The football world is awash with gossip. Transfer Talk is monitoring the whispers ahead of all the summer moves. Check out the latest deals and potential deals here.
TOP STORY: Barca ready fourth Coutinho bid
Barcelona are preparing a staggering fourth offer worth £138 million for Philippe Coutinho, according to Sky Sports, despite Jurgen Klopp reiterating the situation has “100 percent not changed.”
The Blaugrana’s desperation could finally outweigh the Reds’ stubbornness, and it would be a considerable show of strength after what has been a horrendous fortnight for Ernesto Valverde’s side.
The third bid from the La Liga giants was criticised for the lack of money up front and while Liverpool maintain no offer will be accepted, should a guarantee reach close to £100m, it’s understood that their stance may begin to shift.
BREAKING: @FCBarcelona preparing fourth bid of £138m for @LFC‘s Philippe Coutinho – Sky sources #SSN pic.twitter.com/bbmBqV83Uw
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 22, 2017
Chelsea eye shock move for Vardy
Antonio Conte is likely to have secured a late flurry of spending in the market by masterminding Chelsea’s Wembley win over Tottenham and the Mirror believes Jamie Vardy is set to be one of his targets in the final days of the window.
The England striker has started the season strongly for Leicester and while speculations surrounding departures has centred around Riyad Mahrez or Danny Drinkwater, who is also wanted by the Blues, Vardy could be on his way if a suitable offer arrives.
Linked with Arsenal last summer before snubbing a move to the Emirates to sign a new deal, Vardy may be running out of opportunities to play in the Champions League again.
While Alvaro Morata should replace Diego Costa, Conte wants depth and appears unsure on Michy Batshuayi’s ability to meet his requirements.
MIRROR SPORT: Chelsea target Vardy time #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/SkBp6PImMY
— Helen Miller (@MsHelicat) August 22, 2017
Mustafi emerges as Juventus target
Shkodran Mustafi is now a target for Juventus, claims Turin-based Tuttosport, as they finally prepare to replace Leonardo Bonucci after his shock move to AC Milan.
The Old Lady could move for the Arsenal star to strengthen their back line, which appears to be lacking a top centre-back in their prime.
Arsene Wenger would surely be unwilling to sanction a move for the German international this late in the window, unless the Gunners received another piece in return.
A talented young defender such as Daniele Rugani would fall into this category but the Bianconeri rate the 23-year-old highly and Massimiliano Allegri started him in the Serie A opener against Cagliari last weekend.
Tottenham front runners for Keita
Keita Balde is seemingly heading for London and Tottenham as a €30 million bid is being prepared, according to Corriere Dello Sport.
The Lazio forward has been frozen out after refusing to sign a new deal with the Biancocelesti, while moves to Inter and Juventus have failed to materialise.
Strained relations have hurt the Senegalese international’s hopes of moving to Turin, which now puts Spurs in a strong position to take advantage and add much-needed pace in the wide areas and a potential back-up for Harry Kane.
Burnley close in on £9m Waris
Sean Dyche is set to splash the cash to build upon a solid start to the season for Burnley with the Mail claiming the Clarets will spend £9m on Lorient striker Abdul Majeed Waris.
After selling Andre Gray for £18m, Burnley have reacted quickly by bringing in Chris Wood from Leeds for £15m, but Dyche is keen to bring more depth to his attack.
West Ham, West Brom and Brighton were all keen but Waris is now set to move to Turf Moor after catching the eye last term with nine goals and four assists in Ligue 1.
Tap-ins
– Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are competing for Aston Villa starlet Andre Green and the Mirror reports that the clubs watched him in action against Reading last week.
Villa could sell the 19-year-old, who has also been watched recently by Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham, due to there being just two years left on his contract.
– Marseille and Monaco have emerged as surprise contenders to land Diego Costa if Chelsea and Atletico Madrid can secure a deal first, reports the Telegraph.
The Ligue 1 giants may be willing to take the Spain international on loan, due to Atletico’s transfer ban, with the 28-year-old’s future still up in the air entering the final week of the window.
– Roma continue to search for attacking reinforcements and Gianluca Di Marzio reports the Giallorossi have picked up talks with Barcelona for Munir.
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