<
        >

          Thomas Muller linked to Man United again; Di Maria set for PSG?

          • ESPN staffJul 6, 2015, 08:12 PM ET

          Most players in Europe have now made their way back to their clubs for the start of preseason training, meaning that the rumour mill has cranked up a gear as teams plan their campaigns in earnest. As always, Transfer Talk has its finger on the pulse when it comes to all the latest rumours and gossip.

          TOP STORY: Man United linked to Muller amid Di Maria exit rumours

          Sport1 reports that United are preparing a monster €82 million bid for Thomas Muller, and that there have already been talks between club representatives Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Ed Woodward.

          Muller is reported to be Louis van Gaal's prime target. The Dutch manager discovered the now-25-year-old in Bayern's reserve team and developed him into a German international. During his time at the club, van Gaal used to say: "Muller always plays."

          On Tuesday, Muller and Guardiola reportedly shouted at each other during team training, but Muller apologized to Guardiola right away. "Okay coach, I made a mistake there."

          Meanwhile, French outlet RMC suggests that Paris Saint-Germain are considering making an offer of €50 million, as well as Dutch full-back Gregory van der Wiel, to United for Angel Di Maria.

          LIVE BLOG:

          21.02 BST: Now happening in New York City, Frank Lampard is addressing the media ahead of his MLS debut, which is expected to be on Sunday vs. Orlando (3 ET, ESPN/WatchESPN)

          20.20 BST: DONE DEAL Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Luciano Vietto from Villarreal. The Argentine will cost €20 million and has signed a six-year contract at the Calderon.

          Vietto, 21, scored 12 goals in 32 league games for the yellow submarine last season, having joined the club from Racing in August 2014.

          19.38 BST: With the futures of Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos still unclear, AS reports that Real Madrid are looking at a pair of their former players as potential replacements.

          Kiko Casilla, who is currently with Espanyol, is the name being mentioned as a goalkeeping reinforcement while Zenit's Ezequiel Garay has been linked as a defensive option.

          Casilla was at the Bernabeu as a youngster but left without making a first team appearance while Garay played for Madrid for two seasons from 2009-11.

          19.12 BST: DONE DEAL Newcastle midfielder Sammy Ameobi has joined Cardiff on a season-long loan deal after signing a new two-year contract at St James' Park, the Magpies have confirmed.

          19.07 BST: Here's more on the return of Simone Zaza to Juventus. The Italian champions exercised their option to buy back the 24-year-old, who has joined for €18 million and signed a five-year contract.

          19.03 BST: Sidney Sam's proposed move from Schalke to Eintracht Frankfurt is off after the player failed a medical.

          Sam, 27, was seeking a way out of Gelsenkirchen after earning a club suspension for ill-discipline at the end of last season, but now faces an uncertain future after a medical with Eintracht revealed a kidney problem.

          19.00 BST: DONE DEAL Montpellier have completed the signing of winger Ryad Boudebouz from Ligue 1 rivals Bastia. The 25-year-old has signed a four-year deal.

          18.51 BST: Amid presidential electioneering and while the club is under a transfer ban, Arda Turan has agreed to join Barcelona. It's a tangled plot for the Turkish international, says Craig Burley.

          18.41 BST: Can we call the situation regarding Toby Alderweireld a "saga" yet? Tottenham are now favourites ahead of Southampton to sign the Belgian international, after sources confirmed to ESPN FC that the player is in London for talks and a medical.

          Here is Craig Burley's take on the latest goings-on.

          18.20 BST: Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that Sevilla are interested in Ciro Immobile.

          BVB sporting director Michael Zorc confirmed there is interest from the Europa League winners in the Italian striker but said no progress has been made.

          "We are talking. But there is nothing new to declare. The situation is not easy for Ciro but he deals with it professionally," Zorc said.

          18.14 BST: Talking of Netherlands internationals, Sunderland are back in for Jeremain Lens, sources have told ESPN FC.

          Black Cats' boss Dick Advocaat is determined to bring in attacking reinforcements ahead of the new season and is targeting a player with whom he worked at AZ Alkmaar and PSV Eindhoven.

          Lens is open to leaving Dynamo Kiev but the Ukrainian club rejected Sunderland's first offer which, sources say, was in the region of £8 million. The Premier League side have now returned with a new offer and are confident it will be accepted.

          18.00 BST: We know why you're here. You want rumours and gossip. Well, how about this?

          As you know, United are also set to be closing in on Matteo Darmian (see 13.54 BST), so is Van der Wiel -- another right-back -- a realistic option? Maybe the eye-watering cash mentioned here is so tempting that they're happy for the Dutch international to be thrown into the deal.

          17.53 BST: Here's more on Celtic closing in a pair of new signings, Dundee United striker Nadir Ciftci and Belgian goalkeeper Logan Bailly.

          17.28 BST: DONE DEAL Juventus have signed Italy striker Simone Zaza from Sassuolo for a fee of €18 million -- great business for the Bianconeri.

          17.15 BST: Roberto Firmino says he will have to adapt to a new style of play at Liverpool but is confident he will rise to the challenge.

          Find out how the Brazil international feels about the challenge awaiting him here.

          17.00 BST: Roma are holding talks with Manchester City to buy Edin Dzeko for €20 million (£14.1m), reports the Guardian.

          The paper states that the striker has been offered a five-year contract worth €4.5m a season. The fee and wages may be too tempting for both City and Dzeko to turn down, though it would put real pressure on Sergio Aguero to stay fit and Wilfried Bony to find his form next season.

          16.52 BST: Well now... the Guardian reports that Crystal Palace have reached a deal in principle with Paris Saint-Germain for Yohan Cabaye, with the France international expected to confirm next week whether he will return to the Premier League with the Eagles.

          What a coup that would be for Alan Pardew and the Selhurst Park club.

          16.45 BST: Togo international Floyd Ayite is being chased by a number of Premier League clubs, sources have told ESPN FC.

          Ayite, 26, has caught the eye in Ligue 1 over the past couple of seasons, and the winger's agent Mark McKay told ESPN FC that Bastia are braced for bids.

          Read what McKay had to say about the Premier League interest here.

          16.30 BST: While the 11-a-side club game takes a summer break, Ronaldinho has picked his ideal five-a-side team -- and you wouldn't bet against them.

          The Barcelona legend told Goal: "I would choose happy people with amazing dribbling skills: Denilson, Neymar, Lionel Messi and Ronaldo Nazario."

          Hard to argue, really -- although who plays in defence? And goal? That's one for those five to fight about on the pitch.

          But the real question is, who would you sign for your ideal five-a-side team?

          16.20 BST: Inter have been extremely active so far this summer, but it's not going all their way -- Colombian centre-back Jeison Murillo, who recently signed from Granada for a fee of €8 million, will need surgery to repair a broken nose.

          The 23-year-old will have surgery on Wednesday and after a few days' rest will return to training with a protective mask, the club said.

          16.10 BST: DONE DEAL Jamie O'Hara has joined Fulham on a one-year deal. The 28-year-old has found a permanent home after featuring for Blackpool on a short-term deal last season.

          16.05 BST: Is Porto a good career move for Iker Casillas? ESPN FC's Ross Dyer explores what a deal would means for all parties concerned.

          15.53 BST: Over to France now -- Lyon must be patient in attempting to sign Marseille's Nicolas N'Koulou, according to OL president Jean-Michel Aulas.

          "The player, who absolutely wants to play in the Champions League, has to express his wishes to his coach, Aulas said. "We'll have to take our time with this one and wait and see how Nicolas Nkoulou is going to act with OM."

          15.44 BST: While Sergio Ramos' future at Real Madrid is unclear, AS reports that Los Blancos have moved to secure Marcelo and Dani Carvajal to long-term contracts.

          The Spanish paper states that right-back Carvajal's contract will run until 2020, while left-back Barcelo is staying at the Bernabeu till 2021.

          15.37 BST: Another day, another path for Freddy Adu. Once touted as a potential superstar of the game, the 26-year-old U.S. attacker is leaving Finnish side Kups having only signed a one-year contract at the end of April this year. That's the 11th club of Adu's journeyed career.

          15.28 BST: Where do you put players who you can't technically sign? AS has picked up on Turkish media reports that Barcelona are to study the possibility of sending Arda Turan to Galatasaray on a six-month loan deal given that he can't play for the side until January due to a FIFA transfer sanction.

          Barca are understandably concerned that Arda will not be fit for first-team football in January if he gets no actual first-team football having signed from Atletico Madrid on Monday, and his hometown of Istanbul with Gala could be the perfect destination.

          15.16 BST: DONE DEAL Adil Rami has passed a medical to complete his permanent transfer to Sevilla from AC Milan.

          15.09 BST: Sticking with Manchester United now -- fans wondering just what they can expect from potential new signing Matteo Darmian are in luck.

          ESPN FC's Ross Dyer takes you through what the 25-year-old Torino full-back will bring to Old Trafford in the video below.

          15.00 BST: Morgan Schneiderlin returned to training with Southampton on Tuesday, dispelling suggestions he may stay away from the club as he looks to push through a transfer to Manchester United.

          14.53 BST: Arda Turan has bid farewell to Atletico Madrid after signing for Barcelona in an initial €34 million deal.

          "It's been four incredible years," Turan said on Atletico's official website. "I've experienced very special moments at Atletico and I will never forget my teammates, the fans and all the people at the club. I can only say thank you."

          The 28-year-old may be making more special memories at Atletico if Barcelona's incoming president decides the he doesn't fit the bill at the Camp Nou.

          14.44 BST: Fancy a game of hide-and-seek? David De Gea does, according to AS.

          The Manchester United goalkeeper is reportedly avoiding the press amid reports of a move to Real Madrid by using a "hidden entrance" to the United's Carrington training complex after returning from preseason.

          According to the Spanish paper, De Gea "has to drive two-and-a-half miles down a narrow, back-street road and then turn into a cul-de-sac which then becomes a dirt trail leading up to the door."

          One would think United would use every weapon in their arsenal to try and keep De Gea -- that includes locking the back gate.

          14.33 BST: What does the capture of Nani mean for Fenerbahce, and for Turkish football? ESPN FC's Andy Brassell suggests that "Turkey's big boys, and Fenerbahce in particular, are playing for high stakes" this summer.

          Read his full blog here.

          14.19 BST: Schalke midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng is unlikely to join Galatasaray or AC Milan, his agent has said.

          Boateng is searching for a new club after having been indefinitely suspended by Schalke, but agent Edoardo Crnjar told Bild: "I don't think he will play at Galatasaray Istanbul or AC Milan. I don't know what will happen."

          14.04 BST: Good news for Tottenham supporters -- the Daily Mail reports that Toby Alderweireld is undergoing a medical at White Hart Lane ahead of an £11.5 million move from Atletico Madrid, while talkSPORT suggests that the medical is in fact complete.

          Quite what that means for Southampton -- who have reportedly threatened legal action given that they believe Atletico missed a deadline to cancel a buyout clause agreement -- is another matter, but it's fine business for Spurs if they land the Belgian defender.

          13.54 BST: More on Matteo Darmian -- Sky Italia reports that Manchester United have agreed a £12.7 million (€18m) fee with Torino for the 25-year-old full-back.

          Sources told ESPN FC earlier today that United are interested in the Italy international, so Old Trafford fans may have cause to be excited about this one.

          13.40 BST: This may well be the most important signing Chelsea make this summer -- the London Evening Standard reports that Jose Mourinho has committed his future to the Premier League champions with a new four-year contract.

          The Portuguese coach has two years left on his current deal, and the extension is set to be announced before the start of the 2015-16 season.

          13.25 BST: With all the furore over Arda Turan's move to Barcelona, it seems that the Blaugrana are receiving a bit of a backlash on Twitter for misspelling the former Atletico Madrid midfielder's name for a quiz, of all things. Given that he could be on his way back to Atleti before July 20, there may not be much point in learning it anyway.

          13.10 BST: Reports that Manchester United and Bayern Munich were going to conduct a stupendous swap deal involving Angel Di Maria, Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller were obviously wide of the mark, but United may still be closing in on Muller.

          Sport1 reports that United are preparing a monster €82 million bid for the 25-year-old Germany international, and that there have already been talks between club representatives Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Ed Woodward. The outlet was right about Douglas Costa's transfer to Bayern early on, so this is one rumour to watch.

          13.04 BST: Italy international Andrea Pirlo said he can't wait to play in the Bronx for Major League Soccer side New York City FC.

          "The stadium is iconic and really gives you a shiver as you walk in," former Juventus midfielder Pirlo told the NYCFC website. "I can't wait to be on the pitch and play in this stadium. I have seen that this is a difficult league and the team is good."

          12.53 BST: Following on from earlier reports, sources in Italy have told ESPN FC that Manchester United are interested in signing Azzurri international right-back Matteo Darmian.

          United have turned their attention to 25-year-old Darmian after ruling out a move for Nathaniel Clyne, who had been a target but subsequently left Southampton for Liverpool, and after Dani Alves signed a new contract at Barcelona.

          12.42 BST: With Rodrigo Caio's various moves to Europe having fallen through, Doria will reportedly have to leave Sao Paulo and return to Marseille, who had loaned the centre-back, 20, to the Brazilian club in January.

          Though highly-rated, Doria was unable to convince Marseille coach Marcelo Bielsa he was worth a place in the OM side last season, and the Argentine boss admitted he had had no say in the youngster's arrival at the Stade Velodrome.

          12.36 BST: With Iker Casillas set to join Porto to make way for David De Gea, Keylor Navas is determined to stay at Real Madrid and fight whichever goalkeeper starts as No. 1 at the Bernabeu next season.

          The Costa Rica keeper told AS: "[De Gea] is a great keeper -- an excellent keeper. He's done really well at Manchester United and he is a goalkeeper who deserves respect -- as we all do."

          12.29 BST: DONE DEAL Liverpool midfielder Luis Alberto has joined Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna on a season's loan.

          The former Spain under-21 international completed the move after passing a medical, Deportivo confirmed.

          12.18 BST: Here's confirmation from Sevilla that Adil Rami has completed his medical ahead of a move from AC Milan.

          12.10 BST: Sampdoria coach Walter Zenga has dashed Antonio Cassano's dreams of ending his career with the Genovese club by confirming he does not want the forward.

          "Let's not continue with all of these illogical reports, Antonio knows what I think," Zenga said of the 32-year-old free agent. "For his and my own good, let's just bring an end to it, out of respect for everybody."

          12.00 BST: Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta led the criticism after the club's managing committee agreed a deal to sign Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid before the election takes place.

          "It's something improper," Laporta told El Mundo Deportivo. "If he thought they had to sign Arda, he should have done it before resigning."

          Another presidential hopeful, Agusti Benedito, will -- should he be elected -- exercise the clause included in Turan's transfer that allows the incoming president to reverse the operation, adding: "We don't agree with Arda's signing and would rather have another player with a different profile."

          11.54 BST: More Spanish transfer news -- AS reports that Jose Callejon is a target for Atletico Madrid, with his agent travelling to Italy to negotiate the deal with his current club Napoli.

          AS states that Napoli are looking for a €20-25 million fee for the 28-year-old Real Madrid youth graduate, but Atletico want to pay just €15m.

          Callejon will be more defensive reinforcement for Diego Simeone as the Rojiblancos prepare to let Toby Alderweireld depart for Tottenham.

          11.47 BST: AC Milan have announced that Adil Rami has joined Sevilla. The Spanish club have also confirmed that the 29-year-old French defender has met his new teammates after passing a medical, and will be officially unveiled at lunchtime.

          11.39 BST: The transfer window was made for rumours like these -- Spanish paper Sport reports that Real Madrid are interested in Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

          The paper reports that Real president Florentino Perez would be willing to offer the mercuial Swede a three-year deal with a salary of €12 million per season. However, Los Blancos will not pay a transfer fee of more than €6m for the PSG star.

