Transfer news LIVE: Barcelona asked to sign Lionel Messi by Xavi, Newcastle £40m Connor Gallagher EXCLUSIVE
BARCELONA are still on the hunt for more incomings this summer despite their financial issues in the transfer window.
They drew 0-0 with Rayo Vallecano in their opening game at the Nou Camp, with former Chelsea target Jules Kounde still unable to join the matchday squad under La Liga rules.
However, the Catalans are still very much in for Bernardo Silva, and Xavi has even asked club president Joan Laporta to bring Lionel Messi back to the club.
Meanwhile Newcastle are lining up a £40m move for Chelsea's Conor Gallagher, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
The midfielder starred for Crystal Palace on loan last season, leading to Thomas Tuchel bringing him into his first team squad.
Follow ALL of the latest transfer news and gossip below...
Giovani Lo Cels-go
Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso is reportedly on his way to Villarreal to secure a move away from Spurs.
The 24-year-old is set to re-join the LaLiga side after spending the second half of last season with them.
Lo Celso will reunite with Unai Emery on another lan deal, according to football.london.
But Villarreal will reportedly have the option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign.
Guardiola confirms Gomez will stay
Pep Guardiola has confirmed new signing Sergio Gomez will stay at Manchester City and compete for a first team spot instead of going out on loan.
The City boss said: “For now, he is going to stay with us and he will be with the squad along with Joao, Josh and him, [they will compete] for left-back.”
Before adding: “The club is always working in many possibilities and positions. This one target is a young player.
“In the [Under-19] World Cup, years ago, Phil Foden was the best player and he [Gomez] was the second-best player.
“He played in Spain Under-21s and he was a young talent for the academy of Barcelona.
“He went to Dortmund and didn’t have much minutes and in the last years played under the good hands of Vincent Kompany and Anderlecht, and he played really well.
“We targeted him and we could bring him here.”
Poyet backs Aubameyang to join Chelsea
Former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder Gus Poyet believes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be a perfect fit at Stamford Bridge.
The ex-Arsenal skipper has been linked with a return to the Premier League just six months after joining Barcelona.
Speaking to , Poyet said: “Aubameyang would be perfect for Chelsea, he looks happy and back to his best scoring goals.
“I do not know why Chelsea and Barcelona are constantly trying to sign and steal the same players from each other this summer.
“Both clubs want similar players even though they are nothing alike.”
Arsenal starlet pens new deal
Arsenal right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy has signed a new contract following his dazzling loan at Lincoln.
The 18-year-old told Arsenal Media: “I’m really over the moon to sign for such a great club.
“I’ve been dreaming of this day for a long time and I worked hard for this moment and I’ve got it, so I’m very proud.“
It is understood that the teenager could leave the club on loan again, with the Championship his most likely destination.
United to keep Marcus Rashford
Erik ten Hag has ruled out selling Marcus Rashford to Paris Saint-Germain, insisting he's in the club's "plans."
The French champions enquired over a shock transfer for the out-of-sorts striker earlier this week, with a view to adding him to their star-studded squad before the end of the month.
But United have no intention of letting the England international depart Old Trafford any time soon.
Ten Hag said: "Rashford is really important, you have seen from the first day - I'm really happy with him and definitely don't want to lose him.
“Rashford is in our plans. He will stay at Manchester United."
United are said to value their academy graduate at a whopping £120million - despite his recent struggles in front of goal.
Sealed with a Cris
Tottenham are reportedly closing in on a permanent transfer for defender Cristian Romero as they prepare to trigger his £41million release clause.
The 24-year-old Argentine has been on loan at Spurs from Atalanta since the beginning of last season.
He has been mightily impressive for Antonio Conte's men, playing a major role in their qualification for the Champions League.
According to The Telegraph, Tottenham are now seeking to tie him down to a long-term deal at the club.
A stipulation in the loan was that Spurs would need to trigger his release clause before the end of August.
And they are now poised to do so following a successful summer's transfer business.
Making his Marc at PSG
PSG are plotting a sensational move for Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford.
The England international has been struggling for form at Old Trafford and a change of scenery could do him some good.
Rashford's camp are claimed to be entering talks with "an open mind", although PSG are yet to make a formal bid.
The 24-year-old has just one year remaining on his United contract, although the Red Devils possess the option to extend it by a further 12 months.
Should PSG land their man, he would have the opportunity to rebuild his form alongside some of the world's most potent attacking talent.
Here's how Les Parisiens could line-up with Rashford.
Utd eye up Islan Meslier
Man Utd have identified Leeds keeper Illan Meslier as the long-term replacement for David de Gea, according to reports.
De Gea, 31, held on to the No1 spot at Old Trafford at the start of last season, taking advantage of Dean Henderson's Covid-related issues.
According to The Athletic, a sum of £7million has been set aside to look for a new shot-stopper.
And Leeds No1 Meslier has been talked up as a potential target.
However, Jesse Marsch's outfit will not sell the French keeper this summer.
