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          LIVE Transfer Talk: Real Madrid, Barcelona keen on Italy's Euro 2020 star Spinazzola

          • ESPN
          Jul 2, 2021, 03:12 PM

          Amid all the action at Euro 2020 and the Copa America, the summer transfer window has opened, with Europe's biggest clubs looking to make a splash in the transfer market. Check out the latest gossip below, and see all official deals here.

          TOP STORY: Madrid eye Italy's Euro star Spinazzola

          Italy full-back Leonardo Spinazzola has been one of the standout performers at Euro 2020 so far, as he has helped his side reach the quarterfinals, where they will face Belgium. This has not only made an impact on the international stage, as it seems that AS Roma are set to have a battle on their hands to keep him, with Calciomercato reporting that Real Madrid and Barcelona are both showing an interest in the 28-year-old.

          It is Los Blancos who are said to be the keenest, with Carlo Ancelotti looking to bring in his compatriot during his second stint as Real Madrid manager. Spinazzola has become especially appealing due to Marcelo's situation, as the Brazilian is now 34 and his contract will come to an end next summer.

          It is reported that there is no possibility of Borja Mayoral being part of the deal, after he spent last season on loan at the Stadio Olimpico, but a cash-only offer could work. Calciomercato adds that the transfer fee cannot be less than €40 million if there is any hope of an agreement being reached.

          Roma are keen to keep the player and Spinazzola is happy to stay in the Italian capital with Jose Mourinho, but he is also aware that the Euros provide a unique opportunity for him to showcase what he can offer.

          Euro 2020: News and features | Fixtures and bracket | Standings | Squads | Live on ESPN | VAR watch | Pick 'em

          LIVE BLOG

          22.00 BST: AC Milan is looking to sign Euro breakout star Patrik Schick, according to TMW.

          The Serie A side are mulling over a move for the Bayer Leverkusen player, with the German side looking at €40 million for the Czech Republic man.

          Schick has his team on the verge of the Euro semifinals, scoring four goals in as many games. He arguably scored the goal of the tournament against Scotland in group stage action.

          21.00 BST: Brighton have signed Jeremy Sarmiento from Benfica, the club announced, where he is expected to first train with the Under-23 side.

          The former England U17 international came through the ranks with Charlton Athletic, before signing with the Lisbon powerhouse in 2018.

          Albion U23 coach Andrew Crofts said, "We are delighted that we are able to bring a player like Jeremy in, who we've watched extensively during his time with both Charlton and Benfica.

          "The pathway we have in place was a big factor in Jeremy choosing us ahead of many suitors, which is of huge credit to the academy and first team staff."

          20.00 BST: Leeds United has announced the permanent signing of winger Jack Harrison from Manchester City.

          Harrison has spent the past three seasons on loan at Leeds, making 128 appearances in all competitions.

          As part of his loan deal last season, an option was put in place for Leeds to sign Harrison on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee, which has now been activated.

          19.00 BST: RB Leipzig delivered a statement of intent for the coming season by signing Portugal forward Andre Silva from Bundesliga rival Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday.

          The 25-year-old Silva, who scored 28 times in 32 league appearances for Frankfurt last season, signed a five-year deal with his new club, Leipzig said in a statement.

          Only Robert Lewandowski scored more goals (41) in the Bundesliga last season. Altogether, Silva has 40 goals in 57 Bundesliga appearances over two seasons since joining Frankfurt from AC Milan in 2019. Leipzig was reportedly paying €23 million for the attacker.

          18.06 BST: Fabrizio Romano reports that Paris Saint-Germain want 21-year-old forward Moise Kean back for a second loan spell at Parc des Princes, after the former Juventus prodigy performed so well at the French capital in 2020-21, and Kean himself is keen to return to PSG. But parent club Everton will only sanction a short-term move if new manager Rafa Benitez deems him surplus to requirements.

          17.09 BST: Leicester City have announced that they've signed 22-year-old midfielder Boubakary Soumare from Ligue 1 champions Lille for an undisclosed fee, and that the France U21 international has signed a five-year contract with the Foxes.

