Transfer news LIVE updates: Arsenal Lemar battle; Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea latest

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE UPDATES: Follow here for the latest news and done deals from the Premier League and across Europe...

Sunday August 6

Bale to Chelsea exclusive

07:43: Chelsea have emerged as serious contenders to Manchester United in the race to lure Gareth Bale away from Real Madrid, Express Sport understands.

The Welsh superstar could be on his way out of Real, especially if they land French sensation Kylian Mbappe, who is keen to quit Monaco.

Real president Florentino Perez is believed to be willing to do business on Bale, 28, for around £90million which would pay a large chunk of the fee for Mbappe.

United have a long standing interest in Bale but they are known to prefer to wait until next summer to sign him.

Chelsea have been keeping tabs on Bale’s situation at Real all summer with Antonio Conte looking to make four more signings.

The Premier League champions have the financial power to match and improve anything that United put on the table to lure him away from the Spanish capital.

Four-way Lemar battle

05:00: Arsenal now face competition from Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester City to sign Thomas Lemar from Monaco. 

According to the Mirror, Arsene Wenger is prepared to up his offer to £50m, having seen three bids turned down already.

However, Monaco are aware Barcelona can exceed that figure.

With their Premier League rival in the hunt too, Arsenal now face an uphill mission to land winger Lemar, 21.

Liverpool transfer essentials - Collymore

03:35: Liverpool still need to strengthen their backline to help their push for another top-four finish, claims ex-Reds star Stan Collymore.

“My only worry for Liverpool is their defence,” Collymore wrote in his column for the Mirror. 

“But if they get Naby Keita and Virgil van Dijk it will be an upgrade.

“Joel Matip is promising, but Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan are not for me. 

“Liverpool will demolish some teams because of their attacking ­power as they did last season.”

Moreno to Watford

02:45: Watford are ready to spend £15m on Liverpool full-back Alberto Moreno.

The defender has struggled to establish himself under Jurgen Klopp and could be sold this summer following the arrival of Andrew Robertson.

Liverpool have already turned down an £11m bid from Napoli, but Express Sport understands Watford are looking to swoop.

It is not clear, though, if a deal will be done by the time the two sides go head-to-head in their Premier League opener on Saturday.

Pogba targets Bolt

02:20: Manchester United star Paul Pogba is still busy at work in his role as 'Agent P' and is targeting a move for Usain Bolt!

The midfielder dubbed himself Agent P earlier in the summer due to the role he played in swaying Romelu Lukaku to snub Chelsea and join him at Old Trafford.

And after revealing on Twitter earlier this afternoon that 'Agent P never sleeps,' he took to social media again to reveal sprint superstar Bolt is his next target.

He tweeted: "Who's watching @usainbolt race tonight? qui regarde @usainbolt ce soir? #AgentP #London2017 #BeTheNext."

Barkley price-tag drops

01:15: Ross Barkley is hopeful Everton will start receiving bids after his price-tag was dropped to £35m.

Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal are all in the hunt for the wantaway Everton playmaker.

Everton have been asking for £50m, and their high valuation has so far deterred Premier League rivals from making a move.

But according to the Mirror, Everton have now backed down slightly over the 23-year-old’s fee.

It is said Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal are all showing interest, with the Blues in need of midfielders and homegrown players for their quota.

Saturday August 5

Klopp on Liverpool signings

23:40: Jurgen Klopp still insists he is on the lookout for new signings at Liverpool, but says he is happy with his current squad.

"We've always said that until August 31 we will run through the world with open eyes, that's clear, but it's not us alone who decides about these things," Klopp said. 

"It's all about other clubs [too]."

Allegri - Sandro to Chelsea off

22:40: Juventus boss Max Allegri insists Chelsea do not have a hope of signing Alex Sandro this summer.

Sandro featured for Juventus in their friendly against Tottenham at Wembley this afternoon.

And after the match, Allegri insisted the attacking defender’s future lies with Juve.

"Alex Sandro is a Juventus player and he will stay one," Allegri said. 

And when asked about the possibility of Sandro joining Chelsea this summer, he added: "No chance."

Arsenal ready Lemar offer

22:00: Arsenal are considering another bid for Monaco's Thomas Lemar.

That's according to Telefoot journalist Julien Maynard.

Although he insists the French side don't want to sell.

Maynard tweeted: "Despite the imminent arrival of Rachid Ghezzal and Arsenal pushing (which could offer nearly €60m), Monaco does not want to sell Thomas Lemar."

Chelsea prepare Sandro bid

21:30: Chelsea are set to launch a €60million (£54m) bid for Juventus star Alex Sandro.

Italian publication CalcioMercato claim Chelsea are set to offer a staggering £54m to make him the most expensive defender in the world.

The report claims Chelsea are confident of completing a deal for Sandro before the transfer window shuts at the end of this month.

Man Utd battle Chelsea for Roberto

18:00: Manchester United and Chelsea are both willing to meet Sergi Roberto's £36million release clause.

The Barcelona midfielder has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp following the arrival of Ernesto Valverde.

And Spanish publication Don Balon claim United, Chelsea and Monaco are all prepared to pay his buy-out clause in order to prise him away from his homeland.

Man Utd's Perisic struggle

20:30: Manchester United are struggling to complete a deal for Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic.

Sky Sports News reporter Aiden Magee says a deal doesn’t look like being finalised any time soon.

Speaking on the Sky Sports Transfer Centre, Magee said: "Their hopes of signing Ivan Perisic look increasingly difficult."

Liverpool's Andre blow

19:45 Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Rennes midfielder Benjamin Andre.

French newspaper Le Telegramme reported this weekend that Jurgen Klopp's side are preparing a bid worth £15million for the 27-year-old in the coming days.

But despite Liverpool’s reported interest, Andre insists he is only focused on his future at Rennes.

On why he extended his contract at at the end of June, he said: "There is a project here that everyone knows.

"I was at one point in my career where I had to make decisions, I had one year left.

"There were other options but [the fact] I am no longer the youngster made me want to continue with the Rennes.

"[I want] to go as high as possible [with Rennes this season]. Our first games will be very important. It is the results that will set the objectives."

Moreno valued at £15m

19:02: Liverpool have set an asking price of £15m on the head of out-of-favour defender Alberto Moreno.

Watford are said to be showing interest in the Spaniard but the Liverpool Echo claim the Reds will demand £15m for his services.

Liverpool have already rejected an £11m offer from Napoli for the 25-year-old.

PSG want Mbappe or Sanchez

16:42: PSG are ready to break the bank again to sign another target this summer.

Le 10 Sport claim PSG are not ready to stop at Neymar’s £200m arrival.

They want to sign Kylian Mbappe and could meet Monaco’s £162m valuation.

The report claims PSG remain interested in Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, although Mbappe is preferred.

Inter Milan won't meet Perisic demands

16:25: Inter Milan and Ivan Perisic are split over the player’s wage demands.

Inter are keen for Perisic to sign a new contract in order to kill off Manchester United’s interest in the winger.

But they ace a tough task to get Perisic tied down.

Mediaset Premium claim Inter are unwilling to meet Perisic’s £104,000-a-week salary request.

The San Siro club are only prepared to go as high as £86,000 a week.  

Varela to leave Man Utd

16:10: Guillermo Varela's Manchester United career looks set to come to an end with the 24-year-old set to re-join Penarol.

The Manchester Evening News claim Varela's spell at Old Trafford will now come to an end with United reaching an agreement with the Uruguayan side.

Despite joining the Red Devils in 2013 under David Moyes, he managed just 11 first-team appearances for the Red Devils.

Arsenal, Barca and PSG battle for Jean Seri

15:03: Barcelona and PSG are interested in signing Arsenal target Jean Seri.

Le Parisien claim the two European giants could battle it out for the midfielder.

Arsenal are supposedly preparing to trigger Seri’s £35m release clause.

But the report claims Barca and PSG could muscle in on the deal.

Seri is likely to leave Nice after a stellar campaign in Ligue 1.

Nice would prefer not to sell to PSG but cannot stop the club matching his release clause - much like they did with Neymar’s £200m arrival from a reluctant Barca.

Liverpool and Spurs alert

14:27: Geoffrey Kondogbia wants to leave Inter Milan - and Liverpool and Tottenham could end up battling to sign him.

That is according to the Sun, who claim the Premier League duo would likely make a move for the player if he becomes available.

Kondogbia has endured two average seasons at Milan since arriving from Monaco in a £25m deal in 2015.

He wants to leave and the report claims Liverpool or Tottenham would likely make an offer.

