Lucas to complete £2.3m Galatasaray switch.

Long-serving midfielder Lucas Leiva is expected to leave Liverpool this week after reports in the Turkish media claimed a £2.3million deal had been agreed with Galatasaray.

The Brazil midfielder joined the club in July 2007 from Gremio and has gone on to make 313 appearances for the Reds during his nine years at the club.

But with competition for a first-team place heightened under Jurgen Klopp this season, the player is closing on a departure.

According to Turkish newspaper Milliyet, Galatasaray are due to conclude a deal in the coming week for Lucas.

The Liverpool midfielder is claimed to have a contract in place worth around £2.3million a year to join the Turkish Super Lig side.

Speaking at his side’s pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Manchester United, Galatasaray’s head coach Jan Olde Riekerink said: “Lucas is one of the players we are targeting.

“We have been in discussions and it is true we want an experienced midfielder.”

Klopp still has many options in central midfield despite Lucas’ imminent departure, with Emre Can, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum and Marko Grujic all competing for starts.

Sunday morning gist, Rumours and others.

Manchester United have shortlisted three defenders they would consider signing, while Arsenal are on the trail of £15million West Brom defender Jonny Evans, according to Sunday’s newspapers.



MOURINHO WANTS EXPERIENCED DEFENDER AT MAN UTD

Manchester United will not stop their summer recruitment at the expected world-record capture of Paul Pogba and are planning to sign an experienced centre-half before the summer is out, reports the Sunday Times.

United are believed to be targeting the capture of either Ezequiel Garay, Jose Fonte or Leonardo Bonucci – with a deal for the latter looking most difficult amid claims he is on the brink of signing a new deal with Juventus.

Garay, who currently plays for Zenit and is a long-term Man Utd target, looks gettable with a £20million bid expected to be enough to secure the Argentine.

Southampton, however, will be loathe to lose Fonte, but at 32 could also be willing to consider a big-money bid for the Euro 2016 winner.

Jose Mourinho reportedly has concerns that Chris Smalling, 26, is United’s most experienced centre-back and he is looking for world class reinforcement.

Mourinho has already signed Eric Bailly from Villarreal – but there have been concerns raised that the Ivorian is not quite ready to be thrust into the Premier League on a weekly basis.



ARSENAL KEEN TO LAND £15M EVANS

Arsenal are planning a shock £15m move for West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans, according to reports on Sunday.

Arsene Wenger needs top-quality cover at the heart of his defence – and the Sunday Mirror claims he has zeroed in on the Northern Ireland international.

Wenger has been rocked by news that Per Mertesacker will be missing for up to four months after he was injured in a pre-season friendly against Lens.

Evans enjoyed an impressive first season at The Hawthorns since joining from Manchester United for £8m last year.

He quit Old Trafford in search of regular first-team football and has featured at both centre-half and left-back for Baggies boss Tony Pulis.

Evans capped that with a series of assured displays at Euro 2016, as Northern Ireland beat the odds to reach the last 16 before being beaten by Wales.

The 28-year-old made 34 appearances for the Baggies last campaign and has also attracted the attention of Bournemouth.



AND THE REST



Inter Milan have opened the door for Mauro Icardi to sign for Arsenal (Daily Star on Sunday)

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has confirmed he has been on the radar of Manchester City and Manchester United (Daily Star Sunday)

Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj is a target of AC Milan (Daily Star Sunday)

Zinedine Zidane’s son Enzo, a 21-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, is a loan target for Premier League newcomers Middlesbrough (Sunday Mirror)

Chelsea full-back Baba Rahman, 22, is set to join Schalke on a season-long loan deal less than year after joining the Blues for more than £20m (London Evening Standard)

Chelsea are close to completing a £60m deal to sign Romelu Lukaku from Everton (Mail on Sunday)

West Ham are interested in signing Manchester United defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, 19, on a season-long loan deal (The Sun on Sunday)

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva, 29, is set to complete a £2.3m move to Turkish side Galatasaray next week (Milliyet)

Chelsea defender and USA international Matt Miazga, 21, says he is not aware of any plans for the Blues send him out on loan (ESPN)

Paris St-Germain will rival Liverpool and Arsenal for Real Madrid forward Jese, 23 (Sky Sports)

Swansea defender Ashley Williams, 31, will become an Everton player after the clubs agreed a £10m deal for the Wales international (Sunday People)

West Ham will bid £20m for Swansea attacker Andre Ayew (Mail on Sunday)

Wolves will launch a £20m bid for Benfica youngster Anderson Talisca (Mail on Sunday)

Tottenham star Erik Lamela has dismissed the idea of joining Inter Milan this summer (Mail on Sunday)

Manchester City are close to completing a £3

Costa Chelsea future unsure.

Antonio Conte has admitted he is not sure if Diego Costa will remain a Chelsea player next season.

The Spain international striker missed Saturday's 3-2 International Champions Cup defeat to Real Madrid with a back injury amid widespread speculation in the British media over a potential return to Atletico Madrid.

And speaking after the match in Michigan, Chelsea manager Conte stated he did not know if the striker would still be at the club when the Premier League season starts next month.

"I can say that today Costa is a Chelsea player," he said.

"He didn't play in these games because of injury and if he solves the injury and I see in training that he is in good shape it can be possible to see him in the next game against Milan.

"But I can say only this. I speak only for today and today Costa is Chelsea's player. Tomorrow if you ask me if Costa will remain with us, I don't know."

Conte was also questioned in his post-match press conference about whether he was interested in signing Romelu Lukaku from Everton.

But he refused to comment on suggestions he wants to bring back the Belgium striker who was sold by Chelsea in 2014.

"I do not want to speak about the players of other teams," said Conte, when asked directly about Lukaku.

"This is not respectful to the club or to their players. I prefer not to speak.

"The transfer market is not the most important thing. The important thing is to build a team - a team that plays in good and bad situations and concentrates and works together."

Chelsea slump despite brace from Harzard.

A late brace from Eden Hazard could not prevent Chelsea slumping to a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in their International Champions Cup clash in Ann Arbor.

First-half goals from Marcelo (two) and Mariano Diaz set a Madrid side missing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos on course for victory.

Antonio Conte’s men responded twice late on through Hazard but were unable to get an equaliser in front of a 105,826 crowd at the Michigan Stadium – the largest ever official attendance for a Chelsea match, according to the Blues.

Conte only made two changes to the side that beat Liverpool in midweek, with Oscar coming in for the suspended Cesc Fabregas and Pedro replacing Victor Moses, but the Blues were swept aside by the European champions in the first half.

After John Terry had failed to make the most of an early opportunity for Chelsea, it was virtually all Madrid for the remainder of the opening period.

Asmir Begovic was called on to make a number of saves but he was still beaten three times before the interval, with Madrid captain Marcelo opening the scoring with a shot that took a huge deflection off Oscar.

Marcelo made it 2-0 in the 26th minute before the Brazil full-back set up Mariano Diaz for Real’s third, the 22-year-old smashing a long-range strike past Begovic.

Chelsea, for whom new signing N’Golo Kante and injured striker Diego Costa did not feature, pulled a goal back with 10 minutes to go through second-half substitute Hazard.

The Belgian then netted his second in stoppage time following good work by another of the club’s summer signings, Michy Batshuayi, but Madrid held on for the win.

Bartosz expose Leicester interest on him and why he choose them.

Bartosz Kapustka is ready to finalise a move to Leicester City, who have been the most eager to land his signature in this transfer window.

The 19-year-old midfielder caught the eye for Poland during the Euro 2016 tournament and scored what proved to be the winner in their win against Northern Ireland.

Kapustka has attracted interest from all over Europe, but it seems that the desire shown by the Premier League champions has won the promising youngster over.

“Yes, of all the offers tabled, Leicester wanted me the most,” Kapustka told Telewizja Polska.

“Ranieri’s interest was a big factor for me. He was asking about me, he wanted me to join the team. This convinced me, but there were many factors.

“I’m not going there only because of the name of the club, or because they won the Premier League. I’m optimistic and think I have a real chance of playing time.”

Zlatan scored on his début and believe something big is happening at United.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes “something big” is happening at Manchester United and feels it will become even more interesting if they sign Paul Pogba.

The Red Devils have been chasing the signature of their former academy graduate for some time but negotiations with Juventus over a potentially record-breaking deal are taking their time.

However, Ibrahimovic, who moved to Old Trafford on a free transfer this summer after leaving Paris St Germain, is already looking forward to the arrival of the France international.

“We have something big going on,” he told Swedish television station Kanal 5 after United’s 5-2 friendly victory over Galatasaray in Gothenburg, in which Ibrahimovic scored after just 195 seconds on his first appearance for the club.

“It looks very interesting. Let’s see if Pogba will also (come), then it will be even more interesting.”

Pogba pictured signing Manchester shirt with his name on it.

Paul Pogba has been photographed signing a Manchester United number six shirt with his name on the back.

The snap was taken by United fan Jonathan Perkins in Los Angeles, where Pogba has been finishing up his post-Euro 2016 holiday.

Sky sources understand the 23-year-old France international midfielder is close to joining United in a world-record transfer deal in excess of £100m.


Pogba's agent Mino Raiola told Italian paper La Stampa earlier this week that "the deal could be closed within the next week". He is understood to have been in Italy over the last few days finalising the deal.

The transfer has been stalling because of a stand-off between the clubs over who will pay the Raiola's fee. He is demanding some 20m euros for brokering the deal.

Manchester United are currently in Sweden where they will take on Galatasaray in Gothenburg on Saturday.

Liverpool to table Hector bid in hours.

Liverpool will table a bid for Germany international defender Jonas Hector in the next 24 hours, according to a report.

Journalist Emanuele Giulianelli claims Liverpool have made an enquiry to Cologne for the player, who featured for Germany at Euro 2016.

The Bundesliga club are believed to want £22.5million for the 26-year-old left-back and are prepared to sell Hector if their asking price is met.

Giulianelli claims the player is “very keen on the opportunity to join the Reds” and Liverpool will firm up their interest with a bid over the weekend.

Liverpool are looking to add another left-back to their squad after allowing Brad Smith to leave for Bournemouth and failing to sign Leicester full-back Ben Chilwell.

It leaves just Alberto Moreno as the only senior, specialised left-back in Jurgen Klopp’s squad and the German is desperate to give the Spaniard, who has been heavily criticised, some competition.

Liverpool have been linked with the player since the January transfer window and in April Hector’s agent Rainer Derber said they were talking to interested parties.

He told Kicker: “We’ve discussed our course of action with the Cologne hierarchy before the winter break.

“Cologne already reacted to Jonas’ potential transfer with the signing of Filip Mladenovic.

“Upon consultation with Cologne we are allowed to talk to interested clubs, but this won’t happen before the end of the Bundesliga season.

“Jonas knows what it is like to sign a contract. Not only he would have to profit from a transfer but also Cologne.”

The 6ft 1in Hector has been capped 20 times by Germany and has been a regular for Cologne since he made a free-transfer move in 2010.

Klopp doubt Mkhitaryan development.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp claims that he had no interest in signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund.

Klopp managed Mkhitaryan at Borussia Dortmund and there was plenty of speculation suggesting the German would be reunited with the midfielder at Anfield.

But that was never an option, according to Klopp with the German coach questioning the ability of Mkhitaryan to develop having known the player so well previously in Germany.

The 27-year-old Armenia star eventually signed for Manchester United for £35million earlier this month, but Klopp maintains he was never a target for Liverpool.

“I had that player,” Klopp told the Liverpool Echo. “If you have had players, you know more about them.

“You want to learn about other players. That’s how it is.

“We didn’t look for players we had already worked with. If you do that, you know their good, their bad and you wonder whether you will do it again.

“It’s not boring but you know everything about each other so how can you develop? Where is the next step? Where is the next push for development?

“We could have gone for a lot of players. But, first of all, you have to think, ‘what do I need?’”

klopp : this is my squad.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says his side will be a “challenger” this season after declaring this is “my squad”.

This season will be Klopp’s first full campaign in charge having replaced Brendan Rodgers on October 2015 and the former Borussia Dortmund his happy with the stamp he has put on his Anfield squad.

He has brought in several new faces and claims he now has a “special quality” that was missing last season.

After finishing 21 points behind the champions Leicester in eighth, Klopp says there will be no excuses this time around as he looks to “fight” on all fronts.

“This is my squad now,” Klopp told the Daily Mirror. “After all the transfers, this time it is my team.

“There are probably no players here any more I don’t want. There are no signings I didn’t want, we have not sold anyone I didn’t want to.

“And if you have seen them in training, there is a special quality that we did not have last year.

“Above all, you can see we have created a special atmosphere, not only in our team but with our fans.

“I am happy with my team now, and all I can say is we will be a challenger, we will fight for everything, for every cup and what’ll happen in the end we will see.

“Certainly at the moment we should not look for excuses and say things like ‘I need another year’ or things like that.”

Saturday morning gist, Rumours and other.

Manchester United are closing in on Monaco full-back Fabinho, while Everton star Romelu Lukaku wants to return to Chelsea.

LUKAKU DESPERATE FOR CHELSEA RETURN

Chelsea are closing in on the transfer of former striker Romelu Lukaku after the Toffees reportedly accepted the Belgium star wants to leave.

The 23-year-old has been a target for Chelsea all summer, but new Everton boss Ronald Koeman was hopeful he could persuade Lukaku to stay on Merseyside with the aid of Farhad Moshiri’s millions. Koeman though has now given up on that and, according to the Daily Mirror the player is “determined” to return to Stamford Bridge.

One other Premier League club is believed to be interested in Lukaku but they have been told he has his “heart set on a return” to Chelsea.

The Blues have so far offered £57million for the player they sold to Everton for £28million two years ago but the asking price is believed to be closer to £75million.

Antonio Conte has already added Lukaku’s Belgium team-mate Michy Batshuayi to his squad and is still confident of keeping Spain frontman Diego Costa, despite sustained interest from his former club Atletico Madrid.

PAPER TALK ITALIA: Juve want Matic; Witsel wants Juve

UNITED CLOSE IN ON FABINHO

Manchester United are closing in on signing Monaco’s Brazilian right-back Fabinho, say Globoesporte.

United have not afforded the move for the 22-year-old their full attention with the pursuit of Paul Pogba their priority but the report from Brazil claims they have been in preliminary discussions for the player.

The defender, who played under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, has been on United’s radar all summer but with Pogba’s deal inching closer they are set to finalise an offer for Fabinho.

AS Monaco will certainly not let the player go until after their Champions League qualifier 2nd leg with Fenerbahce, but may decide to hold onto him for even longer if they are able to progress to the next qualifying round.

The report claims Monaco want €30million for the player, including bonuses and United are expected to advance their talks for the player next week.



AND THE REST

Arsenal will make an improved £35m bid for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, 25, after having an initial £29.3m offer rejected by the French club. (Daily Telegraph)

Arsenal are also interested in signing Torino full-back Bruno Peres, 26, with the club wanting £16.9m for the player. (Gazzetta World)

Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen, 24, has turned down a new contract as he wants a significant rise on his current £30,000-a-week deal. (Evening Standard)

Swansea have made an offer for Sevilla striker Fernando Llorente, 31, after Bafetimbi Gomis joined Marseille on a season-long loan to leave the Swans without a recognised striker. (Daily Mail)

Leicester City are ready to offer a new £100,000-a-week contract to playmaker Riyad Mahrez, 25, who is believed to be a target for Arsenal. (Daily Express)

Aston Villa are likely to sell Senegal international Idrissa Gana, 26, to Everton in a £7.1m deal this weekend. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, 19, could leave the club on loan after having discussions about his future at Old Trafford. (Manchester Evening News)

AC Milan want to take Manchester United’s Adnan Januzaj on loan, with a view to a permanent switch in 12 months’ time. (La Gazetta dello Sport)

Everton have not made a bid for Sunderland defender Lamine Kone, 27, despite reports suggesting a £14m offer has been made. (Sunderland Echo)

The Toffees are interested in signing Swansea defender Ashley Williams, 31, who could cost up to £10m. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City are reluctant to meet Everton’s £50m valuation of defender John Stones, 22, with their preferred price being around £40m. (Guardian)

City goalkeeper Angus Gunn, 20, who made three penalty saves in a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund, wants to stay at the club and fight for his place under new boss Pep Guardiola. (Man

Schweinsteiger ends national commitment.

Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his retirement from international football.

Three weeks after Germany were knocked out of Euro 2016 following a semi-final loss to France, the Manchester United midfielder has said he is stepping down as captain of the national team and ending his international playing career.

The 31-year-old said on his Twitter page: “Dear fans of the Germany national team. I have just asked the national team coach not to consider me any more for his national team selections in future since I would like to retire.”

Schweinsteiger, whose final game for Joachim Low’s team was the 2-0 defeat to France, was capped 120 times by his country and scored 24 goals.

He became captain after Philipp Lahm retired following the 2014 World Cup, which he won as vice-captain.

His record with Germany, for whom he debuted in June 2004 in a 2-0 defeat to Hungary, reads 81 wins, 19 draws and 20 defeats.

His international CV includes two third-place World Cup finishes and a runners-up spot at the 2008 European Championship and he reached the semi-final of every major tournament he was involved in.

He added: “My thanks go to the fans, the team, the DFB (German Football Association), the coaches and the Germany national team.

“I was able to run out 120 times for my country and experience moments which were indescribably beautiful and successful.

“Jogi Low knew how much Euro 2016 in France meant to me because I desperately wanted to win this title, which we have not been able to bring back to Germany since 1996.

“It wasn’t to be and I have to accept this.

“By winning the 2014 World Cup, we did something historic and also achieved something emotionally which will never be repeated again in my career.

“Therefore it is only right and sensible to call it a day now and wish the team all the best for qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, and for the final tournament.

“With this retirement, I am leaving the national team which has always been a valuable family to me. I hope that this bond will remain in one form or another.

“To finish with, I would like to say to the fans ‘it was an honour to be able to play for you, many thanks for everything I was able to experience with you!’ Yours, Bastian Schweinsteiger.”

Arsenal open Mustafi talk.

Arsenal have “opened talks” with Valencia over a move for Germany international defender Shkodran Mustafi, according to reports.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that he will look to sign another player, believed to be an attacker, but there have been suggestions that he is also looking to add to his defensive options too after the injury to Per Mertesacker.

Wenger has acquired 20-year-old Rob Holding from Bolton Wanderers and he partnered midfielder Krystian Bielik in central defence in the 2-1 win over the MLS All-stars, but journalist Emanuele Giulianelli claimed the Gunners had been in contact with the player’s agent and now Sky Sky Deutschland have reported that talks are underway between the two clubs.

Valencia were believed to be willing to sell Mustafi if Arsenal met their £20.9m valuation of the 24-year-old centre-back, who has only just returned from holiday following his Euro 2016 commitments with Germany.

The former Hamburg and Everton defender, who joined Valencia from Sampdoria two years ago, has a £42.1million release clause in his contract, but Valencia could be willing to let him leave for just over £30million.

Mertesacker has returned to Germany during the week to undergo knee surgery and he will be missing for a “few months”, while Laurent Koscienly is yet to join the Arsenal squad as he enjoys a post-season break.

Calum Chambers and Gabriel Paulista are other defensive options for Wenger.

Tottenham suffer another defeat.

Tottenham lost 1-0 to Atletico Madrid in their International Champions Cup fixture at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.

A first-half goal from Atletico’s Diego Godin proved enough to ensure their second defeat from as many games in the competition. They lost their opening fixture 2-1 to Juventus at the same venue.

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino began with both of his new signings Vincent Janssen and Victor Wanyama in a weakened XI. Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen were the only two regular starters who began, but encouragingly the £17million Janssen showed promise in the absence of Harry Kane.

Atletico were also not at full strength, but Jan Oblak, Godin, Stefan Savic, Filipe Luis, Gabi, Saul Niguez and Fernando Torres were involved.

Eriksen tested Atletico goalkeeper Oblak with a dangerous seventh-minute shot. Then in the 21st minute Lamela, the goalscorer against Juve, played a one-two with Janssen before striking the inside of the post.

Atletico’s goal came in the 40th minute, and after the lively Torres had already threatened.

Spurs’ Harry Winks fouled Thomas Partey and from the resulting free-kick Gabi’s delivery came off Anton Walkes to leave Godin with a two-yard tap-in.



Janssen caught the eye in the second half, when combining with substitute Son Heung-min to play in Ryan Mason, whose powerful shot was saved by Oblak.

From a 62nd-minute free-kick, the Dutchman then impressively curled towards the bottom corner but the authoritative Oblak produced another fine save.

Tom Carroll and Nacer Chadli made substitute appearances, but despite improving on their performance against Juve, Spurs were unable to find an equaliser.

No deal in place said Raiola.

Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has insisted that there is no agreement in place between Manchester United and Juventus for the transfer of the Frenchman.

Raiola has continued his reputation as being one of the most outspoken agents in the game with a tweet on Friday afternoon dismissing reports that Pogba will complete a move to the Red Devils shortly.

The agent – who also has Henrikh Mikhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as his clients – insisted that all the speculation surrounding Pogba is a game between the press in Italy and the UK.

The 23-year-old left United in 2012 but is looking increasingly likely to return to Manchester for a second spell, after asserting himself as one of the hottest names in football during his time in Italy.

Last week, Raiola stated that the value of the transfer was not important, despite reports the fee could be a world record.

“I don’t care about record-breaking transfers,” he said.

“The newspapers say that Pogba could break the record but I have already broken records with Ibrahimovic and [Pavel] Nedved. I want what’s best for my players and so that also includes Pogba.

“Has Pogba asked to leave Juventus? I won’t answer anyone and I don’t talk about my business. Certain things I only discuss with my clients and they know how things really stand.”

Martinez among Hull shortlist.

Roberto Martinez is on Hull’s manager short-list with the newly-promoted club set to name Steve Bruce’s successor next week.

Bruce left the Tigers after four years in charge following a breakdown in his relationship with the club’s owners, the Allams.

But PA Sport understands Hull had already drafted a shortlist of potential replacements after Bruce revealed he had spoken to the Football Association about the possibility of becoming England manager earlier this month.

Sam Allardyce eventually got that job, but FA interest in Bruce at least prompted Hull to consider their options.

Martinez, sacked by Everton at the end of last season, is understood to be one of those due for interview in the next 48 hours, while caretaker manager Mike Phelan will be allowed to pitch for the job having declared his interest in becoming a number one.

The odds on former United States coach Bob Bradley, currently with Le Havre in Ligue 2, have come in dramatically and he is now favourite with some bookmakers, though there has been no confirmation from his representatives.

Birmingham’s Gary Rowett has also been linked with a move to the Premier League newcomers.

Guardiola we are in for Stones and Sane.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed his interest in signing Everton defender John Stones.

The England defender has been linked with the club for several months now and City are keen to push through a deal for the 22-year-old.

Everton are holding out for upwards of £50million for the England international and that remains a sticking point, although Guardiola remains keen to add Stones and Schalke forward Leroy Sane.

“Sane is a player from Schalke. If he comes, we’ll be happy. If he stays, I’ll be happy for the Schalke fans,” said the Catalan after his side’s penalty shoot-out win over Borussia Dortmund.


In relation to Stones, Guardiola told his post-match press conference: “It’s the same answer for Sane – he’s a player for Everton.

“Everyone knows we’re going to try but we will see.”

Stones flew out to Germany on Thursday for a two-match tournament in Dresden.

The defender played 30 minutes of Tuesday’s win at MK Dons, his first appearance since returning from extended leave after being part of England’s Euro 2016 squad.

Arsenal link with Mario Mandzukic.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic just a year after he joined Juventus.

The Old Lady have signed Gonzalo Higuain for £75m and Italian reports suggest that they will now sell either Mandzukic of Simone Zaza.

Gazzetta credit Arsenal, West Ham and Watford with interest in the 30-year-old who scored ten Serie A goals last season descpite starting only 24 games.

Mandzukic is valued at around £18m in Italy. He said in May:

“I am very happy here and I feel extraordinary. I had bad luck with injuries, but now I feel great and that is why I’m happy.

“I want to stay here, 100 per cent. I am happy at Juve and next season we can do even better.
“The important thing is to maintain the squad and introduce a couple of stars. That way we can fight to win the Champions League.”

Pogba move to United on its final stage.

Paul Pogba’s move from Juventus to Manchester United is almost complete, with reports suggesting contracts and documents are being prepared.

It was claimed early on Thursday that the France midfielder would sign for United on Friday, and further reports suggest that timeframe could be accurate.

Sources told calciomercato.com that Pogba is going to complete his transfer to the Old Trafford club in the next 24 hours after his agent Mino Raiola renounced part of the 20% revenue from the deal.

The Guardian and Sky Sports have reported that a meeting took place on Thursday in Turin between Raiola and Juventus to add the finishing touches to the deal. United are said to be paying £93million plus add-ons.

The further payments were said to be holding the deal up, with Juve wanting an extra €5million if Pogba extends his initial contract at United.

Juve were also adamant that United would stump up for Raiola’s fee, which is believed to be in the region of €20million. United were reluctant to do so but the Manchester Evening News writes that Ed Woodward “folded” in order to get the deal over the line.

The transfer will make Pogba the most expensive player in the history of football, returning to the club four years after leaving the Old Trafford as a free agent after failing to agree a new deal with former United chief Sir Alex  Ferguson.

Guardiola open floor for captaincy election.

Pep Guardiola will ask his Manchester City players to pick their own captain when Vincent Kompany is not fit to take the armband.

The new City boss, speaking in Shenzhen ahead of a pre-season friendly with Borussia Dortmund, explained he did not yet know the squad well enough to make that decision and would leave it with the dressing room.

Kompany is established as skipper but is likely to miss the start of the season with a thigh injury.

“Vincent is the captain, and when he’s not playing, the players have to choose,” said the former Barcelona boss.

“I don’t think it’s a big problem, we have people like Vincent, Joe [Hart], Yaya, Pablo [Zabaleta] as well.

“They have to decide who the real captain is for them. I have never believed I should pick the captain, because I am not in the locker room, not in the dressing room, I’m not in the meetings when they believe they have to change something.

“They have to choose for themselves the best guy to represent their opinions. I don’t like to do it, because I have only been here a month, so they must decide. It’s their responsibility.

“We’ve only been together a few weeks or a month and they know each other better than me. It’s their responsibility.”

Marko Arnautovic ends speculation with new four years deal.

Marko Arnautovic has signed a new four-year deal with Stoke, ending speculation over a move to Everton.

The Austria international, the Potters’ top-scorer and players’ player of the year last season, had been linked with a move to Goodison Park.

The 27-year-old has been a big hit at the Bet365 Stadium since his arrival from Werder Bremen in 2013 and had one year left on his previous contract.


I am proud and thrilled to finally let you know that I am going to stay a Potter and will continue playing with my team and for my fantastic fans. I suppose some times it takes a bit longer to make the right decision and this one comes from my heart. My family and I could not be happier. Can’t wait for the season to begin! #SCFC #potters #pl #premierleague #teamarna #godblessus @stokecity

Chelsea increase Koulibaly bid.

Chelsea have increased their bid for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly to £38million, according to reports.

The Blues have chased Koulibaly – who featured in our top five defensive targets for big clubs – all summer, with new boss Antonio Conte a keen admirer of the Senegal international.

Everton are also understood to be interested in the 25-year-old, but according to Sky Italia, Chelsea are in pole position.

Earlier this week, Koulibaly’s agent Bruno Satin confirmed his client would not sign a new deal at Napoli.

“Chelsea still want him and there’s time to close the deal,” Satin said.

“We’ve decided to leave for economic reasons. After what happened to Higuain, though, Kalidou will not be leaving for Juventus or another competitor.”

Celtic om the advantage.

Brendan Rodgers labelled Celtic’s 1-1 draw against Kazakhstan outfit Astana as an “outstanding result”.

Defender Yuri Logvinenko headed the home side ahead from a corner in the 19th minute of the Champions League third qualifying round at the noisy Astana Arena and the Hoops had to withstand some heavy pressure.

But, in the 78th minute, striker Leigh Griffiths drilled in a shot from the edge of the box to stun the Kazakhstan champions, a fightback that pleased the former Liverpool manager no end ahead of the second leg next week.

Rodgers said: “It was an outstanding result for us. Collectively the mentality was the most pleasing thing.

“I think we were all written off before the game, everyone pretty clear in their opinion of the game, that we would do well to come back with anything other than a loss, but the players deserve an immense amount of credit, to fight and show spirit and passion in the game.

“The resilience and strength that we have built up over the course of the pre-season came into effect.

“I was disappointed with the goal, it is nothing new, but we showed a wonderful mentality to keep fighting and in the second half we restricted them to not so many clear chances and ended up scoring a fantastic goal.

“It is only half-time but (it is) a very important result for us.”

Rodgers was also delighted with 20-year-old Irish centre back Eoghan O’Connell, who was making his European debut on a “difficult, unnatural” artificial surface.

Rodgers said: “I thought he was outstanding. For a young player, he has been on the fringes for a few years, coming into that environment, under pressure, he had very few mistakes in the game.

“You would expect him to make some as a young player but he coped in a very difficult situation.”

However, O’Connell was as culpable as any of the Hoops players when Astana scored their goal from a corner and it is an issue the Irishman will address.

The Parkhead boss said: “I think there has been an issue there with set-pieces, long before I came in.

“We have lost the man too easy so you put yourself under pressure.

“Over the course of the pre-season, we defended them well in the main but it is an element that we have to be better at and it is something we will reiterate to the players.

“They had to cope with a long ball, they were quite direct at times and a high percentage of times we dealt quite well with it but we need to ensure that our concentration is 100 per cent.”

Astana coach Stanimir Stoilov believes his side will have to improve if they are to survive the tie.

The Bulgarian said: “We will try our best when we go to Glasgow and hopefully we will have a very good spirit over there.

“We will have to double our efforts to get what we want.”

Thursday morning gist, Rumors and others.

Arsenal have lined up two defensive signings after Per Mertesacker’s injury, while Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign a prodigious striker, according to today’s rumours.

Arsenal

Valencia’s Shkodran Mustafi and Fabian Schar of Hoffenheim are Arsenal’s latest centre-half targets following confirmation Per Mertesacker is facing months out (Daily Express)

Lyon have told Arsenal and West Ham they will have to offer £40m plus bonuses to sign striker Alexandre Lacazette (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal and Tottenham both want to sign Toulouse forward Wissam Ben Yedder who scored 17 times in Ligue 1 last season (Canal+)

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has told 23-year-old winger Jese to leave the club in order to play regular first-team football (Marca)

Monaco are ready to rival Arsenal for the signing of Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan (Daily Express)

Youngster Tafari Moore is on the verge of joining Dutch side FC Utrecht on a season-long loan (football-oranje.com)

Inter Milan say they will not sell captain Mauro Icardi this summer (Sky Sports)

Arsenal want to sign Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia (Emanuele Giulianelli)





Chelsea

Chelsea and Everton will fight for the signature of Sporting Lisbon’s £30m-rated Portugal midfielder William Carvalho (Daily Mirror)

Wolfsburg defender Jeffrey Bruma, 24, said he could have re-signed for Chelsea before joining the German side this summer (Bild)

Aston Villa, Fulham, Wolves and QPR all want Patrick Bamford on loan (Daily Mail)

Chelsea are in a battle with Everton to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool have joined Chelsea and Manchester City in the queue for Swansea’s Andre Ayew (South Wales Evening Post)



Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have entered the race to sign highly rated Brighton midfielder Dale Stephens (Croydon Advertiser)

Palace are set to sanction Alex McCarthy’s departure to Southampton (The Sun)



Everton

Austria forward Marko Arnautovic, 27, is not interested in a move to Everton and will sign a new contract with Stoke City (Daily Mail)

Everton have met Idrissa Gueye’s £7.1m release clause and hope to complete a deal for the 26-year-old Aston Villa midfielder (Birmingham Mail)

Everton are lining up Sunderland’s £15m Lamine Kone as they prepare for the possibility of losing John Stones (Daily Mail)

John Stones has told Everton he wants to play for Pep Guardiola at Man City (Daily Star)

Chelsea are in a battle with Everton to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho (Daily Mirror)

Everton are interested in Benfica defender Jardel (O Jogo)

Roma have turned their attention to Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori (Gazzetta dello Sport)





Hull City

Hull City want Birmingham manager Gary Rowett to be their new boss (HITC)



Leicester

West Brom remain interested in Leicester’s Jeffrey Schlupp and are preparing a new bid in the region of £10million (Express & Star)

Aston Villa are interested in signing Leicester City full-back Ritchie De Laet (Express & Star)



Liverpool

Liverpool have had a £33.5m bid rejected for Sporting Lisbon’s Portugal midfielder Joao Mario, 23 (Various)

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has told 23-year-old winger Jese to leave the club in order to play regular first-team football (Marca)

Turkish champions Besiktas want to sign Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli, 25, on loan (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Liverpool midfielder Cameron Brannagan, 20, remains keen to go out on loan this season despite a proposed move to Wigan breaking down (Liverpool Echo)

Young striker Taiwo Awoniyi is expected to join Dutch side NEC Nijmegen (Liverpool Echo)

Liverpool have joined Chelsea and Manchester City in the queue for Swansea’s Andre Ayew (South Wales Evening Post)





Manchester City

Borussia Dortmund have dismissed rumours linking striker Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang with a move to Manchester City (Bild)

Manager Pep Guardiola has agreed a deal to bring 19-year-old Atletico Nacional forward

Jese have been made available for transfer by Madrid.

Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers for Jese Rodriguez, with Arsenal and Liverpool both set to be alerted by the forward’s availability.

The 23-year-old is likely to struggle for game time this season given Real’s abundance of attacking talent, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale backed up by Isco and James Rodriguez.

Jese’s prospects appear no better than last season, when he started only seven games. Marca reports that Real are ready to hear offers for their academy graduate, who has scored 13 goals in 63 first-team appearances.

