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
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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:
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Cesar Azpilicueta has assured new Chelsea boss Frank Lampard that he will help bring youngsters through into the first team.
“He is very keen to give opportunities to the younger players," Azpilicueta said.
“All the senior players, we are happy and we are trying to help all of them.
“Frank knows the young players very well. His staff have been working with a lot of youngsters through the years.
“We have the best academy in England and, obviously, it is a chance for all of them to step up and to see them in the first team.”
PSG have reportedly renewed their interest in Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye.
L'equipe in France have claimed that the Ligue 1 champions have entered negotiations with the Toffees over the Senegalese player, whom they tried to sign in January.
The opening bid is said to be in the region of £27m.
Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Gremio star Everton, according to reports in Brazil.
Everton starred in the Copa America and was voted in the team of the tournament. Bayern Munich also have an interest in the player.
Juventus have exited the race to sign Paul Pogba from Manchester United, improving Real Madrid's chances of acquiring the French midfielder this summer.
According to The Daily Mail, the Serie A champions' vice-chairman Pavel Nedved told Pogba's agent Mino Raiola that Juve would be pursuing other targets.
Wolves' Ivan Cavaleiro appears to be headed to Fulham on a season-long loan.
The Portugese winger is expected to have a medical on Friday ahead to confirm the move.
Tottenham have put in a bid for Real Madrid's Mariano Diaz, AS are reporting.
The north London club join AC Milan and Roma in their pursuits of the 25-year-old forward.
Diaz reportedly turned down Arsenal this week, boosting the hopes of the Gunners' rivals.
Gianluigi Buffon's return to Juventus this week will have disappointed many in Manchester, as it is reported that the Italian keeper turned down both United and City to re-join his former club.
The 2006 World Cup winner spent a season at PSG, but the 41-year-old elected to return to Turin on a free transfer this week after his contract with the Ligue 1 champions expired.
Sam Allardyce has opened up on why he rejected taking the vacant manager's job at Newcastle.
The former England manager, who ruled the roost as St James' Park from 2007 until 2008, was one of the candidates identified by the club's hierarchy to replace Rafael Benitz.
"I was very flattered that I was considered but it’s that thing... ‘don’t go back'," Allardyce told TalkSport.
"It never got to the type of talks people are suggesting but it wasn’t for me. I politely said ‘no’.
"I never got to talk to Mike (Ashley, owner of the club). My agent contacted me, I had a think about it and a quick look at the situation and thanked them very much.
"It’s not for me. Maybe if it was the first time around I would have jumped at it. I appreciate the offer but I was surprised, I’ve not worked for a full season.”
Peter Crouch has confirmed his retirement. In a statement on Twitter, the former England international said:
"After a lot of deliberation this summer I have decided to retire from football! Our wonderful game has given me everything. I’m so thankful to everyone who helped me get there and to help me stay there for so long."
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