Newcastle have been put off by his £25m valuation.
Everton are set for a flurry of signings, with a £25m deal agreed for Napoli midfielder Allan and a loan move for Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez set to be confirmed in the coming days. The Toffees are also being linked with United goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who is surplus to requirements after Dean Henderson returned to Old Trafford. Arsenal are set for a double-boost this week with captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang poised to sign a new deal alongside the arrival of defender Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille. Follow the live updates below.
Everton centre-back Michael Keane has signed a new five-year contract.
Reports gather pace that Manchester United are in pole position to sign Donny van de Beek.
The Ajax midfielder was left out of the club's squad, with Tottenham and Barcelona both also linked with the 23-year-old.
However, Spanish outlet Sport now claim Van de Beek has informed his teammates that he expects to be a Manchester United player shortly.
Speaking about Van de Beek's absence, Ajax manager Erik ten Hag said:
There are indeed developments that prevent him from being in the selection. We are looking at how that will end.
Wolves are set to miss out on Ainsley Maitland-Niles after the 23-year-old's impressive performances have caused Arsenal to U-turn on their willingness to sell the academy graduate, according to Sky Sports.
Wolves had a £15m bid rejected for the versatile player, who still has three years remaining on his contract, with Arsenal thought to be holding out for £25m.
However, after Maitland-Niles picked up the man of the match award during Arsenal's Community Shield victory against Liverpool yesterday, he could instead sign an improved deal to remain in north London.
Inter Milan have expressed an interest in Arsenal target Thomas Partey, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Ghana international has a €50m release clause, with Atletico adamant he will not depart for anything less.
Antonio Conte is in pursuit of a midfidler to replace Marcelo Brozovic, who could leave the San Siro this summer. Inter have also been linked with Sandro Tonali.
England manager Gareth Southgate has praised Jadon Sancho's maturity as speculation continues to surround the Borussia Dortmund winger's future.
Another development in what seems to be Lionel Messi's increasingly bitter departure from Barcelona as La Liga release a lengthy statement confirmed that the Argentine's €700m release clause is still valid.
Leeds are in talks with Udinese to sign midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.
The Argentine international is highly rated by manager Marcelo Bielsa and would command a fee of at least £25m.
Leeds have been active in the transfer window since securing promotion, breaking their transfer record to sign Valencia striker Rodrigo, as well as Arsenal youngster Sam Greenwood.
In further developments at Arsenal, centre-back Rob Holding, who also started in yesterday's Community Shield victory against Liverpool, is set to join Newcastle on loan.
Sky Sports report that Holding is ready to leave the club temporarily in a bid for playing time, with the imminent arrival of Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes likely to restrict the 24-year-old's opportunities this campaign.
Emiliano Martinez is close to signing a contract extension at Arsenal, according to The Telegraph.
The Argentine has attracted interest from both Premier League and La Liga clubs, with Aston Villa prepared to offer £10m for the goalkeeper.
Arsenal were ready to sell the goalkeeper. However, another impressive display in yesterday's Community Shield may yet have convinced Arteta to offer Martinez Arsenal's No 1 position and a vastly improved deal.
It has been confirmed: Lionel Messi has NOT turned up for the first day of Barcelona's pre-season.
The Argentine was due this morning for his mandatory coronavirus test, but he has not reported in and is not expected to turn up this afternoon either.
It is the biggest development yet in a saga that is going to rumble on for some time.
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