Transfer news LIVE updates: Di Maria to Barca; Liverpool, Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea latest

Transfer news LIVE: Follow all the latest news from the transfer market as deadline day approaches

Thursday 23 August

Danny Drinkwater move

03:00: Chelsea are reportedly preparing a £32million bid for Leicester star Danny Drinkwater. 

Leicester are so far playing hardball and are demanding £40m for the 27-year-old, and the lack of a buy-out clause helps their case.

Reports have suggested the Blues could seal deals for Drinkwater AND his Foxes team-mate Jamie Vardy.

And on the matter of Drinkwater, The Sun say Chelsea won’t give up.

The report adds Leicester could cave in should they get a more suitable bid.

Coutinho angry with Klopp

01:30: Philippe Coutinho's relationship with Jurgen Klopp has deteriorated to the point where he detests the Liverpool manager.

Barcelona have been constantly linked with a move for Philippe Coutinho, as they seek a replacement for Neymar, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record deal worth £200million.

So far, the Merseyside outfit have turned down three bids for the Catalan giants with a fourth offer of £134m expected to be lodged.

Yahoo Sport say Coutinho resents his boss for blocking his dream move to the Nou Camp and can’t stand him now one bit.

Wednesday 23 August

Philippe Coutinho latest

23:45: Jurgen Klopp is keeping his thoughts to himself on Philippe Coutinho’s Liverpool future.

Express Sport understands Barcelona are prepared to go as high as £138m for the Brazilian playmaker.

Klopp has insisted so far that Coutinho, who has been out of action with a virus, is not for sale.

And he repeated his stance earlier this evening.

He said: “There is nothing else to say. It's not that I don't want to talk about it, I just have nothing to say."

Carabao Cup draw

22:45: Away from transfer news, the Carabao Cup draw takes place tomorrow morning and Express Sport is on hand to bring you up to date on all you need to know.

Carabao Cup Draw: How can I watch it? When is the draw? Why is it in China?

ICYMI Di Maria deal agreed?

22:27: Barcelona have agreed a £46m deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Angel Di Maria, according to reports in Spain.

PSG lured Neymar away from the Nou Camp earlier this month for a world-record £200m.

And Spanish newspaper Sport say Barca have now agreed a deal with the player and had a £46m (€50m) offer accepted by PSG for the Argentina international.

De Gea to Real Madrid next summer

20:12: Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has reached an unwritten agreement with Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez.

Spanish publication Diario Gol insist it is just a matter of time before the 26-year-old fulfils his dream.

They say Perez had been keen to sign the Spain international this summer but Zidane convinced him the club did not need him with the Frenchman putting his faith in Keylor Navas.

De Gea would also not consider joining the European champions if he his not guaranteed to be Zidane’s first choice.

But Diario Gol claim Navas will leave at the end of the season and De Gea take up the reins between the sticks.

Barcelona approach Willian

18:51: Barcelona have opened talks with Chelsea winger Willian.

France Football claim the club have turned their attention to the 29-year-old after failing to land Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho.

The report suggests Barca officials are in contact with Willian to discuss the possibility of a deal.

Coutinho snapped out in Liverpool

18:05: Philippe Coutinho looked a little downbeat as he was snapped out in Liverpool this afternoon. 

Barcelona are reportedly plotting a fourth bid worth £138m to seal the Brazilian's signature with Coutinho desperate to get a move to the Nou Camp. 

But Liverpool are once again expected to reject the offer with the club insistent he will not be leaving Anfield. 

Clucas join Swans

18:01: Sam Clucas has completed his move from Hull to Swansea in a deal worth £16.5m.

Clucas has completed a medical to become Paul Clement’s 10th signing of the summer.

Burnley had a bid for the 26-year-old midfielder rejected earlier in the transfer window but he has now joined the Swans.

Hazard contacts Zidane

17:30: Chelsea star Eden Hazard has told Zinedine Zidane he will push for a move to Real Madrid if they make an offer, according to shock reports in Spain.

Spanish website Don Balon claim Madrid could even make an effort to sign him before the transfer window shuts next Thursday.

Madrid are hoping to land a marquee signing in the coming days and Monaco star Kylian Mbappe looked likely to complete a move to the Bernabeu.

But the forward isn’t actively pursuing an exit from Monaco leading to negotiations between all parties coming to a halt.

