Transfer news LIVE updates: Giroud to Bayern Munich; Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man Utd

Transfer news LIVE updates: Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea latest - and more

Wednesday November 15

Chelsea make Bale enquiry

22:53: Chelsea are keeping tabs on Real Madrid star Gareth Bale and will challenge Manchester United for his signature should he become available.

Gareth Bale has missed 40 of the last 60 Madrid games and has suffered 11 different injuries during his time in Spain.

And reports in Spain suggest president Florentino Perez is ready to cash in on him.

With that in mind, the Gambling Times claim Chelsea are hopeful of bringing the former Tottenham star back to the Premier League.

Sources close to Los Blancos claim Chelsea have made an approach, asking about the availability of the 28-year-old.

United are expected to battle the Blues for his signature if he is put up for sale.

United insight

22.11: A former Manchester United employee has lifted the lid on the ideas the club has when it comes to transfers, using Angel Di Maria as a prime example.

Debora Gomes, a former translator for the Red Devils, was at the club in the aftermath of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign and claims the club only care about signing players that can make them the most money.

“I noticed a lot in the events. So much so that I had the opportunity to talk to him. And he was unhappy at the club,” she said when discussing Di Maria.

“Firstly, he couldn’t communicate with anyone. And second because he realised the club bought him not because the club thought ‘oh, he will bring titles to us because he is a good player.’ No. Because they simply wanted to sell his shirts.

“This I heard inside the club, the people talking. ‘Di Maria sells T-shirts, so let’s buy him’. So he was not happy.

“Then I realised, after Sir Alex Ferguson left the club, the club lost interest in football. It’s money, money, money. 

“It’s making money and that’s it. So the players, when they try and decide who to buy, they will meticulously say: ‘what will bring more money?’ They are not thinking of bringing joy to the fans. They are thinking of selling.”

Chelsea and City in for Messi

20.30: Chelsea and Manchester City have both tabled offers for Barcelona star Lionel Messi, according to Spanish football expert Eduardo Inda.

“A few months ago Messi was a little down and was thinking seriously before the World Cup in Russia to go to China,” Inda said on Spanish TV.

“They tell me that he would have received offers of 150 million euros per season [£134m].

“Despite this, his intention is to stay, although he has three offers in case he decides to leave the Barca team.

“Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain all love him.”

Lewandowski’s request

19:04: Robert Lewandowski wants Bayern Munich to sign a "young and hungry" striker to help take some of the pressure off his shoulders.

The 29-year-old told SportBild: "It would definitely be an option to sign a hungry, young striker who wants to learn from an experienced player.

"It would be a relief for me to play 15 or 20 minutes less in a game, then you have more energy for the next games and a higher probability of staying fit and minimising the risk of injuries."

Ronaldo to PSG?

17.25: Cristiano Ronaldo is being tipped to join Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Manchester United in the summer by bookmakers BetStars.

The 32-year-old admitted this month he would not be signing a new deal with Real, leading to reports he is on his way out.

And bookmakers BetStars have made him favourite to join Ligue 1 big-spenders PSG at 3/1, ahead of United at 4/1.

“PSG are leading the charge to sign Cristiano Ronaldo after the four-time Ballon D’Or winner expressed a desire to leave Real Madrid,” BetStars Director Ian Marmion said.

“The Paris club may look to add another superstar to their ranks and have been priced as the 3/1 favourites to bring the 32-year-old across to the Parc des Princes.

“Ronaldo’s former side, Manchester United, are the second favourites to sign the Portuguese star and are priced at 4/1.”

Neymar in tears

17:21: Neymar broke down in tears as he tried to pull the plug on his move to PSG, it has been claimed.

The Brazilian, 25, completed a world-record £200million move from Barcelona to PSG this summer.

But it has since emerged Neymar didn’t want to go - and that he did all he could to U-turn.

“Days before he informed Lionel Messi that he was leaving Barcelona, he confused Gerard Pique into his 'Se Queda' tweet following intimate moments with all those who he'd preferred to have stayed with at the Camp Nou,” Spanish football analyst Marcos Lopez told Marca.

