Monday's transfer news, rumours: Man Utd Matthijs de Ligt update, Liverpool in Nicolas Pepe talks, Arsenal’s blow
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.Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona remain the talk of the transfer rumour mill as the international window continues to creep into view. So join us for all of the latest LIVE news and updates.
Last week Real Madrid finally announced the signing of Eden Hazard for a fee that could come to exceed £150m. Elsewhere, Daniel James completed his £18m move from Swansea to Manchester United.
The future of Matthijs de Ligt meanwhile remains uncertain, with the 19-year-old defender currently linked to a host of clubs eager to land his signature. And Liverpool continue to press for the signature of Lille winger Nicolas Pepe.
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.
Arsenal are meanwhile set to push on with their first signing of the summer with a bid for Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser set to be lodged. A new centre-back is high on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s priority list at United with Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Leicester’s Harry Maguire both options. Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka is another on the Norwegian’s radar.
It won’t just be incomings at Old Trafford, however, with Paul Pogba a high-profile target for Real Madrid and Alexis Sanchez on his way out with Inter Milan and Juventus fighting it out for his signature – if he drops his wage demands. And Liverpool could be active too as they look to go one better after failing to win the Premier League title by just a single point.
Good morning and welcome to our rolling coverage of Monday's latest transfer news, rumours and done deals.
De Ligt uncertain over future
We begin with the following story from our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney, who reports that Ajax teenage sensations Matthijs de Ligt remains uncertain over his future.
Given that his representatives have been in talks with Barcelona for several months now, that has to be seen as good news for Manchester United, who have also contacted Ajax over the player's services.
Juventus and Liverpool meanwhile retain an interest in the 19-year-old.
Read more:
Liverpool’s Pepe boost
Some good news for Liverpool fans now. Late last week, The Sun claimed that Lille winger Nicolas Pepe prefers a move to Bayern Munich over the Reds, but the latest reports from France claim that Liverpool have officially entered into negotiations for the 24-year-old winger.
The Ivory Coast international enjoyed a superb 2018/19 campaign, racking up 22 goals and 11 assists and catching the eye of clubs right across Europe.
Liverpool are one of those clubs and RMC Sport have this morning claimed that the club are in talks with Lille over a £59m move.
Pepe usually plays as a right winger, which would free up Mohamed Salah to play as a centre-forward, much as he did for large parts of the recent campaign.
Everton to rival Arsenal
Reports from Spain this morning suggest that Arsenal have suffered something of a transfer blow.
Earlier this summer it was widely reported that the Gunners possessed an interest in Getafe centre-back Djene Dakonam.
Unai Emery has even personally scouted the 27-year-old with Arsenal previously optimistic of a £15m transfer fee – despite the player’s £30m release clause.
But now Marca report that Everton are also interested in the Togo international. Marco Silva reportedly sees Dakonam as the ideal replacement for Phil Jagielka, which could drive his price up.
After his big money move from Chelsea to Real Madrid, Miguel Delaney has written the following piece wishing Eden Hazard farewell.
“As well as one of the club’s greatest ever players, Hazard was one of the Premier League’s most distinctive, who so regularly illuminated the competition with an elusive style of dribbling that is so rare - and thereby all the more electrifying - in the modern game.”
Read more:
Super scout Ronaldo gets to work
Matthijs de Ligt has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo pestered him to leave Ajax for Juventus during the Nations League final between Portugal and the Netherlands.
Portugal won the match 1-0 on home turf – but it would appear star player Ronaldo had another matter on his mind.
Asked whether Ronaldo told him to join Juventus, De Ligt told Dutch publication NOS: “That could well be true.
“What I answered? I didn’t understand him at first. So I said… no, I didn’t say anything.”
When pressed, De Ligt admitted that Ronaldo had asked him to join Juventus, stating: “I was a bit shocked, that’s why I laughed.
“But I didn’t say anything.
“Just after the game you just feel bad that you’ve lost, that’s all you’re thinking about.”
Joao Felix could be on the move
Benfica have admitted that they are open to selling teenage prodigy Joao Felix this summer – but have said they would like the player to return to the club on loan next season.
Manchester United and Manchester City are among the clubs interested in the 19-year-old forward, and Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has provided an update on the player’s future.
Veira said: “We sit down with players and they say ‘president, I can earn five million euros, president, do not make me stay here.’
“Joao Felix had a release clause of 60million euros and we realised after two or three games that we must increase it to 120million euros.
“But it is Joao Felix and his family who will decide if he stays.
“If someone bids 120m euros it is not worth dreaming that he will stay.
“We are trying everything to ensure he stays. But the only way is if we sell him and keep him another year.
“If not, Joao leaves. There is no room to negotiate further. He doesn’t want to.
“How will Benfica negotiate with someone after he is given a proposal of 6million euros after tax?”
Roma move ahead of Arsenal
Arsenal have been scouting Fiorentina midfielder Jordan Veretout this summer, but reports in Italy suggest that Roma have moved into pole position for his signature.
For weeks rival Serie A club Napoli have been expected to sign the Frenchman for around £18m.
However a bid failed to materialise resulting in Arsenal and Sevilla making enquiries into the player’s availability.
But according to Sky Sports Italia, Roma have now entered negotiations for the 27-year-old and are confident of signing the player as something of a Plan B, after initial target Donny van de Beek proved too expensive.
Griezmann coy over future
Antoine Griezmann has been joking about his future with French outlet Télematin.
The Atletico Madrid man has been linked with a summer switch to Barcelona for months now and has said that he “knows” where he will be playing come the start of the 2019/20 season.
“I know where I'm going to play next season,” he said in an interview with the French outlet, before adding: “I know where I'll play in seven years, too, in Miami.”
Maurizio Sarri could be announced as Juventus' new manager on Wednesday or Thursday.
That's according to Tuttosport, who claim the Chelsea manager could strengthen his new side by shopping at Real Madrid.
Florentino Perez is said to be open to dealing some of his squad as they begin a rebuild under Zinedine Zidane.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments