It's that time of the year again when clubs across the land throw money at their various deficiencies ahead of the new campaign.

While the transfer window does not officially open until the end of this week, that's not stopped plenty of teams getting down to business, with plenty of blockbuster deals already announced.

Liverpool make their first splash of the summer when they brought in Mo Salah last week, while Manchester United have moved to strengthen their defence with the acquisition of Swedish centre-back Victor Lindelof.

Manchester City have also been busy, bringing in Bernardo Silva from Monaco, plus goalkeeper Ederson, with more big names sure to follow.

And there's also the not-so-small matter of Cristiano Ronaldo's future, following reports he wants to quit Spanish football. Plenty more to come on that one, we suspect.

The rumour mill is grinding, so stay tuned and we'll bring you all of the latest transfer news, gossip and done deals as they happen.

Saints confident they have landed Bednarek

Southampton are confident they have clinched the £7million signing of Polish defender Jan Bednarek.

The highly-rated centre-back, 21, is set to become new boss Mauricio Pellegrino’s first signing as Saints boss.

A fee of £5.3million plus £1.7million in add-ons is understood to have clinched the signature of the 6ft 2in Lech Poznan star.

Although he has had an underwhelming campaign at the Under-21 European Championships with his country, Bednarek was a key player for his club over the past season, playing 27 times and helping them to third in the table.

Despite his arrival, Southampton are standing firm in their determination to keep their prize asset, £60million Virgil van Dijk.

Should the Dutchman force their hand, with Liverpool and Chelsea leading the chase, the Saints will not allow him to leave for less than their valuation.

Bednarek challenges Abraham in the Euro U21 tournament (
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Giggs wants to see United replace Zlatan

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has challenged the Red Devils hierarchy to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s goals - or see their title drought go on.

The Swede netted on 28 occasions last term but suffered a cruciate ligament knee injury at the end of the campaign and United opted not to extend his deal.

Jose Mourinho’s side finished 24 points behind leaders Chelsea, and scored 31 goals fewer than the Blues.

But United’s success in the Europa League means they will play in the Champions League in 2017-18, and Giggs wants to see them splash the cash on a big-name striker to spearhead their season.

Giggs told the Manchester Evening News: “The main thing they have got to do is find goals from somewhere because you can’t just rely on one person like they did last year with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“Any successful side either has a 30-goal a season centre forward or they are like Liverpool and are scoring from everywhere. United haven’t got either at the moment.

“They need to bring in a striker who can score goals or Marcus Rashford has to score a load. The midfielders and defenders have to pitch in.”

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Leeds ready to move for German goalkeeper

Leeds United are reportedly ready to swoop for a German goalkeeper.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Werder Bremen have been contacted by Leeds with Felix Wiedwald the subject of attention.

It is believed that Wiedwald is ready to quit Bremen and sees England as a potential destination.

The 27-year-old has made 58 appearances for the Bundesliga club since joining in July 2015, but it appears they have already signed his replacement in Jiri Pavlenka from Slavia Prague.

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Totti offered chance to extend career

Francesco Totti has been offered a deal to extend his legendary career.

Japanese side Tokyo Verdy have confirmed that they have presented the former Roma striker with a deal.

They are, however, struggling to get the deal over the line.

Hanyu Hideaki has told Nikkansports: “We are interested in Totti and there were contacts at the time, however, no progress.”

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Ronaldo departure to spark Sanchez to Madrid?

An, erm, interesting transfer line from the Daily Express tonight.

They have quoted a Brazilian football journalist by saying that Alexis Sanchez will become a target for Real Madrid - if Cristiano Ronaldo leaves.

Probably best to take this one with a pinch of salt, but it’s a new line nonetheless.

“I think many movements in this market depends on what Cristiano Ronaldo does,” Fabio Aleixo told Sky Sports.

“If Cristiano leaves Real Madrid, this can change all the market.

“For example if Real lost Cristiano Ronaldo, they can maybe go for Alexis Sanchez.”

Ronaldo and Sanchez face off in the Confederations Cup semi-final tonight, which seems like pretty coincidental timing.

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Cherries confident of landing Ake permanently

Bournemouth believe they are close to sealing a £20million deal for Chelsea’s Nathan Ake.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe took 22-year-old Dutch defender Ake on loan for last season, and tried to make the deal permanent in January. But the Blues blocked it, and recalled the player early.

Now though, after he played just eight minutes in the league for his parent club upon returning from the south coast until they had secured the title, it is clear he may not get opportunities with the Londoners and could be ready to switch permanently.

Bournemouth were also keen on former Chelsea captain John Terry but they went cold on the Stamford Bridge stalwart to turn their attentions onto young defensive colleague Ake.

They have already signed Asmir Begovic from the champions this summer, and lines are open on Ake.