          16.12 BST: News of yet another new contract at Old Trafford today, and another bit of business involving a goalkeeper, as Manchester United announce an extension for Lee Grant.

          The 38-year-old is now committed to the club until the end of next season, taking his total time at United to four years since he signed from stoke City in 2018.

          Although he has made just two senior appearances for United in that time, Grant is relsihing the chance to continue his role as a training partner to David De Gea and Dean Henderson as they battle for the No. 1 spot next season.

          "I was always very, very hopeful that I could extend my stay for another year and thankfully the club have allowed me to do that," Grant told the club's official website."I'm really looking forward to the challenge of supporting the team, keeping myself going, as well as motivating others around me for another year.

          "I think feeling valued and enjoying your role is huge, no matter what line of work you're in, and I'm obviously fortunate that I've got the opportunity to do that at such a wonderful club. I'm really looking forward to another year with the lads.

          "Whoever has the gloves, it's up to the other guys to really push to make sure that, as a team, we're able to get the best possible results. Whether it's David, Dean or myself, we'll all be pushing to play and excited and ready to support the one that is playing."

          United announced earlier in the day that Juan Mata had agreed a new one-year contract (see 11.19 BST) and that goalkeeper Tom Heaton returned to the club he left 11 years ago after coming up through the youth system (se 13.05 BST)

          15.58 BST: Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour has joined Norwich City on a season-long loan, the newly promoted Premier League club have announced.

          Gilmour played 11 games in all competitions for Chelsea last season as they finished fourth in the league and won the Champions League by beating Manchester City in the final.

          The 20-year-old recently featured for Scotland at Euro 2020, playing a big role in their goalless draw with England in the second Group D match before missing their 3-1 defeat by Croatia due to a positive COVID-19 test. Scotland finished bottom of their group on one point and were knocked out of the competition.

          15.38 BST: Southampton have announced the signing of defender Romain Perraud from French club Stade Brest.

          The 23-year-old left-back, who was named in Ligue 1's 2020-21 team of the season, arrives at St Mary's after signing a four-year contract.

          Former France under-21 international Perraud could be a replacement for Ryan Bertrand, who Sky reports is set to end his seven-year association with the club and move to Leicester City this summer.

          14.57 BST: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is hoping to sign Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot, Calciomercato reports.

          Dalot spent last season on loan at AC Milan, Ancelotti's former club. After making a total of 33 appearances in Italy last season and playing twice for Portugal at Euro 2020, Dalot has not returned to his parent club.

          Milan would like to bring the 22-year-old back to San Siro for the 2021-22 campaign, again on loan with an option to sign the right-back permanently next year.

          However, their hopes could be dashed as Ancelotti -- who wanted to bring Dalot to Everton during his spell in charge there last season -- wants to bring him to the Bernabeu. Calciomercato reports that Manchester United would seek a transfer fee of €15m for Dalot, who they signed from Porto in 2019.

          14.14 BST: Arsenal have announced the signing of England international Nikita Parris from Lyon.

          Parris, 27, helped the French club claim a Treble of Division 1 Feminine, Coupe de France and Women's Champions League triumphs in the 2019-20 season during her two seasons there.

          Before that she won the Women's Super League and two FA Women's Cups during her time at Manchester City, and she was the WSL's all-time top goal scorer at the time of her departure for Lyon.

          Parris is with the Team GB squad ahead of this summer's Olympics in Tokyo, and will join up with her new teammates for preseason after the Games.

          13.48 BST: Gareth Bale still has a year left on his Real Madrid contract, but he could leave the Bernabeu permanently this summer. could a move to MLS be on the cards?

          13.05 BST: Manchester United have announced that goalkeeper Tom Heaton has returned to the club after signing a two-year contract.

          Heaton, 35, was a free agent after his contract at Aston Villa expired at the end of last month.

          The United youth product left Old Trafford in 2010 for spells at Cardiff City, Bristol City and, most notably, Burnley, where he made 200 first-team appearances over six years before joining Villa in 2019.

