Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Barcelona dreaming of Rashford deal

Inter are 'very close' to confirming a deal for Atletico Madrid defender and captain Diego Godin. The Uruguay international has been with Diego Simeone's side since 2010 but has been frequently linked with a move to the Serie A side in recent months. Now, the San Siro club look set to unveil the 33-year-old as their latest addition ahead of the 2019-20 campaign. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/inter-very-close-to-sealing-godin-switch-confirms-marotta/1xm2y1icsjpaq1mx42sdq1zrte" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal here!</a>

Inter 'very close' to Godin deal

Uruguay international set for San Siro move

Roma have contacted Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri’s agents over whether he would be interested in coaching them next season, according to <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/11643973/roma-contact-chelsea-boss-maurizio-sarris-representatives-for-coaching-role-next-season" target="_blank">Sky Sports</a>. The Italian has been under pressure at Stamford Bridge since the new year following a dramatic drop in form among reports of an unsatisfied dressing room. Sarri previously managed Napoli in Serie A, before switching to the Premier League at the beginning of the season with the Blues.

Roma make Sarri approach

Blues boss could be set for Serie A return

“It’s with clear vision [with Dortmund] that you buy them for a certain price and then you sell them for significant profit down the line - that’s Borussia Dortmund’s business model, has been for multiple years now,” Castles&nbsp;told the <a href="https://play.acast.com/s/thetransferwindow/jadonsanchotoreturntoengland-asauditakeoverofmanutd-whyplayerpowerisanincreasingproblematthebiggestclubs" target="_blank">Transfer Window Podcast</a>. “They pick up individuals of great talent, like Christian Pulisic who’s now on his way to Chelsea, at a limited price, give them the opportunity to play as teenagers or young professionals, which they might not have had at other clubs, allow their market value to increase and then cash in two, three years down the line when the big offer comes. Reinvest that in the team. “That’s the way Dortmund compete at the top level in Germany and in the Champions League. So Sancho is for sale. “Sancho ticks all of those boxes for Manchester United - if they were to come in with a very high offer then that would tempt Dortmund and may also tempt Sancho and his advisors,” he added.

‘Sancho is for sale’

Football journalist Duncan Castles has said Jadon Sancho could be available this summer given Dortmund’s transfer policies.

<a href="http://Mundo Deportivo are reporting that the Spanish champions would jump at the prospect of adding Rashford to their ranks, even though any deal could cost upwards of €100m (£87m). However, Barca do not hold out much hope as United are unlikely to sell their star man, who has recently overtaken Romelu Lukaku as the club’s main striker. Rashford is also a boyhood fan of the Red Devils and is enjoying life under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer." target="_blank">Mundo Deportivo</a> are reporting that the Spanish champions would jump at the prospect of adding Rashford to their ranks, even though any deal could cost upwards of €100m (£87m). However, Barca do not hold out much hope as United are unlikely to sell their star man, who has recently overtaken Romelu Lukaku as the club’s main striker. Rashford is also a boyhood fan of the Red Devils and is enjoying life under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

 Barca dreaming of Rashford

Barcelona chiefs would love to sign Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, but know it is an unrealistic prospect.

Paris Saint-Germain have joined the chase for disgruntled Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8473447/hudson-odoi-furious-with-sarri-psg-bayern-munich/" target="_blank">The Sun</a> reports.&nbsp; The 18-year-old has been frozen out at Chelsea since handing in a transfer request to join Bayern Munich last month, playing just 13 Premier League minutes since asking to leave. That lack of playing time has strengthened&nbsp;Hudson-Odoi's desire to leave Stamford Bridge, with the Ligue 1 champions now joining Bayern in the race for his signature.

PSG join race for Hudson-Odoi

The 18-year-old is growing increasingly frustrated over his lack of playing time

Real Madrid, Chelsea, Juventus and Napoli have all reached out over Mauro Icardi's availability in the summer, according to <a href="https://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/mercato/inter/i-primi-corteggiatori-di-icardi-real-chelsea-juve-e-napoli-vogliono-capire-se-possono-dare-l-assalto_1262286-201902a.shtml" target="_blank">Sport Mediaset.</a> The Inter striker's future is up in the air after the Serie A side&nbsp;uncermoniously stripped him of the club captaincy last week.&nbsp; That has led Icardi's agent and wife&nbsp;Wanda Nara to field calls from the four European powers in recent days.&nbsp;