However, Hazard would be willing to push for a move to Madrid if they come knocking.

Don Balon claim Hazard has been in contact with Zidane and told him he will make the necessary steps to facilitate a move to the Spanish capital if Madrid make a respectable offer to Chelsea.

Chelsea prepare Sandro bid

16:45: Chelsea are ready to make one final attempt to land Juventus star Alex Sandro to make him the world’s most expensive defender.

According to Italian publication CalcioMercato, Chelsea will launch a €70million (£64.6m) bid to tempt Juve into doing business.

Juve are adamant he won’t be sold but Chelsea are willing to break the bank to keep Conte happy.

Should the Italian side accept their latest offer Sandro would become the world’s most expensive defender - eclipsing the £52m Manchester City paid for Benjamin Mendy this summer.

Conte to leave Chelsea odds tumble

16:00: Bookmakers Betway have slashed their odds of Antonio Conte becoming the next manager to leave his post.

The Italian tactician looked vulnerable after a disastrous opening day defeat to Burnley, and despite victory over Tottenham - he’s not third-favourite behind Frank de Boer and Rafa Benitez to be the next Premier League boss to be axed.

Betway’s Alan Alger said: “Despite Antonio Conte returning from Wembley with all three points on Sunday, the Italian has been popular in the betting to be the first Premier League boss to leave their post.

“Conte has come in from 11/2 to 3/1 amidst speculation that Chelsea are keen on replacing him with Thomas Tuchel and the odds suggest that could be more than just rumours.”

Real Madrid contract bonanza 

15:00: Real Madrid are set to announce the contract renewals of six first team stars imminently.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Isco, Marco Asensio, Marcelo, Dani Carvajal and Raphael Varane have all agreed to new deals with only an announcement to come.

While striker Karim Benzema is understood to be close to an agreement that will extend his stay to 2021.

Barca bid to be rejected

14.27: Liverpool will reject Barcelona’s fourth bid for Philippe Coutinho - when it is eventually made.

Reports this morning claimed Barca were lining up a £138m move for the Liverpool ace.

But the club have made it clear they will reject any offers even without having received the next one yet.

Barcelona are looking to improve their ailing squad before deadline day and have Coutinho as one of their top targets.

Spanish football Guillem Balague claims Coutinho has asked Barcelona to make this bid.

And they will despite knowing it will fail and that they can’t afford to pay £138m and still get their other targets.

Arsenal players expect Mustafi exit

14.00: Arsenal’s players are reportedly expecting Shkodran Mustafi to be sold amid interest from Inter Milan.

Mustafi has been linked with a move to Inter as Arsene Wenger continues to thin out his ‘unmanageable’ squad.

The Mirror claim the Germany international will be let go and a number of the Gunners’ squad expect him to be sold.

Inter have reportedly made a loan offer for the Germany international, however Arsenal are reportedly insisting on the deal being permanent.

PSG's Di Maria U-turn

13.50: PSG have agreed to sell Angel Di Maria to Barcelona for around £46million.

Following the departure of Neymar to PSG earlier this month, Barcelona have been actively targeting replacements for the Brazilian.

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho was among their top targets but not even a bid of £118m has been enough to convince the Reds to sell.

Borussia Dortmund's Ousmane Dembele has also been linked with a move to the Nou Camp however the Bundesliga side have blocked the French winger from leaving and suspended him after he failed to turn up to training.

But it now appears Barcelona have landed Di Maria after striking an agreement with PSG.

Barcelona's Seri deal off

12.30: Barcelona’s move for Jean Michael Seri is OFF after the clubs failed to reach an agreement over the fee.

Barcelona had agreed the move with the midfielder but couldn’t advance the talks with Nice, according to Marca.

Seri had been one of Ernesto Valverde’s top targets as he looks to improve his side before the deadline shuts.

Barca have had a chaotic summer with Neymar leaving for PSG and all their top targets proving unobtainable.

Toral to Hull

11:42: Jon Toral is set to join Hull in a £3million deal imminently.

The 22-year-old is surplus to requirements after failing to break into the first-team.

The Hull Daily Mail say Toral's arrival could be announced today which would make him their seventh signing of the summer.

New deal for Walker-Peters

11.08: Tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle Walker-Peters has signed a new contract to keep him at the Premier League club until 2020, the north London team said on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old joined Tottenham's academy in 2013 and made his senior debut in the league-opening 2-0 win at Newcastle United, where he was named Man of the Match.