          11.32 BST: Kevin Trapp has reportedly arrived in Paris ahead of a medical with French champions PSG. The Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper looks pretty happy...

          11.26 BST: More on that deal for Southampton for Cuco Martina -- the 25-year-old was born in Rotterdam and previously played for Erwin Koeman, Saints' current assistant manager, during a two-year spell at RKC Waalwijk.

          He told the club's website: "I know Ronald Koeman and Erwin Koeman -- I worked with Erwin for one year and everything was good. He knows my qualities and I know what he wants."

          Could that deal finally spell the end of the Saints' chase for Toby Alderweireld?

          11.18 BST: DONE DEAL Southampton have signed "versatile" defender Cuco Martina from FC Twente on a two-year deal.

          11.12 BST: Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Torino full-back Matteo Darmian, reports the Manchester Evening News.

          The 25-year-old is hot property this summer with Torino president Urbano Cairo confirming the club have already received three formal offers for the defender, but the MEN suggests that the Red Devils "are now close to pushing through a deal" for the £10 million-rated Italy international.

          11.07 BST: Liverpool are facing the prospect of a tribunal in order to settle a dispute with Burnley over the fee for striker Danny Ings.

          Ings, 22, agreed a move to Anfield on June 8 with his Burnley contract expiring on June 30, but sources have told ESPN FC the details of the transfer have still not been agreed by the two clubs.

          Burnley are still entitled to compensation for him because he is under 24, and want closer to £10 million than the £6m Liverpool have offered.

          11.00 BST: Chelsea starlet Isaiah Brown is set for a loan move to Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem, sources have told ESPN FC.

          Jose Mourinho feels the 18-year-old would be best served to go out on loan next season to play regularly and gain valuable first-team experience.

          10.50 BST: Who is the most valuable young player in Europe?

          Raheem Sterling, of course! That's according to a Soccerex study compiled by former Barcelona Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Esteve Calzada, who says that the Liverpool winger is worth £35 million.

          That's £15m less than Liverpool want for the 20-year-old, but Manchester City have next to no chance of landing the winger for Calzada's valuation.

          10.41 BST: An update from France now -- Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas will reportedly sit down with goalkeeper Anthony Lopes to discuss his future when he returns from holiday this week.

          The 24-year-old, who has been linked to Valencia and Benfica, has a year left on his Lyon contract, and recently turned down an extension worth €150,000-a-month -- Lopes reportedly wants €200,000.

          10.30 BST: The Mohamed Salah tale continues... Sky Sport Italy reports that the Egypt international's agent has confirmed the winger will return to Chelsea for preseason training on Thursday while his future is sorted out.

          10.19 BST: Watford received a £10 millon offer for Odion Ighalo last week from Chinese first division side Hebei China Fortune, the Nigeria striker's agent confirmed to ESPN FC.

          "Odion is flattered by the [very lucrative] offer from China, but he wants to stay in England and play in the Premier League," he said.

          10.07 BST: Arda Turan's transfer to Barcelona may delight Camp Nou fans, but ESPN FC's Francesc Tomas writes that the strange deal highlights the institutional dysfunction at the Blaugrana despite their Treble-winning season.

          Here's a teaser from Tomas: "It must certainly be a first in world football: Barcelona, who do not have a president at this moment in time, have signed a player who their manager may or may not have requested, and will not be able to field said player for another six months. Let that sink in for a moment."

          Read the full feature here.

          09.57 BST: Here's our full story on Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas being "enthusiastic" about a potential move to Portuguese giants Porto this summer after his agent confirmed the offer.

          09.46 BST: Care for a tasty transfer morsel to fuel the rumours today? Bayern Munich talisman Arjen Robben has told French magazine So Foot: "[Louis] van Gaal is the perfect coach for me."

          He also says that "Pep Guardiola is obsessed with football," though whether that is a good or bad thing is left open to debate. Is a move to Manchester United on the cards? Does Van Gaal need another injury-prone star? Plenty of questions raised with this one...

          09.36 BST: Nani's first role at Fenerbahce seems to be as a recruiter, with the Portugal international telling former Manchester United teammate Robin van Persie that he would be making the "right decision" if he left Old Trafford for the Turkish club.

          The winger said at his unveiling: "I haven't had the chance to talk with Robin van Persie yet. But if he comes to Fenerbahce, I am sure that he will be very successful. I know Robin very well and it would be right decision if Fenerbahce sign him."

          09.15 BST: Paul Pogba will not be joining Barcelona this summer, according to current club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

          "We will not buy Pogba this year," Goal reports him as telling reporters. "We are not planning with him for next season. He is not part of our sporting plans for 2015-16 at this stage."

          Barca had an €80 million offer for the midfielder turned down by Juventus last week, and could well stay with the Bianconeri at this rate unless the likes of Manchester City come in with a bigger offer.

          08.56 BST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been linked with a return to AC Milan for a little while and, although it seemed he'd agreed to stay, there are still rumours he could leave PSG.

          08.19 BST: Celtic have agreed a fee with Dundee United for Nadir Ciftci.

          08.09 BST: Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has already lined up Feyenoord's Jordy Clasie as a potential replacement for Morgan Schneiderlin but told Manchester United the France international will only leave at the right price. Story here.

          08.03 BST: Sport 360 reports that Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah -- who has refused to extend his loan spell at Fiorentina -- wants to join Roma.

