Premier League transfer news: Fernandes, Saliba, Monreal, Tierney, De Gea

Fight for Fernandes

Man Utd’s pursuit of Bruno Fernandes has taken a turn for the worst, reports the Daily Mirror, with the paper saying that they are £20m short of Sporting Lisbon’s asking price.

United gaffer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified the 24-year-old as the man “capable of bolstering his midfield in the new season”, but the paper says the Norwegian is ready to bid only £50m.

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Sporting are apparently demanding £70m and reports from Portugal claim that they won’t accept a penny less than that valuation. That would leave the ball in United’s court with Solskjaer forced to decide whether Fernandes is worth an extra £20m.

Saliba struggle

Arsenal and Tottenham continue to slug it out for the right to sign Saint-Etienne’s William Saliba, reports FourFourTwo, taking its information from French broadcaster RMC Sport.

The 18-year-old centre-back had seemed set for a move to the Emirates Stadium but then Spurs made an audacious late bid to hijack the move last week. According to RMC, Saint-Etienne have now received a similar offer from Arsenal - believed to be €30m (£28m) - and consequently the French side “will take some time to weigh up Saliba’s priorities and whether they can push the price up even more”.

Monreal staying out

Nacho Monreal has no intention of leaving the Emirates despite Arsenal’s pursuit of Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, reports The Sun.

The Gunners’ latest bid of £25m for the 22-year-old Scot has apparently been rejected by the Scottish champions but they’re expected to come back with a third offer in the near future. Nevertheless the Spanish blocker has said he’s going to remain at the Emirates.

“I am not worried about the size of the squad,” he explained. “I belong at Arsenal. I have a contract and my idea is to continue playing for them.”

Third time lucky for Tierney?

As for Arsenal’s attempt to prise Kieran Tierney from Parkhead, The Scottish Sun claims that the Gunners will table a third bid after failing with their second offer of £25m.

The paper says the north London outfit “have been told to stump up a higher initial fee” instead of haggling over a bid that includes several add-ons. The Scottish champions are “open to selling the 22-year-old but want a £25m fee paid outright”.

De Gea offered mega-deal to stay

Man Utd gloveman David de Gea will stay loyal to the club and snub the chance of a return to his homeland with Real Madrid, states the Daily Mirror.

The paper says that he set to pen a five-year deal worth £97.5m, which would make him the world’s highest-paid goalkeeper. Talks between the two parties are all but concluded to everyone’s satisfaction, and the 28-year-old De Gea will “pocket £375,000-a-week under the terms of the new deal”.

Delph signs for Everton

Fabian Delph has signed for Everton in what The Guardian says is a £8.5m deal. The 29-year-old England international had a year to go on his Manchester City contract but he makes the move to Goodison Park in search of more regular football.

The Toffees will pay City £8.5m up front for the midfielder, rising to £10m with add-ons. “I see myself as a winner,” said Delph. “I’m at an age now where I am probably one of the most experienced players, so hopefully I can bring that and try to help my teammates here to do better.”

£36m winger in Arsenal medical

Gremio winger Everton Soares is set to undergo a medical at Arsenal after the two club’s agreed a transfer worth up to €40m (£36m). Unusually, the 23-year-old will be assessed in Brazil instead of travelling to England for the tests. (CaughtOffiside)

Spurs keen on Roma switch

Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld is wanted by Roma and the Italian side have offered the Londoners an incentive to sell by hinting that midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo could be available as part of a deal. The 30-year-old defender has a £25m release clause in his contract and Spurs would be happy to offer him in part exchange for Zaniolo. Roma have said bids for the 20-year-old will be “evaluated”. (Daily Express)

Bale back to Tottenham?

Spurs are prepared to offer £53m for former star Gareth Bale. His current club, Real Madrid, are thought to be keen to offload the Welshman this summer with Zinedine Zidane not planning to use him this season. Bale is determined to stay and fight for his place but could now be tempted by a return to north London. However, Spurs are likely to have to up their offer to get their hands on the 30-year-old. (Daily Star)

Magpies close in on Joelinton

Managerless Newcastle are prepared to cough up £36m for 22-year-old Hoffenheim forward Joelinton but want to push the deal through quickly. The Magpies first made their interest known in January and remain keen on a deal although Hoffenheim are demanding £40m. Mike Ashley also hopes to unveil Steve Bruce as the new manager in the next few days. (Daily Mail)