The versatile forward is thought to want to stay and fight for his place during pre-season, but Real may also be willing to sanction a loan exit or a permanent deal with a buy-back-option – a ploy that has served them well with the likes of Alvaro Morata, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez and Casemiro.

Liverpool and Arsenal are known to have been tracking Jese in the past and are likely to be monitoring the striker’s situation.

Liverpool bid for Joao Mario.

Liverpool have had a bid rejected for Portugal star Joao Mario earlier this summer, according to the player’s father.

The 23-year-old impressed at Euro 2016 and helped Portugal win the tournament, making six starts in the competition, including the 1-0 final win over France.

The Sporting Lisbon midfielder has been linked with a move after impressing in France, with Chelsea believed to be interested, but it now appears Jurgen Klopp tried to land the player, as well as Inter Milan.

According to Portuguese paper Diario de Noticias, Mario was the subject of a €40m bid from the Reds, which was rejected.

“Proposals for the lad don’t come directly to me,” Mario’s father is quoted as saying.

“They go to his agent, Kia Joorabchian, and the Sporting president. I was informed, however, that the club said no to €35m plus €10m in bonuses from Inter and to €40m from Liverpool.

“Nothing particular has happened, my son is a professional and knows he has a contract with Sporting.

“At the same time, we’re talking about a very valuable player for the club, who would aspire to bigger projects in the course of his career.”

Pep stop junk food on city.

Manchester City defender Gael Clichy says new boss Pep Guardiola has banned junk food and warned overweight players they will be exiled from first-team training sessions.

Guardiola has been quick to impose the strict discipline which served him well at Barcelona and Bayern Munich as he seeks to make sure his players are fit for the new season.

Clichy is impressed with the 45-year-old Spaniard’s contribution so far, claiming any players who do not shape up will find themselves in trouble.

The Frenchman told several national newspapers: “If your weight is too high, you’re not training with the team.

‘You hear it a lot but, for my part, it’s the first time any manager has really done it. And we have a few players who are not training with the team yet.

“You have to know that if your weight is 60 kilos and you are on 70 kilos, then you cannot play football.”

Clichy added: “He cut out some juice and, of course, pizza and all the heavy food is not allowed.

Some people think that’s normal but, in truth, it’s not always like this. I know because I’ve been playing football for a long time. It’s really refreshing and very exciting.”

Clichy believes City’s attackers will enjoy themselves a lot more than opposition defences in 2016/17.

He added: “He said if he (Guardiola) could play 11 midfielders, he would play them. So I guess for a midfielder it’s unbelievable. And the strikers are going to score a lot of goals because we are going to create chances.”

City, who kick off their Premier League campaign on August 13 with a home match against Sunderland, are currently in China. They have a match against Borussia Dortmund lined up for Thursday.

Wednesday morning gist, Rumors and others.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is ready to gazump Man City boss Pep Guardiola to the signing of Gabriel Jesus, while Paul Pogba’s medical has been cancelled.

MOURINHO TO GAZUMP GUARDIOLA

Manchester United are ready to gazump rivals Manchester City for the signature of Palmeiras forward Gabriel Jesus, according to a report.

Globo Esporte claim that United boss Jose Mourinho wants to hijack City’s negotiations for the the starlet. City are believed to have lodged a bid of £26.8m for the 19-year-old, who has scored 19 times in 30 games this season.

It is understood that the Brazilian club will cash in on the player if the money is right and the player is believed to have been scouted by both clubs over the last 12 months and now Mourinho is desperate to pinch the player from under thee nose of his long-time rival Pep Guardiola.

Yesterday the player’s agent claimed City were in advanced negotiations for the £26million-rated player, who is also being chased by Barcelona and Inter Milan.

The Telegraph reports that Manchester City hope to sign Schalke winger Leroy Sane, 20, and Jesus for a combined outlay of more than £60million.

POGBA MEDICAL ‘CANCELLED’

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Paul Pogba’s Manchester United transfer put into doubt after Mino Raiola cancelled the player’s medical.

Super agent Raiola is reported to be upset at not being paid his fee for the Juventus man and has therefore axed United’s plans for Pogba to undergo a medical in Miami.

Personal terms are understood to have been agreed between United and Pogba but until United agree to pay all of Raiola his agent’s fee, which could total around £25million, then no deal will be struck.

Both United and Juve are keen to avoid paying the 20% to Raiola, while the Telegraph claims the doctor due to take Pogba’s medical, Dr Italo Linfante of the Miami Cardic and Vascular Institute, has tweeted that he is currently on holiday.

Linfante is “unaware of any arrangements of this procedure” – a fact which further plunges the deal into doubt, say the paper.

Meanwhile, the Sun says Pogba’s record £100million switch to United has moved closer after Juventus signed Gonzalo Higuain. Thus expecting to recoup the transfer fee the are going to pay for the striker with the sale of Pogba.



AND THE REST

Lyon have told Arsenal and West Ham they will have to offer £40m plus bonuses to sign 25-year-old striker Alexandre Lacazette. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool have had a £33.5m bid rejected for Sporting Lisbon’s Portugal midfielder Joao Mario, 23. (Various)

Borussia Dortmund have dismissed rumours linking striker Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, 27, with a move to Manchester City. (Bild)

Chelsea and Everton will fight for the signature of Sporting Lisbon’s £30m-rated Portugal midfielder William Carvalho, 24. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal and Tottenham both want to sign Toulouse forward Wissam Ben Yedder, 25, who scored 17 times in Ligue 1 last season. (Canal+)

Manchester United target Blaise Matuidi has been told he is allowed to leave Paris St-Germain this summer, with the 29-year-old midfielder available for around £30m. (L’Equipe)

Austria forward Marko Arnautovic, 27, is not interested in a move to Everton and will sign a new contract with Stoke City. (Daily Mail)

Manager Pep Guardiola has agreed a deal to bring 19-year-old Atletico Nacional forward Marlos Moreno to Manchester City for around £8m. (Guardian)

Napoli have had a bid for Ajax striker Arkadiusz Milik, 22, accepted as they look to replace new Juventus signing Gonzalo Higuain, 28. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has told 23-year-old winger Jese to leave the club in order to play regular first-team football. (Marca)

Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in signing Jese, who has played five times for Spain’s under-21 side. (Sun)

Everton have met Idrissa Gueye’s £7.1m release clause and hope to complete a deal for the 26-year-old Aston Villa midfielder. (Birmingham Mail)

Turkish champio

Liverpool to bid for Sissoko but faces competition in Dortmund.

Liverpool have made a proposal to sign Moussa Sissoko from Newcastle, yet Jurgen Klopp will have to fight his former club Borussia Dortmund for his signature.

The 26-year-old, who admitted he is looking to leave Tyneside following his “10 out of 10” performance for France at Euro 2016, has been valued at £35m, but according to Le 10 Sport the Magpies have yet to receive a bid of this kind.

Sissoko currently has two contract proposals to consider, with Klopp’s ex-club Borussia Dortmund also keen on landing the former Toulouse midfielder. However, the Reds appear to be in pole position as Sissoko is thought to be favouring the prospect of staying in England rather than a move abroad.

