Transfer News LIVE updates: Barcelona deal; Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool latest

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE UPDATES: Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal latest PLUS gossip from the continent…

Friday August 18

Stoke boss on Jese

10:32: Stoke boss Mark Hughes reckons new striker Jese Rodriguez’s musical taste is a right load of rap.

Old school gaffer Hughes is unlikely to be donning the headphones to catch up with his Spanish stars latest offerings.

Rodriguez has joined the Potters on a season-long loan from PSG and is certainly quite a character.

He has an alter-ego of ‘Jey M’ and has released a single called ‘Yo Sabia.’

Hughes said with a wry smile: “It’s not a style of music I’m too familiar with but I’ve heard it and it seems a nice tune!

“The main thing is, I think everybody is excited at the thought of seeing him play.  In my view he’s an elite player.”

Rodriguez joined PSG in a £21m deal from Real Madrid but his career has been hampered with injuries.

Barcelona DONE DEAL

09:47: Barcelona have signed Colombian defender Yerry Mina.

The Nou Camp club have triggered his £8.2m release clause and he will likely arrive in Spain in January.

Mina will remain at Palmeiras until at least the end of the year before Barca decide whether to bring him to La Liga or send him back out on loan to his current club until the summer.

Mina, 22, joined Palmeiras in 2016 after a successful stint with Santa Fe.

West Brom snub Man City bid 

09:16: West Brom manager Tony Pulis insists he will not sell Jonny Evans to Manchester City.

"We've turned down an offer for Jonny,” Pulis said ahead of West Brom’s clash with Bunrley tomorrow (3pm).

“He'll have a late fitness test today. It's his hamstring.

"We don't want to sell Jonny and we don't need to sell him. It would have to be a very, very good offer.

"Jonny understands the situation and where everything is. Jonny is happy here and wants to get on with his football.”

"Jonny is one of our best players. We all understand where we are."

Birmingham transfer struggle

09:01: Harry Redknapp has revealed his Birmingham side are struggling to meet Middlesbrough’s demands over a deal for Stewart Downing.

“It’s still dragging on a bit,” Redknapp told talkSPORT.

“We’re interested but we can’t come to an agreement with Middlesbrough.

“Thay’e been fair but I would like to bring him in.

“He’s got quality and he would certainly help us out a lot.”

Willian fears for Chelsea future

08:48: Willian is afraid he could be the next star Antonio Conte axes from his Chelsea regime.

The Daily Mail claim Conte has trust issues with the Brazilian that has put him on edge over his future.

Willian feels he could be subject to the same treatment as Diego Costa with his Brazil team-mate exiled from Conte's plans.

Arsenal's Sanchez warning

08:22: Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has backed Arsene Wenger to keep Alexis Sanchez - in part because the boss won’t be able to find a replacement at the same price this summer.

“There are big decisions that have to be made with Alexis,” Parlour said on talkSPORT.

“They have to look at his character. He loves football.

“I would keep him because you have to replace him and you can’t.

“They have Lacazette as well, playing with Ozil. If you want to keep in the top four you need to keep your top players.

“How much to replace him in this current market? Sam Clucas from Hull, £20m? Is he in Sanchez’s class? How much would it cost to replace someone like Sanchez. Coutinho standard? So £80m or £90m.”

Costa to watch match on Saturday 

08:10: Chelsea striker Diego Costa will remain in Brazil this weekend and watch a local league match as the Blues prepare to face Tottenham.

Costa has been told he can leave Chelsea but has been ordered back to training until a deal is done.

The 28-year-old has not reported back to the club and is currently in his native Brazil.

And Brazilian outlet Globoesporte claim the former Atletico Madrid star will attend a match between Dragao and Azulao do Mutange in Aracaju on Saturday.

Chelsea face Spurs at Wembley on Sunday (4pm).

Draxler good for Man Utd

07:37: Julian Draxler could be the answer to Manchester United’s problems, claim the MEN.

Draxler is free to leave PSG and United are in the running to sign him, according to the bookmakers.

The Red Devils have already missed out on Ivan Perisic, who is set to remain at Inter Milan.

And the report claims Draxler could therefore be a suitable target for Jose Mourinho.

Diego Costa EXCLUSIVE

07:20: Chelsea are ready to fine Diego Costa a whopping £3m if he continues to stay away from training.