Madrid, Chelsea, Juve & Napoli reach out over Icardi

The Inter star could be on the move after losing the club captaincy

Real Madrid may look to tempt Chelsea to part with Eden Hazard by offering Gareth Bale in part-exchange for the Belgian, reports <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8469104/unloved-gareth-bale-man-utd-transfer-chelsea-real-madrid/" target="_blank">The Sun</a>. The Welshman is settled at Los Blancos and not keen to depart La Liga but could very well be used as a bargaining chip as Santiago Solari’s side pursue the Blues star. Hazard has been linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge for much of this season and may leave the club if they fail to secure Champions League football once more at the end of the campaign.

Madrid mulling over Bale swap for Hazard

The deadline day for transfers ahead of the 2019-20 Premier League season will be Thursday 8 August, <a href="https://www.premierleague.com/news/1058675" target="_blank">officials have confirmed</a>. The new campaign will kick off two days later on Saturday 10 August. Transfers will be allowed for top-flight sides up until 1700 GMT on the day, with further information to come.

Premier League deadline day confirmed

Frenkie de Jong is relishing the opportunity to play with "the greatest player ever" Lionel Messi after sealing his dream move to&nbsp;Barcelona. Barca secured the Ajax star in a €75 million (£65m/$85m) deal in January&nbsp;, with De Jong set to join his new team-mates at Camp Nou in the summer for the start of the 2019-20 campaign. The 21-year-old had&nbsp;attracted much attention before sealing the switch&nbsp;and&nbsp;he is now keen&nbsp;to take his career to the next level alongside the Argentina legend. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/de-jong-excited-to-join-greatest-player-ever-messi-at/fszqz15du70s1x2gzfui8o75b" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal here!</a>

De Ligt excited for Messi chance

Cristiano Ronaldo could swap Juventus for a triumphant return to Manchester United as early as next season, according to <a href="https://www.donbalon.com/noticia/detalle/133633/cristiano-ronaldo-tiene-oferta-bomba-no-es-real-madrid-salir-juventus" target="_blank">Don Balon</a>. The Portuguese only arrived at the Serie A champions this season but is open to a change once more. United, currently under the stewardship of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, would be happy to bring the multiple Ballon d’Or winner back to Old Trafford, where he remains a Red Devils legend.

Ronaldo open to United move

Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez could have landed with AC Milan but the club's then-sporting director turned down a chance to sign him, according to&nbsp;Gazzetta dello Sport (<a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/revealed-ac-milan-refused-to-sign-atletico-s-gimenez-for-a-barga-11796" target="_blank">via Calciomercato.com</a>). Gimenez was offered to the Serie A club for €1.5 million in 2013, but&nbsp;Rocco Maiorino, then the sporting director, refused the offer, only for Gimenez to sign for&nbsp;€3m with Atletico a few weeks later.

Milan passed on chance to sign Atletico's Gimenez

Stoke striker Saido Berahino has been exiled from the first team while the club debates whether to release him outright, according to the <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/21/stoke-explore-prospect-sacking-saido-berahino-drink-driving/" target="_blank">Telegraph</a>. Berahino was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and charged Tuesday, which is latest in a series of transgressions that leave him on thin ice at Stoke. The club are having discussions with their lawyers, as well as the Professional Footballers Association as they consider moving on from Berahino despite the striker having&nbsp;£6 million ($8m) left on a contract that runs through 2022.&nbsp;

Stoke may sack Berahino

Gareth Bale is unlikely to depart Real Madrid this summer to join Manchester United or Chelsea, according to <a href="https://en.as.com/en/2019/02/21/football/1550748910_155026.html" target="_blank">AS</a>. While Madrid are not against allowing Bale to leave, the player has no intention to leave the club as he is now settled and happy. While clubs have shown interest, no concrete offers have come in for Bale, and unless one so good it can't be turned down arrives, he will remain in Spain.