Liverpool also have the resources to meet Newcastle’s demands. Following Joe Allen’s £13m switch to Stoke and Christian Benteke’s imminent departure, the Reds are set to recoup £100m from player sales alone.

Juventus not interested in Matic.

Juventus have reportedly made Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano their first choice to replace Paul Pogba, and not Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Mascherano is tempted by a move to Italy despite initially saying that he is happy at Barcelona. The Serie A champions want to reinvest the £100million they are set to receive for Pogba quickly, but have let Matic slip down their transfer wishlist.

That could pave the way for Manchester United to have clear run at Matic, which could see him reunited with former boss Jose Mourinho.

Higuain complete £75m Juve move as third most expensive player in the world.

Gonzalo Higuain has become the world's third most expensive player after completing his £75.3m move from Napoli to Juventus.

The Argentina international has signed a five-year contract with the Serie A champions worth £6.3m per season.

Higuain passed a medical in Madrid on Friday after Juventus agreed to pay the 28-year-old's full release clause - a record transfer fee for the Serie A.


Real Madrid's purchases of Cristiano Ronaldo (£80m) in 2009 and Gareth Bale (£85m) in 2013 are the only deals that have cost more than Higuain's transfer to Juventus.

He becomes manager Massimiliano Allegri's fifth signing of the summer following the acquisitions of Miralem Pjanic, Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia and Marko Pjaca.

Higuain, who also reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, joined Napoli from Real Madrid in 2013 and had two years remaining on his contract in Naples.

He ended the 2015/16 season as the top scorer in Serie A with 36 goals and scored 91 times in 146 appearances for Napoli.

Meanwhile, Paul Pogba's move from Juventus to Manchester United is stalling over a stand-off regarding who pays his agent's fee, according to Sky in Italy.

Lamela score as Tottenham were defeated by Juve.

Tottenham began their International Champions Cup campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Juventus and many first-team players missing from action.

Spurs, who travelled to Australia without Harry Kane and the remainder of their England contingent but gave starts to new signings Victor Wanyama and Vincent Janssen, trailed 2-0 at half-time.

Dominic Ball was dispossessed in the sixth minute and the mistake was immediately punished when Paulo Dybala struck the opener.

Another error – this time a poorly-cleared corner – enabled Medhi Benatia to nod home the second shortly after.

It was now Juventus’ turn to get caught in midfield and Erik Lamela reacted with a fine finish into the bottom-right corner.

Inter have sent strong warnings to Icardi admirers.

Inter Milan have warned Mauro Icardi’s admirers they have “no intention” of selling the striker, amid reports he is wanted by Napoli and Arsenal.

Icardi has been linked with a move away from Inter ahead, with Napoli reported to be leading the race for his signature with the club seeking a replacement for Juventus-bound Gonzalo Higuain.

But with speculation surrounding Icardi’s future intensifying after the Argentine missed Monday’s 3-1 friendly defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, the club’s sporting director Piero Ausilio insists they have no intention of letting their talisman leave.

“Icardi will remain at Inter, our position is very clear,” Ausilio told Fcinternews.it. “It’s not a question of money, it doesn’t matter what Napoli can offer us.

“Our plan this summer is to reinforce Inter and to do that we’re keeping hold of Icardi and our best players regardless of the figures offered. Icardi does not have a release clause and we do not want to sell; simple.

“There’s no problem between us and Icardi, he’s working very hard. He has been with us for years and become captain of a team with a glorious past. We have always been attentive to his needs and always renewed his deal at the right time.

“Many people are forgetting that we have already signed three players [Caner Erkin, Ever Banega and Cristian Ansaldi] of international pedigree and will do more still.”

Vice-president Javier Zanetti echoed Ausilio’s sentiments and stressed the importance of Icardi remaining focused on helping Inter.

“Icardi is very young and has great potential. He must keep thinking about playing, nothing more,” he said.

Hull city considering Martinez as replacement for Steve Bruce.

Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez could make a swift return to a Premier League dugout with Hull City reportedly interested.

The Tigers are on the prowl for a new man in charge following the resignation of Steve Bruce and, according to The Guardian, want to employ someone quickly ahead of the new Premier League season.

Caretaker boss Mike Phelan has expressed an interest in taking on the role full-time, but Hull are to seek talks with the Spaniard who left Everton earlier this year.

Steve McClaren was installed as the bookies’ favourite but is not said to be a target for the newly-promoted side, who have just 13 first-team players fit and are restricted in the transfer market due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the club’s owners.

Agent fee delays Pogba move.

Paul Pogba’s world-record transfer to Manchester United has reportedly hit the skids after Juventus refused to contribute to any agent fees.

According to The Sun, Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola is demanding a whopping £25million for brokering the nine-figure deal but, while Manchester United and Raiola have agreed for both clubs to pay 50% each, the Italian giants are refusing to pay a penny.


Raiola’s fee means that the deal for Pogba, who still has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid instead, will cost the Red Devils as much as £130million.

The report also claims that Juventus believe Raiola has purely constructed the move for his own personal gain and in order for a deal to be completed, Pogba may have to shell out of his own pocket to meet his own agent’s demands.

Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri is growing tired of the Pogba discussion, stating during their pre-season tour of Australia: “I am not going to talk about the transfer market news.”

Paper gist, Rumours and others.

Manchester City have been given fresh hope of a deal for Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, while Manchester United are set to continue their spending with a £50million bid for a defender, according to Tuesday morning’s newspapers.



MAN CITY GIVEN FRESH HOPE OF MESSI SWOOP

Manchester City believe they are in pole position to sign Lionel Messi – but only if he one day decides to leave Barcelona.

Their interest has been peaked by claims on Monday by former Blaugrana president Joan Laporta that there is a conspiracy at the Nou Camp to get rid of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

‘There are certain powers who want Messi to no longer be a Barca player,’ Laporta told Catalunya Radio.

‘The club has let the player down, the best player in history, the best player in the world. We have a president and a board that didn’t accompany him when he had to testify in court.’

According to the Manchester Evening News, the Citizens are still doubtful that the 29-year-old will ever leave the Catalan outfit, but believe that his relationship with manager Pep Guardiola could see him arrive at the Etihad if he did.

Messi – sporting a new blonde dye during Barcelona’s training St George’s Park – is also friends with Sky Blues chief executive Ferran Soriano and director Txiki Begiristain, who used to work for Barcelona before moving to the Premier League side.



MAN UTD TO RIVAL MAN CITY FOR BONUCCI

Manchester United are ready to rival Manchester City for Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci, according to reports.

The defender, 29, has been linked with a £50million switch to Man City as Pep Guardiola bids to beef up his central defence with neither Eliaquim Mangala or Nicolas Otamendi totally convincing alongside Vincent Kompany.

But Jose Mourinho also intends to strengthen his central defence and the Manchester Evening News claim the United boss has also identified Bonucci and is preparing a £50million bid.

