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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Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign emerging Japanese talent Hiroki Abe from Kashima Antlers, the J-League club said on Friday.
The 20-year-old attacker, named the league's best young player of 2018, was set to undergo a medical with the Spanish side and would join up with their 'B' team.
Financial details were not released but earlier reports said that Barca would pay around €2m for Abe, who made his senior international debut at the Copa America and appeared in all three of Japan's matches.
Barcelona legend Xavi has said that signing Neymar would be 'very difficult'.
Neymar left Barca in 2017 for PSG, but seems to be forcing an exit from Paris, having failed to show up to training with the Ligue 1 champions this week.
"He would be an incredible signing, but I see it as being difficult, honestly," former Spain international Xavi admitted. "I think it's very difficult."
Everton have made an offer for England youth goalkeeper Billy Crellin, according to Sky.
The Fleetwood shot-stopper is 19-years-old and featured for England at the U17 World Cup two years ago, a tournament that England won.
The completion of Antoine Griezmann's move to Barcelona is imminent; the French forward's lawyer is at La Liga's headquarters and is ready to pay Atletico Madrid's €120m release clause, AS have reported.
An update on Toby Alderweireld's potential move to Roma now, as Sky Italy are reporting that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will meet Roma executive Franco Baldini in London to negotiate a deal today.
Baldini was previously sporting director at Spurs, and will meet up with Levy in an attempt to finalise the transfer of the Belgium centre-back.
Spurs' asking price is £25m.
Watford are said to be in talks with two Ligue 1 clubs over possible transfers.
The Hornets are reportedly interested in signing Rennes winger Ismaila Sarr, while Lille are in for the Premier League side's Dodi Lukebakio.
Belgium U21 international Lukebakio could depart for around £13m, while Watford may break their transfer record to acquire Sarr for £18m.
Manchester United Women have signed England goalkeeper Mary Earps from German side Wolfsburg.
“I’m delighted to have signed for Manchester United,” Earps, 26, said of the move.
“Something special is happening at the club and I’m excited to become a part of that. I feel like this is the perfect place for me to reach the next level in my career. I can’t wait to get started."
Sheffield Wednesday right-back Liam Palmer has extended his deal at Hillsborough, signing a new three-year contract.
The 27-year-old will remain at the club until 2022, according to Sky.
Palmer has made 224 appearances for Wednesday and started the majority of the team's games in the Championship last season.
Former England striker Andy Carroll has returned to West Ham to train, despite being released by the club earlier this summer.
Carroll, 30, was plagued by injuries during his six-year spell with the Hammers, and the east London side have seemingly welcomed the striker back to train so that he can find fitness ahead of finding a new club.
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