"It's great to sign a new contract and commit my future to the club," Walker-Peters told Tottenham's official Twitter account.

The defender was part of the England under-20s team that won the World Cup in June.

Coutinho asks Barca to bid again

10.40: Philippe Coutinho has asked Barcelona to make Liverpool one last bid for him he tries to seal his dream move, according to Guillem Balague.

Barcelona have had three bids rejected for the Liverpool star and fresh reports claim they are set for a fourth of £138m.

And Spanish football expert Balague claims Coutinho is behind the latest bid as he tries to force the move.

But Balague claims the bid is destined to fail with Liverpool refusing to sell, and also that Barcelona can’t actually afford to buy him, Ousmane Dembele, Angel Di Maria and Jean Michael Seri all this summer.

And despite knowing the bid will fall on deaf ears they will submit it to maintain their relationship with Coutinho in the hope of signing him in the future.

“FCB are very aware LFC are not selling but have been asked by Coutinho to give it a last go. FCB don't want Coutinho upset for future,” Balague tweeted.

Dugarry slams Barcelona board over Coutinho

10:02: The Barcelona board have been slammed as being USELESS by former striker Christophe Dugarry.

Former France star Dugarry, who played for Barcelona 20 years ago, told SFR Sport 1: "The directors of that club are useless.

"They lost Dani Alves and they signed Lucas Digne. Money is not a problem, because they have it.

"If they want Dembele, all they have to do is pay. The same thing has happened with Coutinho and we have to stop haggling over 10 or 20 million euros, we have to pay, that's all.

"In recent years the signings have been catastrophic in any event."

Cancelo to Inter done

10:00: Joao Cancelo has joined Inter Milan on a season-long loan.

The right-back has been linked with a move to Chelsea but will now spend a year in Italy.

"Inter represent a step forward in my career," Cancelo said.

"It's a historic club and I hope to grow here, contributing to the project. I hope to win a trophy this year."

Seri to Barcelona

09.30: Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri has welcomed a move to Barcelona but has insisted he is yet to agree terms with the La Liga club.

"No, it wasn't my last match with Nice. I'll be at Amiens on Saturday," he told reporters following the 2-0 defeat to Napoli.

"I don't know too much [about the rumours].

“I’ve told everyone to let me focus on my goal, which today was to focus on the Champions League and afterwards to see if I'll leave or stay.

"If it happens with Barcelona, that's good, otherwise I am happy in Nice."

Lemar to Man Utd or Arsenal?

09:00: Manchester United and Arsenal have forced Monaco to accept Thomas Lemar could be on the move.

The Sun say the Premier League giants’ interest means Leonardo Jardim is resigned the France international is growing increasingly likely to jump ship.

Barcelona have also been tipped to sign the 21-year-old.

The news comes amid talk Monaco could lose Kylian Mbappe AND Fabinho to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain. 

Slaven eyes recruits

09.00: West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is keen to bring in one more player before the transfer window closes but admits he may have to rush through another deal if he loses someone from his tight squad.

West Ham have strengthened with five new players including striker Javier Hernandez, defender Pablo Zabaleta and winger Marko Arnautovic but there has been speculation Argentine Manuel Lanzini was being lined up by Liverpool.

"We will see what happens in the last week of the transfer window, if somebody is going to leave or come in," Bilic said.

"I'm happy with the squad now. I would like to have one more and after that, if somebody leaves we have to fill that gap because we don't have a big squad. We are happy but if somebody leaves we have to be ready to act."

Chelsea in Belotti battle

08.55: Chelsea face stiff competition from Monaco to sign Torino striker Andrea Belotti, according to reports.

Chelsea have long been linked with a move for Andrea Belotti and have reportedly seen three bids rejected by Torino over the course of the summer.

Italian outlet TransferMarketWeb claimed this week the Blues would be retuning with a fourth offer for the 23-year-old.

However, the Stamford Bridge club face yet another hurdle in their attempts to sign the striker following late interest from Monaco.

The Ligue 1 side are reportedly looking at Belotti as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe who is nearing a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Benzema incoming?

07:45: Arsenal will swoop for Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema if Alexis Sanchez leaves.

That's according to Spanish outlet Diario Gol.

Sanchez continues to be linked with a move to Manchester City.

