Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Mbappe demand could threaten Hazard's role at Madrid

Real Madrid are, according to <a href="https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2021/02/26/603905bce2704ec9308b45de.html" target="_blank">Marca,</a> still holding talks with Sergio Ramos regarding a new contract. The World Cup winner is due to become a free agent in the summer, and has seen various landing spots mooted, but the Blancos have not given up hope on thrashing out fresh terms with their talismanic captain.

Real Madrid still holding Ramos talks (Marca)

Blancos not giving up on new deal for defender

Real Madrid are ready to listen to offers for Raphael Varane in the summer, reports&nbsp;<a href="https://as.com/futbol/2021/02/27/primera/1614399889_218636.html?m1=cG9ydGFkYV9wb3J0YWRh&amp;m2=QUNUVUFMSURBRA%3D%3D&amp;m3=MQ%3D%3D&amp;m4=dmlkZW8%3D&amp;m5=MjE%3D" target="_blank">AS</a>. The France defender has a contract until 2022 and it is unclear whether he is willing to sign a new deal or not. If not, the coming summer transfer window represents the last opportunity for Madrid to bring in a significant fee for him.

Real Madrid to listen to offers for Varane (AS)

Lautaro Martinez is set to sign a new contract at Inter, and says links with Barcelona are in the past. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/barca-in-the-past-lautaro-transfer-talk-new-inter-contract/1x8fkvt7eyw8t16e6twj0mn8ed" target="_blank">Read what he had to say here on Goal!</a>

Lautaro to sign new Inter contract

<a href="https://as.com/futbol/2021/02/26/primera/1614331655_582237.html?m1=cG9ydGFkYV9wb3J0YWRh&amp;m2=QUNUVUFMSURBRA%3D%3D&amp;m3=MQ%3D%3D&amp;m4=dmlkZW8%3D&amp;m5=MjI%3D" target="_blank">AS</a> writes that Kylian Mbappe would not want to join a club that would prevent him from playing as a left winger, which is the same role that oft-injured Eden Hazard prefers at Real Madrid. If Real Madrid want to buy Mbappe, then, they would need to address that conflict.

Mbappe demand could threaten Hazard's role at Madrid (AS)

The PSG star doesn't want to change positions to accommodate others if he joins a new club 

Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is set to be a free agent this summer barring a last-second agreement with his current club, and <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/4323908/bellerin-could-leave-arsenal-cavani-has-2m-release-clause-psg-target-free-agents#three" target="_blank">ESPN reports</a> that he could move to Paris Saint-Germain, who wouldn't mind adding a Champions League calibre midfielder without exorbiant cost.

Wijnaldum emerges as PSG target (ESPN)

The Reds appear likely to lose the midfielder on a free transfer this summer, and Paris could prove a logical next destination

Liverpool are lining up Steven Gerrard to replace Jurgen Klopp, should the German FA come calling. The <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-jurgen-klopp-steven-gerrard-23577524" target="_blank">Mirror</a> claims a “well placed Liverpool source” says an approach from Germany to replace Joachim Low would be tough for Klopp to turn down, and plans are being put in place should he depart. Gerrard has made a huge impression at Rangers and the Anfield legend could be offered the job as Klopp’s successor - with principal owner John W. Henry and chairman Tom Werner “keeping a close eye on Gerrard’s work.”

Reds keeping an eye on Gerrard

Villarreal defender Pau Torres is a possible transfer target for Manchester United. The centre-back has a reported release clause of £43 million ($59.88 / €49.6m) and <a href="https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/premier-league/2020-2021/manchester-united-could-offer-jesse-lingard-to-land-declan-rice-open-to-bids-for-anthony-martial_sto8149148/story.shtml" target="_blank">Eurosport</a> claims that figure is within the Red Devils’ budget.