Chelsea have already fined the striker £300,000 for his absence this summer.

The club want him back training even though they’ve told him he will be sold in this transfer window.

Atletico Madrid are his preferred choice of move - but that is difficult due to their transfer embargo.

Express Sport understands Chelsea are ready to continue their policy of docking his £140,000-a-week wages until 1 January, at which point he will likely sign for Atletico.

Roberto free to leave

07:13: Sergi Roberto is expected to leave Barcelona now they have signed Paulinho.

Manchester United and Chelsea have both been linked with Roberto in recent weeks.

He is free to leave Barcelona if a club meet his £36m valuation.

Barca yesterday unveiled Paulinho as their new centre-midfield signing at the Nou Camp.

Barca should sign Sanchez... not Coutinho

07:00: Barcelona would be better off going after Alexis Sanchez instead of Philippe Coutinho, according to Paul Merson.

Sanchez left the La Liga side in 2014 to join Arsenal and has since established himself as one of the Premier League's most lethal attackers.

Barcelona are expected to come again with a third bid for Coutinho before the close of the transfer window but Merson believes they should turn their attentions to the Chile international.

“Sanchez scores many more goals than Coutinho does and you’re still getting £30m change,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“I’m looking at Sanchez, and I know he’s been to Barcelona but surely you go and get him?”

Debuchy offered contract by Besiktas

04:30: Mathieu Debuchy has been offered a £2.3m-a-season contract by Besiktas. 

The France international is deemed surplus to requirements at Arsenal following Hector Bellerin's rise to prominence. 

Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for the former Newcastle man. 

And Turkish outlet Takvim claim Besiktas have registered an interest.

Mustafi to Inter? 

03.00: Inter Milan have reportedly opened talks with Arsenal over a shock move for Shkodran Mustafi.

Arsene Wenger admitted earlier this month he needs to trim his squad at Arsenal with Gabriel set to join Valencia for £10m.

But he could be set to lose another defender with Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claiming Inter have made contact with Mustafi over a possible transfer.

Real Madrd renew interest in De Gea

01.00: Real Madrid have renewed their interest in Manchester United keeper David De Gea. 

The Sun claim the La Liga champions have lodged a £46million bid for his services after ending their interest in Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe. 

Zinedine Zidane has apparently made the decision to end the chase for the France international following the impressive form of Marco Asensio. 

However, Real want to make another Galatico-style signing, and De Gea fits the bill. 

Thursday August 17

Coutinho will leave Liverpool for Barcelona - Rossiter

23:50: Philippe Coutinho is going to sign for Barcelona this summer, according to former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Rossiter. 

"Who is worth £100m? It is a lot of money but the way the transfer market is these days you would think you could put him in that £100m bracket," Rossiter said. 

“People see the goals he scores and things he does but for Liverpool he runs that team, he has been brilliant.

“He is going to go, when Barcelona come calling I think it is always tough to stay and say no.”

Shaw gets the boot

22.55: Manchester United are considering selling Luke Shaw to fund a deal for a new defender, according to reports.

The Daily Record claim United want rid of Shaw to make room for a Champions League-quality left-back.

Speaking about United's transfer business last week, Mourinho admitted his fourth summer signing would "play from the sides", hinting he would be a full-back.

"We got a centre midfielder, we got a striker," he said.

"Obviously [we wanted] a player for another position playing from the sides."

Antonio back Coutinho exit

19.00: Philippe Coutinho was right to issue Liverpool with a transfer request to force through a move to Barcelona, according to Michail Antonio.

“Can you give someone a bad name for wanting to be ambitious? For wanting to move onto bigger things?" Antonio told talkSPORT.

“In Coutinho’s spot, he handed in a transfer request. He did every single thing he possibly could do.

"He stayed, he trained, he worked hard, he stayed away from it and Liverpool say, ‘No we’re keeping him.’

“And then he handed in a transfer request because he had no other option. But he’s been the perfect servant for them for the past three or four years.

“His opportunity has arisen to take that massive step and the club are going to keep you where you are. He had no other option to do what he did."

Sanchez to join Tottenham?

18:45: Tottenham have reportedly reached an agreement with Ajax for Davinson Sanchez.

The London Evening Standard say the two clubs have agreed on an initial £27m fee.