And, should he depart, then Arsene Wenger is likely to try and lure Benzema away from Spain.

Ox ready to snub Arsenal deal

07.10: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is unlikely to sign a new contract at Arsenal this month.

Arsenal are offering the winger a new deal worth around £100,000 a week following interest from Chelsea and Liverpool.

The England midfielder has just 12 months left on his current deal and is considering his future.

And the Telegraph claim he will not sign new terms any time soon.

Chelsea get the Drinks in

06.55: Chelsea are closing in on Leicester ace Danny Drinkwater in a deal worth £30m.

Antonio Conte is keen for new recruits before deadline day and Drinkwater can add some depth to his midfield.

Leicester want £40m for the England ace but the Mirror claim a compromise may be reach with Chelsea now closing in.

Conte added Tiemoue Bakayoko to his side this summer but lost Nemanja Matic and Nathaniel Chalobah leaving them short of numbers.

And with the addition of Champions League football Conte wants more options across the pitch.

Mustafi to Juventus?

05:30: Juventus have entered the race to sign Arsenal centre-back Shkodran Mustafi. 

The Gunners are apparently willing to sell the Germany international this summer as he is struggling to bond with his team-mates. 

Inter Milan are interested in securing his signature, but the north London side want a permanent where they can recoup the £35million they paid for him last summer. 

But Italian outlet Tuttosport claim Juventus have now contacted Arsenal about the possibility of signing the former Valencia man. 

Chelsea raid on Leicester for Vardy and Drinkwater

04:30: Chelsea are lining up a double swoop for Leicester duo Jamie Vardy and Danny Drinkwater. 

Antonio Conte remains unconvinced by Michy Batshuayi up-front and with Diego Costa still in exile, the champions are apparently considering a shock bid for Vardy. 

The Blues are also closing in on a £30million deal to sign his team-mate Drinkwater.

Arsenal and Liverpool keen on Vazquez 

03:20: Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in signing Real Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez. 

The Spain international wants to stay at the Bernabeu but is worried about the lack of game time he will get under Zinedine Zidane. 

Marco Asensio and Isco are above him in the pecking order. 

But Spanish outlet Don Balon claim Arsenal are eyeing a move for him should Alexis Sanchez leave this summer. 

Liverpool are also keeping tabs on him with Jurgen Klopp a huge admirer. 

Coutinho 'determined' to seal Barcelona move

02:15: Philippe Coutinho is ‘more determined than ever’ to leave Liverpool for Barcelona. 

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, who claims the La Liga giants are ready to launch a fresh bid for him worth £138million. 

On Twitter, Solhekol said: "Barcelona to make new £138m bid for Philippe Coutinho.

"Coutinho more determined than ever to leave Liverpool. Barcelona ‘will never give up’."

And he followed that tweet up by providing a breakdown of the potential transfer fee.

Solhekol added: "Barcelona fourth bid for Philippe Coutinho expected to be £101m up front plus £37m in add ons linked to Champions League appearances."

Van Dijk predicament

01:10: Virgil van Dijk is currently being forced to train with the Southampton Under-18s, according to Bryan Swanson.

Previous reports have suggested the Reds would have to stump up in excess of £60million if they wish to sign the 26-year-old.

And speaking about Van Dijk’s situation, Sky Sports reporter Bryan Swanson admitted the centre-back is training with the reserves.

“Van Dijk wants to leave Southampton and has strongly criticised the club’s management," he said.

“We are told he has been training with Southampton’s under-18s.”

Barcelona to make final £136m bid for Coutinho

00:30: Barcelona are ready to lodge a fourth and final £136million offer to sign Philippe Coutinho. 

The Liverpool star has been the subject of three bids from Barca, which have all been rejected. 

Jurgen Klopp and the Reds have reiterated Coutinho is not for sale. 

But The Sun say the La Liga giants are ready to test their resolve one more time with a £100m up front offer, which will contain £36m in add-ons. 

These extras involve £9m each time Barca qualify for the Champions League in the next four seasons. 

The report adds he has been offered a five-year deal.

Gibbs to leave Arsenal for Galatasaray

00:15: Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs is on the verge of signing for Galatasaray. 

The 27-year-old is yet to feature for Arsene Wenger's side this season and has less than 12 months remaining on his current contract. 

He has been linked with moves to Watford, Newcastle and West Brom. 

But Turkish outlet Fanatik claim Galatasaray are in advanced talks to sign him. 