          07.21 BST: Casillas' exit is obviously linked with Real Madrid's desire to bring in a new keeper -- namely David De Gea -- but AS reports that Manchester United still haven't worked out who they want to replace the Spaniard. Asmir Begovic looks set for Chelsea, Atletico won't sell Jan Oblak for less than his €45 million buyout clause, and Hugo Lloris is apparently staying at Spurs another year. All of which could mean United end up holding onto De Gea for the final year of his contract.

          07.16 BST: Iker Casillas' agent has confirmed to Marca that Real Madrid have received an offer from FC Porto for the Spain goalkeeper. Carlos Cutropia said: "An offer from FC Porto exists and Casillas is enthusiastic with that possibility. Now we have to wait to see what Real Madrid say." Cutropia added in Portuguese newspaper Record: "Real Madrid has the offer and knows what Casillas' wish is. At this point we are trying to find a point of understanding."

          Sterling payday edging closer?

          Liverpool, of course, are not just spending this money willy-nilly. Much of the funds that the Fenway Sports Group have shelled out on Firmino, and expect to spend on Benteke, will be recouped from the sale of Transfer Talk darling Raheem Sterling.

          The want-away England international -- who just yesterday was named the most valuable young player in Europe according to a Soccerex study -- has returned to preseason training at Anfield, but no one anywhere really expects him to still be there once the transfer window slams shut on Sept. 1.

          The Star says that Manchester City are finally making headway with their £50 million bid for Sterling and that a deal could be struck before the end of next week. Both clubs are heading Down Under for preseason tours and it seems like most would prefer that Sterling be wearing sky blue once he sets foot on Australian soil.

          Manchester's other issues

          The will-he-won't-he David De Gea saga has been rolling on steadily in recent weeks, and Robin van Persie has been grabbing a headline here and there, but what of Manchester United's other squad members who are seemingly on the way out?

          Sky Sports says that Rafael da Silva (remember him?) has been officially put up for sale by Louis van Gaal and that several clubs in Serie A are keen on the right-back.

          Napoli and Fiorentina have reportedly thrown their hats into the ring to land the 24-year-old; yes that's the same Napoli who currently own Gonzalo Higuain -- a man Van Gaal has been tracking for months.

          Could a player-plus-cash deal be in the offing? If the De Gea-Sergio Ramos shenanigans are anything to go by, let's hope not!

          Hello McCarthy, goodbye Lennon

          Headline writers across the universe will be disappointed to hear that Aaron Lennon and James McCarthy won't come together for another gig in Liverpool.

          Tottenham, according to the Mirror, are ready to offer Everton £20 million for McCarthy and -- to help things -- are willing to allow Lennon to get back to Goodison Park as part of the deal. One could say Mauricio Pochettino would be fixing a hole in Spurs' midfield, right?

          Transfer Talk doesn't want to spoil the party, but what if something stops Lennon wanting to take the long and winding road north? Well, Spurs will just have to carry that weight for a long time.

          Tap-ins

          - The chase for Stewart Downing is hotting up! Both Sunderland and Middlesbrough are trying to get deals done for the 30-year-old Hammer by the end of the week, according to the Mail.

          - Football Espana says Sevilla will make a bid for Chile right-back Mauricio Isla, after the Juventus-owned 27-year-old impressed at the Copa America.

          - Inter Milan's spending spree looks set to continue, with Gianluca Di Marzio reporting that the Nerazzurri will bring in either Mohamed Salah, Stevan Jovetic or Ivan Perisic as their next purchase.

          - If Chelsea land Stoke City's Asmir Begovic, the Mail says Mark Hughes will try to bring former Wigan Athletic keeper Ali Al-Habsi in as backup for Jack Butland.

          DONE DEAL

          Most players in Europe have now made their way back to their clubs for the start of preseason training, meaning that the rumour mill has cranked up a gear as teams plan their campaigns in earnest. As always, Transfer Talk has its finger on the pulse when it comes to all the latest rumours and gossip.

          TOP STORY: Benteke wants out

          Liverpool's summer recruitment drive has been impressive -- the club have made six senior signings so far, including Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim for £29 million -- and the Guardian says that the Reds could be on the verge of landing their biggest fish yet.

          Brendan Rodgers' longtime target Christian Benteke has reportedly had enough of Aston Villa's annual relegation scrap and is ready to have a chat with Villans boss Tim Sherwood in an attempt to force through a move to Anfield.

          The sticking point seems to be around Villa's valuation of the striker who joined from Belgian side Genk for £7 million in 2012. Liverpool think that a figure somewhere in the region of £20 to 25 million is reasonable, whereas Sherwood refuses to entertain any bids that fall below Benteke's £32.5 million exit clause -- a price that Aston Villa are legally obliged to accept.

          Sherwood and his squad are due to jet off to Portugal on Thursday for a preseason tour, meaning that any showdown talks that Benteke is planning will need to take place in the next 48 hours. Watch this space!

          LIVE BLOG:

          15.16 BST: Adil Rami has passed a medical to complete his permanent transfer to Sevilla from AC Milan.

          15.09 BST: Sticking with Manchester United now -- fans wondering just what they can expect from potential new signing Matteo Darmian are in luck.

          ESPN FC's Ross Dyer takes you through what the 25-year-old Torino full-back will bring to Old Trafford in the video below.

