Transfer news LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent meets with PSG – Liverpool, Spurs, Man City, Leeds, Villa, Everton updates – The Sun
CRISTIANO RONALDO'S agent is reportedly holding a meeting with PSG as speculation ramps up in the French media.
And Inter Milan are said to be looking into an astonishing transfer for Lionel Messi.
Follow all the latest gossip and updates with our live blog below…
WILLIAN CONTINUED
Willian added: “There was also criticism, which is normal, what is important though is that both the affection and criticism drove me to always give my all in every training session, every game, to be constantly improving until my very last minute in a Chelsea shirt!
“The time has now come to move on. I am certainly going to miss my teammates.
“I will miss all the staff at the club who’ve always treated me like a son and I will miss the fans.
“I leave with my head held high, safe in the knowledge that I won things here and always did my best in a Chelsea shirt!
“My heartfelt thanks go out to all of you and God bless you!”
WILL I NEVER
Willian has confirmed he departure from Chelsea in an emotional open letter.
The Brazilian, 32, spent seven seasons at Stamford Bridge but was unable to agree a contract extension.
In a statement he posted on social media, he said: “They were seven wonderful years. In August 2013 when I received the offer from Chelsea, I was convinced that this was where I had to play.
“Today I am certain that it was the best of decisions. There were so many happy times, some sad, there were trophies and it was always very intense.
“Yet, beyond the trophies, I learnt a lot about myself. I developed a great deal, becoming a better player and a better person.
“With each training session, with each game, with every minute spent in the dressing room, I was always learning.
“I am really grateful to the Chelsea fans for the affectionate way they welcomed me at Stamford Bridge and their support throughout my time at the club.”
WIZARD OF OZ
Arsenal will reportedly make a push to reach an agreement with Mesut Ozil to pay the German off this summer.
Ozil has just a year left at the Emirates, and with the £350,000-a-week player not in Mikel Arteta's plans, the Mirror have stated that the Gunners are ready to make the player an offer.
They claim they are looking to pay him off, while they are also willing to subsidise his wages if he moves to another club.
Arsenal need to free up money in order to bring in their targets.
MAD MOVE?
Arsenal will sell Alexandre Lacazette to Atletico Madrid for £30million if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs a new contract, according to reports.
The Gunners have faced a battle to keep hold of both strikers but could be about to lose their No9.
And according to the Star, Lacazette is on course to join Diego Simeone's side, but the deal hinges on Aubameyang's future.
The Arsenal captain, 31, is out of contract next year but is in negotiations over signing an extension.
His new proposed deal is set to be for three years, pocketing him £250,000 per week.
But as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad, Lacazette could be sold to raise vital funds.
LIL ANGEL
Lille have wrapped up the signing of Manchester United reject Angel Gomes.
The England teenager has been sent out on loan to Portuguese side Boavista.
Gomes quit Old Trafford after 14 years at the club, but he made just six Premier League appearances during that time.
The 19-year-old left Old Trafford last month after talks over a new contract broke down.
Lille moved quickly after selling Victor Omishen to Napoli for £60million.
But they want him to get game time in Portugal before becoming part of their first-team plans.
CRIS TO PARIS?
Cristiano Ronaldo's agent is set to meet with Paris Saint-Germain over a potential stunning transfer, according to sensational reports in France.
Despite the impact of coronavirus, the French giants are thought to be desperate to strengthen across the pitch.
That has reportedly led to plenty of conversations between agent Jorge Mendes and PSG sporting director Leonardo.
Mendes – who also represents PSG-target James Rodriguez – would of course be keen to make a deal happen.
And Le10 Sport believe the pair are in talks to discuss a mammoth transfer of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner from Juventus.
The report adds that they will take advantage of the Champions League festival in Lisbon to meet up with Ronaldo on the agenda.
WHITE HEAT
Chelsea want to gazump Liverpool over their hunt for Brighton defender Ben White – and ditch Antonio Rudiger in the process.
Leeds United have already had two bids turned down for the player who was a success on loan at Elland Road last term.
Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa had converted him into a defensive midfielder but he is comfortable there or at centre-back.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp wanted the 22-year-old as back-up to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip after losing Dejan Lovren this summer.
But Blues boss Frank Lampard is desperate for defensive reinforcements and will go higher than the £20million Anfield bean-counters will pay in an auction.
NIC HIM FOR CHEAP
Man City are ready to slash the asking price for Nicolas Otamendi after the £41million signing of defender Nathan Ake.
Napoli had been quoted around £15m for Otamendi, 32, who has two years left on his contract.
But the arrival of 25-year-old Holland international Ake from Bournemouth means City boss Pep Guardiola is now covered for left-sided central defenders.
Etihad sources say they could sell for around £8m.
Valencia are also interested in the Argentine, who they sold to City for £31.7m five years ago.
The Spanish club can also afford his £100,000-a-week wages.
BYE BLUES
Pedro has confirmed his departure from Chelsea in an emotional Instagram farewell.
The winger, 33, spent five years at Stamford Bridge playing 206 times and winning three major honours.
