Transfer news LIVE updates: Messi uses Neymar in Dembele chat, Man Utd want Ozil

TRANSFER NEWS continues to stream in despite the summer window closing and Express Sport brings you the latest.

Mesut OzilGETTY

Transfer News: Manchester United want Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil

Transfer news LIVE updates: Follow all the latest news and gossip

Thursday September 14

No point keeping Phil - Burley

17.05: Liverpool had no reason to keep Philippe Coutinho if they were not going to strengthen their defence this summer, according to Craig Burley.

Burley’s ESPN FC colleague and Liverpool legend Steve Nicol praised the Fenway Sports Group for their role in keeping Coutinho.

However, Burley says there was no point in doing so if they were not going to improve an area that needed addressing.

“Steve was saying for most of the summer, well the last six weeks, he was adamant that the Fenway group had to make a stance on this Barcelona, Coutinho transfer,” he said.

“But what’s the point? What’s the point in sitting tight and fixing your bayonet up and fighting Barcelona off if you’re doing nothing at a key area on the field where you’ve had a problem over the last two or three years at least. What’s the point?”

Van Dijk a leader - Rio

15.02: Liverpool are in need of a leader in defence and that is why they were after Virgil van Dijk in the summer, says Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand was analysing the 5-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday and he says they cannot afford to defend like that if they have aspirations of winning silverware.

“You can’t expect to big win games, big cups or league titles when you defend like that,” he said on BT Sport. 

“There needs to be a leader in there. I mean that’s probably why he went so hard for Van Dijk. 

“There is not a leader in that back four at all.”

Real want Hazard and De Gea

14:59: Real Madrid are ready to step up their interest in Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea and Chelsea forward Eden Hazard next summer.

Madrid felt they didn’t need an overhaul in the summer after winning La Liga and the Champions League last season.

But Real have had a mixed start to the new season, having been held to two draws in their opening three La Liga games.

And according to Spanish media outlet Don Balon, Real boss Zinedine Zidane will be planning how to splash the cash next summer if results don’t turn around before Christmas.

De Gea and Hazard, long-term targets of Real Madrid, are said to be high up on Zidane’s shortlist.

Messi uses Neymar in Dembele chat

13:19: Barcelona star Lionel Messi used Neymar to tell Ousmane Dembele he can understand a slow start to his Nou Camp career.

Barcelona signed Dembele from Borussia Dortmund for £96m after Neymar decided to take on a new challenge in Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain.

And Spanish outlet Don Balon claims Lionel Messi had talks with the 20-year-old after their 3-0 win over the Serie A giants.

Messi apparently used the example of Neymar as a means of boosting Dembele's morale.

Mourinho wants Ozil

10:35: Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly interested in signing Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil.

Ozil’s contact at Arsenal is due to expire at the end of the season and according to German outlet Bild, Mourinho is ready to open talks with the 28-year-old.

Mourinho coached the German World Cup winner during his time at Real Madrid and is keen on a reunion at Old Trafford.

Bellamy surprised by lack of Hazard interest

10:00: Craig Bellamy was surprised there wasn’t much interest in Chelsea forward Eden Hazard during the summer, with only Real Madrid being linked early on.

“Hazard should have attracted more interest,” Bellamy told Sky Sports’ The Debate.

“If he is in the Chelsea team, they are a miles better team.

“What he was able to do to Arsenal last season it’s going to play on their mind.

“Even this year with the transfer market and maybe because he was injured, I was surprised it was all quiet on him.”

Enrique snub

09:35: Jose Enrique has revealed how Arsenal twice failed to sign him during his time at Newcastle United and Liverpool.

Enrique was asked on Twitter by a journalist: "Wish you all the best after retirement. Great Premier League player. Question for you: Did Arsenal ever approach you at #NUFC?"

And Enrique responded: "Thanks a lot for your message. Yes they did mate the same summer I went to Liverpool and when I play for Liverpool too. Twice they did."

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