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Transfer news live: Manchester United ready to battle for Gareth Bale as Virgil van Dijk hands in transfer request

All the latest from the crazy world of the summer transfer window

Monday 07 August 2017 13:35 BST

Summer transfer window 2017: Latest rumours

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This summer window has of course been dominated by the news that PSG have announced the signing of Neymar from Barcelona in a world record £200m deal.

The Brazilian signs a five-year contract on more than £500,000-a-week after tax to become the world’s most expensive and highest paid player.

But plenty more deals are likely to be completed before the window slams shut.

Real Madrid’s interest in superstar teenager Kylian Mbappe is maintaining Manchester United’s belief that they can still sign Gareth Bale this summer, with the club’s long-standing desire to bring him to Old Trafford receiving a boost this week, although David De Gea may need to be involved.

With Mbappe telling Monaco that he wants to leave the club, Real are growing increasingly confident that they can fend off competition to sign the 18-year-old striker this summer.

That could result in Bale heading for the exit in order to free up funds as well as move to a club where he would be guaranteed regular first-team football, something that may not be the case if Mbappe arrives at the Bernabeu before the end of the transfer window.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa will hand in a formal transfer request after it was revealed there is no way back for him with the Premier League champions, and that he will only move to former club Atletico Madrid.

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The situation surrounding Southampton's wantaway defender Virgil van Dijk has taken another twist today with the Dutchman confirming he has handed in a transfer request, with a statement clarifying his desire for a new challenge, European football and the ambition to do as well as he can in a 'short career'.

However, he has also detailed the treatment that he has received from the club, something he says he has been 'insulted' by, and that they are planning to fine him two weeks' wages for his actions over the last few weeks.