United could be tempted by Torres

Juventus made a mistake by signing Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Antonio Cassano. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/juventus-made-a-mistake-by-signing-ronaldo-cassano/11l5mwz6v338n1ehnnfb5oueea" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

Ronaldo signing was a mistake - Cassano

Celtic's caretaker manager John Kennedy feels the club should brace themselves for interest in defender Kristoffer Ajer this summer. Ajer made a positive impression on Kennedy during the win over Aberdeen, to the extent that he feels clubs will come calling. "I’ve no doubt that there will be interest in him," Kennedy <a href="https://news.stv.tv/sport/john-kennedy-expects-interest-in-celtic-defender-kristoffer-ajer" target="_blank">said</a>. "He’s still very young and he’s an international player. “With his profile of speed, size, technique and ability – there’s going to be interest in him. “When that comes it’ll be the club and Kris himself making that decision.”

Kennedy expects interest in Ajer

Leyton Orient have axed head coach&nbsp;Ross Embleton. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The club can confirm that we have, this evening, parted company with Head Coach Ross Embleton.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LOFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LOFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnlyOneOrient?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnlyOneOrient</a> — Leyton Orient (@leytonorientfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/leytonorientfc/status/1365716060071223296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Embleton leaves Orient

Inter are considering moves for Lyon's&nbsp;Bruno Guimaraes and AZ's Teun Koopmeiners as they seek a long-term replacement for Marcelo Brozovic, according to <a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/inter-occhi-sul-mercato-a-centrocampo-la-caccia-al-vice-brozovic-38023" target="_blank">Calciomercato.</a> The Serie A leaders have been linked with a host of players as they seek someone to act as back-up - and eventually replace - the Croatia international. Geoginio&nbsp;Wijnaldum and Rodrigo De Paul are among those to have previously been under consideration, with&nbsp;Koopmeiners and Guimaraes now on their wanted list.

Inter eye Koopmeiners and Guimaraes

Manchester United are waiting for Edinson Cavani to fully recover from injury before deciding his future, according to <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/4323908/bellerin-could-leave-arsenal-cavani-has-2m-release-clause-psg-target-free-agents" target="_blank">ESPN.</a> The Uruguayan has impressed since arriving on a free transfer last summer and both player and club are believed to be keen on extending his stay into a second season. Boca Juniors have expressed an interest in signing Cavani, but the 34-year-old wants&nbsp;to keep playing in Europe as long as possible before ending his career back in South America.

Man Utd to wait on Cavani deal

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to fund another summer transfer spurge, with more than £200 million ($278m) available for manager Thomas Tuchel to spend, according to <a href="https://www.sport1.de/transfermarkt/2021/02/chelsea-holt-tuchel-haaland-und-sancho-260-millionen-transferoffensive" target="_blank">Sport1.</a> The Blues were the biggest spenders in the Premier League under Tuchel's predecessor Frank Lampard&nbsp;last summer, with more than £200m spent on seven players including Ben Chilwell, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz. Lampard struggled to get the best out of those signings and was sacked last month, but Tuchel's promising start as Blues boss has convinced&nbsp;Abramovich to back him heavily in the transfer market at the end of the season.

Abramovich ready to fund another Chelsea transfer splurge

Aston Villa are considering a move for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, according to <a href="https://www.todofichajes.com/el-aston-villa-quiere-a-sander-berge/" target="_blank">Todofichajes.</a> Villa boss Dean Smith wants to bolster his midfield this summer and has set his sights on the Norway international. Sheffield United are reluctant to let Berge, who only joined the club in January last year, leave so quickly, but know they may be forced to cash-in on the player if they are relegated from the Premier League.

Villa ready to move for Berge

AC Milan are considering a bid for Lille winger Jonathan Ikone. <a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/milan-inter-sul-mercato-e-sfida-per-ikone-48838" target="_blank">Calciomercato</a> is reporting that manager Stefano Pioli wants to add to his flank options, and Ikone features high on his list of targets.

