Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended
7 years ago

Transfer news live: Philippe Coutinho nearing Liverpool exit, Chelsea want Danny Rose, Kylian Mbappe to PSG

Follow the latest from the summer transfer window

Wednesday 09 August 2017 09:00 EDT
0Comments
Premier League transfer round-up: Brighton break their transfer record

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.

Barcelona are closing in on Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho with reports in Spain claiming the deal could be done by the end of the week in a move that would see the Brazilian replace his compatriot Neymar.

Barca wanted to sign Coutinho before Neymar left the Nou Camp, and the latter’s £200m Nou Camp exit has triggered serious interest in the Liverpool attacking midfielder. The Reds are determined to hold on to their prized asset, but could bow to a bid in the region of £120m.

Manchester United appear to have ended their interest in Gareth Bale, with the Welsh international featuring in Real Madrid’s 2-1 Uefa Super Cup victory over Jose Mourinho’s side on Tuesday. The United manager confirmed earlier in the week that he would “fight” to sign Bale if he didn’t feature, but after starting the match in Skopje, Mourinho admitted it was “game over”.

Chelsea are being heavily linked with moves for Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Tottenham defender Danny Rose as Antonio Conte continues to search for reinforcement to help increase his squad size.

Finally, Paris Saint-Germain are ready to make one last attempt to sign Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez with an £80m offer expected to arrive at the Emirates, with the Parisians looking to beat Manchester City to the Chile international.

Follow the live news below...

Please allow a moment for the blog to load...

7 years ago

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Alexis Sanchez will miss Arsenal's Premier League opener against Leicester through injury.

The Chilean, who only returned to first-team training last week, suffered an abdominal strain on Sunday morning and will be out for what is expected to be a couple of weeks.

Wenger confirmed the news and also revealed he has a number of other injury concerns ahead of the game on Friday night.

Ben Burrows9 August 2017 09:30
7 years ago

Philippe Coutinho will have to start a "war" to leave Liverpool, according to former club captain Steven Gerrard. With Barcelona offering an attractive proposition to the Brazilian, Gerrard - who of course is Liverpool's Under-18's manager - believes it is a "very, very difficult situation" for both club and player.

Here's his thoughts: 

Jack de Menezes9 August 2017 09:45
7 years ago

After securing most of their transfer business early in the summer, Manchester City have gone somewhat under the radar over the last few weeks. However, there are still issues to iron out if they are to go one step further and wrestle back the Premier League title, with Pep Guardiola looking to bounce back from last season's trophyless campaign.

Mark Critchley looks at what needs fixing in the next few weeks:

Jack de Menezes9 August 2017 10:16
7 years ago

BREAKING

Hull City have announced the free transfer of Sebastian Larsson on a one-year contract, with the former Arsenal academy product joining the Championship club after leaving fellow-relegated side Sunderland in the summer. 

Jack de Menezes9 August 2017 11:34
7 years ago

Jose Mourinho praised debutant Nemanja Matic's display and the way Manchester United's new boys continue to settle into his "amazing group".

Despite having only played 45 minutes for the club in last week's friendly against Sampdoria, the £35million signing impressed throughout the whole match in sweltering Macedonia.

"I think he played really well," Mourinho said. "I think in the moments where they were moving more the ball, of course it was difficult for us in the midfield.

"But in good moments he was really good and especially in our dominance in the second half after the 2-0.

"In our period of dominance he was what we want him to be: to move the ball in a simple way, to give balance to the team, to start building from the back.

"He is a player with great experience, many years at the highest level and good experience, good stability."

Ben Burrows9 August 2017 11:56
7 years ago

Rafael Benitez admitted he is "not happy" with Newcastle's transfer business so far as they prepare to make their Premier League return this weekend.

"I am not happy but at the same time for me it's a challenge," he said on Sky Sports. "I try to do my best."

Benitez said inflated prices in the transfer market were a big part of the problem, but also said the Magpies were paying the price for making a slow start to the summer.

"It is very hard, the prices are crazy," he said. "We missed some targets at the beginning and we're paying for that. Hopefully we can find solutions and bring what we need. It's not what you want, it's what you need."

Ben Burrows9 August 2017 12:15
7 years ago

It's the news that no United, Arsenal, Chelsea or any other Premier League fan wanted to hear. With Isco in the final year of his current contract, hopes were high that the Spaniard would be gracing the UK's pitches on a regular basis in the very near future. But that looks a long way off after he confirmed that a new contract with Real Madrid is "very close", scuppering any chance of a summer move to the Premier League.

Here's the full story: 

Jack de Menezes9 August 2017 13:31
7 years ago

Deal reached for former Tottenham forward:

  Fenerbahce have agreed a deal to sign former Tottenham forward Roberto Soldado for a fee believed to be in the region of €8m (£7.2m).

The 32-year-old spent two relatively dry seasons in England before moving back to Spain in the summer of 2015.

Should he agree to personal terms and pass a medical in Istanbul, he will link up with former Premier League stars Robin van Persie and Martin Skrtel in ahead of the new Super Lig season which begins this weekend.

Evan Bartlett9 August 2017 14:43
7 years ago

DONE DEAL

Watford have announced the signing of striker Andre Gray from Burnley for a club-record fee on a five-year deal. 

The 26-year-old moves to Vicarage Road after two years at the Clarets.

Gray found the net 33 times during two seasons with Burnley, including nine goals in 26 top-flight starts during 2016/17.

Samuel Lovett9 August 2017 16:24

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

0Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in