          15.00 BST: Morgan Schneiderlin returned to training with Southampton on Tuesday, dispelling suggestions he may stay away from the club as he looks to push through a transfer to Manchester United.

          14.53 BST: Arda Turan has bid farewell to Atletico Madrid after signing for Barcelona in an initial €34 million deal.

          "It's been four incredible years," Turan said on Atletico's official website. "I've experienced very special moments at Atletico and I will never forget my teammates, the fans and all the people at the club. I can only say thank you."

          The 28-year-old may be making more special memories at Atletico if Barcelona's incoming president decides the he doesn't fit the bill at the Camp Nou.

          14.44 BST: Fancy a game of hide-and-seek? David De Gea does, according to AS.

          The Manchester United goalkeeper is reportedly avoiding the press amid reports of a move to Real Madrid by using a "hidden entrance" to the United's Carrington training complex after returning from preseason.

          According to the Spanish paper, De Gea "has to drive two-and-a-half miles down a narrow, back-street road and then turn into a cul-de-sac which then becomes a dirt trail leading up to the door."

          One would think United would use every weapon in their arsenal to try and keep De Gea -- that includes locking the back gate.

          14.33 BST: What does the capture of Nani mean for Fenerbahce, and for Turkish football? ESPN FC's Andy Brassell suggests that "Turkey's big boys, and Fenerbahce in particular, are playing for high stakes" this summer.

          Read his full blog here.

          14.19 BST: Schalke midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng is unlikely to join Galatasaray or AC Milan, his agent has said.

          Boateng is searching for a new club after having been indefinitely suspended by Schalke, but agent Edoardo Crnjar told Bild: "I don't think he will play at Galatasaray Istanbul or AC Milan. I don't know what will happen."

          14.04 BST: Good news for Tottenham supporters -- the Daily Mail reports that Toby Alderweireld is undergoing a medical at White Hart Lane ahead of an £11.5 million move from Atletico Madrid, while talkSPORT suggests that the medical is in fact complete.

          Quite what that means for Southampton -- who have reportedly threatened legal action given that they believe Atletico missed a deadline to cancel a buyout clause agreement -- is another matter, but it's fine business for Spurs if they land the Belgian defender.

          13.54 BST: More on Matteo Darmian -- Sky Italia reports that Manchester United have agreed a £12.7 million (€18m) fee with Torino for the 25-year-old full-back.

          Sources told ESPN FC earlier today that United are interested in the Italy international, so Old Trafford fans may have cause to be excited about this one.

          13.40 BST: This may well be the most important signing Chelsea make this summer -- the London Evening Standard reports that Jose Mourinho has committed his future to the Premier League champions with a new four-year contract.

          The Portuguese coach has two years left on his current deal, and the extension is set to be announced before the start of the 2015-16 season.

          13.25 BST: With all the furore over Arda Turan's move to Barcelona, it seems that the Blaugrana are receiving a bit of a backlash on Twitter for misspelling the former Atletico Madrid midfielder's name for a quiz, of all things. Given that he could be on his way back to Atleti before July 20, there may not be much point in learning it anyway.

          13.10 BST: Reports that Manchester United and Bayern Munich were going to conduct a stupendous swap deal involving Angel Di Maria, Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller were obviously wide of the mark, but United may still be closing in on Muller.

          Sport1 reports that United are preparing a monster €82 million bid for the 25-year-old Germany international, and that there have already been talks between club representatives Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Ed Woodward. The outlet was right about Douglas Costa's transfer to Bayern early on, so this is one rumour to watch.

          13.04 BST: Italy international Andrea Pirlo said he can't wait to play in the Bronx for Major League Soccer side New York City FC.

          "The stadium is iconic and really gives you a shiver as you walk in," former Juventus midfielder Pirlo told the NYCFC website. "I can't wait to be on the pitch and play in this stadium. I have seen that this is a difficult league and the team is good."

          12.53 BST: Following on from earlier reports, sources in Italy have told ESPN FC that Manchester United are interested in signing Azzurri international right-back Matteo Darmian.

          United have turned their attention to 25-year-old Darmian after ruling out a move for Nathaniel Clyne, who had been a target but subsequently left Southampton for Liverpool, and after Dani Alves signed a new contract at Barcelona.

          12.42 BST: With Rodrigo Caio's various moves to Europe having fallen through, Doria will reportedly have to leave Sao Paulo and return to Marseille, who had loaned the centre-back, 20, to the Brazilian club in January.

          Though highly-rated, Doria was unable to convince Marseille coach Marcelo Bielsa he was worth a place in the OM side last season, and the Argentine boss admitted he had had no say in the youngster's arrival at the Stade Velodrome.

          12.36 BST: With Iker Casillas set to join Porto to make way for David De Gea, Keylor Navas is determined to stay at Real Madrid and fight whichever goalkeeper starts as No. 1 at the Bernabeu next season.

          The Costa Rica keeper told AS: "[De Gea] is a great keeper -- an excellent keeper. He's done really well at Manchester United and he is a goalkeeper who deserves respect -- as we all do."

          12.29 BST: DONE DEAL Liverpool midfielder Luis Alberto has joined Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna on a season's loan.

          The former Spain under-21 international completed the move after passing a medical, Deportivo confirmed.

          12.18 BST: Here's confirmation from Sevilla that Adil Rami has completed his medical ahead of a move from AC Milan.

          12.10 BST: Sampdoria coach Walter Zenga has dashed Antonio Cassano's dreams of ending his career with the Genovese club by confirming he does not want the forward.

