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          Transfer Talk: Chelsea after Russia star Aleksandr Golovin, Gonzalo Higuain

          • ESPN
          Jun 29, 2018, 12:55 AM

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

          Top story

          Chelsea have moved ahead in the race to sign CSKA Moscow and Russia midfielder Aleksandr Golovin, the Telegraph say.

          Golovin has been one of the stars of the World Cup, helping Russia progress to the knockout stages for the first time as a separate nation.

          The report says that Chelsea are not looking to loan him out should they complete a deal, as they look to beat several top European clubs to his signature.

          Potential future Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri was rumoured to be after the player during his time as Napoli manager.

          The Blues are supposedly open to selling midfielder Danny Drinkwater, though they want to keep Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley.

          Live blog

          23.00 BST: That'll do it for tonight's LIVE Transfer Talk blog. Remember to follow all of our World Cup coverage tomorrow as France take on Argentina and Uruguay take on Portugal. We'll also be back in a few hours with the latest rumours, links and done deals from across the world of football. Good night!

          22.55 BST: Chelsea may be in the market for a new striker after Alvaro Morata struggled in his first season in England.

          Italian outlet CalcioMercato claim that the Blues have reached out to Gonzalo Higuain's people about potentially bringing the Juventus hitman to London.

          With ex-Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri tabbed as the new Chelsea manager, a reunion between Higuain and Sarri makes some sense.

          Higuain managed 23 games last season in all competitions for Juve but scored 38 in 42 games under Sarri back in 2015-16.

          Higuain would likely cost somewhere upwards of £50 million.

          22.28 BST: Melbourne Victory have announced that A-League legend Besart Berisha is leaving the club and the country for a move to Japan.

          The 32-year-old Berisha is the all-time record goalscorer in Australia's top fight with 116 goals and is reportedly set to join Sanfrecce Hiroshima of the Japanese League.

          Berisha leaves Australia as one of the most decorated players in the league's history.

          22.00 BST: Man City have reportedly locked down a summer signing but it is not Jorginho or Riyad Mahrez.

          City have reportedly snapped up highly-rated 16-year-old Ben Knight from Ipswich Town.

          The Premier League champions will reportedly pay £700,000 for Knight, the nephew of former England cricketer Nick, with further add-ons depending on how he progresses at the club.

          Knight is a long ways away from playing at the Emirates with the first team but is considered one of the brightest teenage talents in England.

          21.19 BST: Could Manchester United make a surprise move for world-class Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos?

          Spanish outlet AS suggest that Jose Mourinho and Man United vice-chairman Ed Woodward have discussed the possibility of making an approach for the 28-year-old central midfielder.

          Kroos would be an alternative to Lazio's Serbian starlet Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford for the past month or so.

          The two hurdles to this potential deal are that Man United have already signed Fred this offseason in central midfield and that Kroos has a little... €500 million release clause standing in the way!

          I'm going to chalk this one down in the VERY, VERY unlikely category.

          20.54 BST: -- DONE DEAL -- Nottingham Forest have a new striker. The club have announced they have signed Algerian hitman El Arbi Hillel Soudani from Croatian powerhouse Dinamo Zagreb.

          The 30-year-old scored 17 times last campaign for Zagreb and also has an accomplished record as an international with 21 goals in 41 games for the Desert Foxes.

          Reports indicate that Forest have paid about £3 million for the striker.

          20.18 BST: With Liverpool still chasing Roma's Alisson and Barcelona's Jasper Cillessen, backup goalkeeper Simon Mignolet faces an uncertain future with the club.

          The 30-year-old Belgian has admitted as much, saying: "I am going to look at my situation when I come back from the World Cup."

          One way or the other it looks as if Liverpool are certain to sign a goalkeeper, meaning Mignolet's -- or Loris Karius' -- days at Anfield are likely numbered.

          19.52 BST: -- DONE DEAL -- Newly-promoted Championship side Rotherham have pulled off a double signing for the club's first two signings of the summer.

          The Millers have announced they have signed defender Clark Robertson and striker Kyle Vassell from Blackpool.

          The 25-year-old Vassell led Blackpool last season with 11 goals in 29 appearances.

          19.24 BST: According to A Bola, longtime Premier League target William Carvalho has demanded a meeting with Sporting Lisbon in hopes of terminating his contract with the Portuguese club.

          Carvalho and several of his teammates announced they were done playing for Sporting earlier this month due to violence from fans and disagreements with the club's president Bruno de Carvalho. The president has fought back against the players and has stated he plans to challenge their terminations legally.

          Carvalho has been linked to West Ham in the past but has been closely linked with a move to Everton or Inter Milan this summer.

          18.47 BST: -- DONE DEAL -- Newcastle have announced the signing of Swansea central midfielder Ki Sung-yeung from Swansea.

          Ki is out of contract come July 1st and was always likely to be on the move after Swansea were relegated to the Championship.

          The South Korea captain has amassed 104 caps for his country and has played in England since 2012.

          Full story here.

          18.15 BST: Turkish publication Gunes claims that Crystal Palace is hot on the trail of 23-year-old Turkish midfielder Ozan Tufan.

          The Fenerbahce midfielder has 31 caps for Turkey at senior level and is also being pursued by fellow Premier League side Fulham.

          17.46 BST: -- DONE DEAL -- This one has been coming for a while but is now official. The Seattle Sounders have announced the signing of Peru striker Raul Ruidiaz.

          The 27-year-old striker scored 40 goals over the past two years with Monarcas Morelia in Liga MX and recently appeared in the World Cup for Peru.

          Full story here.

          17:18 BST: Jasper Cillessen is "very grateful" to have been signed by Barcelona, according to Sport, which is lovely to see. However, he has "many offers on the table" and needs to leave for more first team action.

          17:10 BST: AS insist that Barcelona see Yerry Mina's impressive displays at the World Cup as the perfect opportunity to sell him for the best value. They insist recent positive front covers on the local newspapers were done to drive up his value.

          16:53 BST: The Mirror claim Arsenal want to sign Ipwich's 15-year-old Mexican prodigy Marcelo Flores, who models his game on Lionel Messi and Eden Hazard.

          16:31 BST: West Ham have agreed a €15 million deal to sign Marlon from Barcelona, according to Sport.

          16:12 BST: Mundo Deportivoo also report that Sevilla will battle Borussia Dortmund, Lyon and Saint Etienne for the signing of Hatem Ben Arfa from PSG.

          15:54 BST: Sassuolo winger Matteo Politano is so keen to complete his transfer to Inter Milan, he cut short his honeymoon, according to ANSA. He is expected to soon complete a loan move with the option to buy next summer.

          15:35 BST: Juventus announce Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli have signed contract extensions to 2020 and 2019 respectively.

          15:17 BST: Manchester City youngster Manu Garcia is wanted by La Liga clubs Espanyol and Girona, according to Mundo Deportivo. Toulouse and Ajax are also keen

          15:00 BST: Udinese icon Antonio Di Natale has heaped huge praise on Alex Meret, labelling "the new Gianluigi Buffon". Meret is close to securing a move from Udinese to Napoli and Di Natale told Neapolitan station Radio Kiss Kiss: "I've seen him grow in every single way, in terms of technique and personality.

          "Napoli have assured themselves the goalkeeper for the next 10 years. For me, he's the new Buffon.

          14:30 BST: Marca are also reporting that Valencia are interested in signing Timothy Fosu-Mensah from Manchester United. However, Sporting Witness claim he still has a future at Old Trafford.

          14:05 BST: Maroaune Fellaini has signed a two-year deal to remain with Manchester United until 2020.

          14:00 BST: Fernando Torres' next destination will be decided next week, with Marca reporting MLS side Chicago Fire and Japanese outfit Sagan Tosu are the most likely candidates for his signature.

          Today marks exactly ten years since he scored the winner for Spain against Germany in the Euro 2008 final to earn La Roja their first major trophy in 44 years. They've done OK since...

          13:44 BST: Ajax coach Erik ten Hag confirms Hakim Ziyech will leave the club, following the arrival of Dusan Tadic from Southampton.

          "I know he already has another deal elsewhere," he revealed. "He's a big loss. If you love football, you'll love Hakim Ziyech. Aside from his technical qualities, it's his footballing intelligence that makes him so strong. He also has the ability to run a lot: all this makes him a special player.

          "It's clear that I would've liked to keep him at Ajax, I think I could've still taught him something. He's a complete player, but if I have to mention a characteristic in particular, it's his ability in one-on-ones.

          "Often you can't get past him. He has raw power. "Will he maintain his performances abroad? If you're the best in the Netherlands, I don't think he'll have any problems."

          13:27 BST: James Rodriguez could leave Bayern Munich once Nico Kovac arrives. He was one of the stand-out players in the Bundesliga last season and is currently 12 months into a two-year loan deal from Real Madrid. Bayern have the option to make it a permanent transfer next summer.

          12.45 BST: CalcioMercato say that Juventus are yet to receive any acceptable offers for midfielder Miralem Pjanic, with the club holding out for €80 million.

          The Bosnia international has been linked with moves to Barcelona and Manchester City.

          12.40 BST: Inter Milan could finalise a deal for Bordeaux forward Malcolm, but they would have to sell Antonio Candreva or Yann Karamoh first, Gazzetta dello Sport write.

          12.25 BST: Middlesbrough look set to lose out in the race to sign Chelsea's Lewis Baker, with the Teeside Gazette reporting that he will join Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United revolution.

          12.10 BST: Southampton love a fancy signing announcement.

          Here is how they revealed the transfer of Mohamed Elyounoussi from Basel on a five-year deal...

          12.05 BST: Atletico Madrid and Arsenal are monitoring the situation of Mexico international Miguel Layun ahead of making a summer move to sign him from Porto.

          The news originally came from Portuguese publication Record but sources from Arsenal refused to deny the interest to ESPN Mexico.

          11.58 BST: David Ornstein of BBC Sport has an update over the future of Arsenal's Calum Chambers...

          11.55 BST: Gazzetta dello Sport say that Newcastle in pole position to sign Juevntus midfielder Stefano Sturaro.

          Italy international Sturaro could replace Mikel Merino, who continues to be linked with a move back to Spain.

          11.45 BST: Tottenham are unwilling to sell any players until after the World Cup, a source has told ESPN FC.

          11.40 BST: After announcing he will leave Arsenal on a free transfer this summer, Jack Wilshere has been heavily linked with a move to Fenerbache by the Turkish press...

          11.28 BST: While Tottenham and West Ham have been linked with Andre Gomes in the past, they do not appear to be among the front-runners for his signature this summer.

          The Barcelona midfielder could return to Valencia on loan, report SuperDeporte. Lazio, Monaco and Fenerbache have also been mentioned as potential destinations.

          11.17 BST: Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva has been talking to Le Parisien about the potential incoming of Gianluigi Buffon.

          "I have not yet spoken with Gianluigi Buffon. What can I tell you about him, though? He did everything with Italy -- he is an international star. We will be really happy, if it happens, because he can add something extra."

          11.09 BST: In terms of players moving to Barcelona, Mundo Deportivo say that the club face a big decision over the potential signing of Frenkie De Jong in the coming days.

          The Ajax midfielder was expected to agree a deal to join Barca next summer, but he is the subject of other offers and is putting pressure on the club to make any transfer an immediate one.

          11.05 BST: West Ham are expected to tie up a deal for Barcelona defender Marlon Santos shortly, Sport understand.

          11.00 BST: Oh look, another player is generating hype to announce their future. Exactly what this transfer window needs.

          The agent of Sevilla defender Clement Lenglet has told Estadio Deportivo that his client will reveal his decision over whether to stay at the club or leave for Barcelona this Saturday.

          10.55 BST: A look at Gazzetta dello Sport's front page, as Inter Milan look set to continue their summer spending...

          10.45 BST: Athletic Bilbao and Paris Saint-Germain have reached an agreement worth around €25 million including add-ons for the transfer of former Tottenham defender Yuri Berchiche, ESPN sources understand.

          Atletico Madrid were also interested, but Berchiche has opted instead to join Athletic Bilbao by putting pen to paper on a 4-year-deal.

          10.29 BST: Netherlands goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen is considering leaving Barcelona during the summer transfer window in order to secure more regular time, according to Sport.

          His release clause is set at €60 million, but the Catalan club would be willing to lower their asking price to €30m. Liverpool and Chelsea have been linked with his services but both are yet to make a move.

          10.24 BST: Real Madrid and Morocco full-back Achraf Hakimi is the subject of interest from Borussia Dortmund, AS say quoting Kicker.

          10.16 BST: 2018 seems to be the year everyone becomes a Willian fan.

          The Daily Mail believe that Chelsea have rejected a £50 million bid from Barcelona for the Brazil winger.

          09.57 BST: Southampton and Wolves look set to battle for Atalanta forward Andrea Petagna, TuttoMercatoWeb write.

          A deal for the Italy international would cost between €10-12 million.

          09.36 BST: France Football believe that Paris Saint-Germain are preparing an offer for N'Golo Kante.

          Chelsea would then turn their attentions to Lyon's Tanguy Ndombele, Napoli's Amadou Diawara and Nice's Jean-Michael Seri.

          09.27 BST: Alen Halilovic set to join AC Milan after undergoing a medical yesterday, Sky Sport Italia report. The 22-year-old will arrive from Hamburg, who were relegated from the Bundesliga last season, having spent the last season on loan at Las Palmas, who were also relegated.

          Milan heading for Serie B then.

          09.15 BST: Valencia have asked Manchester United about the loan availability of Timothy Fosu-Mensah, according to Marca.

          The Netherlands international spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace, making 24 appearances in all competitions.

          09.05 BST: Over in France, L'Equipe are reporting that Nice have rejected a second offer from Borussia Monchengladbach for Alassane Plea.

          The forward, who scored 16 goals in 34 Ligue 1 appearances last season, is also the subject of interest from Tottenham.

          08.56 BST: He starred for Russia in the World Cup group stages and now could be heading to Chelsea. That's right, Aleksandr Golovin looks to be moving to Stamford Bridge in a cheap-as-chips €23million, according to Mundo Deportivo. The report says Arsenal are also monitoring the CSKA Moscow star's situation.

          08.38 BST: A DONE DEAL to kick things off and it's a bit of a surprise: The A-League has lost perhaps its greatest striker after Besart Berisha secured a lucrative move to Japan. Here's more on that in our report.

          08.36 BST: Welcome, one and all, to another action-packed day on Transfer Talk LIVE. There's no World Cup football today so it's full speed ahead with the latest gossip from the rumour mill. Strap yourselves in!

          TOP STORY (By Matt Stanger)

          Spurs priced out of Martial move

          After Tottenham demanded more than £55 million for Toby Alderweireld, Manchester United responded in kind by quoting the North London club "silly prices" for Anthony Martial.

          According to the Manchester Evenings News, Spurs have made initial enquiries over the want-away forward, but are now embroiled in a standoff as United wait for progress in their pursuit of Alderweireld.

          Martial's agent, Philippe Lamboley, confirmed that the Frenchman wants to leave Old Trafford earlier in June, with Jose Mourinho eyeing Willian and Gareth Bale as potential replacements.

          Martial has been linked with a move to Juventus, but Spurs could tie up a deal for the 22-year-old if they relax their asking price for Alderweireld before August's transfer deadline.

          Mourinho is known to be a keen admirer of the Belgian defender, and will be even more desperate to sign him after one of United's alternative options, Milan Skriniar, insisted he's staying at Inter Milan, as the Daily Star reports.

          Chelsea in pole position for Alisson

          Despite strong interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool, Chelsea have muscled their way to the front of the queue for Roma goalkeeper Alisson.

          The Metro reports the Blues are close to agreeing a €70m fee for the 25-year-old, who is currently on World Cup duty with Brazil.

          With Thibaut Courtois dragging his heels over a new deal at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have been forced into the market this summer to find a replacement. Once Alisson is on board, they will look to sell the Belgium No. 1, who is a target for Real Madrid ahead of his contract expiring next summer.

          Arsenal close to double swoop

          Arsenal have enjoyed a busy start to the transfer window as they close in on the signings of Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Lucas Torreira to complete Unai Emery's rebuilding plans.

          After the Gunners snapped up Stephan Lichtsteiner and Bernd Leno earlier in June, the Daily Star reports that Sokratis will fly in next week to put pen to paper on a £17m switch from Borussia Dortmund.

          Meanwhile, a £26m move for Torreira is also progressing, despite the midfielder's involvement in Uruguay's World Cup campaign.

          Along with their pursuit of new recruits, the Gunners have confirmed contract extensions for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny, with Aaron Ramsey expected to follow suit.

          There was no new contract for Jack Wilshere, of course, but Talksport says the England man has found a new club. After rejecting West Ham's overtures, Wilshere is expected to be unveiled at Fenerbahce on Monday.

          Tap-ins

          - Everton set their sights on Celtic's Kieran Tierney as a long-term replacement for Leighton Baines, reports the Daily Mirror. Tierney is also a target for Man United and Spurs as Brendan Rodgers faces a battle to hold on to the 21-year-old.

          - Alvaro Morata is planning to quit Chelsea after a difficult first year that saw him score only one Premier League goal in 2018 and miss out on a place in Spain's World Cup squad. According to The Sun, the Blues will demand £70m for the striker after shelling out a club-record £58m fee last summer.

          - The Sun also says that Watford have angered West Brom by offering just £1m for goalkeeper Ben Foster. The Baggies are holding out for closer to £10m for their No. 1, who is keen for a fresh challenge.

          - Australia's A-League appears set to lose perhaps its greatest striker to Japan, with Besart Berisha set to leave Melbourne Victory to join Sanfrecce Hiroshima, according to the AAP.