Jenkinson to Italy

13:57: Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson could be heading to Italy this summer.

Verona are interested in the 25-year-old, who appears to have no future at the Emirates.

And Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claim Cagliari have now joined Verona in the race to sign the full-back.

Coutinho twist

13:40: Barcelona will include Philippe Coutinho in a £200m spending spree this month.

That is according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

Liverpool want to keep Coutinho but the report claims Barca will offer £90m for the Brazilian.

They also want to sign Ousmane Dembele and Inigo Martinez.

Barca have £200m to spend after selling Neymar to PSG on Wednesday.

Van Dijk to Chelsea, not Liverpool

13.08: Southampton would prefer to sell wantaway star Virgil van Dijk to Chelsea rather than Liverpool.

The Dutch defender was expected to join Liverpool earlier in the window but the Reds were forced to publicly end their interest after Southampton accused them of illegally tapping him up.

But The Times claim Southampton’s animosity towards Liverpool started long before they threatened to report them to the Premier League in June after the Reds contacted him back in April.

And now Southampton are unwilling to do business with Liverpool and would prefer to sell him to Chelsea, who are said to be preparing a bid.

Clubs target Lemina

12:44: The list of clubs wanting to sign Mario Lemina is growing.

Stoke, Valencia and West Ham United are all keen on the Juventus player.

And Tuttosport claim Everton and Southampton are also in for the player.

Lemina is not part of Max Allegri’s plans for the new season.

Coutinho injury

12:25: Liverpool will be without Philippe Coutinho for their friendly with Athletic Bilbao tonight.

But the Brazilian’s absence has nothing to do with Barcelona’s interest.

Barca want to sign Coutinho, having already had a £72m bid rejected by Liverpool.

The player will remain at home instead of playing in Dublin today because of a sore back.

Van Dijk and Drinkwater to Chelsea

12:05: Chelsea are keen to sign both Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk and Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater, according to Sky Sports reporter Jim White.

The Blues have already spent in excess of £130million on new recruits this summer, with Alvaro Morata, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Antonio Rudiger and Willy Caballero all arriving at Stamford Bridge.

But Antonio Conte appears to be eyeing more signings as he prepares for his side’s return to Champions League football.

White posted on Twitter: “Top source reveals @ChelseaFC boss Antonio Conte wants Virgil van Dijk and is big admirer of Danny Drinkwater.”

Arsenal's Perez won't join Roma

11:39: Arsenal striker Lucas Perez is NOT in talks with Roma over a move to the Serie A side.

Arsenal want to sell Perez and have set a £12.2m price tag for the striker signed last summer for £17m.

They have contacted Roma offering the Spaniard to the Italian side.

But Perez’s agent says a deal is not on the cards.

“It’s not true, there are no negotiations with Roma,” Rodrigo Fernandez Lovelle told Romanews WebRadio.

“I am friends with Monchi and can assure you he is not seeking a player like him. In fairness, Monchi was interested in Perez when he was still the director at Sevilla, but Roma do not need a player with his characteristics.

“The Giallorossi already have centre-forwards and I don’t know why Perez’s name appeared in the papers linked with Roma, but I can guarantee the are not looking for players like him.

“I spoke to Monchi many times and he confirmed it. Roma have not shown any interest in my client. Monchi was very clear with me, they are not seeking strikers.”

Mahrez eyes Roma

11:32: Riyad Mahrez wants to join Roma.

“I know Roma came in, but nothing was accepted so there is little I can do,” Mahrez told Sky Sports.

“They are a great club who I would like to talk to but I can’t until Leicester accept a deal.

“Leicester know my thoughts, but I will continue to give my best for the club as I always have.

“Clearly, it is flattering whenever you get linked with any big clubs, but as it stands, I have not talked to anyone as nobody has had a bid accepted but we nearly have a month left of the transfer window so we will see what happens.”

Man Utd's Aurier blow

10:51: Inter Milan are eyeing a deal for Manchester United target Serge Aurier.

Manchester United want to sign Aurier and supposedly have a £27m agreement in place.

They cannot yet compete a deal as he would require permission to work in the UK due to a previous arrest last year.

And Italian newspaper Tuttosport claim Inter could swoop for the right-back.

Inter cannot match United’s financial strength and may instead offer a reduced deal plus Joao Mario.