Bale unlikely to join Man Utd or Chelsea

Inter nearly swapped Ivan Perisic for Dalian Yifang's Yannick Carrasco with only Leonardo Jardim causing the move to collapse, according to <a href="https://www.rtl.be/sport/football/football-etranger/l-incroyable-histoire-qui-a-prive-yannick-carrasco-d-un-transfert-a-l-inter-milan-1102018.aspx" target="_blank">RTL Sport</a>. Carrasco wanted a return to Europe and Perisic saw the chance to land a big contract at age 30, with Jardim, who was set to take over at the Chinese club, giving his seal of approval to the move. But Jardim instead ended up returning to Monaco to replace Thierry Henry instead and as a result, the move fell apart, forcing Carrasco to remain in China for now.

Inter nearly swapped Perisic for Carrasco

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak has reached a deal to extend his contract with the club that will raise his wages to at&nbsp;least&nbsp;€10 million (£9m/$11m), according to <a href="https://en.as.com/en/2019/02/21/football/1550749491_113044.html" target="_blank">AS</a>. Oblak has drawn interest from clubs around the world, from the Premier League to Paris Saint-Germain, with his current deal set to expire in 2021 and carried a&nbsp;€100m release clause. Atletico wanted&nbsp;a new release clause between €150m and&nbsp;200m, while Oblak will receive a salary of between&nbsp;€10m and&nbsp;€12m, with the deal set to be announced next week.

Oblak set to extend Atletico deal at €10m per season

Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho is keen to remain at the club despite interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid, per <a href="https://www.donbalon.com/noticia/detalle/133623/galactico-tapado-desata-guerra-entre-florentino-perez-manchester-united" target="_blank">Don Balon</a>. The England international has been in exceptional form for the Bundesliga side this season, helping to spearhead their challenge for the title, catching the eyes of numerous suitors. However, the teenager wishes to remain in Germany under Lucien Favre, though this has not dissuaded either the Red Devils or Los Blancos.

Sancho keen for Dortmund stay

Rangers have laughed off a pair of unacceptable bids for Alfredo Morelos, according to manager Steven Gerrard, reports <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11788/11643538/alfredo-morelos-valued-highly-by-rangers-says-steven-gerrard" target="_blank">Sky Sports</a>. The 22-year-old, who penned a fresh four-year deal at Ibrox last year, is in excellent form for the Scottish Premiership side, with 27 goals this season. Gerrard has now stated that the club have fielded offers for the Colombia international, but have rebuffed them due to the value that they place on Morelos.

Rangers turn down bids for Morelos

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> ✍️ | Billy Sharp and Enda Stevens have today signed new long-term contracts with the club. "They are both here for the long-term, they are good players and hopefully they will keep moving forward with us" - Chris Wilder.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SUFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TwitterBlades?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TwitterBlades</a> — Sheffield United (@SUFC_tweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/SUFC_tweets/status/1098607732234567686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Blades tie down key pair

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should be appointed as permanent&nbsp;Manchester United manager after restoring positivity to the club and rediscovering the “Paul Pogba of old”, says Andy Cole. The former Red Devils striker told beIN Sports: “I can’t see any reason why not to give him it. If you listen to all the players, the way they talk about him, they want to give him the job.” <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/pogba-of-old-and-lots-of-positivity-at-man-utd-solskjaer/f34afv1p35x61jccwnhkw6nht" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

‘Solskjaer stay should be a given’

Javier Hernandez may look for a move away from West Ham this summer, with Frederic Kanoute telling&nbsp;Goal&nbsp;that he will have no shortage of options if he does head for the exits. The Mexico international striker continues to struggle for starts under Manuel Pellegrini and may need a switch in order to rekindle his spark elsewhere. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/chicharito-will-have-no-shortage-of-options-if-he-wants-out/13h3rxdb26vdw1v4bftgtb4ipi" target="_blank">Here is what a former Hammers star has had to say on the situation.</a>

'Chicharito will have no shortage of options'

Fulham loanee Sergio Rico is hoping to remain in England past the end of an agreement with Sevilla which is set to run until the summer. The 25-year-old goalkeeper told <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11643396/sergio-rico-wants-to-return-to-premier-league-next-season" target="_blank">Sky Sports</a>: "I have to come back to Seville but I would like to come here [England] next season because I am very happy here. "I like the Premier League and I enjoy it a lot here in London, I am so happy. I don't know the future now but I would like to come here again."

Rico wants Premier League stay

Tottenham are leading the hunt for Sampdoria's in-demand defender Joachim Andersen, according to <a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/exclusive-tottenham-meet-samp-for-e25m-defender-inter-s-strategy-21290" target="_blank">Calciomercato</a>. The likes of Manchester United and Inter have also been linked with the Denmark international, who may be available for around €25 million (£22m/$28m).