          "Let's not continue with all of these illogical reports, Antonio knows what I think," Zenga said of the 32-year-old free agent. "For his and my own good, let's just bring an end to it, out of respect for everybody."

          12.00 BST: Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta led the criticism after the club's managing committee agreed a deal to sign Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid before the election takes place.

          "It's something improper," Laporta told El Mundo Deportivo. "If he thought they had to sign Arda, he should have done it before resigning."

          Another presidential hopeful, Agusti Benedito, will -- should he be elected -- exercise the clause included in Turan's transfer that allows the incoming president to reverse the operation, adding: "We don't agree with Arda's signing and would rather have another player with a different profile."

          11.54 BST: More Spanish transfer news -- AS reports that Jose Callejon is a target for Atletico Madrid, with his agent travelling to Italy to negotiate the deal with his current club Napoli.

          AS states that Napoli are looking for a €20-25 million fee for the 28-year-old Real Madrid youth graduate, but Atletico want to pay just €15m.

          Callejon will be more defensive reinforcement for Diego Simeone as the Rojiblancos prepare to let Toby Alderweireld depart for Tottenham.

          11.47 BST: AC Milan have announced that Adil Rami has joined Sevilla. The Spanish club have also confirmed that the 29-year-old French defender has met his new teammates after passing a medical, and will be officially unveiled at lunchtime.

          11.39 BST: The transfer window was made for rumours like these -- Spanish paper Sport reports that Real Madrid are interested in Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

          The paper reports that Real president Florentino Perez would be willing to offer the mercuial Swede a three-year deal with a salary of €12 million per season. However, Los Blancos will not pay a transfer fee of more than €6m for the PSG star.

          11.32 BST: Kevin Trapp has reportedly arrived in Paris ahead of a medical with French champions PSG. The Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper looks pretty happy...

          11.26 BST: More on that deal for Southampton for Cuco Martina -- the 25-year-old was born in Rotterdam and previously played for Erwin Koeman, Saints' current assistant manager, during a two-year spell at RKC Waalwijk.

          He told the club's website: "I know Ronald Koeman and Erwin Koeman -- I worked with Erwin for one year and everything was good. He knows my qualities and I know what he wants."

          Could that deal finally spell the end of the Saints' chase for Toby Alderweireld?

          11.18 BST: DONE DEAL Southampton have signed "versatile" defender Cuco Martina from FC Twente on a two-year deal.

          11.12 BST: Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Torino full-back Matteo Darmian, reports the Manchester Evening News.

          The 25-year-old is hot property this summer with Torino president Urbano Cairo confirming the club have already received three formal offers for the defender, but the MEN suggests that the Red Devils "are now close to pushing through a deal" for the £10 million-rated Italy international.

          11.07 BST: Liverpool are facing the prospect of a tribunal in order to settle a dispute with Burnley over the fee for striker Danny Ings.

          Ings, 22, agreed a move to Anfield on June 8 with his Burnley contract expiring on June 30, but sources have told ESPN FC the details of the transfer have still not been agreed by the two clubs.

          Burnley are still entitled to compensation for him because he is under 24, and want closer to £10 million than the £6m Liverpool have offered.

          11.00 BST: Chelsea starlet Isaiah Brown is set for a loan move to Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem, sources have told ESPN FC.

          Jose Mourinho feels the 18-year-old would be best served to go out on loan next season to play regularly and gain valuable first-team experience.

          10.50 BST: Who is the most valuable young player in Europe?

          Raheem Sterling, of course! That's according to a Soccerex study compiled by former Barcelona Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Esteve Calzada, who says that the Liverpool winger is worth £35 million.

          That's £15m less than Liverpool want for the 20-year-old, but Manchester City have next to no chance of landing the winger for Calzada's valuation.

          10.41 BST: An update from France now -- Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas will reportedly sit down with goalkeeper Anthony Lopes to discuss his future when he returns from holiday this week.

          The 24-year-old, who has been linked to Valencia and Benfica, has a year left on his Lyon contract, and recently turned down an extension worth €150,000-a-month -- Lopes reportedly wants €200,000.

          10.30 BST: The Mohamed Salah tale continues... Sky Sport Italy reports that the Egypt international's agent has confirmed the winger will return to Chelsea for preseason training on Thursday while his future is sorted out.

          10.19 BST: Watford received a £10 millon offer for Odion Ighalo last week from Chinese first division side Hebei China Fortune, the Nigeria striker's agent confirmed to ESPN FC.

          "Odion is flattered by the [very lucrative] offer from China, but he wants to stay in England and play in the Premier League," he said.

          10.07 BST: Arda Turan's transfer to Barcelona may delight Camp Nou fans, but ESPN FC's Francesc Tomas writes that the strange deal highlights the institutional dysfunction at the Blaugrana despite their Treble-winning season.

          Here's a teaser from Tomas: "It must certainly be a first in world football: Barcelona, who do not have a president at this moment in time, have signed a player who their manager may or may not have requested, and will not be able to field said player for another six months. Let that sink in for a moment."

          Read the full feature here.

          09.57 BST: Here's our full story on Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas being "enthusiastic" about a potential move to Portuguese giants Porto this summer after his agent confirmed the offer.

          09.46 BST: Care for a tasty transfer morsel to fuel the rumours today? Bayern Munich talisman Arjen Robben has told French magazine So Foot: "[Louis] van Gaal is the perfect coach for me."

