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          Transfer Talk: Barcelona offered Bayern Munich's Arturo Vidal; Chelsea chase Wilfried Zaha

          • ESPN
          Aug 1, 2018, 11:55 PM

          The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow along with our daily blog throughout the summer.

          When does the transfer window close in the Premier League and the top European leagues?

          TOP STORY: Barcelona offered Bayern's Vidal

          Barcelona's search for a midfielder could lead them to Bayern Munich, but for Arturo Vidal instead of Thiago Alcantara.

          Sport write that there is a verbal agreement in place for Vidal to join, and could fly to Catalonia tonight to finalise a deal.

          Bayern are reportedly looking to offload midfielders in this transfer window, and with Barcelona keen to sign one, it could be a deal that makes sense for all parties.

          The 31-year-old has spent three seasons at Bayern, winning three Bundesliga titles and one DFB-Pokal.

          LIVE BLOG

          23.00 BST: That'll do it for today's Transfer Talk LIVE blog. Remember to check back in a few hours for more links, rumours and completed deals from around the world of football. Goodnight!

          22.52 BST: According to the Mirror, Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has told some of Crystal Palace teammates he is ready to quit the club in the hopes of a big-money move to Chelsea.

          Zaha has already rejected a new contract from Palace and there are even rumours he could consider lodging an official transfer request.

          The tricky winger bagged nine goals and three assists last season in 29 games and has also been linked with a move to fellow London rival Tottenham.

          22.31 BST: Where will World Cup winner Steven N'zonzi be playing his club football this season?

          One of the most talked about transfer targets is still a Sevilla player for the moment but has also been linked with moves to Arsenal, Everton, Roma and even Barcelona.

          Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport claim that the 29-year-old midfielder is still hopeful of a move and will be sitting around for the next week in case Arsenal or Everton trigger his release clause ahead of next Thursday's Premier League transfer deadline.

          Should neither team meet the terms of the deadline, Roma would figure to be the favourite by default for the France international.

          22.08 BST: Turkish journalist Firat Gunayer of TRT Spor is reporting that La Liga new boys Rayo Vallecano are negotiating with Besiktas for the transfer of striker Alvaro Negredo.

          The 32-year-old hitman, who is best known for his days with Sevilla and Man City, would be returning to his boyhood club where he played from 2001-05. Last season, Negredo managed 15 goals in all competitions for Besiktas.

          21.46 BST: Liverpool youngster Sheyi Ojo looks set for another loan move away from Anfield.

          The 21-year-old attacker spent last season on loan at Fulham and it is Middlesbrough who are showing interest this summer.

          Loaded up front, Liverpool have no place at present for the Under-20 World Cup winner, so expect Ojo to be out on loan again this season, likely somewhere in the Championship.

          21:13 BST: -- DONE DEAL -- Championship side Stoke City have announced they have acquired veteran defender Ashley Williams on a season-long loan from Everton.

          Almost 34-years-old, Williams arrives with a plethora of top-flight experience, having played for Everton as well as Swansea.

          Williams also is an accomplished international for Wales, having made 79 appearances; famously captaining the side to the semi-finals of the 2016 Euros.

          20.45 BST: -- DONE DEAL -- Crystal Palace have announced they have signed German midfielder Max Meyer on a free transfer.

          Meyer comes to London from Schalke where he has been a regular in the Bundesliga since the age of 17. The 22-year-old has also starred for Germany's underage sides, winning silverware as well as individual accolades at tournaments like the Under-17 Euros, U21 Euros and 2016 Olympic Games.

          Still just 22 and already with 4 senior caps to his name, Palace will be hoping to unlock all the promise that had started to elude Meyer at the end of his tenure with Schalke.

          20.23 BST: -- DONE DEAL -- It's official. Gonzalo Higuain and Mattia Caldara have officially joined the Rossoneri from Juventus.

          Higuain joins on a one-year loan with the option to buy while Caldara arrives in a permanent one-for-one swap for Leonardo Bonucci.

          Higuain scored 23 goals last season for Juve while the 24-year-old Caldara was a regular starter on loan at Atalanta.

