Transfer news LIVE: Chelsea target Antoine Griezmann loan plus Liverpool, Man Utd rumours
All the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip
With Euro 2020 done and dusted, the focus of the football world turns to the transfer market.
Chelsea are looking into a potential loan deal for Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann, according to the Daily Express, which has reported that the France international’s Les Bleus teammate Kurt Zouma could be enlisted to help persuade the former Atletico Madrid player.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are keen to acquire Ruben Neves from Wolves, The Sun has reported. Wolves themselves are bidding farewell to goalkeeper Rui Patricio, who has completed a move to Roma, where fellow Portuguese Jose Mourinho has taken over.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are said to be eager to sign Danny Ings from Southampton, but not as a replacement for England captain Harry Kane. Spurs, according to The Telegraph, see Ings as a potential partner for Kane up front next season. Ings, despite injury, enjoyed a solid campaign last term, scoring 12 times and recording four assists in the Premier League.
There could also be confirmation of Jadon Sancho’s long-awaited move to Manchester United at any moment, after the 21-year-old underwent a medical yesterday. The Borussia Dortmund winger didn’t get as much game time at Euro 2020 as he would have hoped, but he could be a key part of United’s side next season, with a deal already agreed.
Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip below.
Messi to sign five-year deal
It sounds like not only is Lionel Messi staying at Barcelona, signing a long-term contract, but he will be taking a major pay-cut in the process to help out the club’s financial predicament, according to reports in Spain. Here’s Fabrizio Romano:
Brentford among Premier League clubs keen to sign Wales international
Here’s some news from our Chief Football Writer, Miguel Delaney:
“Several Premier League and Championship clubs are aiming to sign Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest, with newly-promoted Brentford among them.
“Offers have been made to Forest for the versatile attacker, who came through the Academy system at the City Ground and made his debut in the 2019/20 season, playing a handful of games in the Championship.
“At least one offer has been put to Forest so far for Johnson, who has two senior Wales caps to his name after playing in friendlies against USA and Mexico last season.”
More here:
Premier League keen to sign Wales international Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest
A Wembley appearance in the League One play-off final capped a superb campaign for the 20-year-old
Rashford out for 12 weeks
Not transfer news but a blow for Manchester United:
Marcus Rashford faces approximately 12 weeks out once the Manchester United and England forward undergoes shoulder surgery later this month, the PA news agency understands.
The 23-year-old made five substitute appearances for the Three Lions during their run to the Euro 2020 final, where he hit the post from the spot in Sunday’s penalty shoot-out loss to Italy.
Rashford, who has been met with a groundswell of support in the wake of some sickening abuse, is now set to go under the knife to fix a long-standing shoulder complaint.
PA understands that the forward wanted the operation done straight after the Euros, but it will not be until later in July due to the availability of the requisite surgeon.
Rashford could be back training within five weeks of surgery but it would be around 12 weeks until he returned to action, ruling him out into October.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side kick off their Premier League season at home to Leeds on August 14, while England have five World Cup qualifiers during the period Rashford could be absent for.
Ajeti excited to play in front of Parkhead fans
Albian Ajeti has been at Celtic for almost a year but looks forward to playing in front of fans at Parkhead for the first time.
The 24-year-old Switzerland international joined the Hoops from West Ham on a four-year deal last August for a reported fee of £5 million.
With most matches played behind closed doors, due to coronavirus regulations, Ajeti made 30 appearances for Celtic, scoring six goals, as the Hoops lost their Premiership title to Old Firm rivals Rangers while ending the season trophyless.
Celtic are due to have 2,000 fans inside Parkhead for Saturday’s friendly against Preston with bigger crowds set to return as regulations ease, which is a welcome development for Ajeti.
He told Celtic’s official website: “I’ve played a few games at Celtic Park already but I still haven’t experienced the stadium with fans in it.
“From what I know and what I’ve heard, it must be unbelievable.
“I’m looking forward to it and I’m excited to get that experience in front of the fans and they’ll be much-needed for us this season.
“We’re used to playing with fans, and here at Celtic, I think the feeling is like the team has an extra player and this is important for a club like Celtic.
“They’re known for the fanbase they have and the unbelievable supporters.
“It’s been a tough year for everybody and a tough season for us without fans.
“Things didn’t go as well as was expected, but we’re in a new season now and hopefully we can get our fans back in the stadium.”
Spurs and United battle for defender
Cristian Romero: Calciomercato reports Tottenham and Manchester United are both eager to sign the Juventus defender.
Lazio want Anderson
Felipe Anderson: The West Ham midfielder is set to sign with Lazio, according to the Evening Standard.
West Brom want Chalobah
The Express & Star says Brentford have joined West Brom in pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Trevoh Chalobah. However, the race for his signature is wide open, with the 22-year-old also wanted by clubs in France and Germany.
Ings to link up with Kane?
The Telegraph reports Tottenham have earmarked Southampton forward Danny Ings as their primary transfer target. Spurs are looking for the 28-year-old to feature alongside Harry Kane who the club are determined to keep.
Chelsea used the same tactic last year, it should be noted, enlisting Antonio Rudiger as a mediator to help bring in Kai Havertz and Timo Werner.
Griezmann to Chelsea?
Chelsea are reportedly making plans to sign Antoine Griezmann on loan from Barcelona. The Daily Express says the Blues could use the 30-year-old’s France team-mate Kurt Zouma to help set the platform for a potential move in the summer.
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