Barca want Paulo Dybala

10:09: Barcelona are preparing a £108m bid to sign Paulo Dybala.

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claim Barca are determined to land the Argentine this summer.

Juventus don’t want to sell but Barca have the funds to secure a deal after offloading Neymar onto PSG for £200m.

Gazzetta dello Sport suggest Barca could offer Andre Gomes and Rafinha as part of a player-plus-cash deal.

Mendes wants Costa at Milan

09:04: Jorge Mendes is trying to convince Diego Costa to join AC Milan.

Costa wants to move to Atletico Madrid but the La Liga club would not be able to play him for six months due to their transfer ban.

Milan are interested in Costa and Chelsea are keen to sell - although a loan move may also be acceptable.

Calciomercato claims Mendes has told Costa to forget about Atletico and secure a move to Milan so he can play a full season of football before the World Cup next summer.

Mendes has already met with Milan’s directors to discuss how a deal could be secured.

Man Utd's Perisic latest

08:36: Inter Milan are eyeing a deal for Angel Di Maria as a replacement for Ivan Perisic.

Manchester United want to sign Perisic but Inter will not let their star go unless they have a replacement.

And Italian journalist Giorgio Micheletti says Di Maria is the man on Inter’s wish list.

Inter are not willing to sell Perisic until a deal for Di Maria is in the pipeline, meaning United may have to play the waiting game to get their top target.

Conte on new Chelsea deals

08:03: Antonio Conte wants more signings at Chelsea and is seeking competition for Victor Moses.

Moses will miss the start of the Premier League season due to suspension.

And Conte says he would like to strengthen the right-wing back position.

“For now we haven’t an alternative to Moses. We are trying to find the right alternative.

“It is very important to improve our squad.

“On the numerical aspect we have a small squad. Only one player is not enough. We need more players to improve our squad. Now we are only a few players.”

Liverpool push for Lemar among others

05:50: Liverpool and Barcelona have made their interest in Thomas Lemar known in recent hours, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.

The Monaco winger is said to be a target for the Reds, having been chased by Premier Leaguer rivals Arsenal.

Manchester City are also now keen too, but Barcelona have seriously positioned themselves in the race.

As a result, it is said Lemar is intrigued by Barca’s desire to sign him, with Arsenal losing their grip on the situation.

Liverpool, meanwhile, face an uphill battle with Barcelona carrying the biggest appeal to Lemar.

Arsenal and Liverpool on red alert for Lucas Vazquez

05:10: Lucas Vazquez is ready to quit Real Madrid if Kylian Mbappe joins from Monaco this summer.

The 26-year-old Spain international wants regular game time this season ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

And should Mbappe arrive at the Bernabeu, forward Vazquez will leave Madrid, according to Spanish outlet Don Balon.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle and Roma are all said to have offers on the table for Vazquez.

And the Premier League trio are keen on securing his services.

Mourinho urges Bale to go public

03:50: Jose Mourinho wants Gareth Bale to go public on leaving Real Madrid this summer so Manchester United can sign him, according to stunning reports in Spain.

Madrid are looking to make room and raise funds for the arrival of Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe.

According to Spanish outlet Don Balon, Mourinho has apparently sent a message to Bale to help speed up his proposed switch, urging the Madrid forward to step forward and publicly discuss his desire to quit the Bernabeu.

That would leave United in a strong position to negotiate with Madrid.

It is claimed the Red Devils intend to close a deal for about £90million, which is close to what Madrid paid Spurs back in 2013.

While Madrid are apparently encouraging the move for a player who has struggled with injuries during his time at the club, much is said to rely on Bale speaking out.

Borthwick-Jackson has Leeds medical

02:10: Manchester United defender Cameron Bothwick-Jackson is having a medical at Leeds.

According to Sky Sports, the 20-year-old left-back is on the verge of securing a season-long loan move to Elland Road.

A switch could be confirmed as soon as today.

Chelsea's Costa to Liverpool - Thompson

01:40: Liverpool legend Phil Thompson would love to see wantaway Chelsea striker Diego Costa join on loan.

“Dare I say it: Diego Costa signs for Atletico Madrid and then gets loaned out to Liverpool?” Thompson told The Irish Examiner. 

“It would be quite a dream, wouldn’t it? I’d take him for six months.