“Neymar, as witnesses attest, wept on two occasions when attempting to break his deal with Paris Saint-Germain, asking club president Josep Maria Bartomeu to pull him out of the move.”

Arsenal eye Fellaini

16:10: Arsenal want to sign Marouane Fellaini for free at the end of the season.

Fellaini has rejected a new contract offer and is set to quit Manchester United when his deal expires this summer.

United tabled a new two-year deal for the Belgium international in September but despite Jose Mourinho making it clear he remains a vital member of his squad, Fellaini wants to move on.

It means he is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club when the January transfer window opens.

And Express Sport understands Arsene Wenger is keen to snap up the Belgian in the summer.

No Pulisic deal

14:10: Liverpool transfer target Christian Pulisic is going nowhere.

That's according to Borussia Dortmund chief Michael Zorc.

"Those experts are being paid to talk a lot," said Zorc. "Sometimes they talk sense, sometimes less so.

"I don’t care much about that. I prefer to stick to the facts. And thus I see Christian with us in the long-term.

"We plan ahead with Christian Pulisic. And when I say ahead, I mean beyond this summer. He has a long-term contract and feels at home in Dortmund."

Wilshere to Betis?

12:50: Real Betis are convinced they will sign Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.

That's according to The Sun, who say the England international could move to La Liga in January.

However, if that does not happen, they are ready to pounce when his contract expires at the end of the season. 

Rodriguez back to Real

11.30: Florentino Perez wants to recall Bayern Munich playmaker James Rodriguez.

Rodriguez left Real Madrid for Bayern Munich in the summer, signing a two-year loan deal with the Bundesliga champions.

However, the sacking of manager Carlo Ancelotti has led to talk of a premature move away from the Allianz Arena.

And Spanish website Don Balon says the Colombian is wanted back at his parent club by president Perez.

Rodriguez was allowed to leave the Bernabeu after struggling for minutes under Zinedine Zidane last term.

Liverpool transfer update

11:00: Liverpool co-owner Mike Gordon has issued a transfer update for Reds fans.

“The availability of players in the January window is continuing to diminish, it’s now an anomaly if you’re able to do something....

“But showing discipline (in the transfer market) and staying true to your principles is really important, and that’s one of the reasons we didn’t add to the squad. We tried. And the same goes for all windows.

“We look for any advantage and opportunity to improve.”

Arsenal to make Ozil offer

09.40: Arsenal will make Mesut Ozil another offer as they try to keep him beyond next summer.

Ozil is out contract in the summer and expected to leave Arsenal.

Manchester United are monitoring his situation with Jose Mourinho keen on bringing him to Old Trafford.

But the Mirror claim Arsenal will make a final offer to try and keep him.

Moyes eyes slam Dunk

07.15: David Moyes wants Lewis Dunk to shore up his defence in January.

The new West Ham boss is eyeing a move for the Brighton defender as he looks to make his side more solid.

Moyes takes charge of his first game this weekend but is already eyeing January recruits and reportedly thinks Dunk can improve his options.

West Ham sit third bottom after 11 games and Moyes has a deal until the summer as he looks to keep them up.

David De Gea Manchester United hint

06:00: Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has taken a swipe at La Liga, claiming he is looked after better in England.

A deal to take him back to Spain collapsed two years ago on a deadline day.

The 27-year-old still has two years left to run on his current Old Trafford deal, but that won’t stop Real going in for him again.

De Gea’s latest comments would suggest his heart is still firmly in Manchester, which in turn would deal a potentially crushing blow to Real Madrid.

“I think that the players who leave Spain are not paid as much attention as those who stay in Spain and people forget about us a little,” he said.

"The English culture cares for and loves its players a lot."

Philippe Coutinho to spark Barcelona exit

05:00: Ivan Rakitic has reportedly made his feelings clear should Barcelona land Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho. 

The Catalan giants are widely expected to make a fresh move for Coutinho in January.