          19.55 BST: -- DONE DEAL -- Man United have announced that goalkeeper Joel Pereira will go on loan with Portuguese side Vitoria Setubal.

          The 22-year-old has made three first-team appearances for United and has had previous loan spells at Rochdale and Belenenses.

          19.29 BST: Tuttomercatoweb claim that Man City are planning to make a shock late move for PSG midfielder Marco Verratti.

          After missing out on Jorginho to Chelsea, Pep Guardiola is eyeing another central midfielder and the Italian Verratti would fit the bill.

          Verratti has been off-and-on linked with a move away from Parc des Princes over the past couple of windows but signed a lucrative contract extension in 2016 that runs through 2021.

          19.08 BST: The Telegraph suggests that Wolves are set to break the club's transfer record by signing Adama Traore from Middlesbrough for £18 million.

          The former Barcelona product has yet to see his career take off since leaving the Camp Nou, with two-year spells with first Aston Villa and then Boro.

          The 22-year-old made major strides last season, though, scoring five goals and adding 10 assists as Middlesbrough reached the Championship play-offs.

          Nuno Espirito Santo and newly-promoted Wolves have already made eight signings so far this summer.

          18.40 BST: -- DONE DEAL -- Newly-promoted Fulham have made their sixth signing of a busy summer; inking centre-back and local boy Alfie Mawson to a four-year deal.

          Mawson arrives at Craven Cottage from Swansea, where he impressed greatly over the last two seasons.

          Another shrewd signing by Fulham but we will have to dock them points for the "Totally Mawson" bit.

          18.16 BST: The Yorkshire Evening News claims Leeds are engaged with Everton in fresh loan talks for defender Matthew Pennington.

          Pennington played 24 times last season at Leeds on loan from Goodison Park and apparently is someone new manager Marcelo Bielsa is interested in keeping at Elland Road.

          17.53 BST: Burnley have reportedly made a £12 million move for Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson.

          The 25-year-old was a hot commodity about a year ago when he received an England call-up and was linked with clubs like Liverpool.

          The durable Gibson has played 84 of the past 85 league games for Boro and helped the club to the fourth-best defensive record in the Championship last season.

          17.25 BST: Edu Pidal, who covers Real Madrid for Onda Cero, says that Florentino Perez, during an informal meeting with the media, has made it clear that they will not sell Luka Modric at any price so the only way for him to leave is by paying his €750 million release clause.

          He also says that Theo Hernandez could join Fulham on loan if Real Sociedad do not offer money as part of their own loan bid.

          17.20 BST: A done deal at the London Stadium, where West Ham have signed Xande Silva from Vitoria Guimaraes...

          17.10 BST: More here on Yoshinori Muto's move to Newcastle, and why Rafa Benitez is concerned about the transfer window.

          17.00 BST: Mattia Caldara is undergoing his medical at Milan ahead of his part of the proposed swap involving Gonzalo Higuain and Leonardo Bonucci...

          16.50 BST: This will feel like a new signing for Watford -- Abdoulaye Doucoure has signed a new five-year contract...

          16.40 BST: A replacement for Riyad Mahrez? France Football write that Leicester have enquired about Lille forward Nicolas Pepe, who scored 13 goals in 36 Ligue 1 appearances last season.

          16.30 BST: Roma announced that Francesco Calvo will join from Barcelona as their new chief revenue officer, but they have their eye on someone else, too...

          16.20 BST: While his Chelsea future remains uncertain, Willian has had to address issues regarding a forged letter in an Instagram post.

          After a World Cup campaign and a transfer window linked to Barcelona and Real Madrid, it has been a busy summer for the winger...

          16.10 BST: New Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka says he has no regrets in snubbing Barcelona, and that it was the "best choice" to join the German champions.

          16.00 BST: Does anyone remember a time where Troy Deeney did not play for Watford? That spell looks set to continue, as Sky Sports News report that the Hornets do not wish to sell their skipper, with Cardiff's interest in the striker cooling.

          15.50 BST: Real Betis had an, erm, interesting way of announcing the signing of Sidnei...

          15.40 BST: Sport are now also reporting that Barcelona will sign Arturo Vidal, and say that he could travel to Catalonia in the coming hours to finalise a deal.

          15.30 BST: Another signing in Spain, where AS say that Real Madrid have brought in Ayoub Abou from Getafe only a month after he joined from Rayo Majadahonda. He is expected to join Real Madrid's Castilla team.

          15.20 BST: Back to Burnley now, where they are closing in on the signing of Swansea midfielder Sam Clucas, BBC Sport say.

          15.10 BST: Toby Alderweireld is set to return to Tottenham training amid uncertainty around his future at the club, but insists that he is focused on being a Spurs player.

          14.55 BST: A Turf Moor reunion on the cards? The Telegraph say that Burnley have had a £16 million bid for West Brom forward Jay Rodriguez turned down, and are considering whether to make another bid before next Thursday's deadline.

          14.45 BST: Staying in Spain, and Mundo Deportivo write that Barcelona have been offered Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal by the player's agent, with AC Milan and Inter Milan also said to be in the running.

          14.35 BST: Despite being linked with a €50 million move to Manchester United, Sevilla en la Ondo report that Ante Rebic is close to joining Sevilla in a €21m move.

          14.25 BST: A done deal on Tyneside! Newcastle have signed Yoshinori Muto from Mainz after he was granted a work permit...

          14.15 BST: Over in Belgium, Het Laaste Nieuws say that Fulham are "the most concrete" destination for Anderlecht defender Kara Mbodji.

          Mbodji, a Senegal international, has been linked to a number of clubs in France and Turkey, but he would reportedly prefer a move to the Premier League and Fulham are willing to pay €5 million to secure his signature.

          14.05 BST: Bild says a number of Premier League clubs are interested in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl, but they are reluctant to let him go.

          13.55 BST: Jermain Defoe says he will not be leaving Bournemouth for Rangers.

          When asked if he could be part of a deadline day deal again, he said: "No way, I've been there, done that.

          "I've always been one of those players, even when I see rumours that I always try to focus on the club you're at, you've got a job to do, you're here, you're happy, and that's it.

          "The speculation is just part and parcel of it though, everyone gets it and you just get your head down, work hard and get ready for the season."

          13.45 BST: Elsewhere at Everton, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Kevin Mirallas is set to leave for Fiorentina on loan with an obligation to buy.

          13.35 BST: A swap deal in the modern day? No, Milan and Juventus's business is not yet finalised, but one might be taking place in England, as Sky Sports News report that Everton and Stoke are in talks over Badou N'Diaye and Ashley Williams switching sides.

          13.25 BST: AS have analysed Inter Milan's reported pursuit of Luka Modric. Echoing reports from Gazzetta dello Sport that Modric's wife reached out to the San Siro club, they say that a deal is unlikely due to how late it is in the window, and Inter's pursuit of Arturo Vidal looks more likely to bear fruition.

          13.15 BST: Have Watford lined up their Richarlison replacement? Sources close to the club have told ESPN FC say that they have targeted Monaco winger Rachid Ghezzal, who joined from Lyon on a free transfer last summer.

          13.05 BST: Before the window closes, Manchester City will attempt to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti, according to TuttoMercatoWeb. However, they add that PSG are reluctant to sell, and any move would hinge on Verratti telling them that he would like to leave.

          12.55 BST: One Direction's Louis Tomlinson here, commenting on transfer speculation linking Leicester with a move for Spartak Moscow and Netherlands winger Quincy Promes...

          12.45 BST: Argentine outlet Ole say that Everton are closing in on Manchester United's Marcos Rojo, whose departure is set to pave the way for Yerry Mina to join from Barcelona.

          12.35 BST: At last, some movement from Newcastle in the transfer market! L'Equipe write that they have made contact with Lyon regarding 19-year-old striker Myziane Maolida.

          12.25 BST: One from the transfer archives for you to enjoy this lunchtime, as Jermain Defoe tells Sky Sports News about how his deadline day move from Tottenham to Portsmouth was so rushed in 2008, he did not even undertake a medical.

          12.15 BST: A done deal under the radar at Barcelona, who have signed 19-year old Senegal right-back Moussa Wague, according to Sport.

