Transfer News LIVE updates: Bale starts against Man Utd, Coutinho latest, Chelsea, Arsenal

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE UPDATES: All the latest on Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and more…Mario Lemina has joined Southampton on a five-year deal.

Ian Wright discusses Manchester United's title chances

23:00: Err, Ian Wright thinks Jose Mourinho can't have any excuses if Manchester United don't win the title.

Jose Mourinho has splashed out close to £150million on new players, with Romelu Lukaku, Victor Lindelof and Nemanja Matic coming through the door.

And Wright thinks Mourinho simply has to deliver the title, considering the amount of money he has invested in signing players.

“When you’re United manager it’s a pre-requisite to managing a club of that stature,” Wright told Sky Sports.

“The amount Jose has spent, and the fact his second season at a club is normally a good one, then he has to win it.”

Tottenham to miss out on Real Madrid star Matteo Kovacic

22:00: Tottenham look set to be beaten to Real Madrid midfielder Matteo Kovacic’s signature by Juventus, reports claim.

With Tottenham’s rivals flexing their financial muscle, concerns have arisen over whether the north London outfit will be able to mount a title challenge.

Kovacic has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United expressing an interest in the 23-year-old.

And according to the Daily Star, a move to Spurs appears to be unlikely for Kovacic.

The report says Juventus are expected to meet with the Croatia star’s representatives and a deal could be thrashed out soon.

Chelsea to continue £135m spree - Begovic

19:57: Asmir Begovic is expecting Chelsea to continue their summer spending spree after losing to Arsenal in the Community Shield.

"Chelsea would have been disappointed to lose that game [against Arsenal]," Begovic told talkSPORT.

"Obviously they have let a lot of players go, a lot of players have left for many different reasons, but there's still just under a month left of the transfer window. 

"A lot of things can happen. I don't think you're going to see the true Chelsea until the end of August, but they can't afford a slow start."

Riyad the Gunner

19.45: Arsenal could be set to turn their attention back to Riyad Mahrez - after Roma pulled the plug on a move for the Leicester star.

Mahrez has been viewed as a back up option for Thomas Lemar by Arsenal but they looked to be losing out to Roma.

But Roma have today pulled out of the race for the Algeria ace.

And with the Lemar deal dragging, and reports the move would collapse if Kylian Mbappe seals a move away from Monaco, Arsenal could return for Mahrez, according to the Sun.

Arsene Wenger has spoken publicly about Mahrez in the past and hinted a move was possible in June.

"We have not made a bid, but personally, I like the player, yes," Wenger told beIN Sports. "I think he made a huge impact when they won the championship.

"Like at everybody else at Leicester, this season has been more challenging, but it doesn't take away from his qualities.”

Conte quit warning

19:37: Antonio Conte could quit Chelsea if he doesn’t get more players in this summer, says Chris Sutton.

Conte is frustrated with the lack of progress Chelsea have made on certain deals.

The Blues have nevertheless still spent £130m on three players, with Willy Caballero a fourth on a free deal.

And Sutton says Conte is not used to this restriction.

“They’ve got no strength in depth. And when you see the players which they have got, well they’re been like-for-like replacements,” Sutton said on 5 Live.

“Costa is not going to play, there’s been a disagreement. Morata has come in for him. Terry, it’s Rudiger. Matic, Bakayoko. And Begovic, Caballero. Those are the changes.

“Then lots of the young players have gone out on loan. How are they going to fight on all these fronts?

“And then you have the manager seemingly suggesting that he didn’t want Matic to go, which means does he have the power?

“Didn’t he walk away from Juventus for something similar? It wouldn’t be a total shock for me. He is extremely agitated.”

Arsenal's Thomas Lemar blow

19.22: Arsenal face the prospect of missing out on Thomas Lemar this summer - if Kylian Mbappe seals his exit from Monaco.

Lemar is Arsenal’s number one target following the club record signing of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon.

The Gunners have already seen two bids rejected for the winger but are preparing another.

However Monaco will shut up shop for the summer should they sell Mbappe, who is wanted by Real Madrid, Manchester City, Barcelona and PSG, according to the Sun.

Gareth Bale starts against Manchester United

18.59 Gareth Bale STARTS for Real Madrid in the Super Cup tonight in a move which looks to dash Manchester United's hopes of signing him this summer.

Last night Jose Mourinho revealed he would fight for Bale's signature if he wasn't part of Zinedine Zidane's plans.

But with the Wales star selected for tonight's games Zidane has shown his cards.

Southampton sign Lemina

17.45: The 23-year-old joins from Juventus.

Lemina said: “I am really happy to have signed for Southampton. I think that it was the project that attracted me the most and the one my family was really behind. I am really happy to be here.”

Southampton’s vice chairman Les Reed said: “Mario is an outstanding talent who has already achieved a great deal in his career, winning a number of titles and gaining experience of playing on some of the biggest stages in world football.

“Investing in a player of Mario’s quality and buying from a club like Juventus is a significant statement of intent from the club, and this is a purchase that has set another club-record fee.