Reports have emerged suggesting Barca will hold a meeting with Liverpool this month to establish whether a deal can be struck to sign Coutinho when the transfer window reopens.

And according to Spanish publication Diario Gol, the interest in Coutinho places fresh doubt over Rakitic’s future.

The report says Rakitic won’t play second fiddle and settle for a place on the bench.

Griezmann deal agreed

03:30: Antoine Griezmann has already agreed personal terms on a move to Barcelona next summer, according to reports in France.

The France international was highly coveted by Manchester United ahead of the last transfer window.

But any potential deal was cancelled when Atletico’s appeal over a transfer ban was refused, leaving the La Liga club unable to bring in a replacement.

However, Barcelona have reportedly moved one step ahead of their rivals by already agreeing personal terms with the Frenchman ahead of a move in 2018.

That’s according to French outlet Le 10 Sport, who claim Griezmann has accepted contract terms presented by Barcelona ahead of a potential move next year.

Arsenal drop Thomas Lemar interest

02:00: Arsenal are reportedly prepared to walk away from a deal for Thomas Lemar.

Arsene Wenger tried to land the Monaco star on deadline day during the summer window, but they left themselves too little time to clinch a transfer.

Liverpool and Barcelona meanwhile, have been coveting Lemur as they seek to bolster their respective squads.

And according to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal think Monaco’s growing demands are making a deal ‘impossible’.

The report adds Monaco want to sell, but the Gunners are prepared to abandon their interest.

Man Utd enquire about Real Madrid's Luka Modric

00.30: Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have all enquired about the availability of signing Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, according to reports.

United boss Jose Mourinho took Modric to the Bernabeu five years ago and has been a keen admirer of the creative playmaker.

And if the opportunity arises, he may wish to bring him to Old Trafford to partner Paul Pogba in the heart of the team.

The Croatia midfielder is unhappy with his lack of starts and has held a meeting with boss Zinedine Zidane to discuss his future, according to spanish publication Don Balon.

He is currently finding himself behind Isco, Toni Kroos and Casemiro in the Madrid pecking order.

Tuesday November 14

Barcelona step up Coutinho chase

22:30: Barcelona will reportedly look to hold a crunch meeting with Liverpool this month to push through a move for Philippe Coutinho in January. 

Rumours are beginning to accelerate once again over Coutinho’s future with January’s transfer window fast approaching.

But recent reports have suggested Paris Saint-Germain could rival the La Liga giants for the Brazilian’s signature.

Coutinho is said to favour a move to Barcelona and has reportedly asked Liverpool not to listen to any offers from the French club.

And Mundo Deportivo claim Barcelona want to meet with Liverpool representatives to see whether a deal can in fact be brokered in January.

The report suggests Barcelona are keen to bring in Coutinho before the end of the season to help bed him in as Andres Iniesta’s long-term replacement.

Redknapp on Loftus-Cheek

22:04: Ruben Loftus-Cheek must show Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was wrong to let him join Crystal Palace on loan.

“He is so strong, he's 6ft 3in, but he could do it more often.

“There’s no point showing it in flashes, he has to show us he is the real deal and show everybody at Chelsea 'Why are you letting me go on loan? I should be in your first team’. 

“That is the big thing for him now, can he show how good he is on a regular basis at Crystal Palace?

"If he can, he will go back a better player.”

Messi new deal

20.50: Lionel Messi has agreed a new contract with Barcelona, according to La Liga president Javier Tebas.

“Messi has a contract which has been renewed," he told reporters.

"Contracts are official when they are signed and not when it is announced that they have been signed.

"Messi has signed with Barcelona, if I have not been lied to, he has signed."

Juventus eye Bellerin 

20:10: Juventus are keen on signing Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin, according to reports in Italy.

The Gunners ace is under contract with the club until 2023 but Juve are hopeful of trying to prise him away from north London.

Juve believe the 22-year-old is one of the best right-backs in the world and head coach Massimiliano Allegri has made him a priority target.