Tottenham lead Andersen chase

Barcelona are eager to find a long-term striking successor to Luis Suarez and have Maxi Gomez and Andre Silva in their signs, according to <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20190221/46608099378/el-barca-acelera-el-fichaje-del-nueve.html" target="_blank">Mundo Deportivo</a>. Luka Jovic is another option, but Celta Vigo star Gomez is considered to be the top target for those at Camp Nou.

Barcelona considering Silva & Gomez

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> We are delighted to announce that Romain Saiss has signed a new contract with the club until 2021! Congratulations Romain! ✍️🇲🇦<a href="https://t.co/AIV7Ym4vjH">https://t.co/AIV7Ym4vjH</a> — Wolves (@Wolves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wolves/status/1098568322327724032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

New Wolves deal for Saiss

Liverpool man Marko Grujic believes he still has a place in Jurgen Klopp’s plans despite spending all three seasons on loan since moving to Anfield. He is currently enjoying a superb season at Hertha Berlin, but thinks there is every possibility he will be at Liverpool next season. “If I keep performing like I do now, then there are more chances to come back to Liverpool for another season," Grujic told <a href="http://www.espn.co.uk/football/club/liverpool/364/blog/post/3769448/marko-grujic-determined-to-make-it-at-liverpool-as-hertha-loan-flourishes" target="_blank">ESPN</a>. "I'll return with more experience and better abilities. It depends on what the clubs will decide at the end of the season “I think [there is a] plan for the future," the Serbian said of his Liverpool career. "From every chat we had so far, I thought that they really think about me.

Grujic could return to Liverpool next season

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">Paris Saint-Germain have reached an agreement with Lassana Diarra to terminate his contract, due to expire on 30 June 2019. <a href="https://t.co/KfdGNDVUoD">pic.twitter.com/KfdGNDVUoD</a>— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) <a href="https://twitter.com/PSG_English/status/1098538212878888960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Diarra departs PSG

The agent of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has denied claims his client could join Juventus next summer. "Koulibaly at Juventus? He’s very close to Napoli, the club and above all to the city. I don’t think he would ever betray them to go to Juventus,” the defender’s agent, Bruno Satin, told <a href="https://www.kisskiss.it" target="_blank">Radio Kiss Kiss</a>. “If you have the chance to play on important stages, you listen, even if I repeat he is very close to Napoli.” Satin’s comments are good news for Manchester United and Chelsea fans, with both clubs being linked with a summer move for&nbsp;Koulibaly.

Koulibaly agent denies Juve move

Cardiff City&nbsp;manager&nbsp;Neil Warnock says the club have been given more time by&nbsp;Nantes&nbsp;to pay the first part of the transfer fee for Emiliano Sala. Sala became Cardiff's record signing when he joined the&nbsp;Premier League&nbsp;club for a reported £15million ($20m) last month, but&nbsp;the striker tragically died in a plane crash before making an appearance. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/nantes-grant-cardiff-extension-over-sala-payment-warnock/hfgh5e2es5ud188udg507gw2k" target="_blank">Here is the latest on discussions between two clubs at the centre of an unfortunate saga.</a>

Nantes grant Sala fee extension

Newcastle United will have to pay up to £16m ($21m) to sign on-loan West Brom man Salomon Rondo. <a href="https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/17446019.newcastle-are-handed-16m-price-tag-for-rondon-transfer/" target="_blank">The Northern Echo</a> are reporting that the Magpies would like to sign the striker permanently but owner Mike Ashley is uneasy paying such a large sum for a player who turns 30 on September. However, with another unnamed Premier League side also interested in Rondon, Newcastle may decide to part with the money or use Dwight Gayle as a bargaining tool to secure the Venezuelan’s signature.&nbsp;

West Brom refuse to lower £16m asking for Rondon

The future of Maurizio Sarri will determine which striker Chelsea try and sign in the summer transfer market. Should the former Napoli coach retain his role into next season then Chelsea will attempt to purchase Gonzalo Higuain on a permanent deal. However, <a href="https://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/mercato/inter/i-primi-corteggiatori-di-icardi-real-chelsea-juve-e-napoli-vogliono-capire-se-possono-dare-l-assalto_1262286-201902a.shtml" target="_blank">Sport Mediaset</a> claim if Sarri is sacked before then, they could turn their attentions to Inter man Mauro Icardi.

