BAYERN MUNICH have AGREED a deal with Juventus for Dutch super star Matthijs de Ligt.
Chelsea seemed to be front runners for a while but De Ligt's preferred option was for a move to the Bundesliga champions.
And Bayern's business is not over by a long shot as they are reportedly interested in replacing Robert Lewandowski with Harry Kane.
Barcelona-bound Lewandowski, 33, said goodbye to the Bayern squad on Saturday before heading to Catalonia to complete his move to the Nou Camp.
Meanwhile, free agent Paulo Dybala is in talks with Roma over a potential switch to Jose Mourinho's side.
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- Sam Dymond
Bayern agree fee for De Ligt
Bayern Munich have this morning agreed a £68m fee with Juventus to sign Matthijs de Ligt, according to Sky Sports Germany.
The 22-year-old centre-back had been linked with a number of Premier League clubs this summer including Chelsea, where he was described by one source as their 'dream signing'.
However, Dutchman De Light made it clear that his preference was for the Bundesliga champions, and now a move is very close to being finalised.
The defender is yet another talent to come through the Ajax academy.
He left the Amsterdam club in 2019 to join Juve in a deal worth £60m.
- Sam Dymond
Broja back for Hammers talks
Armando Broja has left Chelsea’s training camp in the United States in order to fly back to England to discuss terms with West Ham.
Adam Newson of football.london reports that the striker has returned from Los Angeles with his Blues future up in the air.
Fabrizio Romano adds that the Hammers are incredibly close to agreeing a contract with the Albanian international, although talks continue between the clubs regarding a transfer fee.
But the East Londoners will have to move fast.
Many sides are said to be interested in Broja, and Chelsea believe they can use the demand to bump the price up.
- Sam Dymond
Transfer round-up
Manchester United could duel Arsenal for Youri Tielemans after signing Lisandro Martinez – and Barcelona have come in for Prem target Jules Kounde.
Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag strongly admires Leicester midfielder Tielemans, who has long been tipped to join the Gunners.
And it's claimed Barca are ready to bid £51million for Chelsea target Kounde – the Sevilla centre-back who was previously on the Gunners' wishlist.
Meanwhile, United have all but confirmed Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez's arrival from Ten Hag's old club Ajax for £55m.
The Red Devils could still also swoop for Frenkie de Jong, even though the Holland midfielder is once more hinting he is reluctant to leave Barcelona.
United chiefs thought they had edged close to a £72m deal last week but are now prepared to wait until the last day of the transfer window – if needed.
Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo is again being linked with Arsenal.
And the Gunners are on the brink of announcing the recruitment of £30m Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Etihad chief Pep Guardiola will then chase Brighton’s Marc Cucurella to replace the Ukrainian.
Chelsea are said to be in talks with PSG to tie up a £43m deal for France central defender Kimpembe.
Lastly, Everton could bid for Chelsea's England midfielder Conor Gallagher.
- Ian Tuckey
Erl lords it in training
Erling Haaland trained with his Manchester City team-mates after jetting on the champions' US tour.
The striker signed for Pep Guardiola's side in June after City triggered his bargain £51million Borussia Dortmund release clause.
But he has had to wait for his first taste of a Guardiola training session as the Citizens started pre-season later than some of their Prem rivals.
Instead the 21-year-old has been getting settled in Manchester, including leaving fans in hysterics with his "student shop" at his local Sainsbury's last week.
But the Norwegian finally got the chance to go toe-to-toe with his new team-mates as they went through a strenuous session in baking conditions in Texas.
Haaland beamed from ear to ear as he was put through his paces ahead of games against Club America and his old rivals Bayern Munich.
He clashed for the ball with Ederson during a training session and worked on his strength and conditioning in the gym.
And once training was complete the striker enjoyed an ice bath alongside Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jack Grealish.
- Ian Tuckey
‘Race for Broja could weaken Blues’ bid to nab Declan’
Chelsea’s long-term hopes of signing Declan Rice could de dented if West Ham fail to sign Armando Broja.