Willian/Lucas deal

18.35: Chelsea are looking to sell Willian in January to fund a deal for Paris Saint-Germain winger Lucas Moura, according to reports in France.

Le 10 Sport claim the 29-year-old will be sold in the New Year for around £27million, with China a possible destination.

The deal could be similar to Oscar’s, who left Chelsea for a bumper fee last January to join Super League side Shanghai SIPG.

It is said Willian’s transfer fee will swiftly be reinvested, allowing Conte to bring in Lucas from PSG with little impact on the club’s finances.

Wenger wants Sterling

17.00: Arsenal will demand Raheem Sterling from Manchester City in any deal for Alexis Sanchez, according to the Daily Mail.

The Gunners had hoped to nab the England international in the summer before Pep Guardiola put paid to the idea.

But the report says Arsene Wenger still harbours ambitions of bringing the 22-year-old to the Emirates.

Arsenal’s bargaining position, however, is weak given Sanchez will have just six months remaining on his contract in January.

And Sterling’s scintillating form this season means it is highly unlikely City would allow him to leave.

Soler/Pereira swap deal

16.05: Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has made Valencia winger Carlos Soler his No 1 transfer target for January, according to the Independent.

The Red Devils have reportedly considered a swap deal involving Andreas Pereira who is already with the Spanish club on loan.

Valencia are said to be keen to hold onto Soler and will command a fee in the region of £40million.

But the La Liga side do have financial problems with losses in the region of £65m so could find it difficult to turn down a good offer.

Coutinho 'perfect' for Barca

15.35: Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho would be a perfect signing for Barcelona, according to Brazil legend Ronaldinho.

Ronaldinho admits he would love to see his compatriot playing for his former side.

“He’s such a talented player wearing the shirt I wore for so many years,” he told Sky Sports.

“I believe the way he plays will perfectly suit Barcelona and would be delighted to see a player of such quality wear the shirt.

“I like the way Coutinho plays and the type of football he brings.”

Wenger on future plans

12:30: Arsenal gaffer Arsene Wenger has revealed he could make the move into international management one day.

"Maybe, yes I will do it at some stage but until now I like to be involved every day in the life of a club,” Wenger told beIN SPORTS. 

“The real test is there. Four or five weeks [in a tournament] is a different experience, it is more concentrated.

"But I believe the real experience to manage a team is on a daily basis. I will not always have the physical strengths to do that so maybe I will move into that."

11:15: Philippe Coutinho already has a contract on the table from Barcelona, according to reports from Spain.

Coutinho would become Barca’s second-highest paid player, only behind Lionel Messi and ahead of Luis Suarez.

Coutinho would take home around £22m a season on a four-and-a-half-year deal if Barcelona can convince Liverpool to sell in January.

Don Balon claim Barca insiders believe Coutinho will wear their colours sooner or later and are optimistic about getting a deal done in January.

Real Madrid transfer blow

10:30: Real Madrid’s transfer plans could be scuppered by the 2018 World Cup.

The club are interested in signing Athletic Bilbao and Spain goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

But he needs regular football to ensure he remains in contention for a spot in Spain’s World Cup squad.

Keylor Navas is Zinedine Zidane’s No 1 and Arrizabalaga wouldn’t be guaranteed a first-team spot at Real if he was to move.

It means he could call off a possible transfer in favour of a summer move instead.

Ronaldo wants to leave

10.17: Cristiano Ronaldo has told Real Madrid he wants to leave next summer after another fall-out at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo threatened to leave last summer in the wake of his tax scandal but relations were smoothed.

He admitted in court he wanted to return to England but Manchester United were not keen on bringing him back.

But Ronaldo has reportedly declared he WILL leave next summer after he was unhappy with the contract extension offer put before him.

He is said to have ‘exploded’ and cannot stand being at the club any longer, according to Don Balon.

“Cristiano has already told the club he wants to leave, he is very angry about the offer of renewal, he considers that he needs more affection, the club does not value him,” journalist Edu Aguirre from 'El Chiringuito’ said. 

