Jose Mourinho has landed his first signing since returning to Chelsea with Germany forward Andre Schurrle joining from Bayer Leverkusen for £18million. Schurrle, 22, has been on the radar at Stamford Bridge for over a year and is set to sign a long-term contract after the club confirmed a fee had been agreed on Thursday.
Chelsea midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has not been included as part of the deal, despite reports suggesting the Belgian would head in the opposite direction.
The Europa League winners confirmed the Schurrle deal and said in a statement: 'Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen have reached an agreement for the transfer of Andre Schurrle, subject to the completion of legal documentation and related matters, including personal terms and passing a medical.'
Liverpool have confirmed they have agreed a deal in principal to sign Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas for around £7.5million. The 25-year-old becomes manager Brendan Rodgers' second signing of the summer, having already brought in Manchester City centre-back Kolo Toure on a free transfer.
Chelsea midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has not been included as part of the deal, despite reports suggesting the Belgian would head in the opposite direction.
The Europa League winners confirmed the Schurrle deal and said in a statement: 'Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen have reached an agreement for the transfer of Andre Schurrle, subject to the completion of legal documentation and related matters, including personal terms and passing a medical.'
Liverpool have confirmed they have agreed a deal in principal to sign Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas for around £7.5million. The 25-year-old becomes manager Brendan Rodgers' second signing of the summer, having already brought in Manchester City centre-back Kolo Toure on a free transfer.
The transfer will be finalised once the necessary documentation has been completed.
Liverpool have been tracking Aspas for some time and the move has been in the pipeline for the last few weeks.
Celta Vigo's successful fight against relegation from the Primera Division on the final day of the season earlier this month held up progress. Once their future was secured the Reds were able to advance the deal, although it took slightly longer than expected because of complications at the Spanish end.
Liverpool have been tracking Aspas for some time and the move has been in the pipeline for the last few weeks.
Celta Vigo's successful fight against relegation from the Primera Division on the final day of the season earlier this month held up progress. Once their future was secured the Reds were able to advance the deal, although it took slightly longer than expected because of complications at the Spanish end.
Aspas, who scored 12 goals in 34 league appearances last season, was on Merseyside earlier this week for a medical and once that was completed it was just a question of ironing out some red tape issues with Celta.
Edinson Cavani would turn down a move to the Barclays Premier League this summer in favour of joining Real Madrid, the Napoli striker's father has revealed.
The 26-year-old is one of a number of attacking options Madrid are weighing up with Gonzalo Higuain seemingly set to move on, while Chelsea and Manchester City are also believed to be keen to secure his services.
"Cavani's intention is to play for Madrid," Luis Cavani told Futboleros. "He is excited about it and is very willing to see it through. He has told the family in private that he wants to join Real Madrid but if he declares it publicly it will annoy Napoli."
He added that representatives from Madrid had already held talks with the player.
"There has been contact with Real Madrid's lawyers and now we are waiting for the two clubs to meet," he said.
"I hope it happens and that talks take place as soon as possible. Who wouldn't want to play for Real Madrid?
However, Luis Cavani warned that any deal for his son could prove difficult to negotiate given the reported 65 million euro (£55m) fee Napoli are demanding for the 29-goal top-scorer in Serie A last term.
"It's not just up to Edi," he said.
"They are talking about 65 million euros and Napoli won't negotiate for any less."
However, Luis Cavani warned that any deal for his son could prove difficult to negotiate given the reported 65 million euro (£55m) fee Napoli are demanding for the 29-goal top-scorer in Serie A last term.
"It's not just up to Edi," he said.
"They are talking about 65 million euros and Napoli won't negotiate for any less."
Cristiano Ronaldo’s move out of Real Madrid was a step closer after the £80million forward dismissed reports that he had signed a new contract with Real Madrid.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said earlier this week that he was confident the player would sign a contract extension, adding: ‘My aim, Cristiano’s aim, and the aim of all Real Madrid fans is that he carries on playing here for many years to come.’
However, using his official Facebook page and Twitter account, Ronaldo, who has two years on his current deal, said: ‘All the news about my renewal with Real Madrid is false.’
The forward's current deal runs out in 2015, but if he refuses to sign, Madrid may have no choice but to cash in on him, even though he has scored an extraordinary 146 goals in 135 games.
The Mirror claims the odds are shortening on a Ronaldo return to Manchester but they speculate on a different method on how the deal might happen.
They are claiming that Ronaldo's plan is see out the remaining two years of his Real contract, and then take a £60m signing bonus as a free agent.
"It seems Ronaldo wishes to remain master of his own destiny and that he will force Real to accept his terms," reports the paper.
Manchester City are close to making Malaga playmaker Isco their third signing of the summer.
It has been revealed that City are confident terms will be agreed with the Spain Under 21 midfielder, who is set to follow Manuel Pellegrini to the Etihad in the coming weeks.
