Friday's transfer news: Liverpool reject loan deal, Arsenal face exits plus Manchester United, Tottenham latest rumours and gossip
All the day's transfer news, rumours, gossip and done deals
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Here is the best of Friday's transfer news, rumours, gossip and done deals as Arsenal and Manchester United prepare for busy days ahead.
The Gunners were rocked by club captain Laurent Koscielny going on strike yesterday, with the Frenchman refusing to join the pre-season tour to the US. Koscielny has been offered a three-year deal by Bordeaux, while Rennes are also interested, and he wants the club to allow him to leave on a free transfer in return for his nine years of service.
Manchester United meanwhile met with representatives of Inter Milan yesterday to discuss a potential loan deal with an obligation-to-buy for wantaway striker Romelu Lukaku. Talks are still at an early stage, however, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have received a boost in their pursuit of Sporting's Bruno Fernandes after the Portuguese club signed Aleksandar Trajkovski who is seen as a direct replacement. Over in Europe, Barcelona are expected to finally trigger Antoine Griezmann's release clause today in one of the biggest transfers in football history. Follow all the latest news throughout the day here:
Please allow a moment for the blog to load.
Arsenal's hopes of signing Ryan Fraser on a cut-price deal have been dented with Bournemouth now content to keep the Scottish winger for another season before allowing him to leave as a free agent, according to The Express.
Arsenal are still interested in signing Real Madrid's Dani Ceballos, however, the Gunners have now conceded that they can only afford to bring the Spaniard in on loan.
Unai Emery is adamant that he wants to bring in an attacking player this summer after Denis Suarez's failed loan move.
Toby Alderweireld's agent has held talks with Roma over a possible move to Serie A.
The Italians are in dire need of a top-class defender after the sale of Kostas Manolas to Napoli and Alderweireld's £25m release clause has proved an enticing proposition.
Steve Bruce is set to take over at Newcastle with confirmation expected imminently.
The Magpies are currently finalising a compensation package of around £5m with Sheffield Wednesday for the manager, who will replace Rafael Benitez at the helm.
Manchester United have entered negotiations with Newcastle for 21-year-old midfielder Sean Longstaff.
United have held an interest in the Englishman for a number of months now, who is well-suited to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's ideology of bringing through a crop of new young players.
United value Longstaff at around £20m according to The Telegraph, however, Newcastle are demanding £50m. In a recent interview, Longstaff described United's interest as flattering but reiterated his desire to cement a first-team spot at Newcastle before thinking about any transfer.
Gareth Bale is refusing Real Madrid's attempts to oust him this summer and trained with his teammates in Canada yesterday as he bids to win Zinedine Zidane back over.
Bale was left out by Zidane towards the end of Madrid's turbulent season, with the manager clearly displaying his desire for the Welshman to leave.
After Eden Hazard's arrival, Madrid are keen to balance offload Bale's exorbitant wages, however, there has been little suitable interest in the winger.
Sources close to Barcelona have denied that the club paid Antoine Griezmann's release clause this morning, according to reports in Spain.
The negotiations between Barca and Atletico have become extremely messy over the past few days after the former released a statement condemning the Spanish champions and the player.
Peter Crouch is yet to make a decision on his future, according to TalkSport.
The veteran striker was released from his contract with Burnley this summer and is considering retirement.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has deemed the idea of signing Mauro Icardi "colossal, enormous stupidity” in a radio interview in Italy.
De Laurentiis also said of the Inter Milan striker's wife and agent: “I met Wanda Nara three years ago and I have no intention of meeting her again. That meeting was enough.”
Icardi does not appear to be part of Inter's plans under new manager Antonio Conte.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments