Transfer News LIVE updates: Liverpool agree Coutinho fee claim; Chelsea, Man Utd latest

Arsenal need seven new signings
05:45: Arsene Wenger needs to make wholesale
changes at Arsenal in order to challenge with the
Premier League elite.
That’s according to Jamie Redknapp who has
questioned the quality in Arsenal’s squad.
“The problem you’ve got and I look at the squad of
players they’ve got and I don’t know if one or two
players help,” Redknapp told Sky Sports’ The Debate
show.
“I think it’s six or seven that’s needed and you’re
talking two days before the transfer window closes.”
Barca should sign Mane not Coutinho
05:15: Barcelona should be trying to sign Sadio Mane
instead of Philippe Coutinho.
That’s according to Reds legend Ronnie Whelan, who
believes Mane is now Liverpool’s main talisman.
“What is now crystal clear, and never more so than
against the Gunners, is that Sadio Mane is the best
player at Anfield and not Coutinho,” Whelan wrote in
his column for the Irish Independent.
“I fully agree with Jamie Carragher’s comment that
Barcelona should be chasing Mane and not the
Brazilian.
Divock Origi update
04:30: Inter Milan have reportedly entered the race to
sign Liverpool striker Divock Origi.
Reports last week emerged indicating Tottenham were
interested as cover for Harry Kane, with fears growing
over the future over Vincent Janssen.
Express Sport understands Newcastle are weighing up
a potential deal to replace Dwight Gayle.
And now according to Italian news outlet Tutto
Mercato Web, Inter are exploring the possibility of
taking Origi on loan.
The report suggests the 22-year-old would only be
interested at this stage in a loan deal or loan with
option to buy.
Oxlade-Chamberlain snubs Chelsea
03:30: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has rejected Chelsea’s
offer because he wants to join Liverpool.
That’s according to BBC Sport who claim the England
international believes he would be deployed in the
wing-back positions at Chelsea.
Part of the reason Oxlade-Chamberlain wants to leave
Arsenal is to play more regularly in a central midfield
role.
And it is claimed he has rejected Chelsea’s advances
in the hope of signing for Liverpool.
Sanchez a distraction
02:30: Alexis Sanchez is too much of a distraction at
Arsenal and must leave, according to Shaka Hislop.
The Gunners rejected a £50million bid from
Manchester City for Sanchez this evening with his
future remaining uncertain.
The Chile international returned to action at the
weekend but was ineffective in Arsenal’s 4-0 defeat to
Liverpool.
And former Premier League goalkeeper Hislop believes
it is time for both Sanchez and Arsenal to go their
separate ways.
“He needs to go for himself and he needs to go for
Arsenal football club,” Hislop told ESPN FC.
“He’s clearly distracted and a distraction, so he needs
to go. Add to the fact that in 12 months time, he
leaves on a free transfer.”
Van Dijk and Lemar can join without
Coutinho leaving
00:20: Liverpool can bring in both Virgil van Dijk AND
Thomas Lemar without having to sell Philippe
Coutinho.
That’s according to Football Whispers who claim
Liverpool still have the funds, despite completing a
deal for Naby Keita yesterday.
While a fee was agreed in the region of £55million, the
report says Liverpool only had to pay a nominal fee
upfront, leaving funds available to sign both Van Dijk
and Lemar.
Liverpool can still sign Thomas Lemar and Virgil van
Dijk without selling Philippe Coutinho
Mahrez to Man Utd?
21:30: Possibly.
RMC Sport are saying that Manchester United are keen
on the Leicester star.
However, they also add that he is still expected to
remain at the King Power Stadium.
But, should United make a move, then they could land
their man.
Chelsea make Barkley bid
21.04: Chelsea have made a £25m bid for Ross
Barkley as they look to complete a late splurge in the
transfer market.
Antonio Conte wants Barkley to add another dimension
to his midfield after the sales of Nemanja Matic and
Nathaniel Chalobah.
Tottenham were keen on a deal for Barkley but
Chelsea have now made a bid.
Everton initially wanted £50m but with his contract up
next summer and injury currently keeping him out they
may be persuaded to sell for less.
Liverpool agree to sell Coutinho
19.50: Liverpool have reportedly agreed to sell Philippe
Coutinho to Barcelona for £148.5million (160m euros).
But an announcement has been delayed until Liverpool
have brought in a replacement for the Brazilian.
That is according to Yahoo Sport and if true, would
mark the end of lengthy chase by the Spanish side to
sign Coutinho.
The deal would make him the second most expensive
transfer of all time following Neymar’s move to Paris
Saint Germain.
The report claims the 25-year-old was told by
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group they had finally
dropped their public insistence that he would not be
sold.
£70m Van Dijk bid
18:10: Jurgen Klopp is ready to break the transfer
record for a defender with £70m Virgil van Dijk bid
Van Dijk has not given up on his hope of leaving the St
Mary’s and Klopp remains desperate to sign him,
according to the Guardian.
The report claims Van Dijk prefers a move to Liverpool
over Chelsea or Arsenal and the Anfield club believe
Southampton’s resolve can be broken.
Man City favourites for Sanchez
17.45: Manchester City remain favourites to sign
Alexis Sanchez despite late interest from rivals
Manchester United, according to the bookies.
Sanchez is desperate to quit Arsenal before
Thursday’s deadline and City have made contact this
morning.
But Manchester United are also in the race and
Sanchez’s representatives are believed to have made
contact with the Old Trafford club to analyse interest.
City remain Sanchez’s preferred destination as he
looks to team up with former boss Pep Guardiola
again.
And bookmakers Coral believe a move to Manchester
City is more likely and have cut him from 2-1 to 1-2 to
be a City player by Friday.
Van Dijk to Liverpool twist
17:05: Liverpool fans believe Virgil van Dijk is finally
about to join the club after tracking a van from John
Lennon airport.
A private jet is said to have arrived at John Lennon
airport this afternoon and the people on the flight were
picked up in Mercedes club van.
The van spotted today has the same registration
number as vehicle which picked up Mohamed Salah
and is supposedly on the way to Stanley Park.
Giggs would be worth £2billion - Keane
16:30: Roy Keane has claimed former team-mate Ryan
Giggs would be worth £2billion in today's "mind-
boggling" transfer market as clubs rake in massive
fees for "average" players.
The Republic of Ireland assistant manager admitted
his surprise at some of the figures which have been
paid this summer, with Paris St-Germain forking out a
staggering £200million for Neymar and preparing to
invest heavily once again in Monaco's Kylian Mbappe.
However, it is the prices which have been paid for
players lower down the food chain which have
surprised Keane.
He said: "It's mind-boggling, the figures that are out
there - especially for the average players. If ever there
was a time to be a professional player it's now.
Average players are going for £35million. My
goodness.
"I don't really analyse it too much, but that's the
market place at the moment. There aren't many top
players out there. The really big players are going for
big money and it's filtering down now.
"When average players are going for £30-40million, it
does make you scratch your head. But if the clubs are
prepared to pay that, then it's not the players' fault."
Norwich agree Hanley deal
16:00: Norwich have agreed a fee with Newcastle for
defender Grant Hanley.
The Scotland international is yet to settle personal
terms but the Canaries have made a swift move to
sign him.
Norwich have shipped 15 goals in their opening seven
games in all competitions as they struggle under new
boss Daniel Farke.
They lost 4-0 at newly promoted Millwall on Saturday
which underlined the need for defensive
reinforcements.
Liverpool transfers: Which
stars are most likely to sign?
Mon, August 28, 2017
Which stars are most likely to sign for Liverpool in
the summer transfer window according to Football
Whispers (1 = less likely, 5 = most likely)
PLAY
Which players are most likely to sign for Liverpool
this summer? [Liverpool FC via Getty Images]
LIVERPOOL FC VIA GETTY IMAGES 1 of 11
Monaco eye Turan
15:00: Monaco have made an approach for Barcelona
outcast Arda Turan.
The Turkey international has struggled to establish
himself at the Nou Camp since his arrival from Atletico
Madrid, and Ernesto Valverde is prepared to offload
him.
Mundo Deportivo claim Ligue 1 champions Monaco are
interested in signing him, but will have to fend off
competition from Galatasaray.
United plot final Bale bid
14:25: Manchester United will make one final attempt
to sign Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.
Jose Mourinho is on the lookout for any last-minute
additions with the transfer window shutting at 11pm
on Thursday and Bale remains in his sights.
His future at the Bernabeu looks uncertain once again
with fans already turning on him for his efforts in their
2-2 draw with Valencia on Sunday.
Bale insists he is happy at Madrid but Mourinho is
ready to offer him a chance to return to the Premier
League.
Spanish website Don Balon claim United will put an
offer of €100million (£93m) on the table to convince
Madrid to do business.
Bale would only consider leaving the capital to link up
with Mourinho at Old Trafford and is not interested in
joining any other team.
But while the Welshman would be open to the idea of
joining United, Madrid president Florentino Perez is
reluctant to sell because he doesn’t have a
replacement lined up.
Don Balon claim Perez would sanction his sale to
United immediately if he had more time to secure a
deal for Juventus star Paulo Dybala or Atletico
Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann.
But with the deadline fast approaching and Juve and
Atletico unlikely to do business, Perez looks set to
reject United’s bid.
Preston reject transfer request
14:10: Preston have refused to accept a written
transfer request from in-demand striker Jordan Hugill.
The Lilywhites have been reported to have turned
down bids from Birmingham, Wolves and Reading for
Hugill, who put his desire to leave Deepdale in writing
earlier today.
"Preston North End can confirm that Jordan Hugill has
(on Tuesday) handed in a written transfer request," the
club said in a brief statement on their official website.
"The club have rejected this request and will not be
selling him in this transfer window."
Baggies close to Gibbs deal
14:00: West Brom are inching closer to a deal for
Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs.
The Mirror claim Tony Pulis has agreed a £7million
deal for the England international after beating Watford
to his signature.
It’s also added that Arsenal have now asked for Jonny
Evans to be part of the deal.
Arsenal Transfer News: West Brom are close to
signing Kieran Gibbs
Juve deny Can agreement
13:55: Juventus have rejected claims that they’ve
agreed a deal for Liverpool midfielder Emre Can.
Can has refused to sign a contract extension at
Anfield with his deal due to expire in June 2018.
Recent reports have claimed that Juventus boss
Massimiliano Allegri wants to bring the Germany
international to Turin, and has already secured an
agreement with the player.
But Goal claim this isn’t the case.
They claim Can is on their list of potential targets, but
there’s no agreement in place.
Lemar wants out
13:50: Liverpool target Thomas Lemar is keen on
leaving Monaco and the French side will accept at the
right price, according to reporter Kaveh Solhekol.
“They’ve made two bids for Thomas Lemar, both have
been rejected by Monaco,” Solhekol said on Sky
Sports.
“The second was a club-record £65million. Monaco
under no pressure to sell, after all they are on course
to raise over £300million from sales.
“Monaco want him to say but we are told every player
has his price. Lemar wants a move but he’s not
kicking up a fuss.
“He played all 90 minutes as Monaco beat Marseille
6-1 on Sunday. He’s currently with the France squad
just outside Paris.”
Blues rushing Ox deal
14:45: Chelsea are trying to rush through Alex Oxlade-
Chamberlain’s proposed move to Stamford Bridge.
The Premier League champions have already agreed a
£35million deal with Arsenal for the England
international.
But they fear a late swoop from Jurgen Klopp’s
Liverpool, who are apparently Oxlade-Chamberlain’s
preferred destination, according to the Evening
Standard.
The Blues will match the £150,000-a-week that
Arsenal offered the 24-year-old, and hope to complete
the deal in the coming days.
Fosu-Mensah called-up to Holland squad
13:43: Netherlands boss Dick Advocaat has selected
Manchester United youngster Timothy Fosu-Mensah
for their 2018 World Cup qualifiers against France and
Bulgaria.
Fosu-Mensah, who’s joined Crystal Palace on a
season-long loan, has been added as cover after Kenny
Tete was forced out with a knee injury.
The 19-year old is still eligible to play for Ghana, but it
appears he’ll commit his future to Holland.
Arsenal Transfer News: Chelsea are trying to rush a
deal through for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Liverpool submit THIRD Lemar bid
13:40: Liverpool have offered Monaco €80million
(£74.4m) plus Divock Origi on loan in a bid to sign
Monaco star Thomas Lemar.
French newspaper L'Equipe claim Liverpool have
submitted an improved offer and are prepared to send
Origi on loan.
Jurgen Klopp is desperate to bring the France
international to Anfield and is running out of time to
get a deal over the line.
Yesterday reports suggested Liverpool had tabled an
offer of £66.6m to Monaco but the Ligue 1 champions
swiftly rejected it.
But the Reds have now returned to the table with an
improved offer with L'Equipe claiming they will offer
£46.5m up front with the rest being paid next summer.
And the German is ready to let Origi leave for the
season as he also doesn't want to hinder his
development as a player.
Reds to go BIG for VVD
13:30: Liverpool will reportedly pay whatever it takes
to sign Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds are said to still be keen on signing the 26-
year-old though, with The Telegraph claiming they are
willing to spend pay whatever it takes to land him
before the window shuts.
Liverpool today announced the signing of RB Leipzig
midfielder Naby Keita, who will arrive at Anfield next
summer.
The £48m move broke Liverpool’s transfer record for a
second time this summer, following the £37m deal for
Mohamed Salah last month.
And The Telegraph add that Jurgen Klopp’s side are
prepared to break their transfer record for a third time
by spending £70m on Van Dijk.
Keita No.8
13:26: Naby Keita will be handed Steven Gerrard’s
iconic number eight shirt after completing his move to
Liverpool.
The Reds announced the signing of the 22-year-old on
their website this morning, confirming the Guinea
international would move to Anfield in time for next
season.
Keita currently wears the No.8 shirt at RB Leipzig and
will wear it again at Anfield next season. The number
is currently unoccupied at Liverpool.
City getting the better deal - Parlour
13:23: Manchester City would be getting the better
deal if they swapped Raheem Sterling plus cash for
Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez, according to Ray Parlour.
Manchester City have reportedly offered Sterling as a
makeweight in a deal to sign contract rebel Sanchez.
But Parlour is not a fan of the deal and does not think
Sterling would be a good replacement for Sanchez.
“For me Man City would be getting the better deal,
definitely,” Parlour said on talkSPORT.
“I like Raheem Sterling, he’s had a really good start
with two goals in the opening couple of games. But at
times, I watched it at the weekend, it’s a football brain
sometimes.
“That time when he was running with the ball and
there was a break on and there was two Man City
players joining in and he tried to take the guy on in the
box and he ended up running it out of play. For me the
football brain isn’t there.”
Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger is interested in
signing Jonny Evans
Everton close to Vlasic deal
13:20: Everton's chances of signing Hajduk Split
midfielder Nikola Vlasic received a boost after the
teenager was given permission to leave national team
duty with Croatia's Under-21 side.
The Toffees are interested in the 19-year-old, whom
manager Ronald Koeman got to see first hand in their
recent Europa League qualifier, and yesterday Hajduk
club president Ivan Kos admitted they could sell their
prize asset before Thursday's deadline.
In a tweet the Croatia Football Federation confirmed
Vlasic had on Tuesday asked permission to leave the
squad.
"The U-21 national team's coach, Nenad Gracan,
accepted the request of Nikola Vlasic and freed him of
this representative action," they said.
When asked about a possible Everton bid Kos told Split
newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija: "The transfer window
runs until August 31, sometimes transfers happen a
minute before midnight.
"We don't want to lose one per cent of our quality. We
also have to think about financial stability."
Gunners want Evans
13:15: Arsenal have joined the battle to sign West
Brom centre-back Jonny Evans.
Manchester City are thought to be leading the race for
the Northern Irishman’s signature, with a £30million
bid expected in the coming days.
But The Telegraph believe Arsenal now have their
sights set on the former Manchester United defender.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger approached West Brom
for Evans last season, and is once again interested
after a calamitous start to the season that’s seen
them ship eight goals in three matches.
Leicester had a bid of £21 million for Evans rejected
this week but are likely to lose out to City or Arsenal.
Fans demand Aguero/Sanchez swap
13:10: Sergio Aguero has been linked with a stunning
switch to Arsenal.
Arsenal fans have demanded the club swap Alexis
Sanchez for Sergio Aguero as Manchester City begin
to close in on their top target.
Reports suggested that City were prepared to offer
cash plus Raheem Sterling for Sanchez, with one Sky
Sports source reporting Aguero could be on the move
instead.
Mentioning Aguero has sparked a social media outcry
among Arsenal fans, with the Gunners' faithful insisting
the club should make a deal happen.
CLICK HERE TO REVEAL THE BEST ARSENAL FAN
REACTIONS TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SIGNING
SERGIO AGUERO.
Chalobah bears no grudges
13:06: Nathaniel Chalobah holds no grudges against
former club Chelsea, despite having to leave Stamford
Bridge to win his first England senior call-up.
Chalobah swapped Chelsea for Watford in the summer
and has been rewarded for his impressive form with
his new club with a call-up to Gareth Southgate's
squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against
Malta and Slovakia.
"Everyone knows Chelsea is very difficult," he said at a
press conference.
"Chelsea is a world-class club with world-class players,
it was difficult for me to get in the team.
"As always I tried to stay focused and concentrated.
Chelsea is in the past now."
Chelsea Transfer News: Atletico Madrid are nearing a
deal for Diego Costa
Eagles want Sakho back
13:05: Crystal Palace are desperate to bring Mamadou
Sakho back to Selhurst Park before Thursday's
transfer deadline.
The 27-year-old France defender enjoyed a successful
loan spell with the Eagles last season, but Liverpool’s
£30million valuation proved a major obstacle for the
London club.
However, Palace are now prepared to meet the asking-
price to remedy their defensive woes after three
successive Premier League defeats under new
manager Frank de Boer.
Leicester and West Brom are also interested in him.
Koke excited by Costa return
13:00: Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke is relishing the
prospect of linking up with Diego Costa again.
Reports claim Atletico are close to re-signing the
Spanish talisman in a deal worth £40million plus
performance-related add-ons.
And although Koke thinks the transfer could be
complicated, he’s excited about his potential return.
He told Spanish radio station Cadena Star: "We all
want Diego Costa to come, but the situation is
complicated. If Diego comes, he will help us and he
already knows a lot of us at the club so for us it
would be very exciting."
Neymar tells Coutinho to snub Barca
12:55: Neymar has reportedly urged Philippe Coutinho
to stay at Liverpool and reject a move to Barcelona.
Neymar only left the Nou Camp this summer in a deal
worth £200m to take him to Paris Saint-Germain.
The 25-year-old completed a move from Santos to
Barca in 2013 and set the world alight with his
displays as he won two La Liga titles and the
Champions League during his time in Spain.
But surprisingly he feels Coutinho should stay at
Liverpool.
Brazilian publication Estadao claim Neymar has told
Coutinho he won’t regret Liverpool’s decision of
keeping him away from Barca.
Matic: Six clubs can win league
12:50: Nemanja Matic believes ‘five or six clubs’ are
capable of winning the Premier League title.
The Serbia international has started all three of
Manchester United’s opening three games since
arriving from Stamford Bridge, and despite their 100%
start to the campaign, thinks six clubs can realistically
win.
Asked if Manchester United can win the Premier
League title for the first time in five years, he said: "It
will be really tough winning this year, not only for us,
but for all the teams.
"There are five or six clubs with a realistic shot at the
title and have realistic hopes of contending.”
Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger wants to sign
Julian Draxler to replace Alexis Sanchez
Inter eye Mustafi alternatives
12:45: Inter Milan are drawing up a shortlist of
alternatives to Arsenal star Shkodran Mustafi.
Numerous reports have claimed that Mustafi is edging
closer to a season-long loan switch to the Italian
giants after struggling to settle in England.
But Corriere dello Sport claim the two clubs are
struggling to reach an agreement.
Inter are prepared to offer £16million, while Arsenal
are holding out for £23m.
Some of Inter’s alternatives include Dinamo Kiev’s
Domagoj Vida, Bayer Leverkusen’s Aleksander
Dragovic and Genoa’s Armando Izzo.
Conte wants Mahrez
12:30: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has spoken
with Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez about a possible move
to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues signed N’Golo Kante from the Foxes last
season, and are close to wrapping up a deal for fellow
midfielder Danny Drinkwater.
But their raid on Craig Shakespeare’s side hasn’t
stopped there.
Italian journalist Emanuele Giulianelli claims Chelsea
are prepared to offer £46million for Mahrez and could
seal the deal before Thursday’s deadline.
Reds book hat-trick of medicals
12:10: Liverpool have booked in three medicals today.
At least those are the claims circulating on Twitter as
Reds fans continue to scour the internet looking for
any transfer updates.
This morning, Liverpool have already confirmed an
agreement with RB Leipzig for Naby Keita to join the
club next summer.
But could the Reds be about to wrap up some more
deals before the transfer window shuts on Thursday
evening?
Well, lifelong Liverpool fan and retired boxer Derry
Mathews got Liverpool fans in a frenzy with his tweet
last night.
The 33-year-old tweeted a screenshot showing an
alleged email from a doctor at Spire Liverpool Hospital
with the caption: “Goodnight everyone thank me
tomorrow #Lfc.”
The email contained the following information
apparently from Dr. Suhail Ahmed: “Yes I can confirm
that there are 3 medicals booked in by Liverpool
Football Club tomorrow.
“However, I am not at liberty to discuss anymore on
this matter.”
Arsene wants Draxler... again!
12:00: Arsene Wenger has planned for life without
Alexis Sanchez, according to Italian journalist
Emanuele Giulianelli.
The latest reports claim Manchester City have made
direct contact with Arsenal and offered winger
Raheem Sterling plus cash for the Chilean superstar.
Arsene Wenger has publicly stated that Sanchez, 28,
will not be sold this summer.
But should he perform a U-turn, Giulianelli believes
Paris St-Germain star Julian Draxler is top of his
shortlist.
Transfer News: Will these players move before
Thursday's 11pm deadline?
Sanchez asks to leave Chile camp
11:40: Alexis Sanchez has reportedly asked for
permission to leave the Chile camp for personal
reasons, according to TV13.
The news comes shortly after The Mirror revealed
Manchester City have offered Raheem Sterling plus
cash for the attacker, who’s contract expires in June
2018.
The broadcaster don’t explicitly say what Sanchez’s
‘personal reasons’ are, but it’s likely his absence is to
resolve his future.
Marseille bid for Origi
11:15: Marseille have made an approach for Liverpool
forward Divock Origi, according to L’Equipe.
The Belgian international has played just nine minutes
of Premier League football this season, and appears
surplus to requirements under Jurgen Klopp.
The report claims boss Rudi Garcia has asked
management to sign Origi, although it’s unclear
whether Marseille have requested a season-long loan
deal or permanent transfer.
Origi, 22, is supposedly concerned about missing out
on Belgium’s World Cup squad and would like to leave
Anfield to secure regular first-team football.
Bilic given reprieve
11:00: West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has been given
four games to save his job after their disastrous start
to the campaign.
West Ham sit rock bottom of the Premier League table
after losing their opening three games of the season,
in which they have shipped 10 goals.
Bilic held his usual post-match debriefing with
Hammers co-owner David Sullivan on Monday to
discuss Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Newcastle.
And according to The Mirror, the West Ham boss was
told results must improve next month when they play
three of their four league games at the London
Stadium.
Swansea want Sanches
10:45: Swansea have joined the battle to sign Bayern
Munich's Renato Sanches.
Paul Clement is desperate to sign a creative midfielder
capable of replacing Gylfi Sigurdsson, who joined
Everton in a club-record deal.
And The Mirror claim Swansea have identified Sanches
as the ideal player.
The Portugal international, who’s been linked with
Premier League duo Liverpool and Chelsea, has
struggles to establish himself at Bayern Munich and is
considered surplus to requirements.

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