“He told Florentino Perez to facilitate the departure for a small fee."

And Perez is said to be ready to accept his demands as he looks to revamp his flailing team.

Man Utd exit

09.50: Andreas Pereira has hinted he could be leave Manchester United.

The Brazil youngster is on loan at Valencia and enjoying life in Spain.

Speaking to Super Deporte, Pereira said: "Everything is going very well, the whole squad is happy here.

"We want to keep this, I think everyone wants to stay here.

"It's a very good option for me, it would be positive. I'm happy at Valencia.”

Atletico in for Ozil

08.20: Atletico Madrid have made a move for Mesut Ozil.

The Arsenal ace is out of contract next summer and looks set to quit.

He has been linked with Manchester United but the Sun report that Atletico have made contact with the former Real Madrid star.

Ozil has rebuffed Arsenal’s attempts to extend his contract and has been offered around £200,000 a week by Atletico.

Atletico are bracing themselves for bids for Antoine Griezmann and Saul Niguez over the eight months.

Bale out

07.15: Real Madrid have decided to sell Gareth Bale next summer, according to Spanish publication Marca.

Madrid have grown frustrated with Bale’s injury woes and are ready to cash in on the Wales star.

They decided to give him another chance in the summer after Manchester United showed interest but have now opted to move him on.

Kylian Mbappe is the mane they want to replace him although that deal would be complicated with his move to PSG.

Mbappe joined PSG on loan this season and will transfer permanently next summer.

Gabriel Jesus new Ronaldo

05:45: Away from transfer news, Dani Alves has warned England that they will be facing “the new Ronaldo” at Wembley tonight.

Jesus is set to lead the line for a full-strength Brazil team at Wembley tonight, looking for his eighth goal in 13 games for the revitalised five-time World Cup winners.

Alves said: “I wasn’t joking when I called Gabriel the new Ronaldo. They have a similar drive. He’s already great and will get even better.

“For all that he has done, all that he has achieved, there is no pressure on Gabriel. He’s doing what he loves.”

Patrick Vieira claim

03:15: Arsenal should never sign another Patrick Vieira, because he was the most “complete player”, even more so than Roy Keane.

Ever since Vieira left in 2005, the Gunners have struggled to replace a player of his calibre.

Fans have often questioned the strength of their midfield, and it has more often than not been their undoing as they seek to end their long wait for the title.

And when asked for his thoughts about Vieira, Edu told the Daily Mail: “Patrick... amazing. People want to sign another Vieira? Forget about it. 

“Never. Patrick was one of the greatest. Better than Roy Keane. 

“I have huge respect for Keane but Patrick was a more complete player.”

Atletico Madrid plot Mesut Ozil swoop

01:00: Atletico Madrid have reportedly made an enquiry to sign Arsenal star Mesut Ozil.

United are also keeping an eye on Atletico ace Saul Niguez, as they seek to add more creativity to their midfield.

Reports emerged yesterday suggesting the Gunners are closing in on a deal to sign Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir as a replacement for Ozil.

And according to The Sun, Atletico boss Diego Simeone wants to offer Ozil a new deal worth around £200,000 a week with a huge signing on fee to bring him back to La Liga at the end of the season.

Monday November 13

Klopp sack claim

22:37: Liverpool will SACK Jurgen Klopp in the summer if they don’t win a trophy or finish in the Champions League qualification spots this season, says journalist Duncan Castles.

When asked if Liverpool would stick or twist with their manager at the end of the season, Castles said: “Liverpool will twist if Klopp fails to get Champions League football or win a trophy this season - which is looking a distinct possibility.

“If I was Liverpool, I would try to hire (Watford manager) Marco Silva as his replacement.”

Neustadter dream

21:08: Fenerbahce centre back Roman Neustadter says he has always hoped that he would sign for Arsenal but he believes the time has passed to realise that dream.

“I like Arsenal’s football, but it seems impossible to transfer to Arsenal, I think I can say that,” he said.