Southampton surprised by Hasenhuttl stay
Southampton players are reportedly surprised that Ralph Hasenhuttl was not sacked this summer.
And the manager has allegedly lost the trust of several stars in the dressing room after losing 10 of their final 13 games last season.
The Mail claims Hasenhuttl has become “increasingly detached” from his squad.
It’s claimed there was “unrest and dissent” within the squad during the match.
And some are surprised that Hasenhuttl was not shown the door earlier this summer after his entire coaching staff was changed.
Indeed, some of the new backroom members allegedly “harbour misgivings” over Hasenhuttl.
Ndombele to leave Tottenham?
Tottenham have received enquiries from Villarreal and Napoli over a potential loan deal for Tanguy Ndombele, according to reports.
The midfielder, 25, joined Spurs in 2019 for a club-record £65million fee, but he has since failed to live up to expectations.
Antonio Conte is eager for him to move on before the transfer window closes in September.
According to The Daily Mail, Villarreal and Napoli have contacted Spurs chiefs to discuss a season-long loan deal.
Galatasaray and AC Milan have also expressed an interest in signing him, while Lyon are said to be considering a permanent deal.
Real reject Cristiano Ronaldo return
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has dismissed any talk of a return for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Manchester United star, 37, remains eager to quit this summer.
Ronaldo spent nine years at the Bernabeu, scoring 450 goals in just 438 games while winning two titles and four Champions Leagues.
Real missed out on signing Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, leaving a potential gap open for a new forward.
However, Los Blancos president Florentino Perez has brutally ruled out a reunion with Ronaldo this month.
The Real Madrid chief was asked by a cheeky fan in a lobby whether he was going to make a move for Ronaldo.
But Perez laughed off the notion before saying: “Again? He’s 38 years old!”
Klopp rules out future signings
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has appeared to state the club will make no more signings in the transfer window.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the club's clash against Crystal Palace, he said: "If there would be the right player, we would have done it, we would do it.
"But we have had a lot of conversations already and it doesn’t look like it will happen.
“I’m happy with the strength, size, and quality of my squad – but we have injuries.
“There are different solutions for it – one of them is the transfer market, but it only makes sense if you can bring in the right player.
“If there is the right solution for us, we would have done it already. We are not stubborn, it’s just about the right thing to do.”
Chip and Pin
Arsenal are reportedly set to make a £34million bid for Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino.
According to Fichajes, the Gunners will turn their interest into a formal bid within the next few hours.
Tottenham and Liverpool have also been linked, but Arsenal are hoping to steal a march on their rivals.
It remains to be seen whether the LaLiga outfit will accept the offer as they know they have to raise funds to ease their economic situation.
Pino chipped in with six goals and four assists in the Spanish top-flight last season.
Laird to join QPR on loan
Man Utd youngster Ethan Laird is reportedly on the verge of joining QPR on loan.
Laird, 21, had provisionally agreed to join Watford on a season-long loan last month.
However, talks collapsed shortly after The Hornets signed Mario Gaspar in a free transfer from Villarreal.
Watford boss Rob Edwards subsequently could not offer Laird first-team football, something that Erik ten Hag believes is crucial for his development.
But, the young right-back is now poised for a move elsewhere.
According to The Telegraph, Laird is set to join QPR on a season-long loan.
Forest have Denis bid accepted
Watford have reportedly accepted a £20million bid from Nottingham Forest for winger Emmanuel Denis.
That is according to The Athletic who have stated that personal terms have also been agreed between the player and Forest.
He will be the newly-promoted side's 13th signing of a frantic transfer window so far.
West Ham were also keen on the Nigerian, but it is Forest that have won the race to secure his services.
Denis, 24, chipped in with ten goals and six assists in the top-flight last campaign.
Jermain Defoe returns to Spurs
Jermain Defoe has completed an emotional Tottenham return as academy coach and club ambassador.
The former striker scored 143 goals in 363 appearances across two glittering spells with the North Londoners as a player.
He will now impart his wisdom as a coach after hanging up his boots aged 39 earlier this year.
Tottenham have confirmed that Defoe will work closely with academy staff to lend his wealth of experience to players across the Under-17s up to Under-21s age groups.
Defoe will join up with Manchester City legend Yaya Toure within Spurs' academy.
The Ivorian great began working unofficially at Spurs in December last year, before being awarded a full-time role this summer.
London calling for Memphis Depay?
Barcelona forward Memphis Depay has told Juventus he wants more time to think about his future.
The Dutch star has been heavily linked with a switch to Turin with the player allowed to depart the Nou Camp this summer.
But despite heavy interest from the Old Lady, an unnamed London club are said to have made a move to bring the Manchester United flop back to the Premier League, Sky Sports have declared.
It remains to be seen who the club is out of the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham.
Reports have even stated that the team have offered the 28-year-old a £200,000-a-week deal in the English capital.
And according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Depay now wants more time to think about his future and has informed Juventus to give him space for now.
Emerson Palmieri off to Forest?
Npttingham Forest are reportedly looking to swoop for Chelsea misfit Emerson Palmieri.