“Mario still has his best years ahead of him, and we believe that he will not only be an excellent acquisition for us in the immediate future, but that he will also be able to realise even more of his potential here in the years to come.

"In a volatile market with some extraordinary and inexplicable transfers taking place, we are determined to go about our work in a diligent and correct way. This is a player who has won trophies and played in the Champions League final less than three months ago and he has signed for Saints amid a host of suitors.

“Mario will complement what is already an extremely strong group of midfield players in our squad, and we are excited about what he will bring to the group.”

Coutinho heading to Barca

17:27: Barcelona are reportedly set to sign Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

Barca have been in talks with Liverpool for Coutinho following the sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain in a £200million deal.

And now ESPN claim Coutinho is set to be announced as Neymar's replacement.

The Catalan giants are said to have agreed an initial £81.6m fee with Liverpool, which could rise to £108.8m with future bonuses.

WATFORD DONE DEAL

17.15 Brazilian striker Richarlison has signed a five-year deal with Watford, the Premier League club confirmed on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old joins from Brazilian club Fluminese for whom he scored 19 times in 67 games.

"The Hornets have beaten off strong competition to secure the services of the highly-rated 20-year-old, following a successful work permit application," Watford said on their website.

It has been a busy summer for Watford who also signed English midfielders Tom Cleverley and Will Hughes from Everton and Derby County respectively and defender Nathaniel Chalobah from Chelsea.

Marco Silva's side kick off their campaign against Liverpool on Saturday.

Chelsea "will bid" for Van Dijk

17.10: Chelsea is the obvious destination for Virgil van Dijk and they will make a bid for the Southampton man, according to pundit Steve Nicol.

Liverpool legend Nicol believes Southampton will not sell another one of their players to the Anfield side, which gives Chelsea a chance to sign him.

"There's two reasons for that (Chelsea as possible destination)," Nicol said on ESPN FC.

"One is that they obviously want him and they'll put a bid in I'm sure. 

"The other one is, from what I believe, the people at Southampton are saying 'you know what, we've had enough of Van Dijk' and I think they will let him go. But it will not be to Liverpool."

Rose odds slashed

16:59: Manchester United have seen their odds slashed by the bookies to sign Tottenham star Danny Rose.

The Red Devils are reportedly in the market for a new left-back this summer, with Jose Mourinho still unsure over injured Luke Shaw.

Reports have surfaced this week that United are keen to renew their interest in England international Rose, who they wanted in January.

And bookmakers Betfair suggest a deal could happen, having slashed United's odds of signing Rose from 9/1 to 5/1.

Lewis Baker set for loan

14:10: Academy graduate and England Under-23s star Lewis Baker is set to be sent out on loan by Chelsea.

Despite the Blues being short on midfield options, the London Evening Standard claim Baker will leave soon.

Tiemoue Bakayoko is still working his way back to fitness, leaving Cesc Fabregas and N'Golo Kante as Antonio Conte's only options in the middle. 

But reinforcements are being pursued prior to the window closing.

COUTINHO TRAINING CLAIM

13:52: Philippe Coutinho is attempting to force through a move to Barcelona by performing poorly in training, according to sensational claims.

Yahoo Sport say Coutinho has told Jurgen Klopp TWICE that he wants to leave for Barca and is angry with his insistence that no transfer will happen.

A source also claims Coutinho is “doing little in training” and “wants to ensure he gets his move”.

Bale update

13:27: Gareth Bale posts video just hours before Real Madrid’s Super Cup clash with Man Utd

Gareth Bale is not thinking about a transfer to Manchester United - judging by his social media activity.

United boss Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane and captain Sergio Ramos have all had their say on his potential move to Old Trafford.

But Bale doesn’t appear to be taking much notice, last night posting a picture on his social media accounts alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in training with the message: “Super Cup time #HalaMadrid”.

And today Bale posted a video of himself taking on BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey at an electronic boxing punchbag.

Bale won both rounds against Humphrey and looked like he was enjoying the victory, writing: “The @btsport #HardestHits..Round One.... @mrjakehumphrey sorry!”

Bookies cut Van Dijk to Liverpool odds

Arsenal board row

12:40: Arsene Wenger has refused to sell Alexis Sanchez despite members of the Arsenal board being open to letting him leave.

The Evening Standard say senior figures at the Emirates were considering the prospect of selling Sanchez if a bid over £50million was made.

But Wenger demanded Sanchez stay even if it means losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Barcelona chiefs fly to England

12:00: Barcelona have sent a delegation to England in a bid to sign Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool TODAY.

According to Spanish sports paper Mundo Deportivo, General director Oscar Grau, Director of Soccer Raul Sanllehi and director Javier Bordas have left the city and headed to England to try and finalise a transfer for Coutinho.

The Catalans had a £72million bid rejected by Liverpool in July but are yet to make a second offer.

It is also reported Barcelona want to close the deal today then move on to Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele.