However, the paper claims that with United closing in on a world record deal for Paul Pogba, the club are unlikely to sell another of their key men to the club and ‘would prefer’ to do business with City for the player.

United have already signed central defender Eric Bailly from Villarreal this summer but Mourinho admitted he was uncertain whether the Ivory Coast international would immediately adapt to the Premier League, while Marcos Rojo could leave.





AND THE REST

Manchester City are closing on the £20m transfer of Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus despite rival interest from Manchester United (Daily Mail)

Everton are working on a deal to land Stoke City winger Marko Arnautovic as Ronald Koeman looks to find a solution to bolster his attack (Daily Mail)

Chelsea have made a surprise move for Carlos Tevez, as their search for a new striker widened last night (Daily Express)

Chelsea are set for a boost with Atletico Madrid on the verge of dropping their interest in Diego Costa (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool could break the £100m barrier for sales this summer (Daily Mail)

Premier League champions Leicester will hold crunch contract talks with Kasper Schmeichel, Danny Simpson, Danny Drinkwater, Jeffrey Schlupp and Riyad Mahrez ahead of the new season (Daily Mirror)

Mahrez is “not bothered” about speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal, according to team-mate Demarai Gray, 20 (The Independent)

West Ham are set to make a move for a new left-back after Aaron Cresswell was ruled out for up to four months (Daily Mirror)

Sam Allardyce admitted Arsene Wenger is among the bosses with whom he will build bridges to ensure players are released for England (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker could be out for up to five months after suffering a knee injury (The Sun)

Manchester United have upped their bid for Paul Pogba to £95m to force the world record deal over the line – but the deal is being held up by who picks up his agent’s £25million fee (The Sun)

Juventus could replace Pogba with 32-year-old Barcelona player Javier Mascherano, who can play in defence and midfield, if the France international moves to Old Trafford (Corriere dello Sport)

Manchester City and Manchester United will continue to visit China for pre-season tours despite the shambles surrounding the cancellation of yesterday’s derby game in Beijing (Daily Star)

Crystal Palace have joined Premier League new-boys Burnley in the battle to sign Brighton midfielder Dale Stephens (Daily Star)

Steve Bruce is considering whether to quit football altogether after his shock departure from Hull (Daily Star)

Sunderland have finally thanked Sam Allardyce for saving them from relegation – three days after he left to take the England job (Daily Star)

Sam Allardyce has left Wayne Rooney in limbo over the England captaincy for at least another month and suggested that he will lose his midfield place unless he is playing in that role for Manchester United (Daily Telegraph)

Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund have both made official offers to 26-year-old Newcastle and France midfielder Moussa Sissoko (Le 10 Sport)

Hull City have a five-man shortlist topped by former Everton boss Roberto Martinez as they seek a successor to Steve Bruce (The Guardian)

Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt is keen to join Leeds United. The 27-year-old Scotland international spent time on loan at Elland Road last season (Yorkshire Evening Post)

Winger Ryan Kent, 19, is the first of a host of youngsters Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp intends to send out on loan next season (Liverpool Echo)

Bristol City have agreed a deal with Bayern Munich to sign 21-year-old goalkeeper Ivan Lucic for an undisclosed fee (Bristol Post)

Sakho may be in trouble after being sent home.

Mamadou Sakho’s Liverpool future has been thrown into doubt after the France defender was sent home from their tour of the United States amid doubts about his attitude.

Sakho has endured a troubled year, first missing the end of the season – including Liverpool’s Europa League final and the European Championship with France – due to a drugs ban, the results of which still remain uncertain with WADA considering whether to contest the verdict

The 26-year-old then suffered an injury on his return to training for the Reds, but still travelled on their pre-season tour of the US.

However, according to the Liverpool Echo, the Frenchman has now been sent home after causing trouble in the club’s training camp.

James Pearce writes:

‘Sakho had been receiving treatment on an Achilles injury, which will rule him out of the start of the Premier League season.

‘However, the ECHO understands that concerns had been raised about the 26-year-old’s attitude around the club’s training camp in California and that’s prompted his swift return to the UK.

‘Sakho was booked on the same overnight flight to Heathrow as left-back Brad Smith, who is en route to Bournemouth to undergo a medical ahead of completing a £6million move.

‘Liverpool confirmed that the former Paris Saint-Germain captain had flown home but declined to comment on the reasons behind the decision.’
The Daily Mail are among those reporting that the latest setback in his career has plunged Sakho’s future at Anfield into doubt.

Dominic King adds that manager Jurgen Klopp ‘has been working hard to get a rapport amongst a squad that has seen seven new faces arrive,’ and Sakho is seemingly threatening that.

Celtic Sinclair bid rejected again.

Celtic are pondering whether to make an increased bid for Scott Sinclair after Aston Villa reportedly rejected a fourth bid of £2.75million for the forward.

The Bhoys have been chasing the former England Under-21 star all summer, with Brendan Rodgers keen to be reunited with a player he previously managed at Swansea.

But after their latest offer was knocked back, assistant manager Chris Davies said: “It would obviously be disrespectful for us talk about a player who belongs to another club.

“The club are working behind the scenes to bring players in who will make a difference.

“It has got to be the right deal and right players. We are focusing on the players who are playing.”

Liverpool link with PSV Jetro willems.

Liverpool have been linked with a £13million move for PSV Eindhoven full-back Jetro Willems after the player hinted at a possible move on social media.

The Reds are in the market for a new left-back this summer as they seek cover and competition for Alberto Moreno.

Liverpool, who also look set to sell reserve left-back Brad Smith to Bournemouth in a £6million deal, have already been linked with Leeds’ Charlie Taylor and Jonas Hector of Cologne this summer.

But, according to reports in Holland, Liverpool have now made a £13m bid for Willems, with the PSV defender now ‘their top target to fill the left-back void at Anfield’.

The 22-year old is a good friend of new Liverpool signing Georginio Wijnaldum, and his tweet that to the former Newcastle midfielder stating that they will “see each other again soon” has done little to dampen rumours that a move to Anfield is imminent.

Mane is faster than i thought say Coutinho.

Philippe Coutinho admits he can’t wait to see Sadio Mane use his pace against opposition defences after admitting he’s been impressed with Liverpool’s new signing.

Mane joined the Reds from Southampton in a £34million deal following three years with the club.

The Senegal international joins the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum, Loris Karius and Joel Matip as new signings at Anfield this summer and Brazilian midfielder Coutinho can’t wait to supply the ammunition for Mane to flourish this season.

Speaking on Liverpool’s tour of the USA, Coutinho, admitted he was taken aback by Mane’s speed in training.

“It’s been very good playing with Sadio so far, but if anything he’s too fast,” he told the club’s official website.

“That’s good because you need this in your game. Everyone is very happy with him – he is a nice guy and very good player.

“There are a lot of players now and there is good competition in the squad, which helps you to get better and helps the team.”

The player has also been talked up by Jurgen Klopp after enjoying an impressive pre-season so far with the Reds.