Transfer news LIVE updates: Real end De Gea pursuit, Barca prepare Coutinho bid, Arsenal

TRANSFER NEWS is coming thick and fast and Express Sport is on hand to bring you the latest gossip and breaking news.

Drinkwater has the ability to play for Chelsea says Schwarzer

Sunday August 13

Transfer news LIVE: Follow below for the latest gossip

Neville's Matic shock

20:30: Gary Neville says he can't believe Chelsea gifted Nemanja Matic to Manchester United.

"You cannot believe Chelsea have given Mourinho a piece of the jigsaw in Matic," he said. 

"I can't think of one reason why Chelsea sold him.

"United beat Chelsea to Lukaku and then Chelsea have handed them Matic. They look like the type of players that were needed to correct what was wrong last season, and Chelsea have helped them and had a big influence on that."

Mourinho on Matic

19:40: Jose Mourinho has admitted his surprise at Chelsea letting Nemanja Matic join Manchester United.

He said: "It depends on what was happening behind the doors [at Chelsea]. I bought him to Stamford Bridge years ago as he has special qualities.

"I always thought he’d be a perfect player for us. I never thought it was possible – until his agent told me he could have him, you just have to pay. He’s a player our team needs.” 

Gary Neville on Javier Hernandez's Manchester United exit

16.30: Gary Neville was shocked and saddened when Javier Hernandez left Manchester United - he revealed ahead of his return to Old Trafford with West Ham today.

Hernandez lined up in Manchester again at the start of the Premier League season, for his new side.

And Neville believes he should have stayed at United longer and says he was saddened when he was shipped out by Louis van Gaal.

“He’s an instinctive, fantastic finisher,” Neville said on Sky Sports. 

“I was shocked and saddened when he left Man Utd. It didn’t need to happen. Especially when you think about the real lack of goals they had after.”

Welbeck to Everton?

15:35: Everton are targeting a shock swoop for Arsenal's Danny Welbeck.

The Sun claim Ronald Koeman is considering the possibility of luring the former Manchester United striker to Goodison Park.

According to the report, Welbeck “could be tempted to join the Goodison Park outfit if he feels his playing time will be restricted” at Arsenal.

Chelsea's mistake

14:45: Frank Lampard thinks Chelsea have made a mistake in selling Nathaniel Chalobah.

The former England under-21 international completed a permanent switch to Watford last month for an undisclosed fee, with some reports claiming it to be worth £6million.

It has been a turbulent summer for Conte at Chelsea and he saw his nine-man side suffer a shock 3-2 defeat to Burnley in their first Premier League game of the season yesterday.

The Italian manager named a number of youngsters on the bench and gave 20-year-old academy graduate Jeremie Boga his first league start for Chelsea.

Chelsea are often criticised for letting too many players go out on loan but Lampard believes the permanent departure of Chalobah is an even worse decision.

“Looking at the number of players gone out on loan, 17 or something, but a lot of them are not near the first team,” Lampard said on BT Sport.

“I’ve seen a lot of them and it’s not a criticism of them, they’re developing as players, they’re not knocking on the door to make a difference.

“There are some there, Boga as I said had a good pre-season.

“Losing Chalobah I think was a mistake. I don’t know quite how it happened, for quite a low price as well.

“(Ruben) Loftus-Cheek, he’s got to take it upon himself this season to show why they let him out and to show he needs to be back there.”

Sanchez a disgrace

14.00: Stan Collymore has labelled Alexis Sanchez a disgrace as he looks to secure a move away from Arsenal.

Sanchez was absent from Arsenal’s season-opener against Leicester with an injury and sat in the stands as they came from behind to win 4-3.

And the Chile star wants to quit the Emirates altogether for Manchester City.

Arsene Wenger has refused to sell despite there only being 12 months left on his contract and he looks likely to leave for free next summer.

And Collymore thinks his attitude is shameful, also tarring Danny Rose with the same brush.

“Some Arsenal supporters seem happy to say, 'Alexis Sanchez is a great guy, he's a model pro' but I am sorry, he is not,’” he wrote in his Sunday People column

“He is angling to get out of Arsenal and he is not doing it in a proper way.

“Like Danny Rose, he is a disgrace as well.”

Rahman Schalke return

13.30: Chelsea are in talks with Schalke about taking Baba Rahman on loan for a second successive season.

Rahman made 21 appearances for the German side last term before suffering a season-ending cruciate ligament injury.

Schalke's sporting director Christian Heidel said: "We are in talks with the player, his agent and Chelsea.