Ikone on Milan's radar

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has insisted he is “very happy” under Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/jorginho-very-happy-tuchel-new-look-chelsea-exit-talk/zt9wss4hshmz1erd3y000e6x9" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

Jorginho 'very happy' at Chelsea

Everton are plotting a bid for Slavia Prague forward Abdallah Sima. According to <a href="https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-everton-set-sights-on-europa-league-sensation-sima-ahead-of-rangers-showdown/" target="_blank">Football Insider,</a> the Toffees will make their move in the summer transfer window.

Toffees planning Sima swoop

Adam Montgomery has signed a new deal at Celtic. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> ✅ New contract ✅ First time in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CelticFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CelticFC</a> squad What a day for <a href="https://twitter.com/adamontgomery11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adamontgomery11</a>! 🙌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CELABE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CELABE</a> <a href="https://t.co/eAAXVT7pXb">pic.twitter.com/eAAXVT7pXb</a> — Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CelticFC/status/1365672142768070664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Montgomery inks new Celtic deal

Juventus wanted to sign Ferland Mendy before he joined Real Madrid, the defender’s agent has revealed. Yvan Lee Mee has told Tuttosport: “We spoke to Juventus, but they already had Alex Sandro.” <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/juventus-wanted-mbappe-of-left-backs-mendy-before-real/1xi1i3k7i4v6f1fkjjoedt0mwh" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

Juventus wanted 'Mbappe of left-backs' Mendy

Ralph Hasenhuttl is looking for Southampton to loosen the purse strings in upcoming transfer windows and give him more to work with. The Saints boss has said: “We want to be more successful and this is only possible if you have a bigger squad and better players in the width (depth) of the squad. This is the goal for the future I think, otherwise you will never make a step forward.”

Hasenhuttl calls for Southampton spend

Willian has struggled to make the desired impact at Arsenal on the back of his&nbsp;2020 move to the Gunners and admits he “really wanted to stay” at Chelsea before&nbsp;crossing a fierce London divide. The experienced Brazilian has told UOL Esporte: “I didn't leave the club with a fight, I left the doors open. Everyone knew the conditions, I really wanted to stay.” <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/willian-really-wanted-to-stay-at-chelsea-before-crossing/sv5zcplco4d91scph7g1f2642" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

Willian ‘really wanted to stay’ at Chelsea

Lionel Messi will be waiting until a new president is elected at Barcelona before making a decision on his future, reports <a href="https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2021/02/26/60395f21e2704e59778b461b.html" target="_blank">Marca.</a> The six-time Ballon d’Or winner will see his current contract expire in the summer, with Manchester City and PSG sniffing around, but a career-long association with the Blaugrana could be extended.

Messi stay still a possibility for Barca

Leicester have entered into talks regarding a new contract for Harvey Barnes, claims <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/leicester-star-harvey-barnes-closing-23576413" target="_blank">The Mirror.</a> The 23-year-old England international, who has generated rumours of interest from Manchester United and Liverpool, is already tied to a deal through to 2024 but could land improved terms.

Leicester discussing new Barnes deal

Manchester United will have to pay Edinson Cavani £1.75 million if they don't activate the extension clause in his contract, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/edinson-cavani-will-net-1-75m-if-manchester-united-opt-against-contract-extension-zth68jtb6" target="_blank">The Times</a>. Cavani joined on a one-year deal with the option for a second year.

Man Utd could owe Cavani £1.75m

Juventus have Arkadiusz Milik and Memphis Depay in their sights for the summer transfer window, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/calciomercato/2021/02/27-79513353/milik_alla_juve_no_ma_depay_" target="_blank">Tuttosport</a>. Milik is currently on loan at Marseille from Napoli, while&nbsp;Depay has been linked with Barcelona. It is claimed a move for Depay is more likely than Milik, with Juve having a good relationship with Lyon.

Juventus want Milik & Depay

Arsenal's summer transfer plans could take a hit with Real Madrid keen to welcome Martin Odegaard back from his loan spell, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2021/02/27/603a186922601d11058b45b1.html" target="_blank">Marca</a>. Odegaard had been linked with a permanent move but Madrid are hoping he will be back to his best in La Liga after his spell in north London.

