Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Chelsea make Kovacic enquiry

Chelsea have made an enquiry as to the availability of Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic, according to the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6008639/Chelsea-enquire-Real-Madrid-midfielder-Mateo-Kovacic.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>. Maurizio Sarri is keen to bolster his squad ahead of the transfer window, and sees Kovacic as an alternative should he fail to sign Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey. Kovacic has spoken of his desrire to leave Santiago Bernabeu, with Manchester City having also shown an interest in the Croatia international.

Chelsea make Kovacic enquiry

Blues consider swoop for World Cup finalist

Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as Anthony Martial's only option as he looks to leave Manchester United, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/manchester-united-transfer-news-anthony-martial-chelsea-spurs-psg-epl-premier-league-a8471071.html" target="_blank">The Independent</a>. Chelsea and Tottenham have also shown an interest in the France international, but United will not sell the player to a Premier League rival. As such PSG now seem his likeliest destination, though they will only follow up their own interest should they be forced to sell Neymar or Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid.

PSG emerge as Martial's only option

France international denied Premier League switch

Real Madrid have not made a bid for Willian and it is a&nbsp;passport issue that has delayed the Brazilian's return to Chelsea, <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/no-real-madrid-bid-for-willian-as-passport-issue-delays/10rqlnnrieof012lazva8f4jjg" target="_blank">confirms</a> Chelsea correspondent Nizaar Kinsella. Despite rumours surrounding the midfielder's future at Stamford Bridge, the 29-year-old is expected to return to training withint he next couple of days but will not join up with the squad in Dublin due to visa issues. Reports of an official bid from Barcelona or Real Madrid contributing&nbsp;to his delayed return are wide of the mark.

No Madrid offer for Willian

Brazil international's lack of pre-season due to visa delays

Real Madrid are ready to turn their attentions to Christian Pulisic as they play the waiting game over signing Neymar, <a href="https://www.donbalon.com/noticia/detalle/79191/70-millones-real-madrid-fichaje-sorpresa-florentino-perez" target="_blank">Don Balon</a> reports. The Blues are apparently put off by Chelsea's €200 million asking price for Eden Hazard, and are willing to wait and go for Neymar in 2019. Madrid will therefore move for the cheaper option this summer in €70m Pulisic, who has apparently already indicated he would be happy to move to the Bernabeu.

Madrid to sign €70m Pulisic as they wait for Neymar

Robert Lewandowski has been new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri's top option all summer reports the <a href="https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/720013/Chelsea-transfer-news-Robert-Lewandowski-Bayern-Munich-Maurizio-Sarri-Real-Madrid" target="_blank">Daily Star</a>, even over Sarri's former player Gonzalo Higuain. However, Bayern Munich remain unwilling to sell their star striker in the face of interest from the London club and Real Madrid. The Blues have only nine days left to convince Bayern&nbsp;to sell before the Premier League transfer window closes.

Lewandowski is Sarri's top target

Real Madrid also lurk for the Polish striker

According to the <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/6901113/gareth-bale-set-for-new-real-madrid-contract-as-boss-julen-lopetegui-promises-wales-ace-he-will-be-bernabeu-star-man/" target="_blank">Sun</a>,&nbsp;Bale was uncertain over his future prior to the summer as he did not have a good relationship with then manager Zinedine Zidane. However, new&nbsp;Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui has convinced Bale the attacker is a key part of his plans - a role that was unlikely before the departures of Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo. While there has been interest from Tottenham and Manchester United in bringing Bale back to the Premier League, the Welsh star is open to fresh contract talks.

Bale set for new Real Madrid contract

The winger has been promised a star role with the club

Bayern Munich will not sell Robert Lewandowski this summer, even if they receive a bid of €150 million (£134m/$175m), Karl Heinz Rummenigge says. The Poland international wants to leave the Bundesliga side amid reports Real Madrid want him, but the chairman wants to send a signal to any suitors that he is not for sale. <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/robert-lewandowski-bayern-munich-will-not-sell-150-million/19rlzc97vtqrk18g7zkglp2dcx" target="_blank">Click here to read the full story</a>

Even €150m won't get Lewandowski - Bayern chief

Inter have confirmed the loan signing of right-back Sime Vrsaljko from Atletico Madrid.&nbsp; The Serie A side will retain an option to purchase the Croatia international at the end of the 2018-19 campaign.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/inter-seal-loan-signing-of-vrsaljko-from-atletico-madrid/1g7d6ptv995m1ckr8ytywrzo5" target="_blank">Read more here</a>

Vrsaljko loaned to Inter from Atletico

Sevilla have held positive talks over a&nbsp;€20 million (£17.8m/$23.4m) move for Porto striker Vincent Aboubakar,&nbsp;Goal&nbsp;can reveal. The Liga outfit are looking for a new centre forward this summer and have already missed out on Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi. And they have now turned to Cameroon international Aboubakar, who would have to take a drop in salary to move to Andalucia. <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/sevilla-hold-talks-over-20m-aboubakar-deal-after-failing-in/tdrpheluva0t1pw5zlorin08x" target="_blank">Check out the full story from Francisco Rico right here!</a>

Sevilla hold Aboubakar talks

Wolfsburg are interested in signing Manchester United defender Luke Shaw, according to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6011209/Wolfsburg-interested-Manchester-United-Luke-Shaw.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>. The England international only has a year left on his contract at Old Trafford, and the Bundesliga outfit are keen to test the waters with a bid before the end of the transfer window. United, though, are reluctant to sell despite Shaw having struggled to make an impact under Jose Mourinho.

Wolfsburg interested in Shaw

Juventus have not yet completed a deal to sell striker Gonzalo Higuain to AC Milan, according to club general manager Giuseppe Marotta. Following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain's place at Juve has been called into doubt.&nbsp; The Argentina international has been tipped to join Rossoneri on an initial loan deal for €18 million (£16m/$21m), with a purchase&nbsp;option at the deal's conclusion for an additional €36m (£32m/$42m). <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/higuain-to-ac-milan-not-yet-agreed-marotta/16nzpag5mcbeq14ivakuny2hh6" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal right here!</a>

Higuain to AC Milan not yet agreed – Marotta

Manchester City have been relatively quiet during the current transfer window, but it's been a busy day for the Premier League champions. Pep Guardiola's side have completed the signing of Netherlands youth international defender Philippe Sandler in a £2.5m move from PEC Zwolle. Meanwhile, winger Bersant Celina has joined Swansea City in a deal worth a reported £3m. <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/manchester-city-sign-defender-sandler-from-pec-zwolle/1w4oe925pn2g017dx6haezi17k" target="_blank">Check out the full story right here!</a>

One in, one out at Man City

Benedikt Howedes has agreed a four-year contract with Russian champions&nbsp;Lokomotiv Moscow, ending a 16-year run at Schalke.&nbsp; Injuries limited the 2014 World Cup winner to just&nbsp;three appearances while on loan at Juventus last season.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/howedes-joins-lokomotiv-moscow-after-failed-juventus-loan/1xk5pe0cprug21rm36gq09mhu0" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal right here!</a>

Howedes joins Lokomotiv Moscow

Roma have offered winger Diego Perotti to AC Milan as part of a bid to sign Suso, according to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/calcio-mercato/2018/07/31-45895514/roma-suso_c_lofferta_la_chiave_perotti/?cookieAccept" target="_blank">Corriere dello Sport</a>. Having missed out on signing Malcom following his switch to Barcelona, the Giallorossi are looking for attacking alternatives. That search has lead them to ex-Liverpool man Suso, but with Milan reluctant to sell, they are hopeful using Perotti to their offer will help them secure the Spaniard.

Roma offer Perotti in Suso move

Everton have shown an interest in signing Villarreal midfielder Denis Cheryshev, according to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.marca.com/futbol/villarreal/2018/07/30/5b5f2474e2704e8e688b45bf.html" target="_blank">Marca</a>. The Russia international starred for the host nation at the World Cup, scoring four goals during their run to the quarter-finals. And the Toffees have now emerged as a candidate to sign him this summer as Marco Silva prepares for his first season in charge.

Everton interested in Cheryshev

Simon Mignolet could end up ditching Liverpool for Barcelona this transfer window as the Catalan side have shown an interest in him, according to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11833/11455547/barcelona-interested-in-signing-simon-mignolet-from-liverpool" target="_blank">Sky Sports</a>. The Belgium international is looking for a way out of Anfield as his&nbsp;struggle for playing time will continue after the arrival of Alisson from Roma.&nbsp; After a stall in talks with Turkish side Besiktas, Barcelona have come forward as surprise suitors for the 30-year-old.