"Ultimately, it is about when Baba will be able to play again. No decision has been made yet."

Ibra warned to slow down

12.05: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been warned to slow down by doctors as he eyes a return to football this year.

Ibrahimovic was released by Manchester United this summer after a knee injury ended his season early.

He missed United’s Europa League victory and the final games of the Premier League season.

The superstar Swede was initially ruled out until January but now looks on course to be fit by December.

Jose Mourinho revealed he’d held talks over giving the 35-year-old another contract in January if he can prove his fitness.

But the Sun report that Ibrahimovic has been told to ease up his rehab after fears he is overdoing his work in the gym.

American specialists are believed to think he needs to slow down to avoid further complications.

Ibrahimovic has taken a week off - where he was spotted diving off a yacht in the south of France with agent Mino Raiola.

Lemar move over

11.15: Arsenal have given up in their pursuit of Thomas Lemar.

The Monaco winger was the Gunners number one target for the summer following the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon.

Arsene Wenger wanted the 21-year-old France star to add another layer to his new-look attack alongside Lacazette.

But the Mail on Sunday claim Wenger has given up on doing a deal this summer and will instead concentrate on trimming his squad during the remainder of the transfer window.

It is said Arsenal are now unlikely to make any further signings to add to Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac who joined earlier in the window.

Thomas LemarGETTY

Thomas Lemar is set to stay at Monaco despite the interest from Arsenal

Jack of the Toon

10.45: Newcastle are hopeful of a deal for Jack Wilshere with the Arsenal man resigned to moving on this summer.

Wilshere was omitted from the Arsenal squad for the opening week of the season despite believing he is fit.

And Rafa Benitez thinks he can swoop in for a deal.

Wilshere spent last season on loan at Bournemouth and wants another crack at Arsenal, but feels like his chances are over.

And the Sun claim Newcastle hope to tie up a deal to solve their transfer woes.

Perisic happy at Inter

10.40: Manchester United target Ivan Perisic is determined to stay at Inter Milan this summer, according to Luciano Spalletti.

United have been linked with a move for Perisic for weeks but are yet to reach an agreement with Inter.

And the Italian side's manager Luciano Spalletti has claimed the winger now has no intention of leaving the San Siro.

"Perisic is determined to remain," Spalletti told reporters following Inter's 1-0 win over Real Betis.

"He spoke like a player who wants to do well and be professional."

Madrid end De Gea pursuit

10.00: Real Madrid have admitted defeat in their bid to sign Manchester United David De Gea for this season at least.

The Spanish international has been a target for Real since 2015 and they were expected to make a move to sign him before the end of the month.

But Express Sport understands that De Gea has pledged his future to the United for this season at least and says that he has got no intention of returning to the Spanish capital.

Inzigne wanted to replace Coutinho

05:30: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wants Lorenzo Insigne to replace Philippe Coutinho.

As touched on below, Coutinho is closing in on a move to Barcelona.

And the Sunday Mirror claims Insigne is top of Klopp's list of replacements.

The Italy international bagged 20 goals from midfield for Napoli last season.

Arsenal players should ask to go - Merson

04:00: Paul Merson thinks more Arsenal players should look to leave - like how Philippe Coutinho has done at Liverpool.

“They’re all happy,” the former striker said on Sky Sports of Arsenal’s players. 

“You say about keeping them happy, they’re not fussed, you never see any of them wanting to leave. 

“If I was Walcott I would be doing what Coutinho is doing now and saying ‘I want a transfer, I’m not playing, I want to play football’. 

“But they don’t do they, they just sit there, it’s nice isn’t it’, it’s just lovely. It is, it’s nice, they’re loved. 

“I feel sorry for Giroud because he is France’s centre-forward and the problem will be if he doesn’t play this season, will he go to the World Cup? 

“All these footballers will be looking at that this season.”

Chelsea new boy Alvaro Morata praised

03:00: Alvaro Morata marked his first Premier League appearance for Chelsea with a goal in their 3-2 defeat to Burnley.

And Alan Shearer thinks he had a day to remember.

"When he was on the pitch, it was the first time Chelsea asked questions of the Burnley defence," he said on Match of the Day.

"The movement from Morata for the goal was brilliant, a fantastic header.

"He scored his goal and, later, he got an assist.

"If Chelsea had played like that in the first-half they could have got something out of the game."

Liverpool need more than Van Dijk - Jamie Carragher

02:00: Jamie Carragher thinks Virgil van Dijk is not enough to cure Liverpool's defensive ailments.