That’s the claim from football.london tonight, although the Hammers remain favourites to land Blues’ striker Broja – ON LOAN.
Chelsea and Manchester United are the frontrunners to eventually lure West Ham’s England midfielder Rice.
And the feeling from some is that the Blues could have extra ‘leverage’ if London Stadium chief David Moyes’ ends up buying Albania star Broja.
- Ian Tuckey
Guardiola ready to make his Marc
Pep Guardiola will step up his bid for Brighton’s Marc Cucurella to replace Oleksandr Zinchenko.
With Ukraine star Zinchenko heading to Arsenal for £30million, signing a new left-back is the only priority for the Manchester City boss.
Guardiola has dismissed reports he is after another forward despite allowing both Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling to leave earlier this month.
He also signed England midfielder Kalvin Phillips for £42m and back-up keeper Stefan Ortega to bolster his squad.
The Seagulls are believed to want up to £50m for Spaniard Cucurella, 23, but City are reluctant to go that high — so may end up looking elsewhere.
The full-back joined Brighton from Getafe last year following a £15.4m deal. The Spain international enjoyed a stunning debut campaign at the Amex Stadium as he registered a total of 39 appearances across all competitions.
That led to the defender being named the club’s double player of the season.
- Ian Tuckey
Barca fight to stop Jules reaching the Bridge
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on Jules Kounde but face competition from Barcelona who have made the Sevilla defender their “number one target”.
The Catalan giants are looking to build on an encouraging week in the transfer market after they closed in on some major signings.
They are now turning their attention to long-term Chelsea target Kounde, 23, and reportedly are set to make a £51m bid.
Marca report that he is now the “big goal” for the La Liga club after their failure to secure other targets earlier in the window.
While Barca did manage to sign Andreas Christensen earlier in the window they are believed to be keen on another centre-back.
Kounde is yet to join up with Sevilla’s first team who are touring in South Korea due to a pelvic operation he had last month.
- Ian Tuckey
Ronaldo blasts 'fake' Sporting link
Manchester United's wantaway star Cristiano Ronaldo broke his silence amid intense speculation about his future.
Ronaldo addressed reports suggesting his car was spotted in Sporting Lisbon's car park hinting he may be going back to the same club United first signed him from in 2003.
Sensational reports from Portugal suggested the Real Madrid legend's vehicle was outside Sporting's Jose Alvalade Stadium amid claims he will rejoin his old club on loan for the coming season.
Sport TV Portugal issued a photo of the car with the following statement on Instagram: "A photo circulates on social media that they say is of the Portuguese's car in the garage of Jose Alvalade."
However, Ronaldo was quick to slam those rumours insisting they are false.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner commented underneath that photo with a brief statement, which read: "Fake."
Ronaldo has informed United chiefs of his desire to leave Old Trafford as he wishes to play in the Champions League next season.
The 37-year-old didn't join the Red Devils in pre-season due to "family reasons". The star forward, though, hasn't found a lot of suitors interested in snatching him away from Manchester.
PSG reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign him when he was offered by his agent Jorge Mendes.
- Ian Tuckey
Sevilla head Leeds and Everton in Brereton Diaz chase
Sevilla may have an edge in the chase for Ben Brereton Diaz as they would be able to offer the striker Champions League football next season.
The Spaniards asked about the Chile striker, 23, in January but will only offer Blackburn around half of owners Venky’s price tag of £20million.
SunSport exclusively revealed recently that the Andalusians are among various clubs in Europe keeping tabs on Brereton Diaz.
However, they are dealing with competition from LaLiga as Real Betis and Valencia have also registered interest for the Chile international.
Leeds, Everton and Bournemouth, who could offer the 23-year-old Premier League football, have also joined the bidding war.