The Chilean coach left Malaga at the end of last season and the 2012 Barclays Premier League champions are hoping to unveil Pellegrini over the weekend.
The Spain star, who has a £30million buyout clause, slated UEFA's decision to ban Malaga for failure to adhere to financial fair play regulations, describing it as 'shabby' and 'embarrassing'.
He said on Twitter: 'It is embarrassing and shabby. It is completely unfair that they have treated Malaga different than many other teams with many more irregularities and debts.
'They have taken away what we have earned on the field. Neither the players nor fans deserve this. I have no more to say.'
Real Madrid were also keen to draft the talented youngster in at the Santiago Bernabeu, but have fallen behind City in the race.
If a deal is completed, he will join countryman Jesus Navas and Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho in Manchester, who joined from Sevilla and Shakhtar Donetsk respectively.
Everton will offer to make Leighton Baines their best-paid player in an attempt to stop him being lured to Manchester United by David Moyes.
Baines, has two years left on a £44,000-a-week contract, and the Toffees are ready to offer him £65k per week to stay.
The England international has been one of the Toffees' most consistent performers over the last two seasons and the offer of a new contract has already been raised by chairman Bill Kenwright.
Baines, has two years left on a £44,000-a-week contract, and the Toffees are ready to offer him £65k per week to stay.
The England international has been one of the Toffees' most consistent performers over the last two seasons and the offer of a new contract has already been raised by chairman Bill Kenwright.
Everton coach Martinez knows it is vital to retain the services of the 28-year-old and believes underlining his importance with the offer of an improved contract is the way to do it.
'It is very important and it's (about) rewarding players who have been phenomenal for the football club and I think Leighton is in that category,' said the Spaniard.
'The chairman is very keen to express that and obviously I'm desperately looking forward to meeting the players.
'For Leighton, as the top performer he has been in the last few years, it is important that we reward his work and make sure that he can look forward to kicking on and go into the next chapter of his career with Everton.
'That's important for the club as a whole, not just the dressing room.'
Reading are in talks over a move for controversial former Everton and Real Madrid midfielder Royston Drenthe. The 26-year-old has lightning pace and undoubted skill but it was his actions off the field that caused problems during his temporary stay at Goodison.
He made headlines for the wrong reasons in April when YouTube footage allegedly showed him drinking while driving a sports car.
The Holland international has been in Russia with Alania Vladikavkaz but has been in and out of the side.
Drenthe secured a move to Real Madrid in 2007 when he was just 20 after starring for Dutch side Feyenoord in his early career. He spent three years at the Bernabeu but never settled and was loaned out to Hercules before joining Everton.
He made 27 appearances and scored four goals in his spell at Goodison but David Moyes let him leave after losing patience due to the midfielder constantly being late for training.
'The chairman is very keen to express that and obviously I'm desperately looking forward to meeting the players.
'For Leighton, as the top performer he has been in the last few years, it is important that we reward his work and make sure that he can look forward to kicking on and go into the next chapter of his career with Everton.
'That's important for the club as a whole, not just the dressing room.'
Reading are in talks over a move for controversial former Everton and Real Madrid midfielder Royston Drenthe. The 26-year-old has lightning pace and undoubted skill but it was his actions off the field that caused problems during his temporary stay at Goodison.
He made headlines for the wrong reasons in April when YouTube footage allegedly showed him drinking while driving a sports car.
The Holland international has been in Russia with Alania Vladikavkaz but has been in and out of the side.
Drenthe secured a move to Real Madrid in 2007 when he was just 20 after starring for Dutch side Feyenoord in his early career. He spent three years at the Bernabeu but never settled and was loaned out to Hercules before joining Everton.
He made 27 appearances and scored four goals in his spell at Goodison but David Moyes let him leave after losing patience due to the midfielder constantly being late for training.
Real Madrid did not offer him a new deal and his contract expired last summer.
He signed for Vladikavkaz in January and opened his goalscoring account in April with a hat-trick to help Alania beat Mordoviya 3-1, their first league win since August.
West Ham want to pair Andy Carroll with Romelu Lukaku next season in a new-look attack that could also feature Manchester United new boy Wilfried Zaha.
The Hammers have identified Chelsea striker Lukaku as their No 1 target now they are close to completing a permanent £17million deal for England centre forward Carroll.
The 24-year-old has returned from his summer holiday in the USA and ready to put pen to paper on a lucrative contract at Upton Park, following a successful loan spell from Liverpool last season.
But Carroll, who scored seven goals in 23 appearances last term, faces three months on the sidelines after damaging his heel in the final game of the season against Reading.
The Hammers are desperate to fill the void in the meantime and are keen to bolster their attack with Lukaku, should Chelsea be willing to send him out on loan again this summer.
However, it is understood that they have also inquired about re-signing Chelsea's Demba Ba as an alternative option.
He signed for Vladikavkaz in January and opened his goalscoring account in April with a hat-trick to help Alania beat Mordoviya 3-1, their first league win since August.