And that could rise to £40m if certain clauses are met.

Bilic confirms Lanzini discussions

17:45: Slaven Bilic has revealed he has spoken to Manuel Lanzini about reports linking him with a move to Liverpool.

But the West Ham boss is adamant the Argentina international is going nowhere - regardless of whether Philippe Coutinho stays or goes.

Bilic said: “Max [Fitzgerald, the press officer] emails me these stories straight away to shock me a bit.

“We spoke about this before Manchester United, I speak to Manu every day, he is happy. 

“He feels at home, he feels liked. You can see it, you don’t have to talk to him, and you can see by how he is smiling and is happy."

Bilic hopeful on Carvalho deal

16.55: Slaven Bilic remains hopeful a deal can be done to land Portugal star William Carvalho.

The Sporting Lisbon midfielder, 25, is the number one transfer target for the West Ham boss as the deadline looms nearer.

The Hammers are willing to pay around £31million for the former Arsenal target - but the Portuguese outfit are holding out for £40million.

Bilic said: "We will see what happens.

“I left it to the chairman and the people who are involved. I am concentrating only and totally on our game.”

Barcelona director confirms Coutinho wanted

16:38: Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez has stated the club do want to sign Philippe Coutinho this summer.

Fernandez faced the media today at the Nou Camp at the unveiling of new signing Paulinho.

He confirmed Liverpool playmaker Coutinho was wanted as well as Borussia Dortmund star Ousmane Dembele.

Fernandez said: "They [Coutinho and Dembele] are players that we are very interested in and they are important to us because we feel they would adapt well to our team.”

Balague on Coutinho

15.30: Guillem Balague has said no talks are currently being held between Barcelona and Liverpool for Philippe Coutinho.

“When last night [Barca general manager] Pep Segura was talking about ‘deal is close’ I am pretty sure he meant only Dembele," Balague tweeted.

“Segura knows Liverpool haven’t moved an inch their position on Coutinho. They are not selling.

“Despite the insistence of Catalan press about meetings this week, nothing is planned between LFC and FCB.

“He mentions Coutinho and Dembele but one thing is lost in translation. He is trying to say club want/negotiating for both. But he knows LFC are not selling at the minute.”

Deportivo offer Costa escape route

14:56: Deportivo La Coruna are interested in signing Diego Costa.

Costa wants to rejoin Atletico Madrid but a deal is hampered by the club’s transfer embargo.

Chelsea are keen to sell and a deal with Atletico could be reached whereby he joins the capital club and then moves on loan to Deportivo.

Newspaper Estadio Deportivo claim manager Pepe Mel is keen to bring in a new striker, with Lucas Perez and Carlos Vela also on his radar.

Man Utd target Lemar

14:31: Manchester United are considering a shock move for Arsenal target Thomas Lemar.

Arsenal have already failed in a bid to sign Lemar from Monaco this summer.

Ligue 1 champions Monaco are determined not to sell their star winger.

But the Daily Record claim United are weighing up an approach for the 21-year-old with just two weeks of the transfer window remaining.

United’s interest comes after they failed to land any of their wing targets earlier in the summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale were both on their radar but the Real Madrid duo will be staying put in Spain.

Ivan Perisic also interested the Red Devils but Inter Milan refused to budge on their £48m valuation.

It is claimed United will have to fork out almost £55m for Lemar. 

Uh oh Paulinho!

14:16: The Brazil star took to the Nou Camp pitch for the first time this afternoon at his Barcelona unveiling.

But it didn't go to plan in the slightest.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PAULINHO EMBARRASS HIMSELF

Luis Suarez injury

14:05: Barcelona’s need to sign Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele has just ratcheted up a notch.

Barca have already lost Neymar in the transfer window and now Luis Suarez has been ruled out for a month with a knee injury.

That leaves Lionel Messi remaining form the famous SMS striker force available to manager Ernesto Valverde.

Suarez will miss up to four La Liga matches and is also expected to sit out of Barca’s opening Champions League group game.

Gabriel announcement expected

13:40: Arsenal are expected to sell centre-back Gabriel to Valencia today, according to reports.

Arsenal have agreed to let Gabriel talk to Valencia over a proposed summer deal.

The Gunners defender has fallen behind Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding in the pecking order at the Emirates.

