Premier League transfer news: Eriksen, Rooney, Pogba, Zaha, Koscielny, Lo Celso, Upamecano
Man Utd target Spurs star Christian Eriksen and Wayne Rooney is set for a return to English football
Premier League transfer gossip and rumours
Eriksen off to Old Trafford or Europe?
Having signed Harry Maguire from Leicester City could Manchester United be close to capturing another big Premier League name?
The Daily Mail believes so with the paper claiming that the Red Devils are “working to sign�� Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen before the transfer window closes on Thursday.
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With just 48 hours to go, United haven’t got much time to complete the move, but the Mail says the 27-year-old Dane remains a priority signing and boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to get his man.
If Eriksen remains in north London after the deadline then Atletico Madrid and Juventus could consider making “cut-price bids of around £50m” to tempt Tottenham into selling a player who is out of contract next year.
While the Premier League transfer window closes on Thursday, it’s a 23 August deadline in Italy and 2 September deadline in Spain.
Tottenham bag Lo Celso
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An indication that a move for Eriksen may be imminent is the claim that Tottenham have sealed a deal with Real Betis to sign Giovani Lo Celso for €60m (£55m).
The clubs have been negotiating over the Argentine midfielder for some time but reports state that a breakthrough has been achieved with Spurs willing to pay the Spanish club an initial €52m (£47.8m) with €8m (£7.3m) to follow in add-ons.
As a result of the deal Spurs will call off their pursuit of Bruno Fernandes and allow Eriksen to move to Old Trafford. (Independent)
Juve and Real battle for Pogba
Juventus remain keen on re-signing Paul Pogba from Manchester United and are preparing to offer three players in exchange for the French midfielder.
The Daily Mirror reports that the Italian champions hope to jump to the top of the queue ahead of Real Madrid.
However, Sky Sports News reporter James Cooper says United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to keep Pogba at Old Trafford, despite interest from Juve and Real.
Adieu Koscielny
Arsenal have agreed a deal with Bordeaux for the transfer of Laurent Koscielny.
The Gunners’s captain staged a mutiny last month when he refused to go on the pre-season tour of the United States in order to force through a move back to France. The sedition has worked with the 33-year-old set to sign for Bordeaux.
French Football News claims the Ligue 1 club have beaten off competition from Rennes and have “agreed terms” with the centre-half.
The Frenchman has made it clear to Arsenal he is finished with the club and the Gunners will therefore allow him to leave. (The Sun)
Gunners eye Upamecano and Rugani
With Laurent Koscielny on his way out of the Emirates Arsenal will need to strengthen their defence. Two players on the Gunners’s radar are Dayot Upamecano and Daniele Rugani.
Arsenal have been told by RB Leipzig they will need to pay around £70m to sign Frenchman Upamecano, and the north London club are also interested in securing a loan deal for Juventus’s Rugani. (The Guardian)
Wolves also keen on Rugani
Arsenal are not the only team interested in Juventus defender Daniele Rugani. It’s reported that Wolves have bid £30m for the 25-year-old Italian. (The Times)
Liverpool sell Mignolet and sign Adrian
Liverpool have signed veteran gloveman Adrian to replace Simon Mignolet, who has joined Club Brugge.
The 32-year-old Adrian, who spent six seasons with West Ham, said of his move to Anfield: “I’m feeling really happy, really happy to be here and to work in this great club and start doing my stuff on the pitch as soon as possible.”
Adrian knows he will be understudy to Alisson, but he boldly declared his intent “to try to win everything, to try to push Ali from the first minute and to make us better”.
Toffees plot £100m move for Zaha
The Sun says Everton boss Marco Silva is desperate to sign Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace and the Merseyside club have put together a £100m package to get the deal done. According to the Independent Zaha expects to be an Everton player before the end of the transfer window.
Hornets reject £30m Doucouré bid
Watford have rejected a £30m first bid from Everton for Abdoulaye Doucouré. The 26-year-old midfielder is wanted by former Watford boss Marco Silva, who is now in charge of Everton. It’s claimed that Watford don’t plan to accept any offers for Doucouré. (The Guardian)
Cahill joins Palace
Gary Cahill has joined Crystal Palace on a two-year deal. The 33-year-old defender, who was released by Chelsea at the end of last season, said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m hungry to prolong my career as long as I possibly can - I feel like I’m in great shape whoever I play for.” (BBC Sport)
Drinkwater to Norwich?
Could Danny Drinkwater’s Chelsea nightmare be about to end? The midfielder has struggled since signing from Leicester in 2017 and does not figure in Frank Lampard’s plans. Newly-promoted Norwich City have made an enquiry for Drinkwater, who is also being linked with Brighton. (Daily Mail)
Rooney’s return?
Could Wayne Rooney be on the brink of making what The Daily Telegraph describes as an “extraordinary return to English football”?
In an exclusive the paper claims that the former England, Everton and Manchester United striker “is in talks” with Derby County about taking on a player-coach role at the Championship club.
Currently plying his trade for DC United in Major League Soccer, the 33-year-old is seriously contemplating the offer tabled by the Rams.
Owner Mel Morris last month appointed ex-Barcelona star Phillip Cocu to replace Frank Lampard and now apparently he wants to hire another big hitter to bring back the good times to Derby.
Sky Sports adds that Rooney arrived at Heathrow this morning and is making his way to the Midlands to finalise his move.
The Daily Mail reports that West Bromwich Albion have launched an “11th hour bid” to snatch Rooney from Derby.
Premier League fixtures: matchday one
Friday 9 August
- Liverpool vs. Norwich City (8pm, live on Sky Sports)
Saturday 10 August (3pm unless stated)
- West Ham United vs. Manchester City (12.30pm, live on BT Sport)
- Bournemouth vs. Sheffield United
- Burnley vs. Southampton
- Crystal Palace vs. Everton
- Watford vs. Brighton and Hove Albion
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Aston Villa (5.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
Sunday 11 August
- Leicester City vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (2pm)
- Newcastle United vs. Arsenal (2pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Manchester United vs. Chelsea (4.30pm, live on Sky Sports)