Barcelona want Mignolet

Some news from the Championship, where Leeds United have announced the signing of Middlesbrough striker Patrick Bamford. The ex-Chelsea forward moves to Elland Road for a reported £7 million, signing a four-year deal at Elland Road. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BamfordAnnounced?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BamfordAnnounced</a> <a href="https://t.co/RdkIHl8psB">pic.twitter.com/RdkIHl8psB</a> — Leeds United (@LUFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LUFC/status/1024311220201902081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a>

Leeds announce £7m Bamford signing

Chelsea are set to offer midfielder N'Golo Kante a huge new contract in a bid to keep him at Stamford Bridge, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/sport/chelsea-want-to-make-ngolo-kante-290k-top-earner-xzsp2l7wq?CMP=Sprkr-_-Editorial-_-TimesSport-_-Unspecified-_-TWITTER" target="_blank">The Times</a>. The Blues are willing to pay the France international £290,000 per week - a wage that would make him the club's best paid player. Paris Saint-Germain have shown an interest in signing Kante this summer, but Chelsea hope this increase in salary will be enough to ensure he stays with Maurizio Sarri's side.

Chelsea to offer Kante huge new deal

Fulham are thought to be interested in acquiring Wolfsburg midfielder Joshua Guilavogui, per <a href="http://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/11681/11455430/fulham-keen-on-wolfsburg-midfielder-joshua-guilavogui" target="_blank">Sky Sports News</a>. The 27-year-old is still under contract at the Bundesliga club for another two years, but Slavisa Jokanovic is thought to want another player to compete with Kevin McDonald. Guilavogui joined Wolfsburg on loan from Atletico Madrid before sealing a permanent move in 2016 and has previously won seven caps for France.

Fulham interested in Guilavogui 

Arsenal have tied teenage forward Emile Smith Rowe down to a <a href="https://www.arsenal.com/news/emile-smith-rowe-signs-new-contract" target="_blank">new long-term contract</a> at the Gunners following an impressive pre-season. The 18-year-old made his first-team debut under new coach Unai Emery against Boreham Wood and scored against Atletico Madrid in Singapore in the International Champions Cup. Smith Rowe was also a member of the England youth team that won the U-17 World Cup last year in India.

Arsenal hand Smith Rowe new deal

Liverpool teenager Ben Woodburn looks set to join Sheffield United on loan after the Blades beat out interest from a host of Championship rivals, per <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12874/11455292/liverpools-ben-woodburn-close-to-sheffield-united-loan-deal" target="_blank">Sky Sports News</a>. The forward, who is the Reds’ youngest-ever goalscorer, has featured prominently in pre-season so far but was left out of the club’s training camp in Evian this week due to a potential move away. Sheffield United intend for Woodburn to be a direct replacement for David Brooks, who has joined Bournemouth for a £10 million ($13m) fee.

Blades out for Woodburn loan

Crystal Palace look set to capture Germany international Max Meyer with the former Schalke man undergoing a medical today, per <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/31/crystal-palace-max-meyer-closing-in" target="_blank">The Guardian</a>. Meyer, widely considered one of the finest young talents to emerge in European football over the past five years, is a free agent following a failure to agree new terms with the Bundesliga club. Palace have only made one other signature in this transfer window, that of Getafe goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, but Meyer’s arrival will hand a significant boost to Roy Hodgson’s plans at Selhurst Park.

Meyer set for Palace move

Swansea defender Alfie Mawson looks set for an immediate Premier League return, with a medical underway at Fulham, per <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11455072/alfie-mawson-edging-closer-to-completing-fulham-move" target="_blank">Sky Sports News</a>. The 24-year-old looks set to head to Craven Cottage in a deal that will see the Swans paid £15m ($20m) up front. Fulham are said to have beaten off West Ham and Burnley in the race for the centre-back’s signature, who was called up to the England squad in March.

Mawson undergoes medical at Fulham

Everton <g class="gr_ gr_79 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" data-gr-id="79" id="79">are</g> interested in signing Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo, though his wage demands may scupper a deal, per the <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/07/30/everton-want-sign-marcos-rojo-man-utd-wage-demands-could-derail/" target="_blank">Daily Telegraph</a>. Rojo is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and the club are willing to sell him for £20 million ($26m), though he earns more than £120,000-per-week, throwing the move into doubt.