And Arsenal are set to cash in on the Brazilian after agreeing a £10million fee with Valencia.

That is according to Sky Sports, who claim an announcement on the deal could come before the end of the day.

Gabriel cost Arsenal £11.3m when arriving from Villarreal in January 2015.

The 26-year-old initially started off well at the Emirates but has failed to fit into manager Arsene Wenger’s new three-man defence.

Arsenal have already strengthened their back line this summer with the acquisition of Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer from Schalke.  

Klopp reacts to Coutinho revelation

13:22: Jurgen Klopp has hit back at comments made by Barcelona general manager Pep Segura that Phillipe Coutinho is “very close” to leaving Liverpool.

“I don’t know why other people are saying what they’re saying. I don’t even know him. I have never met him,” Klopp said.

“We have already said what we have to say. No news from me. Nobody told me anything different since we spoke last time.

“Since he had a back problem he is not in training. I have nothing bad to say about this.

“We are not silly, we know it is a very difficult situation - but there’s nothing new to say. It’s not always easy for me to say the 100 percent truth, even if I don’t like to lie. But this time this is the situation.”

Victor Valdes retires

12:58: Former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has retired.

The 35-year-old, who also played for Manchester United and Middlesbrough, has hung up his gloves in order to start his next venture.

He has launched a TV production company and will have his own show.

Deportivo la Coruna and Sporting Lisbon both offered him deals to continue playing this season.

Dele worth £200m

12:32: Jermaine Jenas has called on Tottenham to slap a £200m release clause in Dele Alli’s contract to block suitors from stealing him away from north London.

“If I was Daniel Levy I would be putting £200million on him right now and I know he won’t take a penny less,” Jenas told Express Sport. “He’s that valuable to the club. They are doing something special at Spurs and they will want to keep him for another few seasons which would be beneficial to him as well.

“Dele has something special at that club and with that group of fans. If Dele walks into that new stadium next year and feels what I expect him to feel, it will be tough for him to leave.

“Leading up to the World Cup you can see him being the poster boy for England as Wayne Rooney was all those years ago. He has that type of character that I feel our country can get behind.

“So it is a big year in terms of Dele putting himself on the global scale because turning up to a World Cup in good form and putting in a really good performance in the tournament, from Dele’s point of view is huge.

“From Tottenham’s point of view it may be a bit scary as I don’t see how they keep him if he has the season like he has just enjoyed and a similar one again, then performs well for England. You can pretty much say he has gone to Real Madrid or Barcelona just like that.”

Mesut Ozil contract hint?

12:21: Arsenal got fans excited this morning by tweeting a picture of Mesut Ozil - prompting hope that he was about to sign a new deal.

The Germany international, 28, has refused to sign a new deal at the Emirates and he can leave for free at the end of the season.

The Gunners posted a picture with the ‘M’ emoji today, paying tribute to their midfield magician.

And it sent supporters wild with speculation over if he was staying put.

One fan tweeted “Hope this is a cheeky hint” while another said “Announce contract”.

De Gea 'perfect' for Real Madrid

12:10: Shay Given admits David de Gea would be the perfect replacement for Keylor Navas at Real Madrid.

"I felt this summer he might go," he told Sky Sports.

"I felt that Real Madrid, they alway sign a galactico every summer, and I'm still not sure about the Real Madrid goalkeeper [Keylor Navas].

"I think David de Gea would be the perfect replacement for him. 

"I think now, we spoke about Mourinho and the team he's moulded, and I think to put a title challenge on it's important they keep De Gea at the club. 

Matuidi continues Juventus medical

11:40: PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi is undergoing the second part of a two-day medical at Juventus, the Italian champions have confirmed.

The France international, capped 58 times, is expected to join the Serie A side for a transfer fee around £18million plus bonuses, according to Italian media.

The 30-year-old joined PSG in 2011 from Ligue 1 rivals Saint-Etienne and made 295 appearances in all competitions for the Paris-based club.

Gabriel to leave in 'hours' - Balague

11:32: Valencia will announce the signing of Gabriel Paulista in the next few hours, according to Guillem Balague.

Balague tweeted: “Valencia will announce in the next few hours the signing of Gabriel Paulista (Arsenal). The deal could reach £10m.”