It is unlikely he will be allowed to leave until Chelsea have lined up their own reinforcements.

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Traore reveals why he quit Chelsea

Bertrand Traore has claimed he quit Chelsea for Lyon because he would never get a chance at Stamford Bridge.

The 21-year-old striker has signed a five-year deal with the French club in a deal worth an initial £8.8million. It follows an impressive loan spell with Ajax in which he scored 13 goals and helped the club to the Europa League Final.

Traore, however, would have gone back out on loan next season had he not left this summer with Antonio Conte investing in a string of top-line signings.

Traore, who has made just 16 appearances for Chelsea since signing in 2014, said: “It was time. Considering my age and for my development, it was time for me to leave the club.

“I could have stayed at Chelsea and played a few minutes in every game, fighting every day for a spot, knowing that I’ll never get a spot, I trained at the club, I did everything.

“Two seasons ago, I challenged the starters but we all know what happened last year. I was there during pre-season and then I was sent out on loan.

“So this year, I did not want to re-live the same scenario. It was time for me to find a stable club where I could play first-team football, where I could be one of the key players in the team.

“To be one of the key players in the team, you need to fight, and here, I’ll do everything to be amongst them, and I’ll give everything for the club.”

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Dani Alves bids farewell to Juventus

Dani Alves has bid farewell to Juventus, confirming his imminent exit from the Serie A champions ahead of a move to Manchester City.

The at times controversial defender thanks fans and the club for the year he spent with them in a long post on Instagram.

He also apologised if he’d caused offence to them at any point and that he “never had that intention”.

“Today ends our professional relationship and I will take with me all those who truly and truly make Juve a great club,” he said in Spanish.

Alves is set to have a medical at Man City in the next week before finalising a deal worth a reported £4.4m per season.

He is said to have rejected more money by Premier League champions Chelsea , but as he points out in his message to Juve his career isn’t all about the money.

“I do not play football for money, I play football because I love this profession and respect those who are part of it,” he said.

Me gustaría agradecer a todos los TIFOSI DE LA JUVENTUS por el año vivido, A LOS COMPAÑEROS POR ACOGERME Y A LOS PROFESIONALES QUE SON, POR ELLOS QUE ESE CLUB GANA Y LLEGA A FINALES. Creo que mi respecto a ese club y su afición fue minha dedicación, mi entrega, mi pasión y todo mi esfuerzo para hacer de ese club, un club más grande cada día. Pido perdón a los aficionados de la Juventus si algún momento pensaron que hice alguna cosa para ofenderles, nunca jamás tuve esa intención, apenas tengo una forma de vivir las cosas espontáneamente QUE pocos lo entienden... aunque parezca no soy perfecto, pero mi corazón es puro. Hoy finaliza nuestra relación profesional y llevaré conmigo todos los que hacen de verdad y de corazón la Juve un grande club. Como saben yo siempre peco por decir lo que pienso y lo que siento.... yo siento que debo decir gracias al señor MAROTA por la oportunidad que te di de tener um grande profesional e alguien que ama su profesión como el que más.... no juego al fútbol por dinero, juego al fútbol porque amo essa profesión y respecto a los que forman parte de ella. Dejare que tu aproveches lo que he trabajado para que tu hagas muchos años de vacaciones. Yo AMO EL FÚTBOL y dinero jamás va me retener en algún lugar. MUCHAS GRACIAS! #TAMOACTIVOPANITA

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Banega completes return to Sevilla

Ever Banega will return to Sevilla this summer.

Banega only moved to Inter Milan 12 months ago, but a deal to take him back has been agreed after just 28 Serie A appearances.

The Chilean previously played for Sevilla between 2014 and 2016.

Lampard among names targeted by Oxford

Frank Lampard is among a string of high profile names targeted by ambitious Oxford United in their search for a new boss.

The League One club, who also have the likes of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in their sights, are casting their net wide in their search for Michael Appleton’s successor.

Contact has been made contact with 39-year-old Lampard’s representatives. But the former Chelsea midfielder, who hung up his boots in February, is understood to favour going into management at a higher level.

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AC Milan join Marseille in transfer race for Arsenal captain Koscielny

Laurent Koscielny has emerged as a target for AC Milan.

The Italian giants are ready to rival French club Marseille for the capture of the 31-year-old, who captained Arsenal last season.

Both clubs are set to test centre-back Koscielny ’s insistence that he sees his future with the FA Cup winners despite them falling out of the Premier League’s top four last season.

Milan, under new Chinese ownership after an April takeover, have already splashed the cash this summer to bring in a string of signings as part of a squad revamp.

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Man City reignite transfer interest in Bertrand

Pep Guardiola is making fresh moves for Southampton ‘s England defender Ryan Bertrand .