Chelsea's Icardi pursuit depends on Sarri future

Arsenal tried to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Christopher Nkunku in January, according to <a href="https://www.lequipe.fr" target="_blank">L’Equipe</a>. The 21-year-old feels he is stagnating at PSG and was keen to make the move to the Premier League. So too, were the French champions, who were reportedly willing to let Nkunku leave, but Arsenal’s inability to meet their asking price meant the transfer fell through.

Arsenal missed out on Nkunku

Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier has said he would like to play for Burnley again one day. The full-back represented the Clarets between 2012-2015 and has said he still has a soft for his former side. “Burnley helped me get to where I am and I’ll never forget that,” said Trippier. "I’ll always be thankful to them. It would be nice to think that I could play for Burnley [again] one day.” <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/tottenham-star-trippier-wants-to-play-for-dyche-again/1kpkqu2y2x4x71rcgn37vou3q7" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

Trippier wants Burnley return in future

Chelsea&nbsp;have been warned that Sarri-ball may be pushing Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante towards the exits, with Mario Melchiot suggesting that tactical tweaks could lead to high-profile departures. The former Blues defender told talkSPORT: “If you play players out of their position, you’re taking away their happiness and when their happiness goes, players are going to start looking at somewhere else.” <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/chelsea-warned-sarri-ball-may-force-hazard-kante-away-from/u1d6m6daksz61l5w6cddphy88" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

‘Sarri-ball edging Hazard & Kante towards exits’

Christian Eriksen “only wants to focus on football”, claims his agent, with the&nbsp;Tottenham&nbsp;playmaker set to see&nbsp;Real Madrid&nbsp;rumours rumble on as no further contract talks are planned at this stage. Martin Schoots told&nbsp;ESPN: "At this moment I would prefer not to join the speculations about contracts and transfers." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/eriksen-only-focused-on-football-amid-continued-real-madrid/1qyy210whv9rc1exdxj1d4ey28" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

Eriksen 'focused on football' amid Madrid links

Barcelona have withdrawn their offer to Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot but remain open to further talks, claims <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/vuelta-empezar-con-rabiot-7315380" target="_blank">Sport</a>. The France international is set to become a free agent in the summer and was expected to head for Camp Nou after being identified as a top target by the Liga champions.

Rabiot offer withdrawn by Barcelona

Marouane Fellaini insists his move from&nbsp;Manchester United&nbsp;to&nbsp;China&nbsp;was not driven by money, with there every chance he would still be at Old Trafford had Jose Mourinho remained as manager. The&nbsp;Belgium&nbsp;international has&nbsp;swapped the Premier League for the Chinese Super League after linking up with Shandong Luneng. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/fellaini-claims-he-didnt-leave-man-utd-for-the-money-would/1ugk9z7qgjfnn1bup9a5uds67v" target="_blank">Here is what he has had to say on that transfer and his time at Old Trafford.</a>

Fellaini didn't leave Man Utd for the money

Nantes and Cardiff have agreed to delay the first payment of the £15m ($20m) fee for Emiliano Sala. The Premier League side were initially supposed to pay the first part of that sum by February 20, but due to insurance reasons they have opted to push that date back. According to <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/emiliano-sala-plane-crash-cardiff-nantes-fee-payment-a8789026.html" target="_blank">the Independent</a>, should a fee not be agreed the case could even go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Nantes and Cardiff agree to stall first Sala payment

Italian football expert, David Amoyal, believes Kalidou Koulibaly will not be allowed to leave Napoli this summer. Speaking on the <a href="https://soundcloud.com/calcioland/ep-196-icardi-drama-milan-deep-dive" target="_blank">CalcioLand podcast</a>, Amoyal said: “He [Koulibaly] could do great on any team, so I think he’s definitely worth whatever the fee a club will pay "But I’m still not sure he will be available, he keeps saying he wants to stay at Napoli. “I think if it came to it, Napoli would much rather sell Allan than Koulibaly because they have a great track record of finding midfielders. Defenders like Koulibaly are much harder to come by. “So as it stands now, I’m still gonna say I’d be rather surprised if Koulibaly leaves in the summer,” he added.