He is expected to be followed through the exit door by Carl Jenkinson, Kieran Gibbs and Calum Chambers.

Man Utd have got it right

11:30: Bryan Robson has praised Jose Mourinho for his summer transfer business.

Manchester United got off to a winning start in their Premier League title challenge with a 4-0 result over West Ham last weekend.

“It is one of those where you don’t get carried away by the one performance,” Robson told talkSPORT.

“But you look at the squad depth and we have got power and pace as well as the quality. Two of the signings have been terrific again to go with the signings we had last tear.

“Lukaku and Matic. Matic was terrific at the weekend. Everyone has said who is going to replace Michael Carrick. It’s great we still have Michael at the club. But to have signed Matic was a masterstroke for me.

“The signings there at the weekend were brilliant. He’s going to be a great player for Manchester United over the next few years and that gives us a real chance.”

Costa 'unprofessional' - Robson

11:19: Manchester United legend Bryan Robson says Diego Costa’s behaviour is wrong.

“What I’ve got to say straight off is that it’s so unprofessional,” Robson said on talkSPORT.

“If you’re a player and you have a contract and have signed with that football club you have got to honour that contract.

“You signed it, you’re getting paid really well. The club have had great success. It’s totally down to the player.

“He should be much more professional and should come back and honour his contract.

“If Chelsea want to keep him that’s what he has to do.”

Balague taunts Barcelona

11:14: Guillem Balague has taunted Barcelona over their failure to sign Marco Asensio.

The Spanish midfielder, 21, almost joined Barca in 2014 only for the deal to fall through because Barca wouldn’t stump up £4.1million up front.

Balague told Sky Sports: “Asensio is not fazed by the big occasion and is probably the single most exciting prospect in La Liga this season.

“And to consider that someone at Barcelona decided not to sign him because they did not want to pay an extra €4m (£3.6m)!”

Costa an embarrassment

10:54: Diego Costa is an embarrassment to football, claims former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino.

“Sometimes you get embarrassed to be an ex-player,” Cascarino said.

“Players will be embarrassed to listen and read about Diego Costa.

“This guy totally thinks he can do what he wants. Hopefully Chelsea dg their heels in over Diego Costa.

“That’s fine if his contract is up but you’ve two years to run (on the deal). You’ve a duty to stay and play for the football club.

“Diego gives food to those who criticise footballers. He’s embarrassed every footballer.

“He’s at the stage where he’s telling Chelsea how much he thinks he’s worth, which is wrong.”

Sanchez to PSG?

10:35: Neymar and Dani Alves have reportedly been trying to convince Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez to join them at Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

Sanchez has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates after entering the final 12 months of his Arsenal contract.

The likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City have shown an interest in the Chile international.

And according to Spanish outlet Don Balon, Sanchez’s former Barcelona team-mates Neymar and Alves have been trying to convince him to join them in the French capital.

Everton end Giroud pursuit

10:25: Everton have finally admitted defeat in the pursuit of Olivier Giroud as the striker looks set to stay at Arsenal this summer

Ronald Koeman is thought to be on the lookout for a new striker following Romelu Lukaku's move to Manchester United.

But the Liverpool Echo claim the Toffees have had to abandon their hopes of signing the Gunners star as he wants to stay and fight for his place at the Emirates Stadium instead.

Fellaini to stay?

09:24: Marouane Fellaini looks set to stay at Manchester United this summer, according to the bookies.

Fellaini has emerged as a vital player for Jose Mourinho after three shaky campaigns under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.

Reports surfaced this week that Mourinho could lose the Belgian powerhouse though, with Juventus said to be lining up a £22.5million bid for his services.

But bookmakers Betfair reckon the 29-year-old midfielder is staying this summer, having priced United at 3/10 to keep hold of the former Everton star.

While Juventus are at odds of 3/10 to get their man.

Diego Costa statement

09:13: Diego Costa says he will head to Spain to try and forces through a move to Atletico Madrid.

"My destination is already set,” Costa said, via his boyhood club Sportivo Sergipe.

“I must return to Atletico Madrid next season. It turns out that there is the impasse that Chelsea does not want to release me.

“But I believe that this situation will be resolved now on my return to Spain.”

Barca submit fresh Coutinho bid

08:45: Barcelona have increased their offer to €130million (£118m) for Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho.