Everton want Marcos Rojo but wages may scupper deal

Manchester United and Real Madrid-linked Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has told Lazio supporters he is staying at the club. A video has emerged of fans of the Serie A side asking their star man if he was staying put having now returned for pre-season training. And Milinkovic-Savic responds by saying "of course", to dent the hopes of any interested parties that may want to sign him. <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/of-course-im-staying-man-utd-real-madrid-target-milinkovic-savic-/nmze34zn878y1i5pamgsa604c" target="_blank">Check out the full story on Goal!</a>

Milinkovic-Savic says he's staying at Lazio

Atletico Madrid have identified PSV right-back Santiago Arias as their top target following Sime Vrsaljko’s loan to Inter, reports <a href="http://www.marca.com/futbol/atletico/2018/07/31/5b5ff08446163f5f658b45b8.html" target="_blank">Marca</a>. The Colombia international, who was crowned Eredivisie Player of the Year last season, looks set to join Diego Simeone in the Spanish capital after he followed the Atletico manager on social networks. The 26-year-old has also been linked with Napoli, though he looks set for a move to La Liga instead.

Arias set for Atletico switch

Bayern Munich midfield Arturo Vidal looks set for a temporary move south to Serie A as a loan between the Bundesliga holders and Inter edges closer, according to <a href="https://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/30-07-2018/inter-vidal-un-passo-bayern-dice-si-2801033842874.shtml?refresh_ce-cp">Gazzetta dello Spor</a>t. The Chilean international is expected to join up with the Nerazzurri on an option-to-buy deal that looks to be in the region of €18-€20million (£16m-£18m/$21m-$23m). Bayern initially wanted a sum closer to €30m (£27m/$35m) but seem increasingly likely to settle for less.

Inter near Vidal loan deal

Barcelona will wait one more week to sign Adrien Rabiot from PSG, per <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/rabiot-desenlace-inminente-6969294" target="_blank">Sport</a>. The midfielder's contract at PSG expires next season but Barca hope that the 23-year-old will force a move, thus rebuffing efforts from the French club to keep him.

Barcelona to wait one week more for Rabiot 

Former Manchester United midfielder Anderson has returned to Europe, joining Turkish second division side Adana Demirspor, having previously spent three years in Brazil. <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/anderson-former-manchester-united-man-joins-turkish-second/1xsl674t6ptip1rc9s030kxye7" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

Former Man Utd star Anderson returns to Europe

Torino are mulling over a potential move for West Bromwich Albion defender Kieran Gibbs, according to Italian journalist <a href="http://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/torino-following-kieran-gibbs-contact-underway-with-west-brom" target="_blank">Gianluca Di Marzio</a>. The 28-year-old, who won 10 caps for England between 2010 and 2015, moved to The Hawthorns from Arsenal last August for a reported £7m ($9m). But with the Baggies relegated to the Championship, Gibbs may be allowed to seek a move elsewhere&nbsp;by coach Darren Moore, with fellow left-back Conor Townsend having arrived at the club.

Torino circling for West Brom defender Gibbs

Islam Slimani is attracting the interest of a number of clubs but Leicester City are only willing to sanction a permanent sale, reports the <a href="https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/latest-islam-slimanis-leicester-city-1842374" target="_blank">Leicester Mercury</a>. Algeria international Slimani arrived at the King Power Stadium two years ago, but has failed to tie down a regular berth due to injury and spent 2018 on loan with Newcastle. Former club Sporting CP are among those interested but they are believed to be unwilling to meet Leicester’s demands for a permanent move at £18 million&nbsp;($24m/€20m).