“Liverpool are a shambles, all over the place,” Carragher said on Sky Sports.

“Nothing changes, what have they done pre-season?

“There’s talk about Van Dijk coming in, yeah okay he’s a good player, but it’s from the side of the pitch, it’s the way Liverpool set up.

“They play so high and wide, if you’re a centre-back you’re exposed all the time, it’s culture.”

Olivier Giroud to stay at Arsenal

01:00: Olivier Giroud has revealed he will be staying at Arsenal.

"I have been hesitating because I am the most happy man when I play and I am on the pitch," he said.

"I keep the faith and I still believe I can have an important part to play this season in the club.

"I feel good in my head and also physically. So I am 100 per cent focused on the club project."

Jose Mourinho discusses Danny Rose

00:00: Jose Mourinho insists Danny Rose's controversial interview was nothing to do with him.

"I should not comment because Mauricio would not be happy if I comment, Mr Levy would not be happy if I comment and because I had nothing to do with that interview,' he said.

"I just read it the way you did, I just read but Danny Rose is a Spurs player and it is not my problem at all."

RoseGETTY

Jose Mourinho has played it cool over Danny Rose

Saturday August 12

£40million and ONE PENNY

21:35: Steven Gerrard has revealed Arsenal made a £40million and one penny bid for Luis Suarez in 2013.

Gerrard told BT Sport: “Arsenal were calling.

“I’m not sure Barcelona were calling for Suarez at that time.

“There was a bit of speculation in the papers but there was only rumours.

“So I’m not sure Barcelona were there at that time for Suarez.

“The only people I heard that were there for real were Arsenal.

“And they were offering £40m and one pence.”

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Man Utd?

20:40: Manchester United have been told to “break the bank” and sign Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain by former Republic of Ireland defender Kenny Cunningham.

“Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has a year left on his contract at Arsenal, they should be breaking the bank to bring that type of player to the club,” Cunningham told RTE Sport.

“That would improve them in that area of the pitch.”

Content Conte

19:55: Antonio Conte says Chelsea are working hard to bring players in but his happy with his player despite their 3-2 defeat to Burnley.

Conte added: "We must focus on working very hard with these players. As for the transfer market, the club is trying to do the best. I am not worried, I am ready to fight with these players.

"I repeat: it is important for us to concentrate on our work, to be focused every day in training and to try to work in our best way. No excuses.

Mohamed Elneny wants Arsenal stay

19:20: Mohamed Elneny says he considers Arsenal as his ‘home’ amid transfer speculation surrounding his future.

“I consider Arsenal as my home,” said Elneny. 

“I give all that I have to play in the starting 11 with the team and I’ll always keep improving to keep my spot.

“I am happy with the boss’s confidence in my quality and I hope to deliver my best in all the games.”

Tottenham bid for Anthony Martial

18:50: Manchester United have rejected a bid from Tottenham for Anthony Martial.

French outlet RMC say United received an offer for the 21-year-old from Spurs and also a loan bid by Inter Milan.

Robbie Savage on Coutinho

18:15: Robbie Savage believes Philippe Coutinho should move to Barcelona on the evidence of Liverpool’s defending in their 3-3 draw with Watford. 

Savage said: “If I was Philippe Coutinho I would take one look at that Liverpool defence and then do everything I could to go to Barcelona.”

Klopp on Coutinho

16.15: Jurgen Klopp has admitted he cannot prevent Philippe Coutinho from leaving Liverpool this summer.

When quizzed about the 25-year-old's future following the 3-3 draw with Watford, Klopp said: "I cannot say a lot about it. 

"I am responsible for the whole team. The reasons why the players are not available, I cannot have an influence on it.

"I have to accept decisions from owners, that’s how it is. Sometimes players. That is how it is. I am just concentrating on my team."

Jurgen Klopp, Philippe CoutinhoGETTY

Jurgen Klopp has admitted he cannot keep Philippe Coutinho at Liverpool

Ozil wants Barcelona move

16.04: Mesut Ozil has has told his agent to get him a move to Barcelona.

The Arsenal playmaker is yet to sign a new a deal at the Emirates and has just 12 months left to run on his current contract.

He played 90 minutes as Arsenal came back to win 4-3 against Leicester last night.

But his future remains uncertain and now reports in Spain claim he wants to quit London.

Don Balon report that Ozil has asked his agent to contact Barcelona and seal him a move.

Madrid split on Sanchez

15.20: Real Madrid are split on a move for Alexis Sanchez.