          He also says that "Pep Guardiola is obsessed with football," though whether that is a good or bad thing is left open to debate. Is a move to Manchester United on the cards? Does Van Gaal need another injury-prone star? Plenty of questions raised with this one...

          09.36 BST: Nani's first role at Fenerbahce seems to be as a recruiter, with the Portugal international telling former Manchester United teammate Robin van Persie that he would be making the "right decision" if he left Old Trafford for the Turkish club.

          The winger said at his unveiling: "I haven't had the chance to talk with Robin van Persie yet. But if he comes to Fenerbahce, I am sure that he will be very successful. I know Robin very well and it would be right decision if Fenerbahce sign him."

          09.15 BST: Paul Pogba will not be joining Barcelona this summer, according to current club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

          "We will not buy Pogba this year," Goal reports him as telling reporters. "We are not planning with him for next season. He is not part of our sporting plans for 2015-16 at this stage."

          Barca had an €80 million offer for the midfielder turned down by Juventus last week, and could well stay with the Bianconeri at this rate unless the likes of Manchester City come in with a bigger offer.

          08.56 BST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been linked with a return to AC Milan for a little while and, although it seemed he'd agreed to stay, there are still rumours he could leave PSG.

          08.19 BST: Celtic have agreed a fee with Dundee United for Nadir Ciftci.

          08.09 BST: Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has already lined up Feyenoord's Jordy Clasie as a potential replacement for Morgan Schneiderlin but told Manchester United the France international will only leave at the right price. Story here.

          08.03 BST: Sport 360 reports that Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah -- who has refused to extend his loan spell at Fiorentina -- wants to join Roma.

          07.21 BST: Casillas' exit is obviously linked with Real Madrid's desire to bring in a new keeper -- namely David De Gea -- but AS reports that Manchester United still haven't worked out who they want to replace the Spaniard. Asmir Begovic looks set for Chelsea, Atletico won't sell Jan Oblak for less than his €45 million buyout clause, and Hugo Lloris is apparently staying at Spurs another year. All of which could mean United end up holding onto De Gea for the final year of his contract.

          07.16 BST: Iker Casillas' agent has confirmed to Marca that Real Madrid have received an offer from FC Porto for the Spain goalkeeper. Carlos Cutropia said: "An offer from FC Porto exists and Casillas is enthusiastic with that possibility. Now we have to wait to see what Real Madrid say." Cutropia added in Portuguese newspaper Record: "Real Madrid has the offer and knows what Casillas' wish is. At this point we are trying to find a point of understanding."

          Sterling payday edging closer?

          Liverpool, of course, are not just spending this money willy-nilly. Much of the funds that the Fenway Sports Group have shelled out on Firmino, and expect to spend on Benteke, will be recouped from the sale of Transfer Talk darling Raheem Sterling.

          The want-away England international -- who just yesterday was named the most valuable young player in Europe according to a Soccerex study -- has returned to preseason training at Anfield, but no one anywhere really expects him to still be there once the transfer window slams shut on Sept. 1.

          The Star says that Manchester City are finally making headway with their £50 million bid for Sterling and that a deal could be struck before the end of next week. Both clubs are heading Down Under for preseason tours and it seems like most would prefer that Sterling be wearing sky blue once he sets foot on Australian soil.

          Manchester's other issues

          The will-he-won't-he David De Gea saga has been rolling on steadily in recent weeks, and Robin van Persie has been grabbing a headline here and there, but what of Manchester United's other squad members who are seemingly on the way out?

          Sky Sports says that Rafael da Silva (remember him?) has been officially put up for sale by Louis van Gaal and that several clubs in Serie A are keen on the right-back.

          Napoli and Fiorentina have reportedly thrown their hats into the ring to land the 24-year-old; yes that's the same Napoli who currently own Gonzalo Higuain -- a man Van Gaal has been tracking for months.

          Could a player-plus-cash deal be in the offing? If the De Gea-Sergio Ramos shenanigans are anything to go by, let's hope not!

          Hello McCarthy, goodbye Lennon

          Headline writers across the universe will be disappointed to hear that Aaron Lennon and James McCarthy won't come together for another gig in Liverpool.

          Tottenham, according to the Mirror, are ready to offer Everton £20 million for McCarthy and -- to help things -- are willing to allow Lennon to get back to Goodison Park as part of the deal. One could say Mauricio Pochettino would be fixing a hole in Spurs' midfield, right?

          Transfer Talk doesn't want to spoil the party, but what if something stops Lennon wanting to take the long and winding road north? Well, Spurs will just have to carry that weight for a long time.

          Tap-ins

          - The chase for Stewart Downing is hotting up! Both Sunderland and Middlesbrough are trying to get deals done for the 30-year-old Hammer by the end of the week, according to the Mail.

          - Football Espana says Sevilla will make a bid for Chile right-back Mauricio Isla, after the Juventus-owned 27-year-old impressed at the Copa America.

          - Inter Milan's spending spree looks set to continue, with Gianluca Di Marzio reporting that the Nerazzurri will bring in either Mohamed Salah, Stevan Jovetic or Ivan Perisic as their next purchase.

          - If Chelsea land Stoke City's Asmir Begovic, the Mail says Mark Hughes will try to bring former Wigan Athletic keeper Ali Al-Habsi in as backup for Jack Butland.