West Ham want to pair Andy Carroll with Romelu Lukaku next season in a new-look attack that could also feature Manchester United new boy Wilfried Zaha.
The Hammers have identified Chelsea striker Lukaku as their No 1 target now they are close to completing a permanent £17million deal for England centre forward Carroll.
The 24-year-old has returned from his summer holiday in the USA and ready to put pen to paper on a lucrative contract at Upton Park, following a successful loan spell from Liverpool last season.
But Carroll, who scored seven goals in 23 appearances last term, faces three months on the sidelines after damaging his heel in the final game of the season against Reading.
The Hammers are desperate to fill the void in the meantime and are keen to bolster their attack with Lukaku, should Chelsea be willing to send him out on loan again this summer.
However, it is understood that they have also inquired about re-signing Chelsea's Demba Ba as an alternative option.
Hammers co-chairman David Gold revealed on Twitter that the club will bring in another striker alongside Carroll.
Reacting to a question, asking whether they would sign another forward, Gold confirmed: 'Yes we will'.
Zaha is also on Allardyce's radar with champions United considering whether to send their new £15m recruit out on loan.
The England Under 21 star helped Crystal Palace win promotion to the Premier League in last month's play-off final win over Watford but, despite interest from Eagles boss Ian Holloway, is not expected to return to Selhurst Park.
Barcelona playmaker Cesc Fabregas is keen to reiterate that his future lies in Spain and he is 'happy' to stay at the Nou Camp.
Reacting to a question, asking whether they would sign another forward, Gold confirmed: 'Yes we will'.
Zaha is also on Allardyce's radar with champions United considering whether to send their new £15m recruit out on loan.
The England Under 21 star helped Crystal Palace win promotion to the Premier League in last month's play-off final win over Watford but, despite interest from Eagles boss Ian Holloway, is not expected to return to Selhurst Park.
Barcelona playmaker Cesc Fabregas is keen to reiterate that his future lies in Spain and he is 'happy' to stay at the Nou Camp.
Fabregas has been in and out of the Barca first team following his return to the Catalan club from Arsenal in 2011 and that has led to reports that several Barclays Premier League clubs might try and tempt the Spain international back to England this summer.
However, the 26-year-old has been keen to stress he sees his future at Barca and reiterated that stance in an interview with Marca.
However, the 26-year-old has been keen to stress he sees his future at Barca and reiterated that stance in an interview with Marca.
He said: 'I've always said that I'm happy at Barca. Whoever says that I'm leaving doesn't know me and has never spoken with me.
'Nor with my agent, because he knows that I don't want him to talk with other people about me. I'm very private and I don't even talk about these things with my family.
'If someone says anything that isn't that I want to play at Barca, it's completely absurd.'
Former club Arsenal and Manchester rivals United and City are all said to be interested in a move for the player.
Marseille have confirmed their interest in signing Arsenal striker Gervinho.
The 26-year-old Ivory Coast international cost Arsenal £11m from Lille and has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League.
Marseille assistant coach Franck Passi said: 'This is a profile that interests us, yes. We want flank players, with dribbling, passing and scoring and Gervinho has this profile.'
Since signing for Arsenal in 2011, Gervinho has only scored 11 goals for the North London club, far below his fellow winger Theo Walcott who has 32 in that space of time.
With Arsene Wenger ready to spend up to £70 million in the transfer window, Gervinho could be replaced by a big money signing, with the likes Fiorentina's Steven Jovetic and Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain possibly coming through the door.
Gervinho could already be far down the pecking order next season with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain likely to get more opportunities in the first team.
'Nor with my agent, because he knows that I don't want him to talk with other people about me. I'm very private and I don't even talk about these things with my family.
'If someone says anything that isn't that I want to play at Barca, it's completely absurd.'
Former club Arsenal and Manchester rivals United and City are all said to be interested in a move for the player.
Marseille have confirmed their interest in signing Arsenal striker Gervinho.
The 26-year-old Ivory Coast international cost Arsenal £11m from Lille and has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League.
Marseille assistant coach Franck Passi said: 'This is a profile that interests us, yes. We want flank players, with dribbling, passing and scoring and Gervinho has this profile.'
Since signing for Arsenal in 2011, Gervinho has only scored 11 goals for the North London club, far below his fellow winger Theo Walcott who has 32 in that space of time.
With Arsene Wenger ready to spend up to £70 million in the transfer window, Gervinho could be replaced by a big money signing, with the likes Fiorentina's Steven Jovetic and Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain possibly coming through the door.
Gervinho could already be far down the pecking order next season with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain likely to get more opportunities in the first team.
Wenger pls discard Gervinho... Bush y is man city vexin nw, they can onli beat everybody next season, they can't kill us
ReplyDeleteGoodbye Gervinho.. the English media killed his talent too
ReplyDelete