          12.05 BST: Tottenham midfielder Marcus Edwards -- once likened by Mauricio Pochettino to Lionel Messi -- is a transfer target for Bayer Leverkusen, sources close to both clubs have told ESPN FC.

          11.55 BST: "Four Portuguese Primeira Liga signings, West Ham? Four? That's insane."

          Sky Sports News say that West Ham are looking to sign Porto pair Moussa Marega and Yacine Brahimi, Benfica's Joao Felix, and Vitoria Guimaraes forward Xande Silva.

          11.45 BST: Liverpool would consider a £15 million bid from West Brom for Sheyi Ojo if they approach them regarding a permanent transfer, Goal write.

          11.35 BST: Manager Javi Gracia bringing a part of Spain to Hertfordshire? Sport say that Barcelona and Watford are currently negotiating a deal for Paco Alcacer to move to Vicarage Road on an initial two-year loan deal, with the Hornets having a mandatory option to buy him later.

          11.25 BST: Mauricio Pochettino admitted that Tottenham may not make any signings this window, but the Evening Standard write that they expect to complete a deal for Aston Villa's Jack Grealish, while they also look to sign another midfielder and a forward before next Thursday's deadline.

          Toby Alderweireld, Mousa Dembele and Danny Rose are all still expected to leave the club this summer, with Vincent Janssen and Fernando Llorente also for sale.

          11.15 BST: Adnan Januzaj to replace Riyad Mahrez?

          11.05 BST: A breakthrough in the window for Manchester United? Sky Sports News report that their interest in Leicester's Harry Maguire has cooled, and are instead targeting Barcelona's Yerry Mina. Sport also add that officials from United and Barca will meet regarding a potential deal.

          10.55 BST: After selling Yuri Berchiche to Athletic Bilbao, Paris Saint-Germain are readying a €30 million bid for Bayer Leverkusen left-back Wendell, kicker report.

          10.45 BST: Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has aired his criticisms of his club's lack of transfer activity, and Burnley boss Sean Dyche has echoed a similar sentiment, saying that they are being left behind in the transfer market and that it could compromise their status as a Premier League club.

          10.35 BST: It looks like Milan are ready to announce Gonzalo Higuain...

          10.30 BST: Are Tottenham finally about to enter the transfer market? After making no signings in June and July, the start of August has brought fresh rumours about their activity, with The Sun writing that they are preparing a bid for Bournemouth's Lewis Cook. His teammate, Simon Francis, previously told the Bournemouth Echo that Cook is worth "£20 million or £30m."

          10.20 BST: Leonardo Bonucci's return to Juventus edges closer...

          10.15 BST: A done deal in the Championship, where Sheffield United have signed England youth international Kean Bryan from Manchester City...

          10.05 BST: Over in Spain, Mundo Deportivo write that Barcelona have turned their attentions to Manchester United's Paul Pogba. They add that the France midfielder was offered to the club last month by his agent, Mino Raiola, and pick up a report by Tuttosport that Pogba met Barca technical director Eric Abidal recently in Los Angeles.

          09.55 BST: Worrying times on Tyneside, as Rafa Benitez admits he has "no idea" how close Newcastle are to making any new signings and understands why fans are concerned over their lack of activity in the transfer market.

          09.45 BST: How about this for a Dutch dream team? Erwin Koeman has joined Phillip Cocu's Fenerbache as assistant coach...

          09.35 BST: It has not been a good summer for Jose Mourinho. After a string of bad results on tour in the United States, Manchester United's hopes of signing Real Madrid's Mateo Kovacic have reportedly been dashed, according to Marca, who say the midfielder does not want to play Mourinho's brand of football. Ouch.

          09.25 BST: It appears Borussia Dortmund's bid to bring Axel Witsel back to European football has prematurely ended, as the Chinese transfer window to bring in players has closed, though they can still sell.

          "As far as I know, Witsel has a release clause in his contract, but this can only be activated during the Chinese transfer period," Tianjin Quanjian coach Paulo Sousa told Chinese TV station CGTN.

          09.15 BST: While Bournemouth's pursuit of Colombia midfielder Jefferson Lerma seems relentless, Levante continue to stand firm. Marca report that the Spanish side rejected a €30m bid, insisting that any transfer for that fee comes with a set of variables.