Vazquez alerts Arsenal and Liverpool 

11.00: Lucas Vazquez has reportedly told friends he will leave Real Madrid if he is benched for today's Super Cup clash with Manchester United.

Spanish outlet Don Balon claim the 26-year-old is not happy with his standing in the Real team and feels he has not been given a fair opportunity in pre-season.

And with a host of Europe's top clubs said to be circling, the Spain international has reportedly issued Real an ultimatum.

In the Premier League, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United are all said to be showing an interest in Vazquez.

Liverpool preference, Chelsea and Arsenal hope for Van Dijk

10:20: Virgil van Dijk is understood to prefer a move to Liverpool, where he would play under Jurgen Klopp.

But The Times say Chelsea and Arsenal hope that Southampton could still refuse to sell their captain to Liverpool because of the whole tapping up situation.

Antonio Conte and Arsene Wenger are both set to play three centre-backs this season and are interested in Premier League-proven Van Dijk.

Sidibe to Chelsea

09:30: Chelsea have identified Monaco defender Djibril Sidibe as their latest target, according to Italian outlet TransferMarketWeb.

Having seemingly missed on Juventus' Alex Sandro, the Blues have switched their attention to the highly-rated France international.

The report says Monaco could allow Sidibe to follow Bakayoko to Chelsea, providing they find cover for the Frenchman.

The Ligue 1 champions are keen to sign Aston Villa left-back Jordan Amavi and his arrival could set the wheels in motion for a deal.

Bellew joke

08:52: Everton fanatic Tony Bellew says he can’t wait to buy his nephew a Barcelona shirt… with Philippe Coutinho’s name on the back!

"They've brought in one player, and now they're going to lose their star man.

"They were laughing at me when we lost Romelu Lukaku, and I'll be sitting here p****** myself laughing if Philippe Coutinho walks out that door.

"I'm going to buy my little nephew a Barcelona shirt with 'Coutinho' on the back…"

Mourinho can win Bale - Henry

08:15: Manchester United can blow other clubs out of the water in the race for Gareth Bale, Thierry Henry believes.

Express Sport understands Chelsea are also serious contenders to land the Real Madrid star.

However, Thierry Henry questions whether any other club can rival United for Bale, as Mourinho has already admitted he is ready to "fight".

"[Bale] is made for every league," Henry said on Sky Sports' The Debate show.

"If he becomes available I don't think it will only be Man Utd going in for him. 

"But on the other side how many teams could compete with what Manchester United could offer?

"When you have a guy like Gareth Bale he gives you another dimension. If he leaves I'm sure [Mourinho] will try and buy him - and if he comes then watch out everybody."

Cou to believe?

07:35: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will refuse to sanction any deal to sell Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona - say the Mirror.

But reports in Spain suggest Barcelona think they will land the Brazilian playmaker this week.

Reds legend Graeme Souness has claimed his old club will not be able to hold on to the talented 25-year-old.

And Arsenal great Ian Wright has said Coutinho has “got to go” to Barcelona.

Who to believe?!

Rose to United

07:10: Manchester United have reignited their interest in Tottenham star Danny Rose.

Rose was a target for Manchester City before they splashed around £130m on full-backs Benjamin Mendy, Danilo and ex-Spurs man Kyle Walker.

But United and Inter Milan are ready to move for the 27-year-old as he nears a return from the knee injury that has sidelined him for the last six months.

Liverpool’s £60m Van Dijk bid

06:30: Liverpool are ready to revive their £60m move for Virgil van Dijk after the defender went public with an incendiary transfer request.

Van Dijk has accused his club Southampton of leaking his private conversations and claims he has been unjustly fined two weeks’ wages for an alleged disciplinary breach.

Liverpool are the favourites to buy Van Dijk, who is understood to prefer a move to Anfield over Chelsea, who are focusing their efforts on signing Serge Aurier from PSG.

United have Bale plan

06:00: Manchester United have a plan up their sleeve to sign Gareth Bale, according TV presenter Pilib De Brun.

Jose Mourinho confirmed his interest in the Real Madrid star last night and the Zinedine Zidane refused to guarantee his future at the Bernabeu.

And NBC Sports’ Pilib De Brun tweeted: “Said 2 weeks ago that if Bale pushed for a move Utd would try to sign him.

“If Bale wants it then it will happen imo. Utd are not going to be messed about by Madrid, they want Bale to demand the move so it forces Madrid's hand.

“No repeat of Ronaldo, Ramos etc.”

Conte’s transfer plans

05:00: Chelsea are locked in talks with PSG over a £27m move for right-back Serge Aurier.

The controversial Aurier, who is also the subject of a bid by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, has now become the player Antonio Conte is pushing hardest for.

Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk is another target, while Inter Milan winger Antonio Candreva and Swansea striker Fernando Llorente are also on Conte’s wanted list.

Chelsea are also looking to bring in another English player to meet home-grown quotas, with Leicester’s England midfielder Danny Drinkwater a target, as is Everton’s Ross Barkley, who would cost around £35m.