Wednesday's transfer news LIVE: Romelu Lukaku nears Manchester United exit, latest Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea rumours
Follow LIVE coverage of all the latest transfer news, rumours and done deals
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Follow Wednesday’s transfer news and rumours live, as Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona remain the talk of the rumour mill, with the Fifa international window opening yesterday.
Real Madrid finally confirmed the signing of Eden Hazard in a deal which could rise to £150m while Daniel James’ long-anticipated move from Swansea to Manchester United was confirmed for £18m.
Speculation over the future of Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt continues to rumble with PSG moving ahead in the race for the 19-year-old while Romelu Lukaku looks to force a move to Serie A after becoming disenchanted with life at United. Follow all of the latest news below:
Arsenal have taken an interest in Belgian winger Yannick Carrasco with a move for Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser seeming to stall, while Liverpool are considering a £59m bid for Lille forward Nicolas Pepe.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Watford had a bid rejected for Rennes winger Ismaila Sarr while Crystal Palace are determined to keep hold of coveted young full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
West Ham close in on Fornals
West Ham are nearing a deal for Villareal playmaker Pablo Forrnals for a fee in the region of £22m.
Manuel Pellegrini is pursuing a creative midfielder who can play in front of Declan Rice and has identified the 23-year-old Spaniard as a top target.
Hudson-Odoi ready to sign new deal if guaranteed playing time
Callum Hudson-Odoi is set to sign a new long-term contract at Chelsea, as long as the club assure him of Premier League playing time.
The teenage starlet missed the end of the season with a ruptured Achilles but is raring to fill the void left by Eden Hazard as heir to the Belgian's No 10 shirt.
The faffing over Maurizio Sarri's move to Juventus is said to be holding up the formal negotiations.
Ferdinand interest in United director role
Rio Ferdinand has admitted he is keen in becoming United technical director but says the role is yet to be totally defined by the club.
"It all depends on the shape of the job," Ferdinand said. "I don't think it's all been outlined at Man United in terms of 'that's the job and this is the description'. I think there's a lot to talk about within that.
"To be fair to Man United, in that kind of role, the responsibility that comes with that, you can't lie and say that that's not a turn-on.
"Because you are helping to shape the fortunes of a club of that stature. That's a huge job."
Madrid favour Pogba over Eriksen
Zinedine Zidane has reportedly convinced the Real Madrid hierarchy that Paul Pogba is the missing piece to his Galactico puzzle, as opposed to wantaway Spurs midfielder Christian Eriksen.
Zidane has long been an admirer of Pogba, who would be open to a move to the Spanish capital, however, Eriksen remains the cheaper alternative.
Dybala seeking Juventus exit
Paulo Dybala is set to be forced out of Juventus this summer, according to Sky Sport.
The Argentinian winger has struggled to adapt to a wide role since Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival and has suffered as a result. A number of clubs have been keeping tabs on the 25-year-old, including Manchester United.
Barcelona chasing West Brom teenager
Barcelona are reportedly eyeing a West Brom academy starlet, according to Sky Sports.
15-year-old Louie Barry has been at the Baggies since he was six and has scored 10 goals in five games for England's U15s.
He's since graduated to the U16s and claimed the golden boot at the Vall-de-Marne tournament.
Ferdinand backs Lampard to success Sarri at Chelsea
Rio Ferdinand has thrown his weight behind his former England teammate, claiming Frank Lampard is the "perfect choice" to take charge at Chelsea.
Lampard's derby narrowly missed out on promotion the Premier League last season while Maurizio Sarri's departure to Juventus appears to be on the finishing line.
"He is the perfect choice. People talk about experience and what-not but what experience did Pep [Guardiola] have when he went into Barcelona's first team? He trained the younger kids at the club," added Ferdinand.
"Frank knows the club and he knows the players and the players will respect him. You can see he can carry himself in a particular way in front of the media and in the football club and he can change things within a season.
"If Chelsea are going to get a ban transfer-wise I don't think they can look anywhere but Frank if I'm honest. Because he and Jody [Morris, Derby assistant manager] they know all the kids from 16 upwards. They know what they can all do."
Felix interested in Atletico move
Joao Felix is reportedly interested in a move to Atletico Madrid, according to AS.
The sought-after Benfica starlet has attracted widespread interest, including from Manchester City, and could command a fee of up to £100m.
Everton plead with Zouma to stay
Everton are desperate to persuade Kurt Zouma to stay with the Toffees rather than return to Chelsea next season.
The centre-back was on loan at Goodison Park last season but the Blues may look to recall the 24-year-old due to their looming transfer embargo.
Chelsea make last-gasp Sarri stay attempt
Chelsea have made a late attempt to convince Maurizio Sarri to stay at the club, according to The Sun.
Sarri wants to return to Juventus but Chelsea are refusing to sack him and pay the compensation for the two years remaining on his contract.
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