          Lerma would reportedly earn three times his current wage should he join Bournemouth, and is apparently keen on a transfer.

          09.02 BST: West Ham United have released a short video thanking Cheikhou Kouyate, who signed for Crystal Palace last night after four seasons in east London:

          08.57 BST: The Premier League transfer window closes on Aug. 9, meaning there's still plenty of time for players to secure new homes before the season begins.

          But what do the league's largest clubs need to accomplish within the next week? Evaluate their transfer progress here.

          08.38 BST: Everton are close to sending Antonee Robinson to Wigan on a season-long loan, sources told ESPN FC's Peter O'Rourke.

          Robinson, who made his United States debut in the friendly against Bolivia on May 28, was loaned to Bolton Wanderers last season.

          08.21 BST: Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld told Het Laaste Nieuws that he plans to return to London and begin training this weekend.

          Alderweireld, who has been on holiday since the World Cup ended, has been the subject of much speculation regarding his future at Spurs, with Manchester United heavily linked to a move.

          08.06 BST: Everton defender Ashley Williams has agreed to accept a season-long loan to Stoke City, sources told ESPN FC's Peter O'Rourke.

          Williams, the Wales captain, has lost his first-team role under Marco Silva and is keen to play regular first-team football.

          PAPER TALK (by Chris Wright)

          PSG happy to spend big on Kante

          With money apparently no object, Paris Saint-Germain are preparing to flex their financial heft in a bid to lure N'Golo Kante from Chelsea, having installed the World Cup winner as their main transfer priority.

          Chelsea had hoped to curb PSG's interest by making Kante their highest-earning player with a new contract worth £290,000 per week, but the Daily Mail reports that the Ligue 1 champions are preparing a massive offer of their own.

          Indeed, it has claimed PSG would be willing to offer the diminutive midfield scrapper an "even better salary" than the enormous deal on the table at Stamford Bridge.

          Of course, the real winner -- whichever way this pans out -- is Kante, and who could possibly argue that he doesn't deserve it?

          Man United shift focus to Mina

          After being told in no uncertain terms by Leicester City that Harry Maguire is not for sale, Manchester United have made Yerry Mina their prime defensive target, according to Mundo Deportivo.

          Jose Mourinho has balked at the €90 million price tag for Maguire and will "focus all his attention" on completing a more reasonable €40m deal for Mina, over whom Barcelona are willing to barter.

          However, it's also mentioned that Everton and Lyon are interested in acquiring the Colombian international's services, so United are likely to have to move quickly if they want to get their man before the window closes on Aug. 9.

          Chelsea refusing to give up on Higuain

          Returning to Chelsea, they are still convinced they will be able to sign Gonzalo Higuain, despite the Argentine having agreed to join AC Milan.

          Higuain is on the cusp of joining Milan on a season-long loan from Juventus, but the Mirror claims that Chelsea are planning to throw a late, late spanner into the works by submitting a rival offer at the 11th hour.

          The initial phase of the ploy would involve concluding a deal to sell Olivier Giroud to Marseille for around £20m (negotiations are said to be "active"), with that money then used to gazump the financial package Milan are offering for Higuain.

          With Alvaro Morata once again misfiring in front of goal in Wednesday's International Champions Cup defeat to Arsenal, perhaps it's little surprise that Maurizio Sarri is so desperate to sign an alternative.

          Tap-ins

          -- The Sun reports that West Ham have failed with their opening attempt to lure Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez to the London Stadium after having a £25m offer rejected by the Spanish side. However, with manager Manuel Pellegrini desperate to bolster his attacking ranks, the Hammers are likely to return with an improved offer for the Uruguay international.

          -- West Ham man Cheikhou Kouyate is close to joining Crystal Palace, with the Mirror reporting that the Senegal international is due to undergo a medical on Thursday, and the fee is expected to be in the £10m range. After losing Yohan Cabaye to Al Nasr at the start of the month, Palace are hoping to bring in another central midfielder alongside Kouyate before the start of the season, with Maxime Gonalons (Roma) and Danny Drinkwater (Chelsea) mentioned in passing.