Monday's transfer news, rumours: Man Utd Matthijs de Ligt update, Liverpool in Nicolas Pepe talks, Arsenal’s blow
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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.
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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.
Spurs are keen on AC Milan's Franck Kessie.
The Rossoneri star could be the subject of a £30m move, claim the Express.
Mauricio Pochettino wants to strengthen his midfield, with Victor Wanyama struggling with injuries and Moussa Sissoko requiring help with Harry Winks also suffering from injuries this season.
Fraser transfer latest
Ryan Fraser, who has been linked with Arsenal all summer, has provided a transfer update while on international duty with Scotland.
“The lads have been asking,” Fraser told BBC Scotland. “I don’t know myself so there’s no point thinking about it, wherever I’ll be, I’ll be. I don’t know what is happening. I’m not just saying that.
“Wherever I’ll be, if it’s Bournemouth or if it’s at somebody else, then all you can do is try your best and enjoy football.
“If you think about anything else, I’ll probably have a bad game.”
Napoli will move for James Rodriguez
The Real Madrid star is wanted by Carlo Ancelotti, who is now set on hunting down Juventus in next season's title race.
Corriere dello Sport believe the Italian club will move for the Colombian in a €42m deal.
Rose aware of Spurs speculation
Danny Rose is well aware of the speculation linking him with a move away from Tottenham Hotspur but while the defender says nothing has been decided about his future he is well prepared to deal with whatever comes next.
Rose, who joined Spurs from Leeds United in 2007, is contracted to the Premier League club until 2021 and featured in 37 games in all competitions this season.
The 28-year-old acknowledged that the club's policy on senior players may see him on the transfer list.
"I don't know what the future holds now. I know my age and I know how the club's run in terms of if you get to a certain age they might look to ship you on," Rose told Sky Sports.
"It has been no secret that my name has been mentioned quite a few times in terms of players moving on and I'll be just sitting tight over the next few weeks and just seeing what happens. Either way I'm prepared for whatever happens."
Despite not signing any players in the last two transfer windows, Spurs reached their first Champions League final where they lost to Liverpool, a game Rose started.
"This season I've played quite a bit, it's been really good," he added. "I'm proud of what I've done individually and I'm over the moon about what the club has achieved as well.
"There have been some difficulties -- no signings, playing at Wembley (while White Hart Lane was renovated) and I think the club and players have shown great character.
"We're in a good position for next season now and we'll be raring to go because the final in Madrid was an unbelievable experience and it's one I'd love to experience again."
DONE DEAL!
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Anwar El Ghazi from Ligue 1 side Lille.
The Dutch international spent last season on loan at Villa Park, making 31 appearances in the Championship and scoring 5 goals.
Manager Dean Smith said “Anwar proved to everybody at Wembley how good a player he can be for Aston Villa.
“He’s ready for the step up to the Premier League and he’s a young player who has an awful lot of potential. It’s now my job and the job of the coaching staff and Anwar himself to fulfil the potential that he undoubtedly has.
“He’ll be a great addition to the squad for next season.”
Walsall defender Nicky Devlin is leaving the club to sign for Livingston
The 25-year-old right-back will move to the Scottish Premiership side when his contract with the Saddlers expires on June 30.
Devlin, who made 85 appearances for Walsall, has agreed a two-year deal with Gary Holt's team.
He took to Twitter to say his farewells, saying: "The time has come to move on from Walsall after two years. I've loved my time here and it was a pleasure to play for the club.
"I've met some amazing people that I'll never forget. Thanks for your support even through the difficult times! All the best. UTS."
Juventus want Matthijs De Ligt to partner up with Giorgio Chiellini next season.
Sky claim the Ajax defender is high on their shopping list.
And the Dutch international could become a starter for Maurizio Sarri, who is the front runner to replace Massimiliano Allegri, with a deal with Chelsea being negotiated this week.
Cillessen advising De Ligt
Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen has admitted that he is in conversation with compatriot Matthijs de Ligt about his impending transfer from Ajax.
And Cillessen has said that he has happily told the young defender about what a “great club” Barcelona is.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Cillessen said: "I sat down with him [De Ligt] to talk about all the options but I did the same with Frenkie [de Jong].
"I told him that the decision belongs to him. Matthijs is a good boy and he knows what he has to do.
"I talked to him but also told him that I cannot make the decision for him. He knows what he has to do.
"I can only talk about the good things about Barcelona because they are a great club and I have great feelings for them."
Tottenham are considering a move for Hiroki Sakai
The Marseille right-back could arrive as a potential replacement should Kieran Trippier or Serge Aurier leave, report Sky.
The Japan international, 29, has two years remaining on his contract.
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