Manchester City boss Guardiola has made signing new full-backs his No1 priority, and has focused his attentions on the 27-year-old.

Left-back Bertrand is ready to quit St Mary’s this summer to further his career, and City are in pole position to sign him.

The former Chelsea starlet believes a transfer to a club playing Champions League football next season can boost his chances in the fight for a starting spot at the 2018 World Cup.

City are looking for a number of signings at full-back — last season, Guardiola’s top four players at the two positions were all over 30.

Three of those, Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna, are leaving this summer as their contracts expire.

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Blackburn make Dack third summer signing

Blackburn have paid Gillingham £750,000 plus add-ons to make Bradley Dack their third summer signing.

Forward Dack, 23, has signed a three-year deal at Ewood Park with the option of another year.

Aston Villa poised to complete John Terry transfer swoop

John Terry is ready to sign for Aston Villa when his Chelsea contract expires at the weekend.

Former England captain Terry becomes a free agent this Saturday and is set to drop into the Championship after almost two decades in the first team at Stamford Bridge.

The Villans are out-bidding their Second City rivals Birmingham with a £5million, one-year deal also including huge bonuses if centre-back Terry, 36, helps them win promotion back to the Premier League.

Mirror Sport understands Blues boss Harry Redknapp has this week become resigned to missing out on the new champions’ iconic ‘Captain. Leader. Legend.’

Villa’s Chinese owner, Dr Tony Xia, has made it a personal mission to beat Birmingham to Terry’s signature.

Despite top-flight interest from West Brom, Swansea and Bournemouth, Terry is willing to drop into the Championship as he fancies a new challenge with potential promotion and the chance to lift more silverware.

He is also reluctant to play against his beloved Chelsea next season with another Premier League club, and also doesn’t relish going somewhere with the potential to land him in a relegation scrap.

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Mainz sign Maxim

Mainz have signed Romania international Alexandru Maxim from Bundesliga new boys Stuttgart on a four-year deal.

The 26-year-old midfielder played 131 times for Stuttgart after joining the club in 2013.

Maxim told Mainz’s official website: “I’m looking forward to pulling on the Mainz 05 shirt and I’m convinced that I’ve made the best possible decision.”

Allegri deals blow to Chelsea's Bonucci transfer hopes

Juventus coach Max Allegri has backed Chelsea -target defender Leonardo Bonucci as the Italian giants’ skipper-in-waiting captain.

The £50million-rated centre-back is one of Blues boss Antonio Conte’s key targets as he looks to strengthen his defence ahead of next season, which will see the Londoners return to the Champions League.

Bonucci signed a new deal with Juve, who have won the Serie A title six years running and reached two of the last three Champions League finals, last December. But he fell out with Allegri in February and was dropped for a Champions League game away to Porto.

Read on here...

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Mendy eyeing Leicester exit

Leicester midfielder Nampalys Mendy could be set for a return to France with Bordeaux after reportedly saying he wants to join the Ligue 1 club.

The 25-year-old moved to then-Premier League champions Leicester from Nice last summer on a four-year contract, for a £13million fee.

But his season was blighted by an ankle injury which limited him to just nine appearances in all competitions.

I heard about the interest of Nantes but neither me nor my adviser have been contacted,” Mendy said, according to L’Equipe.

Anyway, since my adviser talked to me about the possibility of joining Bordeaux, I’m set on it.

I’ve lost a year in England because of a failed ankle surgery, which unfortunately necessitated a second operation in March. Even though I am not 100 per cent yet, I have just returned from an excellent rehabilitation phase.

And now I have the hope of rallying the Girondins (Bordeaux) fairly quickly. It’s even an obsession.”

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Sakho back at Liverpool - but will he stay?

The holidays are definitely over for Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho , who has started training for the new season a week early.

Despite rumours would have him leaving Anfield soon, the 27-year-old has posted a video on Instagram showing him on a training session wearing the Reds jersey.

Sakho has been enjoying some time off with his family in Tanzania before going back to Anfield one week before Liverpool’s official report date.

The Frenchman has spent the second half of the past season on a loan spell to Crystal Palace.

Read on here...

Everton pull off incredible deal for two of Europe's hottest young strikers

Everton have pulled off an incredible double deal for two of the hottest young strikers in Europe.

The Blues have confirmed they’ve reached a £7m agreement to sign the most exciting prospect in Belgian football, with 20 year old Henry Onykuru set to sign a five year contract at the end of the week.

And he will be swiftly followed by Spanish star Sandro Ramirez, who will complete his move to Goodison at the weekend, after also shaking hands on a five year deal with the Merseyside club.