Leicester look to sell Slimani

Manchester City have lowered Joe Hart's price tag to £5 million, and might even be willing to let the goalkeeper leave for free, report the <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/manchester-city-to-cut-joe-hart-asking-price-to-5m-cb87bvsfw" target="_blank">Times</a>. Hart wants to leave the club on a permanent deal, rather than go out on loan for a third successive season and City seem willing to accommodate his request. There has been some interest on the continent for Hart, and City are not likely to hold fast on their demands as letting the keeper walk for nothing appears an option.&nbsp;

Man City drop Hart asking price

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho reiterated the belief that he will only sign one player before the transfer deadline, despite his demands for two. Leicester City defender Harry Maguire, Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld, Chelsea star Willian and Inter winger Ivan Perisic have been linked with moves to Old Trafford as United try to dethrone Premier League champions Manchester City. But while Mourinho thinks he'll get one of his targets, he admits landing multiple targets is probably too much to hope for. <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/im-confident-ill-get-one-mourinho-does-not-think-he-will-get/qqyz4vevlhpk17zh03bwedv0j" target="_blank">Read more here!</a>

Mourinho 'confident' in only one signing

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock is hoping to land Watford striker Troy Deeney with a&nbsp;£15 million ($20m) bid for his services, report the <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/6900652/cardiff-watford-troy-deeney-premier-league-survival/" target="_blank">Sun</a>. Warnock hopes to get Deeney to agree on a move in the next 24 hours, in hopes of avoiding a bidding war for the Watford man. Cardiff also are continuing to pursue Liverpool's Marko Grujic, hoping their promise of playing time can give them the edge over Lazio.

Cardiff plot £15m Deeney bid

Manchester City striker Lukas Nmecha now can count West Brom among the&nbsp;suitors to take him on loan this season, reports the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6008513/West-Brom-want-Manchester-City-striker-Lukas-Nmecha.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>. The youngster has impressed on City's pre-season tour and already has an offer from Swansea City, with Blackburn also interested. The Baggies want to play him alongside Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle, though the latter must be also be brought in on loan from Newcastle.&nbsp;

Man City teenager targeted by West Brom

Burnley have enquired as to the availability of Fraser Forster following Nick Pope's shoulder injury, <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/6896248/burnley-transfer-news-forster-pope-southampton/" target="_blank">The Sun</a> claims. Pope, who dislocated his shoulder recently, could face up to six months on the sideline, forcing manager Sean Dyche to consider his options. Forster, 30, is a target for Dyche, who will be forced to utilise Anders Lindegaard until Tom Heaton returns from a similar injury to Pope.

Burnley make Forster enquiry

Monaco are considering making a move for Tigres striker Andre-Pierre Gignac, <a href="https://www.francefootball.fr/news/Mercato-andre-pierre-gignac-tigres-contacte-par-l-as-monaco/926829" target="_blank">France Football</a> claims. Current ASM hitman Radamel Falcao is currently being linked with a move to AC Milan – as well as the Chinese Super League – forcing the principality outfit to consider their options. Gignac, now 32, has excelled during his time in Mexico, scoring 70 goals in 123 appearances, and knows Ligue 1 all too well after stints with Lorient, Toulouse and Marseille.

Gignac to replace Falcao?

Leicester City are prepared to provide Harry Maguire with a massive bump in pay after rejecting Manchester United's approach for the defender, reports the <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/harry-maguire-set-land-double-13005834" target="_blank">Mirror</a>. The Foxes have held out for £80 million ($105m)&nbsp;for Maguire, with Manchester United unlikely to meet that price due to a transfer standoff between Jose Mourinho and United chairman Ed Woodward. Maguire wanted the move, but as a reward for remaining, Leicester will bump his wages to&nbsp;£95,000 a week from his current&nbsp;£50,000, over the length of the four years remaining on his contract.

Leicester to nearly double Maguire's wages

Liverpool believe they will be able to tie up fresh terms for forward Sadio Mane in the coming weeks, reports the <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/sadio-mane-set-improved-new-13005452" target="_blank">Mirror</a>. The Reds have already locked down Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino to new long-term contracts through 2023&nbsp;this summer. Mane's current contract runs through 2021, but Liverpool want to reward him with a new deal after two strong seasons at Anfield.&nbsp;

Mane to receive new contract from Liverpool

Everton are hoping to add Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo in a&nbsp;£30 million ($39m) deal, reports the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6008591/Everton-want-Marcos-Rojo-Manchester-United-30m-deal-Marco-Silva-plots-reunion.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>. Rojo's position in the squad is perilous with United looking to add another central defender, and his former Sporting Lisbon boss, current Everton manager Marco Silva, is interested in a reunion. The Red Devils are aware of Everton's interest, but they have yet to receive an offer for the defender.&nbsp;

Everton chasing £30m Rojo

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Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Chelsea make Mateo Kovacic enquiry | Goal.com Ghana

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and beyond