Neustadter has won caps for both Germany and Russia.

Goretzka keen on Premier League

19:22: Leon Goretzka is set to snub interest from the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich to move to the Premier League next summer, claim Spanish publication Sport.

The Germany international is out of contract at Schalke at the end of the season and has no plans to extend his stay.

Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are all reportedly keen on him, however, according to Sport, he is set to reject approached from those clubs to move to England.

The report goes on to add that Chelsea and Liverpool are best-placed to sign the playmaker.

Giggs signs two-year contract

18:32: Ryan Giggs has signed a two-year contract to become director of football at a Vietnamese football academy.

The Manchester United legend will begin his new position at the Promotion Fund of Vietnamese Football Talents FC (PVF) on November 20.

Giggs' former team-mate Paul Scholes is also being linked with a role at the academy.

The pair will be welcomed at the opening ceremony of PVF's new training centre later this month.

Pereira on Man Utd future

16:59: Andreas Pereira insists he does not want to return to Manchester United in January - and he would be happy to stay at Valencia next season.

The Brazilian is on loan at the La Liga outfit until the end of the season but United can recall him in January.

The 21-year-old told Super Deporte: “Yes, I want to be here, help Valencia until June. I came with that thought, I know that there is a clause in the contract and now I have to wait to see.

"But my mind is focused on Valencia and I want to stay here.

“It is important that I am playing to grow, improve and help Valencia. It would be very difficult to return to United at mid-season and continue with the same evolution that I’m having now here."

Zidane must sell to sign Hazard

16:04: Zinedine Zidane has been told he must ditch one of his star forwards if he wants to sign Eden Hazard from Chelsea.

Hazard is Zidane’s top target as he looks to add some spark back into Real Madrid after a poor start to the season.

And he could be the next ‘Galactico’ heading to the Bernabeu after admitting playing under the Frenchman was a dream.

But it will come at a cost for Zidane, who has been told by president Floreninto Perez he must get rid of someone to free up space for the Belgium star.

And Spanish website Diario Gol claim Karim Benzema is the most likely to depart, despite being a big favourite of Zidane’s.

Niguez open to Man Utd move

15:34: Manchester United will reportedly be forced to barter with Atletico Madrid unless they’re willing to meet Saul Niguez’s £134m release clause.

The Spanish midfielder has forged a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising talents since rising through the ranks in Madrid.

And the 22-year-old’s performances under Diego Simeone have caught Jose Mourinho’s eye as he looks to bolster his United squad.

The Sun claim Atletico had a whopping £134m buyout clause written into the contract Saul signed this summer.

And United would have to cough up that fee unless they can thrash out a cut-price deal with Atletico.

The Sun say Saul would be open to joining United if an agreement was in place between the clubs.

United’s interest in Saul comes as Atletico eye Old Trafford favourite Ander Herrera.

Coutinho U-turn

14:40: Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho could change his mind “tomorrow” and decide he wants to go to Barcelona, according to former Premier League defender Sebastian Bassong.

Coutinho has once again been linked with a move to Barcelona in January after a deal failed to materialise last summer.

However, while on international duty with Brazil, Coutinho admitted he is happy at Liverpool.

"I'm always happy. But now it's important to concentrate on the national team. At the moment I am very happy with my life."

But Ex-Tottenham and Newcastle defender Bassong believes Philippe Coutinho’s words should be taken with a pinch of salt, because he could change his mind by tomorrow.

“Of course (there’s a future at Liverpool for Coutinho), he said he’s happy. You’ve got to believe his words, trust his words,” Bassong said. 

“We all know in football that the word of today might not be the word of tomorrow, the decision of tomorrow. 

“I think as a Brazilian player, a player who wants to improve his game, he might think again of going off to Barcelona. But that’s only my opinion, yeah.”

Arsenal eye Fekir

14:00: Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir.

The Daily Star claim a deal is “almost done” for the Gunners to sign the talented 24-year-old.

Arsenal will have to pay more than £60m for his signature that could see Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez leave.