Madrid want Odegaard back

Hector Bellerin could leave Arsenal this summer due to an agreement with Mikel Arteta, reports&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/4323908/bellerin-could-leave-arsenal-cavani-has-2m-release-clause-psg-target-free-agents" target="_blank">ESPN</a>. Bellerin was wanted by Barcelona and PSG last year but Arteta asked him to stay for one more year. Arteta supposedly said Arsenal would listen to offers this summer if he stayed for the 2020-21 season.

Bellerin could leave Arsenal

Toni Kroos says he hasn't talked to former team-mate David Alaba about a possible move from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid. “I don't know anything," Kroos told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/fussball/fc-bayern-muenchen-neuer-bild-podcast-bayern-insider-startet-75541988.bild.html" target="_blank">Christian Falk's BILD Bayern Insider</a>&nbsp;podcast.&nbsp; "I haven't talked to him and he hasn't called me, but I think he's old enough to make a decision. I don't know what offers he has on the table either."

Kroos: I haven't talked to Alaba

Former Rennes, Hamburg and Burkina Faso winger Jonathan Pitroipa has retired at the age of 34. Pitroipa was Player of the Tournament at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations after helping Burkina Faso to second place. He had been without a club since leaving FC Paris in January.

Burkina Faso winger Pitroipa retires

Sean Dyche was in playful mood when asked about Tottenham's reported interest in Nick Pope. When it was put to him that it would take a massive offer to sign the Burnley goalkeeper, Dyche replied: "How do you know? How do you know that the offer would have to be massive? "If they offered a bag of crisps and a pint of lager in the pub at the moment, with the way things are going, you never know! I might be swerved! I might actually take it. Life's been strange."

Dyche: Spurs could get Pope for a pint of lager and a packet of crisps

Antonio Conte says he wants to stay at Inter for a long time, but he won't rule out one day returning as Italy manager. Conte told the <a href="https://www.corriere.it/sport/21_febbraio_27/antonio-conte-inter-la-sconfitta-mi-fa-stare-male-mi-sento-solo-mio-esonero-se-augurano-avversari-36e2c5a8-7872-11eb-a31c-83439f3265f9.shtml" target="_blank">Corriere della Sera</a>: "A coach, when he decides to take on a project, is happy if he has the opportunity to work for a long time in the same club. If you are forced to leave after a while, there is only bitterness. "Is the national team a closed experience? My door to Italy will always be open."

Conte: My door is open to Italy return

Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud are fighting for the No.9 shirt at Chelsea - but the club's pursuit of Erling Haaland is creating further uncertainty for both players. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/chelseas-haaland-pursuit-casts-shadow-over-abraham-girouds/liaaar69qp5l13wwe946lm413" target="_blank">Read the full story here on Goal!</a>

Chelsea's Haaland pursuit casts shadow over battle for No.9 shirt

Ilkay Gundogan has revealed he was the subject of talks between Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United a few years before he made his move to Manchester City. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/gundogan-reveals-how-he-caught-man-utds-eye-before-city-move/8ie3lgg3627m1mj8nozru2hrq" target="_blank">Read the full story here on Goal!</a>

Gundogan reveals Man Utd talks

AC Milan want to sign Lazio forward Ciro Immobile in the summer, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fichajes.net/noticias/milan-apunta-immobile-fichaje-estrella-20212022-20210225.html" target="_blank">Fichajes</a>. Milan signed Mario Mandzukic on a short-term deal in January but could look to bolster their attacking options with Immobile, who won last season's European Golden Shoe. Immobile, 31, has scored 19 goals in 27 appearances so far this season.

