Follow Wednesday’s transfer news and rumours live, as Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona remain the talk of the rumour mill, with the Fifa international window opening yesterday.
Real Madrid finally confirmed the signing of Eden Hazard in a deal which could rise to £150m while Daniel James’ long-anticipated move from Swansea to Manchester United was confirmed for £18m.
Speculation over the future of Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt continues to rumble with PSG moving ahead in the race for the 19-year-old while Romelu Lukaku looks to force a move to Serie A after becoming disenchanted with life at United. Follow all of the latest news below:
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Ferdinand interest in United director role
Rio Ferdinand has admitted he is keen in becoming United technical director but says the role is yet to be totally defined by the club.
“It all depends on the shape of the job,” Ferdinand said. “I don’t think it’s all been outlined at Man United in terms of ‘that’s the job and this is the description’. I think there’s a lot to talk about within that.
“To be fair to Man United, in that kind of role, the responsibility that comes with that, you can’t lie and say that that’s not a turn-on.
“Because you are helping to shape the fortunes of a club of that stature. That’s a huge job.”
Hudson-Odoi ready to sign new deal if guaranteed playing time
Callum Hudson-Odoi is set to sign a new long-term contract at Chelsea, as long as the club assure him of Premier League playing time.
The teenage starlet missed the end of the season with a ruptured Achilles but is raring to fill the void left by Eden Hazard as heir to the Belgian’s No 10 shirt.
The faffing over Maurizio Sarri’s move to Juventus is said to be holding up the formal negotiations.
West Ham close in on Fornals
West Ham are nearing a deal for Villareal playmaker Pablo Forrnals for a fee in the region of £22m.
Manuel Pellegrini is pursuing a creative midfielder who can play in front of Declan Rice and has identified the 23-year-old Spaniard as a top target.
United consider breaking defensive record
As Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to attempt to overhaul his frail defence, Harry Maguire has re-emerged as one of the club’s preferred candidates, with Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly ruled out due to the exorbitant fee he would command.
United consider Oblak to replace De Gea
Manchester United are considering selling David de Gea and signing Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak.
De Gea has one year remaining on his United contract and some figures at United are keen to cash in on the player and avoid a transfer saga next season.
Milan keen on Arsenal’s Torreira
AC Milan are interested in bringing Uruguayan Lucas Torreira back to Italy after just one season with Arsenal.
Torreira made a strong start to his Arsenal career but was frequently rotated with 19-year-old Matteo Guendouzi throughout the campaign.
Woodgate set for Boro helm
Jonathan Woodgate is set to be announced as new Middlesbrough manager today.
The 39-year-old has long been a preferred candidate to replace Tony Pulis and The Sun report that the boyhood Boro fan may attempt to prise Robbie Keane from the Ireland set-up to serve as his assistant manager.
Wan Bissaka warned over Manchester United move
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been warned against moving to Manchester United too early in his career after the experiences of teammate Wilfried Zaha.
Bissaka is one of United’s top candidates this summer and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have already rejected a £40m offer for the full-back, with Palace chairman Steve Parish demanding at least £60m.
Bilic close to West Brom role
Slaven Bilic is close to taking the hot seat at West Brom, taking over from controversially sacked Darren Moore and interim caretaker manager Jimmy Shan, according to Sky Sports.
De Ligt in ‘advanced talks’
Matthijs de Ligt is in advanced talks with PSG, according to reports in Italy.
Manchester United and Barcelona have both hotly pursued the 19-year-old Ajax captain, however, PSG are now frontrunners with the player’s agent, Mino Raiola, holding transfer talks today.
Guardiola considering another break
Pep Guardiola could consider a break from management after next season, according to the Daily Star.
The Manchester City boss is contracted at the Etihad until 2021 and rebuffed an approach from Juventus this summer.
However, if City were to clinch a long-coveted Champions League trophy this season, the Spaniard may be convinced to take another sabbatical.
Lukaku exit looms
Romelu Lukaku gave a huge hint that he’ll be making his Manchester United exit this summer. Inter Milan and Juventus are both keen on the striker who will meet his agent in the coming days to discuss his future.
Welcome to The Independent‘s live coverage of all Wednesday’s latest transfer news, rumours, gossip and done deals. We’ll cover every breaking story throughout the day, starting with Romelu Lukaku hinting at his impending exit from Manchester United while on international duty with Belgium yesterday.
Arsenal have taken an interest in Belgian winger Yannick Carrasco with a move for Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser seeming to stall, while Liverpool are considering a £59m bid for Lille forward Nicolas Pepe.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Watford had a bid rejected for Rennes winger Ismaila Sarr while Crystal Palace are determined to keep hold of coveted young full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