- Ian Tuckey
‘Armando battle could dent Blues’ bid to nab Rice’
Chelsea’s long-term hopes of signing Declan Rice could be dented if West Ham fail to sign Armando Broja.
That’s the claim from football.london tonight, although the Hammers remain favourites to land Blues’ striker Broja – ON LOAN.
Chelsea and Manchester United are the frontrunners to eventually lure West Ham’s England midfielder Rice.
And the feeling from some is that the Blues could have extra ‘leverage’ if London Stadium chief David Moyes’ ends up buying Albania star Broja.
- Ian Tuckey
Dybala to snub Red Devils and Gunners
Paulo Dybala is ready to snub Manchester United in favour of Roma, according to reports.
Dybala, 28, left Italian giants Juventus last month after his contract expired and has been the subject of interest from a number of clubs since.
Among these are the Red Devils and Arsenal, who both want to push into the top four next season in order to get Champions League football.
However, Tuttomercatoweb claims the Argentine is now ready to accept Roma’s contract proposal following a phone call from Jose Mourinho.
Reports in Italy say an official offer will be submitted within 24 hours, with Roma expecting an answer in the next few days.
- Ian Tuckey
Pep picks up Cucurella hunt
Pep Guardiola will step up his bid for Brighton’s Marc Cucurella to replace Oleksandr Zinchenko.
With Ukraine star Zinchenko heading to Arsenal for £30million, signing a new left-back is the only priority for the Manchester City boss.
Guardiola has dismissed reports he is after another forward despite allowing both Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling to leave earlier this month.
He also signed England midfielder Kalvin Phillips for £42m and back-up keeper Stefan Ortega to bolster his squad.
The Seagulls are believed to want up to £50m for Spaniard Cucurella, 23, but City are reluctant to go that high — so may end up looking elsewhere.
The full-back joined Brighton from Getafe last year following a £15.4m deal. The Spain international enjoyed a stunning debut campaign at the Amex Stadium as he registered a total of 39 appearances across all competitions.
That led to the defender being named the club’s double player of the season.
- Ian Tuckey
Blues 'in Presnel talks'
Chelsea have already opened talks with PSG over signing £43million-rateed France centre-back Presnel Kimpembe.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says the Blues have stepped up their interest in the 26-year-old.
- Ian Tuckey
Melo ‘ back on Arsenal wish-list’
Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo has reportedly shot back up Arsenal’s wish-list, reports say.
The 22-cap Brazilian joins Leicester’s Youri Tielemans as an option for strengthening arguably the Gunners’ main problem position.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is also closing on £30million-rated Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko.
- Ian Tuckey
Man City vow to keep Barca target Silva
Bernardo Silva will not be leaving Manchester City this summer after the club declared he is not for sale, reports suggest.
Barcelona have been extensively linked with the 27-year-old amid rumours of a £70million transfer.
However, City boss Pep Guardiola has issued a not for sale notice on the playmaker this summer, as reported by the Mirror.
He will not allow the Portuguese star to leave before the start of the season as he sees the midfielder as a key player.
Barca boss Xavi Hernandez has earmarked Silva as a key transfer target and someone who could replace Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong.
Silva played 35 times in the Premier League for City last season, scoring eight goals and registering four assists to earn a spot in the PFA team of the season.
- Ian Tuckey
Howe's striking dilemma
Eddie Howe is praying Callum Wilson has an injury free season – as Newcastle go back to the drawing board for new forwards.
The Mags boss will risk going into the new campaign with Wilson – who has started just 51 per cent of Prem games over the last two seasons – and Chris Wood.
Howe revealed he was desperate to sign PSG’s new hot shot forward Hugo Ekitike in January and this summer.
And with Toon’s star striker, 30, sitting out an intense training drill yesterday at their pre-season camp in Austria, concerns are growing over their firepower.
With no signings imminent, Howe said: “There is a risk with every player. That was quite a high intensity drill and we didn’t want to expose Callum to that so early in the session.
“No one has ever doubted his ability – he is an outstanding striker and showed that coming back from a long injury at the end of last season.
“I would love for him to have an injury free campaign. We are looking for those goal returns (15-20) from our number nine, for sure. We need those goals from our front players."
- Ian Tuckey
'United chiefs wanted Pau but Ten Hag preferred Lisandro'
Manchester United chiefs reportedly wanted to sign Villarreal star Pau Torres before Erik ten Hag pushed for Lisandro Martinez.
The Ajax defender, 24, is set to complete a move to Old Trafford after the Dutch champions accepted a bid of £55million.
Ten Hag worked with the Argentine for three years in Amsterdam and was keen to bring Martinez with him to Manchester.
The United boss even had to persuade the club's recruitment department to sign Martinez after previously targeting Torres, report The Telegraph.
Torres has attracted interest from several clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham and Juventus – with the Red Devils first registering their interest in the defender last year.
As recently as June reports claimed United were the favourites to land Torres in a potential £43m move.
But the club instead decided to back Ten Hag's judgement by bringing in Martinez – even though he may be the more expensive option.
Ten Hag is also said to be keen on signing another Ajax defender – Jurrien Timber. But Timber wants to stay at Ajax as he believes it is "too risky" to move to United where he is not guaranteed game time.
- Ian Tuckey
'Race for Broja could weaken Blues' bid to nab Declan'
Chelsea's long-term hopes of signing Declan Rice could de dented if West Ham fail to sign Armando Broja.
That's the claim from football.london tonight, although the Hammers remain favourites to land Blues' striker Broja – ON LOAN.
Chelsea and Manchester United are the frontrunners to eventually lureWest Ham's England midfielder Rice.
And the feeling from some is that the Blues could have extra 'leverage' if London Stadium chief David Moyes' ends up buying Albania star Broja.
- Ian Tuckey
Man Youri-nited?
Manchester United are showing increasing interest in Arsenal target Youri Tielmans, reports tonight suggest.
The Express claim Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has a long-running interest in the Leicester midfielder.
The Belgium hero's contract runs out at the end of the season.
And the Gunners, as well as Newcastle, are alreeady said to be monitoring his situation.
It's suggested the Foxes might be tempted to cash in on the 25-year-old if they receive a bid of £25million-plus.
- Ian Tuckey
Tiem's finally up
Tiemoue Bakayoko will leave Chelsea after agreeing to sign with Marseille, reports suggest.
The midfielder joined Chelsea from Monaco in 2017 as the direct replacement for Nemanja Matic.
However, his £40million transfer soon turned sour as he failed to live up to his predecessor and was subsequently loaned back to Monaco a year later.
Every season since, the 27-year-old has been out on loan, with Chelsea unable to find a permanent buyer for him.
But this could have finally changed, with Foot Mercato reporting Marseille have agreed personal terms to sign him.
Their agreement will reportedly see the Frenchman sign a four-year contract. The only stumbling block on Marseille's side comes in the form of new manager Igor Tudor, who is said to be blocking the transfer.
Bakayoko's loan spells have seen him twice return to AS Monaco, join Napoli once and join AC Milan twice, with his most recent spell seeing him lift the Serie A title last season.
However, due to him playing just 493 minutes of league football the club are considering cutting his two-year loan short, which would bring Marseille into play this window. Chelsea have already seen a number of players leave the club this summer.
- Ian Tuckey
Lukaku says Chelsea return was 'mistake'
Romelu Lukaku accepts he made a mistake in leaving Inter Milan for Chelsea.
The striker, 29, has returned to Inter on loan after completing a £97.5million transfer to Chelsea last summer.
Lukaku is delighted to be back at Inter and believes the future is bright for the Serie A giants.
He also admitted he kept his apartment in Milan because he knew he wanted to return one day – as he revealed in a notorious interview last December.
Lukaku spoke about his return to Inter at a recent kit launch, saying: "I left. It was a mistake.