Milan want Immobile

French striker Andre-Pierre Gignac has signed a new three-year contract with Mexican side Tigres. The 35-year-old joined the club in 2015 and is now their all-time record goalscorer. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/tigres-king-how-gignac-became-mexican-football-legend/m18g4tyaf9ge1nc7luj5bh2lh" target="_blank">Read: Tigres King: How Gignac became a Mexican football legend</a>

Gignac signs new Tigres deal

Lautaro Martinez has told <a href="https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Inter/27-02-2021/intervista-esclusiva-lautaro-martinez-inter-rinnovo-mi-tatuo-scudetto-4001030608667_preview.shtml" target="_blank">Gazzetta dello Sport</a>&nbsp;that he's "not leaving Inter in the summer" and plans to extend his contract soon. The forward, who has been courted in the past by Barcelona,&nbsp;has scored 13 goals in Serie A this season.

Lautaro 'not leaving' Inter Milan (Gazzetta)

The Argentinian star provided his club peace of mind with the declaration

Forward&nbsp;Franco Jara of FC Dallas made quite the declaration to <a href="https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2021/02/27/60397621e2704ee49b8b45eb.html" target="_blank">90min</a> about the prospect of Lionel Messi coming to his league:&nbsp;"If [Messi] comes to play [in MLS], I'd kiss his feet. It would be insane." Messi is reportedly considering a&nbsp;Barcelona departure this summer, but&nbsp;a move to the U.S. is obviously unrealistic, with more likely transfer destinations being England or France.

FC Dallas player dreams of Messi joining MLS

Stuart Findlay, the centre-back that the Philadelphia Union bought this week from Kilmarnock, will join his new side in time for the start of the 2021 MLS season, both clubs have now confirmed to <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football" target="_blank">Sky Sports.</a>

New signing Findlay will be ready for Union's MLS opener

Manchester United's Alex Telles has been usurped at full-back by Luke Shaw this season, setting up a possible swap deal this summer with Inter Milan, writes <a href="https://www.interlive.it/2021/02/25/calciomercato-inter-alex-telles-manchester-united-brozovic/" target="_blank">Inter Live</a>. The rumoured transaction would send midfielder Marcelo Brozovic and cash&nbsp;back to the Red Devils in exchange for Telles.

Man Utd could involve Telles in swap deal

Chivas have extended an open invitation for Mexican striker Javier Hernandez to join their club,&nbsp;president&nbsp;Amaury Vergara <a href="https://www.marca.com/en/football/liga-mx/2021/02/27/603980b9e2704e37028b45f6.html" target="_blank">told</a> TUDN. Hernandez is currently looking to bounce back from a down season for the LA Galaxy.

Chicharito has open Liga MX offer

Rafael Garcia announced his retirement on social media after time spent playing in MLS and the USL Championship. <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Thank you!✌🏽 <a href="https://t.co/BsWxcISgOL">pic.twitter.com/BsWxcISgOL</a> — Rafael Garcia (@Rafizzy07) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rafizzy07/status/1365373004755046403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Former LA Galaxy midfielder Garcia retires

Reports over the past month had indicated on-loan Gareth Bale had no future at Tottenham, but his most recent performance in the Europa League has prompted Jose Mourinho to speak highly of his value and suggest more starts could come soon. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/mourinho-wants-to-play-happier-than-ever-bale-more-often/svpfj0eqfri4183bgf3lbr3rw" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

Mourinho changes stance on Bale

RB Leipzig have already sold top centre-back&nbsp;Dayot Upamecano to Bayern Munich and could now look to ship off midfielder&nbsp;Marcel Sabitzer and goalkeeper&nbsp;Peter Gulasci this summer, according to <a href="https://sportbild.bild.de/" target="_blank">Bild</a>.

Leipzig could shed additional first-teamers

Six Man Utd back-ups set to benefit from AFCON absences

Maresca learning success doesn't mean stability at Chelsea

Man Utd to advance Semenyo interest in January

The life & times of Lord Bendtner

'Oh my goodness, animal!' - Chelsea urged to bring former defender back 

Transfers LIVE: Man Utd on alert as Neves eyes Premier League return

Best 100 football quiz questions, trivia and answers

Sir Alex believes Man Utd could fail to win title for a decade

Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Mbappe demand could threaten Hazard's role at Madrid | Goal.com Uganda

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