With his contract expiring upon the completion of the Blues' season last night at the hands of Bayern Munich, he will now join Roma on a free transfer.
Pedro wrote: “After five wonderful years my stage at Chelsea FC comes to an end.
“Thanks a lot to the club’s board, to the coaches and teammates I’ve had, and of course to the fans: thank you for the experience of being a member of your big family.
“I’ve been very happy here, you’ve made me feel like home. It’s been a pleasure and an honour to play for this club and win the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League titles, as well as competing in one of the world's best football leagues.
“I made the right choice, I take with me wonderful and unforgettable memories. I say farewell very pleased with this stage of my career, and I'm also very excited with the next to begin. Thanks and good luck for the future. Come on Blues!!!”
CAR STILL GOING
Ex-Manchester United and Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has signed a new contract – at the ripe old age of 36.
The Argentinian forward has completed the deal with his boyhood favourites Boca Juniors.
Tevez helped Boca seal their 34th Argentinian title in March.
BAK AT IT
Tiemoue Bakayoko is reportedly prepared to take a 50 per cent wage cut in order to force through a return to AC Milan.
Yet according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Frenchman's desire to seal a permanent move to Italy may be blocked by Chelsea’s steep asking price.
The Blues are said to want £20 million in order to recoup at least half of the £40 million they originally forked out for Bakayoko.
GOOD MORNING, FOOTBALL FANS,
SunSport's Phil Cadden has revealed that Josh King is a shock target for Paris Saint-Germain.
The Bournemouth striker is also wanted by ten Premier League clubs as well as four in Italy – including Rome rivals Lazio and Roma.
SunSport understands the Cherries, who were relegated to the Championship, do not want to sell the 28-year-old for less than £25million.
King would prefer to stay in the Premier League but then his next aim will be to play Champions League football for a club on the continent.
French champions PSG are in next season’s competition and a move to Paris would be appealing for the Norway forward.
Newcastle, Everton and Brighton have registered their interest in King, who has one year left on his Bournemouth contract.
Meanwhile, SunSport's Alan Nixon has claimed that Watford will sell Ismaila Sarr for a stunning £40million to ease the financial pain of relegation.
The Senegalese winger is being offered to several clubs at the huge fee to create an auction.
We revealed last week that Crystal Palace want Sarr, 22, and they are now willing to buy him even without Wilfried Zaha leaving.
Vicarage Road chiefs have contacted Liverpool and Wolves about Sarr but neither are in a position to bid for him, despite liking the rapid attacker.
And finally, Andrea Pirlo has been named the new Juventus manager after being selected by club president Andrea Agnelli.
The ex-Italian midfielder replaced Maurizio Sarri, who was axed following Juve's Champions League exit.
JUR THE ONE
Exclusive by Paul Jiggins: Liverpool are eyeing a shock £35million swoop for Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks.
Kop boss Jurgen Klopp has made no secret of his desire to add some much-needed width to his Prem champions next term.
And he is weighing up a raid on the relegated Cherries for Brooks.
The Wales star, 23, seems certain to leave Bournemouth following their relegation.
NO GLOVE LOST
Exclusive by Alan Nixon: Manchester United want Sheffield United to pay all of Dean Henderson’s wages next season.
And as the England hopeful closes in on a new £100,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford — despite interest from Chelsea — that is causing problems for Chris Wilder’s side.
Blades have paid a chunk of the goalkeeper’s contract over the past two seasons— but that was a lot less than his new terms.
The Red Devils may be willing to send Henderson out on loan again next season but want his bumper salary covered.
Old Trafford chiefs are comfortable offering 23-year-old Henderson a lucrative, long-term deal to keep him happy.
But they are now talking tough when it comes to loan deals for him.
KING OF PARIS
Exclusive by Phil Cadden: Josh King is a shock target for Paris Saint-Germain.
The Bournemouth striker is also wanted by ten Premier League clubs as well as four in Italy – including Rome rivals Lazio and Roma.
SunSport understands the Cherries, who were relegated to the Championship, do not want to sell the 28-year-old for less than £25million.
King would prefer to stay in the Premier League but then his next aim will be to play Champions League football for a club on the continent.
French champions PSG are in next season's competition and a move to Paris would be appealing for the Norway forward.
Newcastle, Everton and Brighton have registered their interest in King, who has one year left on his Bournemouth contract.
King was close to a move to Manchester United in January but a £20million bid was rejected.
SARR SUBJECT
Exclusive by Alan Nixon: Watford will sell Ismaila Sarr for a stunning £40million to ease the financial pain of relegation.
The Senegalese winger is being offered to several clubs at the huge feeto create an auction.
We revealed last week that Crystal Palace want Sarr, 22, and they are now willing to buy himeven without Wilfried Zaha leaving.
Vicarage Road chiefs have contacted Liverpool and Wolves about Sarr but neither are in a position to bid for him, despite liking the rapid attacker.
Palace might win the race if the player wants to stay in the Premier League after an exciting but ultimately disappointing debut campaign.
If Watford do not drop the asking price, the Eagles are likely to have a go at signing Brentford’s goalscoring wideman Said Benrahma, who they like the look of,along with fellow Bee Ollie Watkins.