“Going back three or four years when Liverpool were in for Costa, I think we offered 20 million. It was 25 million and the deal never got done. I was amazed. If we’d have had Suarez and Diego Costa, God, they’d have frightened everybody.

“You love these players. Every other supporter moans at them but you know as a Chelsea fan how much Costa will fight for you, do the battling for you. Good skills too. Good technique.

“Is Morata going to be (as effective) when you get into battles in the Premier League? It didn’t matter whether you were playing against Hull City or Manchester United, you knew what you’d get off Costa.”

Wenger - Sanchez wants title with Arsenal

00:50: Arsene Wenger is convinced Alexis Sanchez will fight to win the title for Arsenal this season.

Asked whether he was confident that Sanchez will give everything to the team if he remains at the club this summer, Wenger replied: "Of course. Why not?

“If you look at it, it's always in your interests, even if you have a short contract, to do well. 

“And the kind of character he is [also convinces me].

"He is a winner. When he goes on the football pitch, he wants to win. 

Friday August 4

Drinkwater to Chelsea closer 

23:35: Chelsea are reportedly closing in on Leicester star Danny Drinkwater.

According to the Mirror, Chelsea hold a serious interest in landing the 27-year-old.

The Blues were keen to bring him to Stamford Bridge last summer along with N’Golo Kante.

However, it is said Leicester would not sanction the departure of both their centre-midfielders following the Foxes’ title success.

Now, though, Chelsea are ready to return for Drinkwater, and he is also eager on the move.

Drinkwater is prepared to tell Leicester he wants to join Chelsea this month, with Conte impressed by his work rate and intelligence.

Advocaat backs Van Dijk

22:40: Virgil van Dijk has received support from international boss Dick Advocaat in his fight to quit Southampton.

The Holland manager understands the reasons behind Van Dijk’s desire to join one of the Premier League’s elite this summer.

Liverpool and Chelsea are in the hunt for his signature, with the 26-year-old having this week reiterated his wish to go.

Jurgen Klopp has long pursued Van Dijk, but Liverpool’s alleged illegal approach means they are having to tread carefully.

Meanwhile, The Times have claimed Chelsea now believe they can get a deal done by next weekend.

On the defender’s situation, Advocaat said: “You can condemn it (Van Dijk’s actions), but come on, if you can earn five times as much at a top English club then I understand that.” 

Real okay Bale to Utd

20.45: Real Madrid have sanctioned the sale of Gareth Bale to Manchester United, according to Spanish outlet Don Balon.

The report says Real president Florentino Perez has okayed the deal providing they get David de Gea in return.

The La Liga champions will reportedly ask for a player-plus-cash deal for Bale.

Real are reportedly keen to offload the Welshman to make room for Monaco's Kylian Mbappe.

Barca agree Dembele deal?

17:12: Barcelona have apparently agreed in principle a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Ousmane Dembele to replace Neymar.

Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri claims Barca have agreed personal terms with Dortmund wonderkid Dembele to replace Neymar after his £200m move to PSG.

And Palmeri added the Spanish giants are making a £72m bid for the 20-year-old.

“Barcelona have reached an agreement on personal terms with Dembele and have decided to bid €80million for him,” he tweeted.

Conte coy over Matic

16:00: Antonio Conte has suggested Chelsea sold Nemanja Matic to Manchester United wihtout his blessing.

Matic join United in a £40m deal after being left out of the club’s pre-season tour of the Far East.

And when questioned about Matic today, Conte said: “You have to ask the club about this.

“Now for us its very important to try to improve our squad –  in the numerical aspect – we have a small squad.

“I think only one player is not enough to improve our team, we need more players.”

Coutinho + Dybala to Barca

14:45: Barcelona are said to want to sign Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho and Juventus ace Paulo Dybala for a combined £216m.

TuttoMercatoWeb journalist Enzio Bucchioni claims Barcelona will use the £200m from Neymar’s sale to PSG to bring Coutinho to the Nou Camp.

He said: “With €222m (£200m) in hand, to be spent, Barcelona are knocking on multiple doors and talking with more players.

"Liverpool are set to [lose] Coutinho. The deal with the player is there.

"The English have said no to €100m (£90m), but the offer will rise soon [to] around €120m (£108m). Still [they] cannot say no.

"But Coutinho cannot be enough, the other great goal is [Paulo] Dybala. No secret, [the] Argentinean has always been liked. Barcelona prepares a bid of €120m (£108m)."

