Transfer news live: Neymar's PSG move in limbo as La Liga reject £198m offer, Liverpool handed Naby Keita boost
Follow the latest from the summer transfer window
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.Neymar will complete his £198m record move to Paris Saint-Germain in the coming days after being given permission to leave Barcelona, with the Brazilian poised to earn more than £500,000-a-week when he signs a five-year contract.
The 25-year-old will become the most expensive player in world football after saying his goodbyes to his Barcelona teammates on Wednesday and, having flown to London, he will arrive in Paris either today or tomorrow to complete the move.
The news has triggered a reaction in France, with wanted striker Kylian Mbappe informing Monaco that he wants to leave the club. The teenager is Real Madrid’s top transfer priority, but the exit of Neymar has opened up the door to a potential move to Barcelona. Watch this space.
Closer to home, Alexis Sanchez’s future remains very much in the balance, with the Chile international currently preparing for the Community Shield this weekend with Arsenal hopeful he can play a part despite only returning from his summer holiday on Tuesday. He still wants to leave Arsenal, and a move back to Barcelona could yet materialise after Neymar’s exit.
But the Catalans appear to be more interested in Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele and, according to report, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, who has emerged as a shock target having been repeatedly linked with Real.
Follow the live news below...
Please allow a moment for the blog to load...
Good morning and welcome to The Independent's transfer live blog, where we'll bring you all the latest news, done deals and rumours throughout the day including the latest on the world record transfer involving Neymar and Paris Saint-Germain.
Where else to start? Today could be the day that the £100m barrier is not only smashed but absolutely decimated by Paris Saint-Germain, with the French club poised to sign Neymar from Barcelona for a staggering £198m.
Here's how the drama unfolded yesterday:
France striker Kylian Mbappe has asked to leave Monaco, with Barcelona named among several European clubs interested in signing him, L'Equipe has reported.
The 18-year-old shone for Monaco as they claimed the French title and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season but the forward apparently wants to leave the club "very soon".
Monaco recently said it was hopeful that the teenager valued at £160m would agree to a new contract.
With Brazilian striker Neymar on the verge of a record-breaking move from Barcelona to PSG Mbappe would represent an ideal replacement at the Catalan club should that transfer go ahead.
Everton's Kieran Dowell has joined Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan.
BREAKING
La Liga have REJECTED Paris Saint-Germain's £198m offer for Neymar, even though Uefa have confirmed that they have no jurisdiction to do to. Five lawyers arrived in Madrid to make the offer formal, but were turned away after entering the building and holding brief discussions.
Here's Jack de Menezes with the latest:
Luis Suarez has followed Lionel Messi's lead and wished Neymar well ahead of his world record move to PSG.
"My friend I wish you the best in everything that comes," he wrote on Instagram.
"Also thank you for your support, for everything that I learned with you and for the unique moments that we spent together!
"Keep like this and never change love you little bro."
Arsene Wenger has once again insisted that Alexis Sanchez will not leave Arsenal this summer.
The Chilean is anxious to leave the club with a reunion with former boss Pep Guardiola and Manchester City his preferred choice while big spending Paris Saint-Germain are another option and are long-term admirers.
With only one year remaining on his current deal the Gunners risk losing their star man for nothing in a year's time with fresh terms in the region of £300,000-per-week swiftly rejected.
But Wenger, as he has done all summer, remains adamant Sanchez will not be sold and reiterated his desire to keep the player beyond this season.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments