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Nick Judd, Transfer writer 5y

LIVE Transfer Talk: Barcelona want Neymar AND Griezmann

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TOP STORY: Barca want Neymar AND Griezmann

Barcelona want to sign Neymar AND Antoine Griezmann this summer, according to a report in Spain. 

While Real Madrid have been busy making moves in the market, Barca have kept quiet but if they get their way, two of world football's biggest stars could be coming to Camp Nou.

Neymar's future at Paris Saint-Germain has been plunged into doubt in recent weeks and a return to Barcelona has been mooted, while the Catalan club's interest in Griezmann is well-known.

Griezmann has said he wants to leave Atletico Madrid this summer, having turned down a move to Barcelona in 2018. Sport believe Barca and Griezmann have already come to an agreement over a transfer, which should be completed once the France international's release clause drops from €200 million to €120m on July 1.

The key element in this potentially massive double deal is the cost involved. Barcelona need to sell some of their fringe stars and those out of favour this summer, with Philippe Coutinho among those at the risk of being moved on. Coutinho is seen as a potential makeweight in a deal for Neymar, and SPORT believe Ernesto Valverde is adamant he can juggle the egos of two big stars if they arrive.

Aside from the mammoth transfer fees, wages also have to come into consideration. The report claims Neymar earns €38m per season at PSG while Griezmann is said to be on €25m. It is claimed both would have to take a pay cut in order to move this summer.

LIVE

23:00 That will do it for the latest edition of our LIVE Transfer Talk blog. We hoped you enjoyed following along with us and remind you to check back shortly for the latest transfer rumours, reports and completed deals. Goodnight!

22.54 BST: Edinson Cavani has commented on rumours linking with a move away from PSG, particularly Atletico Madrid.

"In my case, I always say that I just want to play football. Right now, I'm with Uruguay playing in the Copa America and am not thinking beyond that," Cavani said.

"Today I'm concentrating on my national team, then I'll think about my club. The same thing happens when I'm with the club. When I'm there, I defend my club as I do when I'm with Uruguay defending the team.

"'Cavani is linked to every club in Europe,' but in the end dwelling on it does no good. I have experience in all that, and it's not anything that affects me. My teammates with the most experience go about it the same way."

Cavani, PSG's all-time record goalscorer, has been in Paris since 2013 after making a €64 million move from Napoli.

22.23 BST: Jurgen Klopp to raid his former club?

Fussball Transfers claims that Liverpool are tracking Mainz defender Jean-Philippe Gbamin. The 23-year-old centre-back has been hailed as one of the Bundesliga's best young defenders and reportedly has been on Klopp's radar for the last couple years. 

The player's agent Bernard Collignon told the German outlet "I had meetings with Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Everton and many other clubs.

"He is in the shortlist. However, not as a top candidate, because its exact position is unclear.

"In my opinion he is a player worth €60million. It's time for him to play as a centre-back."

21.59 BST: Man City are set to make their first signing of the summer.

No it isn't Rodri or Matthijs de Ligt, it is goalkeeper Asier Riesgo. Mundo Deportivo reports that City are just hours away from sealing the deal for the 35-year-old Eibar goalkeeper.

Riesgo has played in Spain with Real Sociedad, Eibar, Recreativo and Osasuna, and will reportedly sign on as a reserve goalkeeper for one year and then move into a coaching role with City.

21.24 BST: Here's a big one from the women's game.

BBC Sports understands that Chelsea are interested in Australia star Sam Kerr. Kerr, who has scored five goals so far at the Women's World Cup in France, currently plays for both the Perth Glory of the W-League and Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL.

The 25-year-old is the all-time leading scorer in both leagues and according to the Daily Telegraph has been offered a record $1 million to join the Blues.

20.42 BST: An update on Kalidou Koulibaly.

Tuttosport suggests that Man City are leading the race for the Napoli and Senegal centre-back. Napoli are said to be demanding €120 million for Koulibaly, who is also being tracked by Manchester United and Juventus. 

While City are reportedly leading the race for the 28-year-old, Maurizio Sarr's move to Juventus could play a factor in Koulibaly's decision, as the defender played for Sarri at Napoli between 2015-19.

Will the rich get richer or will Koulibaly stay in Italy?

20.08 BST: Here's an interesting one...

Leeds are trying to sign Gianluigi Buffon. Yes, you read that correctly, Corriere della Sera listing the English Championship side with the Italy World Cup winner. The 41-year-old spent last season at PSG, after 17 seasons at Juventus, and is said to be weighing between Porto, Leeds, Parma and Brazilian side Fluminense. 

Buffon playing in the Championship? Now that would be something!

19.26 BST: Liverpool and Tottenham to go toe-to-toe for a transfer target.

The Mirror reports that the two clubs are jockeying for West Brom teenager Rakeem Harper. The talented 19-year-old is out of contract next month and is catching the attention of Europe's elite. Harper played 16 times last season for the Baggies, who still hold out hope of keeping the talent at the Hawthorns. 

18.52 BST: Are Kieran Trippier's days at Tottenham numbered?

The Telegraph writes that Maurizio Sarri and Juventus are set to make a bid for the Spurs and England right-back. The report goes on to say that Spurs are willing to let Trippier leave if they receive £25 million. 

The 28-year-old saw his form dip last season after an impressive World Cup in 2018 and also have been linked with a move to Napoli.

18.11 BST: Lyon striker and Man United target Moussa Dembele has made a decision on his future.

The 22-year-old forward has confirmed he will be staying in France with Lyon.

"I still have 4 years left on my contract, I will be in Lyon next season," Dembele said following France's Euro U21 victory over Croatia on Friday.

Dembele, who joined Lyon from Celtic last summer for £19.7 million, scored 23 goals last season and also has been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool.

17.30 BST: Fulham set to sign a striker?

The Express claims that the Cottagers are willing to spend £20 million on Newcastle hitman Dwight Gayle. The relegated side are likely to sell Aleksandar Mitrovic and would need a replacement up front for the Serbian.

Gayle, who has been linked with Fulham before, is also being pursued by Aston Villa and West Brom and last season racked up 23 goals for West Brom while on loan. 

16.23 BST: We referenced a rumour earlier in the day that Atletico Madrid wanted Hector Bellerin. Well, Football London reckon Bellerin wants to stay at Arsenal. Ah, the claim and counter claim of the transfer market ...

15.59 BST: Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2024, the Italian Serie A champions have announced. "Bentancur has shown he can be a dependable, intelligent and an agile midfielder, who demonstrates his class each time he steps onto the pitch," a statement read.

15.54 BST: Good news for Arsenal fans: the BBC's David Ornstein says Unai Emery is confident of securing a deal for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney. An opening £15 million bid has been rejected but Arsenal are expected to go in with an improved offer for the 22-year-old Scotland international.

15.37 BST: Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez is a target for Sevilla, according to Mundo Deportivo. Former Real boss Julen Lopetegui has managed Fernandez at the Bernabeu and Spain coach and is keen on a reunion. 

14.47 BST: Roma winger Diego Perotti has backed Daniele De Rossi to be a hit at Boca Juniors amid interest from the Argentinian side. De Rossi left Roma after 17 years and is weighing up his options after saying he would not play for another Italian club. "He'll be a great loss to us. I don't know what happened between him and the club, but if he were to join Boca, he would have no problem adapting," Perotti said.

14.00 BST: Could there be a breakthrough in Manchester United's long pursuit of Aaron Wan-Bissaka? The Mail believe the Crystal Palace right-back is close to a move to Old Trafford for an initial fee of £42.5 million, with add-ons to follow.

13.50 BST: Lucas Torreira has hinted at a return to Italy and La Gazzetta dello Sport believe Arsenal will hold out for around £45 million from AC Milan if they do push forward on their interest in the combative midfielder.

13.18 BST: Torino defender Armando Izzo is a man in demand. Tuttosport believe Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton are on the trail of the 27-year-old, who is valued at £30 million.

12.44 BST: Sevilla forward Nolito wants to return to Celta Vigo, reports Marca. Nolito lost his place at Sevilla last term and played just 74 minutes in La Liga. 

12.20 BST: Marek Hamsik has been linked with a return to Europe but the Dalian Yifang man is content to stay in China, according to Martin Petras, who is part of the former Napoli star's entourage. "Right now he has no intention to return to Europe because he is happy at Dalian and he wants to fulfill his entire three year contract," Petras said. "He wants to achieve important things with Dalian and win as much as he can. In Italy, Napoli is his home, like his family: he will not wear the shirt of any other clubs."

11.41 BST: It's been more about incomings than outgoings this summer for Real Madrid but that could be about to change, with Real Sociedad competing with Bayer Leverkusen to sign Martin Odegaard, according to Marca. Odegaard, 20, scored eight goals in 31 games on loan at Vitesse last season.

11.24 BST: Newcastle United fans, look away now. It appears Rafael Benitez is heading towards the exit at St James' Park, with the much-rumoured takeover of the club still yet to be completed. 

11.02 BST: Chelsea expect to name Frank Lampard as their new boss next week but the hold up in officially confirming the deal has left a number of stars in limbo, according to the Mail. Tiemoue Bakayoko, Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi are among those waiting to find out their future.

10.37 BST: Manchester City are keen on sealing a deal for Atletico Madrid's Rodri and if that goes through, Fabian Delph could be heading to the exit door, according to the Daily Mail. 

10.21 BST: Tottenham Hotspur could finally be tempted to cash in on Christian Eriksen with Real Madrid, but only if they can get Marco Asensio in return, reports The Sun.

The newspaper said earlier in the week that Madrid were prepared to offer £45 million plus burgeoning star Dani Ceballos, but Spurs are said to be keen on losing the Dane only if they get a player with more experience, even if that means a loan deal for one season.

However, Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane has already rejected moves from Juventus for the Spain international.

Asensio has made 44 appearances for Madrid since joining from Real Mallorca in 2015, and Zidane is reluctant to lose a player of his stature, while Eriksen has one year left on his Spurs contract, with talks over an extension having stalled.

09.39 BST: Junior Firpo, the Real Betis wing back, has emerged as a target for Liverpool according to El Mundo. Junior made his debut for Betis in 2018 and has gone on to make 43 appearances for the team. The report claims Jurgen Klopp sees him as back-up for Andrew Robertson.

09.15 BST: Hector Bellerin may be out with a long term knee injury and could miss the start of the season, but that hasn't stopped Atletico Madrid tracking him. The Telegraph believe Diego Simeone wants the Arsenal right-back and is prepared to offer Vitolo to Unai Emery in return. Emery and Vitolo won three Europa Leagues together during their days at Sevilla.

09.13 BST: Hannibal Mejbri, the 16-year-old Monaco midfielder that Manchester United are particularly keen on, has unilaterally terminated his contract after the Ligue de Football Professionne declined his appeal for the contract to be annulled, according to L'Equipe. 

09.00 BST: Welcome to another edition of LIVE Transfer Talk! Stick with us throughout the day for all the gossip from the rumour mill.

De Gea saga to end with massive pay raise

Manchester United are in talks with goalkeeper David De Gea about a new five-year deal that could land the Spaniard a monster £350k-a-week salary.

The Sun reports that United are set to increase their offer from £300k, which has been on the table since January. The move represents a substantial pay raise for the stopper, currently on £200k a week, and could see him sign until 2023 with the option of a fifth year.

De Gea's contract is up at the end of next season and United are keen to secure a player who has won the club's player of the year award in four of the past six seasons.

De Gea's form dipped at last summer's World Cup with Spain and he made a number of mistakes last season, which is said to have been a red flag for potential suitors Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

De Gea is now understood to be keen to continue his stay in Manchester in an effort to add to his solitary Premier League title, though he is keen to see who United add to the squad this summer before putting pen to paper.

Adebayor set for shock return

The Daily Mail is reporting that striker Emmanuel Adebayor could be making a shock return to the United Kingdom after leaving Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir.

West Ham United, Sheffield United, Celtic and Watford are believed to be interested in signing the 35-year-old, who is now a free agent.

West Ham are looking to replace Andy Carroll and Adebayor is said to be keen on a return to London after spells at Arsenal and Tottenham.

Adebayor joined the Turkish Super Lig club in January 2017 and scored three goals in 19 games last season after leaving England in 2016 following a loan spell at Crystal Palace.

Gunners fall short in bid for Tierney

Arsenal will have to increase their bid for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney after having an offer of £15m rejected, reports The Sun.

The north London club have been told they'll need to fork out £25m after their opening bid, believed to be £10m short of the required selling price, was turned down. This despite the Gunners offering Celtic a pick of four fringe players as part of the deal.

Celtic are open to selling their star defender, who is contracted until 2023 and is currently recovering from a double hernia operation.

Arsenal are keen to replace Nacho Monreal, whose contract runs out in the summer, though Unai Emery has only a limited transfer kitty to play with, believed to be in the region of £45m.

Tap-ins

- Derby County have offered Frank Lampard a whopping £10m in an effort to prevent him from leaving for Chelsea. The former Blues midfielder is said to be top of Roman Abramovich's wanted list, but the Rams are keen to hold on to the man who took them to the final of the Championship playoff in his first season. Derby are offering Lampard a four-year deal worth £2.5m a year, writes the Mirror.

- Italian champions Juventus appear close to ending one of this summer's longest-running transfer sagas, with Dutch newspaper De Telegraph reporting that they're close to moving ahead of Barcelona and PSG in landing Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.

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