LIVE Transfer Talk – Paul Pogba considering free agent transfer to Real Madrid
The summer transfer window is in its final month for the big European leagues, which means the biggest clubs are looking to make a splash in the market before the start of the new season. Check out the latest gossip below, and check out all the official offers here.
TOP STORY: Pogba wants to move to Madrid
Paul pogba will remain at Manchester United this season, but he intends to end his contract to set up a dream transfer to Real Madrid, according to the Star of the Day.
Outlet says French star intends to join international teammate Kylian Mbappé at the Santiago Bernabeu in a hat-trick that will see Real Madrid also target Borussia Dortmund Erling Haaland next season.
Pogba has only 12 months left on his current contract, and he was previously linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, with reports claiming Manchester United would demand a £ 50million fee to avoid missing a transfer fee important.
But with the 28-year-old now considering joining La Liga, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have no choice but to respect the player’s wishes if he decides to honor the rest of his contract.
The playmaker was unplayable on Matchday 1 of the season, registering four assists in United’s 5-1 win over Leeds.
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LIVE BLOG
10.52 BST: Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham will arrive in Rome on Sunday to complete his move to Rome, the BBC reports.
Abraham was Chelsea’s co-top scorer last season with 12 goals in all competitions, but struggled to seize first-team opportunities once Thomas Tuchel took over as manager in January.
Following Romelu Lukaku’s return to Stamford Bridge, Abraham has been told to find another club and he is set to join former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho in Serie A.
The BBC reports that the 23-year-old England international will undergo his medical examination before making a £ 34million transfer which includes a £ 68million re-signing clause, which will come into effect in two seasons.
10.09 BST: There were big moves last night in Italy as well, where Serie A champions Inter Milan announced two signings with Edin dzeko join from Rome and Denzel Dumfries from PSV Eindhoven.
Dzeko, 35, scored in a friendly 3-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev on Saturday and is seen as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku at Inter, following the Belgian star’s return to Chelsea, and is leaving Roma after six successful years at the club.
Dumfries, meanwhile, impressed at Euro 2020 for the Netherlands, scoring two goals. The 25-year-old is leaving PSV after three seasons at the club.
| ANNOUNCEMENT@EdDzeko is a #Inter player
?? https://t.co/eMw6uErh9C#WelcomeEdin #IMInter pic.twitter.com/01KL4Ia5Mh
– Inter 🏆🇮🇹 (@Inter_en) August 14, 2021
09.48 BST: ICYMI, Saturday’s biggest transfer news was Manchester United completing the signing of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid on a four-year contract.
United have unveiled Varane, who has signed a contract until 2025 in a € 41million transfer, to Old Trafford ahead of their game against Leeds United. He was not in the squad for the match, which his new team won 5-1, as he has not yet trained with the team.
“Manchester United are one of the most iconic clubs in world football and the chance to come here and play in the Premier League is something I couldn’t refuse,” he said in a statement.
“There is a lot more that I want to accomplish in my career and I know that I am joining a team full of great players who will all have the same determination to win games and trophies. After talking to the manager I can see how much progress has been made in recent seasons and now I join a group ready to play at the highest level.
“I want to have an impact here and I will give my all to be part of the illustrious history of this club. «
– Dawson: Fernandes and Pogba start United season perfectly
Old Trafford liked this Varane ad
(Going through @RobDawsonESPN) pic.twitter.com/ytMEnUY4tk
– ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 14, 2021
09:00 BST: Former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea striker Diego Costa has signed for Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro, and the Spain international is expected to resume operations after eight months.
Costa had been without a club since December after leaving Atletico Madrid after the La Liga champions accepted the Brazil-born player’s request to terminate his contract. It was his second stint at Atletico Madrid, after playing for the club from 2010 to 2014.
The enigmatic forward joins Atletico Mineiro, who beat runner-up Palmeiras 2-0 earlier on Saturday and took their lead in the Brazilian Serie A to five points.
PAPER GOSSIP (by Adam Brown)
– Odsonne Edouard arouses interest in Ligue 1, Nice would prepare an offer for the Celtic star. Football insider writes that a number of clubs have expressed interest in the 23-year-old, but it is the French side that are expected to act imminently. Celtic Ange Postecoglou had previously requested £ 40million for his hitman, before his asking price was reduced to a fee which is expected to be in the range of £ 20million.
– Air sports writes that Liverpool defender Ben davies are expected to join Sheffield United on loan for the remainder of the season. Report claims the Blades were keen on Preston’s former center-back and tried to negotiate a call option, but Jurgen Klopp’s side have no plans to sell the 28-year-old permanently . The deal is expected to be finalized next week.
– Lorenzo InsigneThe agent played down a potential move to Zenit St. Petersburg, according to Calciomercato. The player currently has one year on his contract, which has sparked interest across Europe for the Napoli winger. Two of the clubs going in circles are Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, but they could face competition from Internazionale, who would also like to add the Italy international to their ranks.
– La Sampdoria Mikkel Damsgaard could still leave Serie A, with several clubs interested in the services of the 21-year-old. Calciomercato writes that Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are two teams that are leading the queue, but it is believed that a € 35million royalty will be required for an offer to be accepted by the Italian club. Damsgaard stood out during Euro 2020 with Denmark, scoring a free kick against England in the semi-final.
– Dario benedetto could be ready for a move to Real Betis, with Le10Sport writing their next move has been decided. The Marseille forward is reportedly heading to La Liga on a loan deal after being unable to earn a place in the starting XI against former Napoli striker Arkadiusz Milik. The 31-year-old scored five goals last season in 32 appearances for the club while recording three assists.