Happy Hazard

13:50: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has dismissed speculation surrounding the future of Eden Hazard.

Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for the Belgium playmaker, but Conte has reiterated that Hazard is happy in West London.

He told reporters: "Eden is very happy to stay with us."

Mavididi close to Preston deal

13:30: Arsenal youngster Stephy Mavididi is on the verge of joining Preston.

The 19-year-old spent six months with Charlton, but only made five appearances before sustaining a serious hamstring injury.

News Shopper claim Arsenal prevented League One Charlton from re-signing Mavididi, who will play in the Championship next season.

Zidane wants Eden over Mbappe

13:17: Zinedine Zidane would prefer to sign Eden Hazard ahead of Kylian Mbappe this summer.

The Champions League winners have been  heavily backed to sign Mbappe, who's also attracted the attentions of rivals Barcelona.

But Spanish publication Don Balon claim the Real boss wants Chelsea's Hazard.

Zidane is also thought to be growing tired of delays in the club's attempts to sign Mbappe.

Done Deal: Villa sign Onomah

13:15: Tottenham's highly-regarded England Under-21 midfielder Josh Onomah has joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan.

Onomah has played for every England age group from Under-16 upwards and was a member of the squad that won the Under-20 World Cup recently.

He played 12 times for Spurs last season, including a Champions League appearance as a substitute against Bayer Leverkusen.

Done Deal: Phillips extends Leeds contract

13:05: Kalvin Phillips has extended his contract at Leeds United.

The midfielder's new deal will run until 2021.

Phillips, 21, made his Leeds debut in 2014 after progressing through the club's academy.

He made 40 appearances for the Elland Road side last season.

Darmian future in doubt

13:30: Barcelona and Bayern Munich are sniffing around Manchester United full-back, Matteo Darmian.

Italian publication Calciomercato claim the heavyweights are looking to bolster their defensive ranks.

And view the versatile Italy international as the ideal candidate.

Darmian, 27, initially struggled to break into Jose Mourinho's starting XI, but became a regular towards the end of the season.

Aubameyang back on Klopp's radar

12:55: Liverpool could go back in for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang if Philippe Coutinho leaves for Barcelona.

Liverpool were interested in Aubameyang earlier this summer but were put off by Borussia Dortmund's £60m asking price.

The Reds would prefer to keep Coutinho heading into the new season but Barcelona suddenly have £199m to spend after selling Neymar to PSG and need a replacement striker.

The Sun claim that Barca sign Coutinho then Aubameyang will be the likely target for manager Jurgen Klopp.

Bale to Manchester United hope?

12:30: Manchester United have been handed fresh hope in signing Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale, according to journalist Miguel Delaney.

Real are reportedly considering selling the Wales international in order to raise funds for Monaco wonderkid Kylian Mbappe this summer.

And The Independent's Delaney claims United have been handed 'new encouragement' in their pursuit, but added a deal is unlikely to happen.

Delaney was asked by one of his followers on Twitter: "Heard anything about Bale today? Always been a dream signing of mine so excited but sceptical."

And Delaney replied: "It is still lingering, and there's talk United have been given new encouragement but I can't see it now."

Chelsea to hijack Liverpool's Van Dijk move?

12:00: Chelsea reportedly think they can pip Liverpool to the signature of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk by the start of the new Premier League season.

Van Dijk looks destined to leave Southampton after handing in a transfer request.

The Holland international has spent the summer angling for a move to Liverpool, who have spearheaded the race for his signature.

But The Times claim Chelsea Antonio Conte has told members of the club's hierarchy that, though he has already signed Antonio Rudiger from Roma, Van Dijk is still wanted.

Arsenal handed Lemar boost

11:30: Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim has admitted he cannot guarantee Arsenal target Thomas Lemar will be a Monaco player this season.

The Gunners are said to have made two bids for the 21-year-old France international, both of which have been rejected out of hand by Monaco.

However, while manager Jardim is keen to keep hold of his remaining star players, he has admitted the club could be forced into more unwanted sales.

"All the players who were important last season are important to keep for the club,” Jardim told reporters.

"But it has been shown over the years that it's not always possible to keep the players, and you know how our project works.

"So our goal is to work well with players who will stay here after the transfer window closes."