It is said father held talks with the Turkish giants in Istanbul and held further discussions today. 

The report adds Gibbs is expected to sign for the club this week in a deal worth around £3.7million. 

Tuesday August 22

Jack Wilshere U-turn

23:10: Arsenal won’t cut their losses with Jack Wilshere just yet, reports claim.

Wilshere, who was sent off for the Arsenal Under-23s last night, looked to have a new lease of life after spending last season on loan at Bournemouth.

The Daily Mirror say Wilshere has had a heart-to-heart with Wenger and the Frenchman has told him to fight for a first-team spot.

Previously, Wilshere was believed to be unsure as to whether to stay in north London.

The Mirror also suggest Wenger has impressed with his attitude and feels he can still realise his potential.

Alexis Sanchez asking price

22:30: Arsenal remain resolute and they won’t sell Alexis Sanchez for less than £70million, according to reports.

Manchester City have been leading the chase for Chilean, who will be out of contract at the end of the season.

Pep Guardiola is keen to reunite with the forward, who he previously worked with at Barcelona.

The Gunners have so far dug their heels in over a transfer for Sanchez, with Arsene Wenger reluctant to sell to a direct rival.

Reports over the weekend suggested City are planning a £70m swoop, with Guardiola prepared to work until the final hour of deadline day on August 31 in order to secure a deal.

Dembele to Barca claim

21:54: Ousmane Dembele will join Barcelona in a deal worth £138m, according to journalist Fernando Palomo.

Barcelona have struggled to convince Dortmund to part with Dembele, despite the German club suspending the player indefinitely from August 10.

But ESPN journalist Palomo tweeted: “What I know: Dembele, according to someone close to the subject, will be done. Not in the conditions that the BVB wants, but more than what Barcelona wants.

“By Dembele, can reach up to €150million if they join the variables. Perhaps before it transcended, I say it now that I know it from a good source.

“Opinion: conditions given to think that Dembele is more outside than inside the BVB. He has the quality to play well in Barcelona.”

Van Dijk statement

20:16: Southampton have appeared to further confirm Virgil van Dijk is going nowhere in a statement released tonight.

The Saints have just announced the £15m capture of Lazio centre-back Wesley Hoedt and used the opportunity to drop a hint Van Dijk is not joining Liverpool.

In an official Southampton press release, vice-chairman Les Reed pledges that Hoedt has signed "to play alongside Virgil van Dijk".

Reed is quoted as saying: "Wesley has proven his talent through his performances for Lazio, as well as the Netherlands, and we believe he can develop even further here at Southampton, alongside his international teammate Virgil van Dijk, as well as the likes of Jack Stephens, Maya Yoshida, Jan Bednarek and Florin Gardos."

Chelsea's Candreva blow

19:07: Antonio Candreva's agent has confirmed Chelsea have been interested in his client since January, but expects him to stay at Inter Milan this summer.

The Italian's representative Federico Pastorello told Rai: "Candreva believes that he will stay.

"His desire is to continue at Inter and the club and Spalletti have said the same.

"So I believe this season he will remain at Inter, but in January Chelsea wanted him."

Messi to Man City

17:44: Lionel Messi has an open offer to join Pep Guardiola at Manchester City - and will consider the move if Barcelona don’t improve their squad in the coming days.

Messi is refusing to sign the new contract he agreed earlier this summer and wants to see the club to reinvest the £200m they received from PSG for Neymar before he does so.

And Don Balon claim Messi will join Manchester City if the Barca board fail to act accordingly.

It is said City have opened their arms to him and would take him tomorrow, or would also be happy to wait until next summer when he would be available on a free.

No Rooney regrets

15:47: Jose Mourinho will have no regrets over selling Wayne Rooney - despite watching him score against rivals Manchester City.

Mourinho claimed it was emotional allowing Rooney to leave Manchester United for boyhood club Everton this summer.

And The Red Devils boss was in attendance at the Etihad last night to see Rooney put Everton in front against City, only for Raheem Sterling to grab a draw.

But the Manchester Evening News say Mourinho will not have felt any regret at his decision to offload United's record goalscorer.

Barca double deal

14.50: Barcelona are now planning to spend the money set aside for Philippe Coutinho on two players: Angel Di Maria and Jean Michael Seri, according to reports in Spain.