The Arsenal ace is keen to leave the Emirate this month but his preference appears to be Manchester City.

But Real Madrid are said to also be in the running with reports in Spain claiming Zinedine Zidane is a fan.

However Florentino Perez is not to sure.

With Kylian Mbappe looking set to join PSG the European champions could miss out on a galactico signing this summer unless a move for Sanchez - or Eden Hazard - is pushed through.

And with the future of Gareth Bale up in the air a new forward play may be needed to keep Barcelona at arm’s length.

Chelsea get the Drinks in

14.00: Chelsea are preparing to make a second bid for Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater.

The Blues want another midfielder after selling Nemanja Matic to Manchester United.

Tiemoue Bakayoko will miss the start of the season with an injury leaving Chelsea short in the middle.

And Drinkwater, despite being injured himself, is wanted by Antonio Conte.

The Telegraph claim the Blues will make a bid in excess of £25m and will look to make at least three new signings before the window closes.

Man Utd close in on youngster

13.45: Manchester United are closing in on another signing in the form of UD Oliveirense frontman Bruno Amorim.

The 19-year-old’s deal is 90 per cent done according to the Portuguese club’s director.

“He had been promoted to the main squad but (United’s) scout was alert and decided to take him there,” club director Antonio Jose Leite told Noticias ao Minuto.

“At this time the business is 90 per cent done and he may have an excellent contract ahead.

“The contract will shortly be announced, but he is a future bet at United.”

Sanchez replacement

13.00: Gary Neville thinks Alexandre Lacazette might have been signed as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez.

Lacazette signed for Arsenal this summer as their new record signing.

Sanchez’s future remains uncertain with just 12 months on his contract and Manchester City keen on his signature.

And Neville wonders if Arsene Wenger ha already signed his replacement.

Alexandre LacazetteREUTERS

Alexandre Lacazette scored on his Arsenal debut

Transfer News Manchester United Liverpool Arsenal Chelsea Updates

Transfer News Manchester United Liverpool Arsenal Chelsea Updates

“My first game at Valencia he played for Lyon and he scored, like many strikers did against my Valencia defence!” Neville said on Sky Sports.

“He was a massive threat on the counter attack that night, he’s been a goalscorer, he’s scored 25-30 goals every season in the last four.

“There’s been some real success over the years for Arsenal in bringing French players in, (Olivier) Giroud, (Nicolas) Anelka.

“It will be interesting to see how he beds into the team.

“I suppose for Arsenal the big question is when Sanchez comes back, is he a replacement for Sanchez?

“You can’t see Sanchez being too happy having played central last year, going out wide.

“That will be interesting to see how it evolves over the next few weeks.”

Alexis Sanchez swiftly kisses Arsenal badge

Varela departs

12.30: Guillermo Varela has left Manchester United to rejoin former club Penarol.

The 24-year-old went to Germany last season on a one-year loan deal at Eintracht Frankfurt.

He made just 11 appearances though and was suspended after getting a tattoo.

Varela joined United in 2013, becoming the first signing under David Moyes.

He made just four Premier League appearances.

Coutinho to stay

12.15: John Barnes thinks Philippe Coutinho will stay at Liverpool despite handing in a transfer request.

Coutinho told Liverpool he wanted to leave yesterday after Barcelona had seen their latest £90m bid rejected.

But Liverpool remain insistent that he will not leave and Barnes thinks they can keep him.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he actually stays," Barnes told talkSPORT.

“I don’t think Coutinho is the type of player if the transfer request is rejected and his move doesn’t come to fruition that will spit his dummy out and won’t perform.

"He will perform.

“It is 100 per cent up to Jurgen Klopp and he is saying that Coutinho is not for sale and he is not going at any price.

"It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he stays and still performs.”

Perisic to Chelsea

12:00 Chelsea could beat Manchester United to the signing of Ivan Perisic, according to former striker Hernan Crespo.

The Argentine has called on Chelsea to sign three more players - and he thinks there’s a small chance that Inter’s Ivan Perisic could be one of them.

Crespo, speaking in collaboration with Betstars, said: “It's possible he [Perisic] joins Chelsea - but he plays on the left and on the left you have Eden Hazard, Perisic and Marcos Alonso.

“Maybe he could come in through the middle or to the right. Perisic is a good player but I don't know if Inter wants to sell. I think 'no' but it depends on money. It's always the same. It depends on money.

“If you put a lot of money down, even Inter will sell him, but they don't want to sell him.”

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