Liverpool are adamant he won't be sold and have already rejected a bid worth £90m.

However, Goal claim Barca have returned to the table with an improved offer they hope Liverpool can't refuse.

Celtic to tie down Armstrong

08:27: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is confident Stuart Armstrong will sign a new contract and end speculation linking him to the Premier League.

"Hopefully Stuart will imminently agree a new extension,” Rodgers said.

“Hopefully we will announce it in the next 24 to 48 hours which will be absolutely brilliant for us.

"As I have said he is a player whom I have huge admiration for, this is the place for him to develop and he is a vital member of this squad."

Southampton, Everton and West Brom all want to sign Armstrong.

Man Utd's transfer concern

08:00: Manchester United are one of a handful of clubs who have reservations over changing future transfer deadline date.

Fourteen of the 20 Premier League clubs are said to be keen on moving deadline day to before the start of the season.

The chairmen from all 20 clubs will meet in September to discuss the issue.

But the Telegraph claim United are not on board with the idea.

The big concern is the supposed competitive disadvantage moving the window would create for the sides involved in European competition.

Chelsea could sue Costa

07:53: Chelsea could sue Diego Costa over his refusal to turn up to work.

Chelsea want to sell Costa and have told him he is not part of Antonio Conte’s plans for the season.

The striker has remained in his native Brazil and is yet to return to training in west London.

And the Telegraph claim Chelsea could take legal action over the forward’s behaviour if it continues.

Chelsea have already fined the former Atletico Madrid star £300,000 for his absence.

Man Utd deal for Rose OFF

07:42: Manchester United have given up their chase of Tottenham left-back Danny Rose.

Rose caused controversy earlier this month in an interview during which he expressed his desire to move back up north.

United want to sign more defensive recruits before the summer is out.

But Express Sport understands Jose Mourinho and his Old Trafford bosses have ditched plans to sign Rose.

Tottenham won't sell Alli

07:30: Daniel Levy insists Dele Alli will not be sold even if Tottenham receive a £150million bid.

Spurs have not yet invested in their squad this summer as they finance the building of their new stadium.

Barcelona and Manchester City are interested in Alli but Spurs have no plans to sell their England international.

And the Sun claim chairman Levy has ruled out selling at any price.

Suarez: Coutinho isn't the answer

07:10: Former Barcelona star Luis Suarez says Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho and Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele are not the solution to Barcelona’s problems.

Barca lost the second leg of their Spanish Supercopa clash 2-0 against Real Madrid last night.

The Nou Camp club are closing in on deals for both Dembele and Coutinho.

But Suarez, 82, says their problems cannot be overcome solely by success in the transfer market.

"These two games had little history and signings such as Dembele and Coutinho are not the solution," Suarez told Carrusel Deportivo.

"Barca have to know that united and together they have to fight to get out of this, whether or not there are new players."

Arsenal could agree Sanchez deal

07:00: Arsenal could go above Arsene Wenger’s wishes and sell Alexis Sanchez to Manchester City this summer.

Wenger is refusing to let Sanchez leave and the Chile international looks set to run down his contract at the Emirates.

But Wenger has conceded he is powerless to stop the board deciding the player’s future.

“It’s my decision, but after the board has to of course agree with me,” he said. “If they don’t agree, we will accept it.

“It is a financial sacrifice. It is a sacrifice that you have to calculate, how much it costs. If you let the player go and you buy somebody, you spend maybe more than you lose.”

Koeman on Costa move

06:30: Ronald Koeman has refused to rule out a shock swoop for Diego Costa.

Chelsea want to sell Costa and the player is keen to join Atletico Madrid.

That move may prove tricky as Atletico cannot play newly-registered signings until January.

But when asked if Everton would consider a move for Costa, Koeman said: “Of course you like to sign players for the future, but if you can get the best one that way, then why not?”

Man Utd's Ibrahimovic plan

06:00: Manchester United are set to offer Zlatan Ibrahimovic a coaching role at the club as part of his rehabilitation.

United are considering re-signing Ibrahimovic after letting the injured striker leave this summer.

A deal could be in place for the 35-year-old to return to January.

And the Independent claim part of the contract offer will include a role as a coach, as the veteran Swede begins to plan his career after playing.