Barca had wanted Coutinho to help ease Andres Iniesta out of the side and to partly fill the void left by Neymar.

But Ousmane Dembele is the main man Barca are looking to get to replace the Brazil star who joined PSG for £198m.

And the Dembele looks to be moving forward with talks beginning but Dortmund are asking for £137m.

However with the Coutinho deal now all but dead Barca are turning to former Real Madrid midfielder Di Maria and Nice star Seri.

And Marca claim they hope to sign both players for the amount they were prepared to use on Coutinho.

Batshuayi to snub Lille

14.30: Michy Batshuayi has no interest in leaving Chelsea for Lille, according to reports.

The French club reportedly want to take the Belgium international back to Ligue 1 where he was prolific during his time with Marseille.

However, the London Evening Standard claim Batshuayi has no intention of leaving Stamford Bridge this season.

And he is determined to stick it out with the Blues and fight for his place in Antonio Conte’s starting XI.

Rose showdown talks

13:30: Danny Rose will hold talks with Tottenham this week about his future.

The Independent says Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will make his position clear when he meets with Rose’s agent on Wednesday amid interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.

It is claimed Spurs would want at least £54million for Rose, which is the same fee they received for Kyle Walker when he was sold to Manchester City.

Chelsea eye Gueye

12.30: Chelsea are considering a move for Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye if they fail to land Danny Drinkwater.

Leicester are holding out for £40m for the England midfielder and Antonio Conte is now looking at other options.

And the Daily Mail claim Gueye is on Conte’s radar after impressing at Goodison Park.

Conte wants another midfielder after selling Nemanja Matic and Nathaniel Chalobah.

Conte has been frustrated with Chelsea’s transfer activity and wants at least three more players before deadline day.

Chelsea have already signed four players - Alvaro Morata, Antonio Rudiger, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Willy Caballero - but Conte wants more with the added weight of the Champions League this season.

They are holding talks over moves for Drinkwater, Ross Barkley, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain among others.

But Gueye now appears to be another serious option.

Coutinho wants clear-the-air talks

12:15: Philippe Coutinho wants clear-the-air talks with Liverpool in a bid to play for the club again.

Coutinho has been strongly linked with Barcelona but their offers have all been rejected.

Reports have suggested Barca dropped their interest in the Brazilian and The Independent say he now wants to return, conceding the chances of joining Barcelona are non-existent.

The 25-year-old’s entourage believe  Barcelona manipulated the player and used his family to push for the move.

Messi contract blow

11.25: Lionel Messi has sent shockwaves through Barcelona and doesn’t believe it’s the right time to sign a new deal at the club.

Messi is said to be annoyed with the club’s activity in the transfer market and doesn’t want to commit himself at this stage.

Marca report that Messi wants to see how the rest of the window plays out and will only sign a new deal if he’s satisfied with the look of the squad at the end of it.

Barcelona lost Neymar to PSG and have struggled to land their top targets all summer.

Hector Bellerin and Marco Verratti proved unobtainable while the move for Philippe Coutinho also looks dead.

Desperate Liverpool messages to Van Dijk

10:52: Virgil van Dijk is being bombarded with messages by desperate Liverpool fans.

Kopites are taking to Twitter to try and convince the Southampton star to move to Anfield before the transfer window shits.

They have sent hundreds of messages to the Dutchman, who hasn’t posted on the site since July 15.

One fan pleaded: “The legend that @VirgilvDijk will be when he walks out in Anfield in the famous red of Liverpool, having rejected all other clubs!!”

Another told Van Dijk: “@VirgilvDijk make it happen to @LFC you will be a legend fans looking forward to this all TW @John_W_Henry.”

A fellow fan included a smily emoji in his tweet and wrote: “@VirgilvDijk come to liverpool :)”

Ezequiel Garay scouted

10:45: Manchester United sent three of their top scouts to watch Valencia defender Ezequiel Garay.

Valencia-based outlet Super Deporte claim United’s chief Spanish scout Carlos Ruiz, Javier Ribalta, who is United’s top scout and another representative looked at Garay as he played on Friday night against Las Palmas.

United have already signed one defender in Victor Lindelof this summer.

Costa to Marseille

10:20: Marseille president Jacques-Henri Eyraud has revealed he’s a fan of Chelsea striker Diego Costa and would try to sign him as looks to bring a striker to the club.