Italian football expert expects Koulibaly to remain at Napoli

Arsenal have made an offer of £26m ($34m) for Roma winger Cengiz Under, according to <a href="https://www.calciomercato.com" target="_blank">Calciomercato</a>. However, the bid is believed to be someway off the £35m ($46m) fee Roma have valued the 21-year-old at. Liverpool and Chelsea are also reported to be interested in signing the Turkish international.

Arsenal make Under approach

<a href="https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-owners-take-step-15861323" target="_blank">BirminghamLive</a> are reporting that Aston Villa have already begun looking ahead to their transfer activities next summer, but will have to offload players in order to make signings. Villa have been hit hard by Financial Fair Play regulations before and with their parachute payments set to end this summer, they must be more sensible in the market. The paper says manager Dean Smith is planning an overhaul of the squad at the end of the season and players such as&nbsp;Mile Jedinak and Glenn Whelan are expected to leave.

Villa planning for summer signings

Barcelona have their eyes&nbsp;Lille fowards&nbsp;Nicolas Pepe and&nbsp;Rafael Leao. <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/los-dos-nuevos-objetivos-del-barca-7313834" target="_blank">Sport</a> claim the Spanish giants were in France to scout Pepe last weekend and also kept an eye on Leao, who has been in fine form for the French side.&nbsp;

Barca scouting both Pepe and Leao

Arsenal have been given a boost in their efforts to sign&nbsp;Nicolas Pepe, according to the Mirror.&nbsp; Lille manager Christophe Galtier​ sees the forward as ready to take the next step in his career, but the&nbsp;£60 million​ ($78m) asking price is a stumbling block.&nbsp;

Arsenal given Pepe boost 

Brazilian side Santos are closing in on the loan signing of Jorge, who has not found a regular place at Porto.&nbsp; <a href="https://globoesporte.globo.com/sp/santos-e-regiao/futebol/times/santos/noticia/santos-encaminha-emprestimo-do-lateral-jorge-do-porto-ate-o-fim-do-ano.ghtml" target="_blank">Globo Esporte​</a> claim the 22-year-old defender, who was sold to Monaco in 2017, will likely make a return to his native country in the near future.&nbsp;

Santos closing in on Porto's Jorge 

Manchester United have made a breakthrough in talks over a new&nbsp;six-year contract&nbsp;for Marcus Rashford, according to the <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/man-utd-set-hand-marcus-14029387" target="_blank">Mirror</a>.&nbsp; The 21-year-old's current deal expires at the end of next season, and United are desperate to hold on to one of their most valuable players. United are confident they will be able to announce a new deal through 2024-25 for Rashford in the coming weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rashford set for new six-year contract

Discussions between Barcelona and&nbsp;striker Luka Jovic's representatives are progressing well, <a href="https://le10sport.com/football/mercato/exclu-mercato-le-barca-avance-sur-luka-jovic-436326" target="_blank">Le10Sport</a> reports.&nbsp; The 21-year-old has generated plenty of interest across Europe this season by scoring 19 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt in all competitions while on loan from Benfica.&nbsp; The Serbian is understood to be keen on a move to Barcelona, though, and the Catalan side appear to have a leg up in the race to sign Jovic.&nbsp;

Barca discussions over Jovic progressing well

Real Madrid are ahead of Juventus in the race for Porto defender Eder Militao, <a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/real-madrid-lead-juventus-in-race-for-militao-the-latest-57813" target="_blank">Calciomercato</a> reports.&nbsp; The 21-year-old Brazilian is on the radar of a number of Europe's top clubs, and appears destined for a big-money summer move.&nbsp; Porto have set the asking price at €50 million (£43m/$57m), but that figure could climb even higher should a bidding war break out.&nbsp;

Real Madrid lead Juventus in Militao chase

Zinedine Zidane is keeping his eye on the managerial situation at his former club Juventus, according to the <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/chelsea-could-miss-out-zinedine-14026840" target="_blank">Mirror</a>.&nbsp; Zidane is on Chelsea's radar, with Blues manager Maurizio Sarri currently on the brink of losing his job after a poor run of form.&nbsp; But Chelsea could miss out on one of their top targets if&nbsp;Massimiliano Allegri were to depart Juve in the summer, opening up the job for Zidane.&nbsp;

Zidane monitoring Juventus situation

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