But they face a tough battle against Atalanta for the Italian left-back.
The Standard claims Emerson is up for grabs after Chelsea splashed £62million on Brighton star Marc Cucurella.
Marcos Alonso is already heading out to Barcelona.
And Emerson also has no future at Stamford Bridge following last season’s loan at Lyon.
Forest have now made initial contact with both the player and Chelsea over a permanent switch to Steve Cooper’s side.
Rangnick tells Kalajdzic to SNUB Utd
Ralf Rangnick reckons Manchester United target Sasa Kalajdzic would be well served staying at Stuttgart.
The ex-United interim chief’s advice dents their hunt for a new striker.
And at 6ft 7ins, Kalajdzic would offer the towering presence the Red Devils lack from current attacking options Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
But Austria chief Rangnick believes his 25-year-old star man would benefit from the stability of another season in the Bundesliga.
United boss Erik ten Hag wants more firepower, having lost out to RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko.
He is still confident of keeping wantaway legend Cristiano Ronaldo, 37.
Tomori agrees new Milan deal
Fikayo Tomori has agreed a new five-year contract with AC Milan, according to reports.
The former Chelsea star joined the Serie A club permanently 12 months ago after a successful loan spell.
Tomori, 24, is now set for a pay rise as Milan attempt to fend off interest from the Premier League.
According to The Times, the centre-back agreed his new deal late on Thursday night.
Milan boss Stefano Pioli was desperate to get a deal sorted to keep Tomori around long term.
Pioli feared that his side would be bombarded with Prem interest in their star defender.
Tierney wanted by Man City
Manchester City are reportedly eyeing up a shock swoop for Kieran Tiernet.
Pep Guardiola is still on the lookout to replace Oleksandr Zinchenko after selling the Ukraine international for Arsenal.
And after being knocked back in his bid to sign Marc Cucurella, it has been said that Gunners star Tierney is now on City's radar.
That is according to the Mirrow who have insisted the Premier League champions may make a late swoop for the Scotland international.
It remains to be seen whether they will make an official bid for the 25-year-old, who is tied down at the Emirates until 2026.
Good morning football fans
Arsenal failed to secure a sell-on clause when they allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to leave for nothing to join Barcelona.
Now the Spanish giants could cash in just six months later as Chelsea want the £15million-rated frontman as well as Barca team-mate Frenkie de Jong.
West Ham announced that midfielder Nikola Vlasic has joined Italian side Torino on loan.
The Croatian joined the Hammers last summer from CSKA Moscow in a £25m deal.
Torino have an option to make the deal permanent next summer for around £11m.
French giants Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly planning a sensational transfer swoop for Marcus Rashford.
The Ligue 1 champions are keen on adding an attacker to link up with superstars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
United are hoping to seal the deal for Adrien Rabiot by sending the club’s football director to personally negotiate in Turin.
The Red Devils are on the brink of signing Rabiot, 27, but his huge wage demands are delaying the transfer.
The midfielder – and his agent mother – are reportedly asking for a whopping £8.5m a year contract to get the deal done.
And United chief John Murtough has jetted out to Italy in an attempt to finally land the Juventus midfielder.
The Mirror report that Rabiot’s mother, Veronique, has made it clear she will only deal with Murtough.
She is believed to be a tough negotiator and is reported to be making demands about Champions League football.
Juventus have completed the signing of Filip Kostic from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Serie A giants struck a £14.5m agreement with The Eagles earlier this week.
Kostic, 29, landed in Turin on Thursday to undergo medical tests before signing a three-year deal.
West Ham were also known to be fighting for his signature.
Arsenal PENNYLESS if Aubameyang joins Chelsea
Arsenal failed to secure a sell-on clause when they allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to leave for nothing to join Barcelona.
Now the Spanish giants could cash in just six months later as Chelsea want the £15million-rated frontman as well as Barca team-mate Frenkie de Jong.
Barcelona did not even pay Aubameyang’s wages for the 23 games he played for them last season as Arsenal picked up the tab.
Emirates chiefs were so desperate to offload Auba after his fallout with boss Mikel Arteta that they agreed to pay his £7m wages for the rest of the season.
That call came back to bite them when the Gabon international scored 13 goals to fire Barca to second in LaLiga.
Arsenal terminated Aubameyang’s £350,000-a-week contract, so they were unable to insist on a cut of any future transfer.
Vlasic joins Torino
West Ham have announced that midfielder Nikola Vlasic has joined Italian side Torino on loan.
The Croatian joined the Hammers last summer from CSKA Moscow in a £25million deal.
Torino have an option to make the deal permanent next summer for around £11m.
Credit: PA PSG planning transfer swoop for Rashford
French giants Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly planning a sensational transfer swoop for Marcus Rashford.
The Ligue 1 champions are keen on adding an attacker to link up with superstars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
And Rashford, 24, is the man they want, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
It’s claimed PSG have already held talks with the England ace’s representatives.
While ESPN say Rashford’s camp have gone into the discussions with an open mind.
But PSG are yet to make a formal approach to Manchester United.