Eyraud told French outlet SFR Sport: "I like his character, his grit and his sense of combat.

"He would fit in very well at OM. However, he has a complicated contractual situation."

Vardy to Chelsea?

09:55 Jamie Vardy is now the most likely striker to join Chelsea this summer, according to the bookies.

The reigning Premier League champions have been linked with a move for the Leicester City ace and Ladbrokes make it just a 6/4 shot a deal gets done before the transfer window slams shut.

That means he's far more likely to move to Stamford Bridge than former targets Sergio Aguero (8/1) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (10/1).

Ladbrokes spokesman Alex Apati said: "This one really has come out of nowhere, but with Chelsea in desperate need of some added firepower up top, we're taking no chances."

Barca blow

09.30: Barcelona have not held negotiations with Nice for midfielder Jean Michael Seri, according to the French club’s general manager Julien Fournier.

"We haven't negotiated with Barca, nor do I know of any negotiations lined up in the next few days," Fournier told Spanish newspaper Sport.

"They're just rumours, so we haven't set a price for Seri.

“I think the player will stay with us this season.

"It's true that he is open to listening to offers but he's also happy at Nice, whether we qualify for the group stages of the Champions League or not."

Dembele hardball

09:05: Borussia Dortmund are playing hardball in Barcelona’s pursuit of Ousmane Dembele.

Barcelona have begun negotiations with Dortmund and want the winger to help fill the void left by Neymar after his £198m move to PSG.

Barca want to pay around £111m but Dortmund are demanding £137 (€150m) for the France international.

And Marca report that Dortmund will not sell for less with a deadline of next Sunday being set for the deal to be complete.

Dortmund know Barca are desperate and have been flushed with cash since the world record sale of Neymar to PSG.

Dembele is their number one target to replace him while Philippe Coutinho is also wanted to ease the strain on Andres Iniesta.

But Barcelona face disappointment in their bid to sign Coutinho with Liverpool refusing to do business.

Dembele, however, should make the move with talks having begun.

Costa moves out

08.40: Diego Costa has moved out of his Surrey home - as his Chelsea exile continues.

The striker is desperate to seal a move back to Atletico Madrid and talks over a £50m move are ongoing.

And the Mirror are now claiming he has moved out of his house - with his friends supposedly saying he no longer has a home in England.

Costa has missed Chelsea’s first two Premier League fixtures after being told by text that he was not wanted by Antonio Conte.

Costa gave an explosive interview last week claiming he was being treated like a criminal by the club but Conte laughed off the comments on Friday.

Costa has refused to return to London after the fall out with Conte after being asked to train with the reserves and remains in exile in Brazil.

Chelsea move for Belotti

08.15: Chelsea are preparing a fourth bid for Torino striker Andrea Belotti, according to reports in Italy.

Chelsea are in desperate need of new signings as transfer deadline day approaches with just 14 senior players in their squad.

One area the Blues want to address is up front as Diego Costa continues to demand a move to Atletico Madrid.

Antonio Conte is reportedly keen to bring in Torino forward Andrea Belotti but has seen three bids rejected by the Serie A club.

However, Italian outlet TransferMarketWeb claim Chelsea have not ended their pursuit for the 23-year-old and will return with a fourth offer.

Torino have so far refused to budge on Belotti’s asking price and are holding out for bids in the region of £91million.

Zlatan number revealed

08.00: Manchester United’s kit sponsor Adidas appear to have confirmed Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return to the club.

Ibrahimovic is continuing his recovery from a cruciate knee injury suffered in April but is close to signing a new deal with Manchester United.

The Swedish striker was released by the club at the end of the last season and United boss Jose Mourinho moved to replace him with Romelu Lukaku.

But it seems Lukaku could be linking up with Ibrahimovic at Old Trafford.

On Adidas’ US website, fans can purchase United’s home authentic jersey for $150.

And if they want to personalise the shirt, they can select Ibrahimovic name with the number 10.

That shirt has been vacant since Wayne Rooney left in the summer for Everton.

Barcelona give up on Coutinho

07.45: Barcelona have given up on their pursuit of Philippe Coutinho.

The Liverpool ace was one of Barca’s top targets following the sale of Neymar to PSG.

But Liverpool refused to budge despite the offers reaching £118m.

Barca are now looking at Angel Di Maria and could make a move for the former Real Madrid while talks over a deal for Ousmane Dembele are on-going.