"Now I am happy to be wearing this jersey, the team knows what we need to do, it’ll be a great challenge this season and we need to continue like this.
"I realised last season when I was in England, just how important Inter are in the world.
"The club’s profile is improving on an international scale, the social media approach is really important too and you can see how we act in the locker room, in training, our hugs and jokes.
"Milan is a wonderful city and that is why I kept the old apartment when I went to London, because my mother was coming here all the time and I wanted to return too."
- Ian Tuckey
Spurs in Depay bid
Tottenham made a £14million bid for ex-Manchester United attacker Memphis Depay, according to reports.
The Dutchman is wanted by Spurs in order to further boost their attacking options next season.
However, he wants to stay at Barcelona to fight for his place.
Depay has just one-year left on his contract with Barca which has prompted them to sanction his departure.
And following the signing of Raphinha, the contract renewal of Ousmane Dembele, and the arrival of Robert Lewandowski, game-time next season could be limited.
Spurs have already signed Clement Lenglet from Barca on loan this season and are now hoping to strike a second deal with them.
Spurs aren't willing to climb to the £17m asking price set by the club, but are willing to pay £14m, as reported by Sport.
When Depay joined last summer he was seen as the club's main striker, a position now under significant threat after the January arrival of ex-Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and now Lewandowski.
- Ian Tuckey
Back Rak for loan move
Oxford United boss Karl Robinson is trying to hijack Crystal Palace’s midfield starlet Jesurun Rak Sakyi despite MK Dons being close to a deal.
The winger was in terrific form in Premier League 2 last season.
as he scored 18 goals and registered five assists in 25 league games – prompting the interest from Dons and Oxford.
Rak Sakyi made two first team appearances in the Premier League for Palace last season.
His first came off the bench during their 3-0 loss to Chelsea on the opening day, with the other coming as he started the final day as Palace beat Man United 1-0.
Another Eagles’ academy starlet, 18-year-old left-back Tayo Adaramola, is wanted on loan by Coventry chief Mark Robins.
Adaramola made 17 appearances in Premier League 2 last season and also enjoyed his first team debut in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a four minute cameo.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils ready for long Jong wait
Manchester United are willing to wait until the final day of the transfer window to seal a deal for Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.
The Red Devils have been locked in talks with Barcelona for over two months but are still yet to sew up a deal.
Club bosses thought they’d made a breakthrough earlier this week, when they agreed a £72million fee after John Murtough and Richard Arnold flew over to Catalonia.
But the deal hit a snag, with claims De Jong does not want to leave Barca.
The Dutchman has flown out to the US with his team-mates for Barcelona’s pre-season tour, while club president Joan Laporta has maintained that he is not for sale.
Despite these difficulties, the Mirror claim boss Erik ten Hag is urging United chiefs to keep trying to get the deal done.
The Dutchman, 52, sees his former Ajax prodigy as integral to his plans and is willing to wait until the final day of the transfer window to get his man.
Should De Jong sign on August 31, he will have missed matches against Brighton, Brentford, Liverpool and Southampton.
- Ian Tuckey
Broja ‘close to West Ham loan deal’
In-demand striker Armando Broja could join West Ham on loan as Chelsea ‘refuse to sell him’.
Th’e Daily Mail claim the Hammers wanted Broja, 20, on a permanent transfer but Blues manager Thomas Tuchel refuses to give up on him.
West Ham have accepted their London rivals’ position and are willing to take the striker on a season-long loan and see if they can negotiate a deal, that could cost at least £30million, next year.
Davie Moyes’ side appear to have picked up the lead in an intense bidding war over the Albania international.
Broja has been attracting interest from both West Ham and Everton throughout the summer.
Newcastle are also thought to have enquired about a deal involving the 20-year-old.
And Southampton were linked with the centre-forward, who stood out last season while on loan at St Mary’s.
Broja scored nine goals and made one assist in 38 matches across all competitions but Saints have pulled out of the race.
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