RICE ON TIME
Exclusive by Duncan Wright: Declan Rice may have to be sold by West Ham if they want to bring in several new faces to strengthen their squad.
Chelsea lead the race for England midfielder Rice, 21, with boss Frank Lampard looking to convert him back into a defender to help solve the problem area in his side.
The Hammers insist they have no desire to sell their player of the year but it would be hard to turn down any offers that get close to their £70million valuation.
Manager David Moyes wants to freshen up a squad he led to Premier League survival.
But with money short because of the lack of revenue from empty stadiums, cashing in on their main man might be the only step open to them.
The club have a strong interest in QPR’s £20m-rated attacker Eberechi Eze and Brentford forward Said Benrahma.
LEED THEM ON
Leeds have had their hopes of snaffling Edinson Cavani dashed after he reportedly agreed a move to Benfica.
The Uruguayan striker has agreed to join the Portuguese outfit and will earn £8.1million a year, according to BeIN Sports correspondent Tancredi Palmeri.
Leeds wanted to sign Cavani to fire up their charge into the Premier League after winning the Championship.
But their dreams look to be dead in the water with Cavani opting to move elsewhere after his release by Paris Saint-Germain.
The French champs previously announced his time at the Parc des Princes was up, along with veteran Thiago Silva, and he would be able to leave the club on a free.
Former Napoli man Cavani is set to collect over £155,000 a week to ply his trade at the Estadio Da Luz.
It was previously reported the 33-year-old was close to agreeing a two-year contract with Benfica.
KOUL STORY
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains an admirer of Kalidou Koulibaly but are likely to be priced out of a move.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has insisted the Senegal defender will only be sold if a club matches his £90million valuation.
The Evening Standard claim that Koulibaly's mega price tag could see Manchester United focus solely on signing top target Jadon Sancho.
ON HIS TAYL
Manchester City starlet Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been identified as an exciting alternative for Leeds if they fail to buy loan hit Ben White from Brighton.
The Championship winners' boss Marcelo Bielsa could ask his friend, Etihad chief Pep Guardiola, to let him borrow centre-back Harwood-Bellis, 18.
But Leeds are hungry to land White, despite Brighton reportedly rejecting a £22million bid for the 22-year-old this weekend.
White's solidity was pivotal in Leeds returning to the top flight for the first time in 16 years as he played every minute of the league season.
But Brighton manager Graham Potter believes that such form and consistency now make South Coast-born White a potential regular next term for the Seagulls.
And The Athletic suggest England Under-19 ace Harwood-Bellis has emerged a major back-up option.
JUVE GOT A DEAL
Andrea Pirlo has been named the new Juventus manager after being selected by club president Andrea Agnelli.
The ex-Italian midfielder replaced Maurizio Sarri, who was axed following Juve's Champions League exit.
Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and current Manchester City Pep Guardiola were linked with the role.
But the Serie A king have internally decided to hand the job to managerial novice Pirlo on a two-year contract.
A club statement read: “Today, begins a new chapter of his career in the world of football, as it was said almost a week ago: from Maestro to Mister.
“From today he will be THE coach for people of Juventus, as the club has decided to entrust him with the technical leadership of the First Team, after having already selected him for Juventus Under 23.
“Today's choice is based on the belief that Pirlo has what it takes to lead from his debut on the bench, an expert and talented squad to pursue new successes.”
WHITE KNIGHT
Leeds have reportedly had an improved £22million bid rejected by Brighton for Ben White.
Marcelo Bielsa's side were initally pushed back with their £18.5m offer to sign the defender on a permanent deal following his loan spell this season.
Sky Sports claim Brighton are trying to tie White down to fresh terms after knocking back attempts from Leeds to prize him away.
PIR WE GO
Andrea Pirlo is reportedly set to be named the new Juventus manage after being selected by club president Andrea Agnelli.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the ex-Italian midfielder will replace Maurizio Sarri who was axed following Juve's Champions League exit.
Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and current Manchester City Pep Guardiola were linked with the role.
But the Serie A giants have internally decided to hand the job managerial novice Pirlo.
GIFT OF THE GAB
Lille have left Gabriel Magalhaes out of their squad for their friendly game against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar following links concerning a move to Arsenal.
The 22-year-old has impressed in France this season and been heavily linked with a number of top European sides, including the Gunners.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Everton and Napoli have all been rumoured to be interested in a move for the Brazilian defender.
HOT ROD
Arsenal are showing the most interest in wantaway Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez, according to reports.
The 29-year-old, along with Gareth Bale, was left out of Zinedine Zidane's squad for Real's Champions League second leg encounter with Manchester City.
Spanish outlet AS claim the Gunners are the club most likely to make a move for the Colombian.
Arsenal were among a number of teams linked with Rodriguez last summer but a deal never came to fruition.
Super-agent Jorge Mendes is the man tasked with finding Rodriguez a new club.
Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid are also said to be interested in the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner.
The ex-Porto, Monaco and Bayern Munich star has just one year left on his contract at the Bernabeu and could be available for as little as £22million.
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