Nigeria international Onykuru was the top scorer in Belgium’s Super League last season, after an incredible scoring burst for his club KAS Eupen of 10 goals in his final 10 games, to put him on the radar of some of Europe’s top clubs.

Arsenal had outlined a deal with his club to trigger a release clause in the striker’s contract, but he has chosen instead to join Everton, and after a medical yesterday, he will complete the move on Friday.

Read on here...

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Klinsmann plays down Sunderland link

World Cup winner Jurgen Klinsmann has distanced himself from speculation that he could return to management at Sunderland.

The 52-year-old German, who has been out of football since being sacked by the United States in November, had been linked with the vacancy at the Stadium of Light.

However, after attending a concert in Los Angeles, he dismissed the claims.

In a post on his Facebook account, Klinsmann wrote: “Had a blast last night at STYX concert at the beautiful Greek Theatre in L.A. What a fantastic venue! “On another front: no truth on rumours coaching Sunderland FC in the near future.”

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Barcelona warned off Spurs flop

Guangzhou Evergrande are reluctant to allow Barcelona target Paulinho to leave as it would be too expensive for the club to sign a replacement, according to boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

A change to the Chinese Super League’s transfer regulations will see clubs charged a 100 per cent levy on transfer fees over 45 million yuan (£5.2 million) for foreign players, with the additional fee being redirected into youth development.

Quoted in Marca, Scolari told reporters: “His release clause is 40 million euros and none of the Chinese clubs will let their key players go because it would be difficult and expensive to find a replacement due to the new rules.”

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Spurs keen on Cedric

Tottenham have joined the list of clubs interested in Southampton right-back Cedric Soares.

Spurs’ former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino has the 25-year-old under consideration as Manchester City are keen on his current first-choice at the position, England international Kyle Walker.

Soares won Euro 2016 with Portugal last summer and has maintained his consistency since joining Southampton from Sporting Lisbon two years ago for just £4.7million.

Southampton are now battling to keep him.

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Good swoop for the Grecians

Former Derby left-back Dean Moxey has joined Exeter.

It’s his second spell at the club - eight years after his first ended.

“It is nice to have the kit back on and I have got my number back.

“It is strange, having not been here for eight years,” he added. “It (the training ground) has improved a fair bit since I was last here, with the 3G pitch down the bottom.

“The first team training pitch looks fantastic now as well – it was just mud when I was here before – and with this Stanno thing just inside the door here it is good to be back.”

Hart-break

Torino have signed their No.1 goalkeeper for the 2017-18 campaign - Salvatore Sirigu.

The Italian international moves to Turin on a permanent deal from PSG, where he had fallen down the pecking order.

His arrival ends any possibility of Joe Hart returning to the club.

“Salvatore Sirigu is a goalkeeper of international calibre, with considerable experience in European and world competitions.

“For us, he was the first choice.”

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Sakho back at Liverpool

Guess who’s back.

Back again.

Sakho’s back.

Tell a friend....

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV2I_juAoc6/?hl=en

Alexis Sanchez "very happy" as Arsenal contract stand-off continues

Juan Antonio Pizzi says Alexis Sanchez is going though “a very special situation”, as his contract stand-off continues.

But the Chile boss believes the Arsenal star is fully focused on La Roja’s Confederation Cup semi-final clash with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on Wednesday.

Sanchez, 28, has one year left on his deal at the Emirates, and has so far resisted an offer which is worth more than £275,000-a-week.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are among the clubs battling it out to try to prise Sanchez away from the Gunners. French side Paris Saint-Germain also retain an interest.

Quotes from the Chile boss here

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Man United new boy out and about

Victor Lindelof is settling down to life in England.

The Swedish defender has been dragged around Covent Garden by his girlfriend today.

Sure he can’t wait for the season to start.

United fans likewise.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV19WJSlg4N/?hl=en

10 days for Bellerin

If Barcelona cannot sign Hector Bellerin within the next 10 days they will turn their attention elsewhere.

That is according to Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo , which reports that the Spanish club is running out of patience in their hunt for a new right-back.

Dani Alves departed last summer leaving Sergi Roberto and Aleix Vidal to compete for his place in the starting XI.

Roberto has impressed at times but the club are understood to have largely given up on Vidal, who could be sold.

New Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde is keen to add competition for Roberto and former Barca youngster Bellerin fits the bill perfectly.

More here


Mainz get Maxim

As far as hashtags go, we’re fans of this one.

Big fans.

Anyway, looks a sneaky good signing for Mainz.

Wolves swoop for Bhoys target

Wolves are trying to hijack Celtic’s move for left-back Barry Douglas, 27.

The former Dundee defender has been at Turkish side Konyaspor since January 2016 and is valued at £750,000.

Wanderers are in the market for a new left-back, having mostly used right-footed Matt Doherty there over the last two seasons

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