          12.12 BST: Arsenal have submitted an official offer to sign Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli this summer, according to the Italian club's CEO Giovanni Carnevali.

          Locatelli has been one of the star performers for Italy at Euro 2020 and scored a brace in their 3-0 victory over Switzerland in the group stages. The 23-year-old also contributed four goals and three assists for Sassuolo last season and helped the club to an eighth-placed finish in Serie A.

          When asked about any interest in the midfielder, Sassuolo CEO Carnevali told Sky Sport Italia: "There are other teams interested in Manuel, Arsenal is one of them and perhaps they are the one that is further ahead because they have made us an important proposal. Indeed, up to now it is the only company that has submitted a concrete offer."

          11.19 BST: Manchester United have completed another bit of business this week as they have announced that Juan Mata has signed a new one-year contract.

          Mata's previous deal had expired at the end of last month, but the 33-year-old is now preparing for his seventh full season at Old Trafford.

          Since arriving from Chelsea in January 2014, the midfielder has made 273 appearances for United, scoring 51 goals and winning the Europa League, FA Cup and EFL Cup.

          10.41 BST: Manchester United are close to finalising a deal for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, sources have told ESPN's Mark Ogden.

          The France international, whose contract at Bernabeu is due to expire in June 2022, is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's top defensive target and sources have said that United are ready to move for the 28-year-old after receiving encouragement that Madrid are prepared to negotiate a realistic fee for the player.

          United will complete their first major piece of transfer business this summer by signing Borussia Dortmund and England forward Jadon Sancho for £72.9m ($100m) once the 21-year-old's involvement at Euro 2020 comes to a conclusion, but a move for an experienced defender is the next issue to be addressed by football director John Murtough.

          When contacted by ESPN, a source at Manchester United confirmed there had been "some discussions" regarding Varane, but added that no time frame for a transfer is in place.

          09.54 BST: New Tottenham Hotspur head coach Nuno Espirito Santo wants to meet Harry Kane before the wantaway striker goes on holiday after Euro 2020, sources have told ESPN's James Olley.

          Spurs appointed Nuno on Wednesday after a protracted managerial search during which they discussed the vacancy with several candidates following their decision to sack Jose Mourinho on April 19. One of his first tasks will be convincing Kane his future lies in north London after the England captain expressed a desire to leave the club this summer.

          Kane has dismissed all talk of his club situation as he focuses on England's bid to win Euro 2020, insisting last week he was not even following Spurs' pursuit of Mourinho's successor on social media.

          England face Ukraine in Rome at the quarterfinal stage on Saturday (LIVE at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+ in the U.S.) and whenever their run at the finals ends, the 26 players will be released to embark on their summer break. Sources have told ESPN that Nuno is keen to discuss his vision for the team and possible targets with Kane before he departs.

          09.19 BST: Lionel Messi remains a free agent for the first time in his professional career after his €500m ($594m) contract with Barcelona expired at the stroke of midnight on July 1.

          Barca president Joan Laporta says La Liga's financial fair play rules are holding up the 34-year-old signing a new deal with the club. He told Onda Cero: "We want him to stay and Leo wants to stay; everything is on track. We still have the financial fair play [issue] to sort out ... we're in the process of finding the best solution for all parties."

          The six-time Ballon d'Or winner has been linked with European heavyweights Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, who are realistically the only other two elite clubs who could afford to sign him. However, as you might expect, several other clubs have thrown their hats into the ring on social media, reaching out to Messi in the vain hope of tempting him away from the Camp Nou.

          - Messi has offers from boyhood club and 'world's worst team'

          08.46 BST: Paris Saint-Germain are in advanced negotiations to sign Sergio Ramos on a free transfer after the defender's Real Madrid contract expired on Wednesday, sources have confirmed to ESPN's Rodrigo Faez and Julien Laurens.

          Ramos announced last month that he would leave Madrid after failing to reach an agreement to extend his 16-year stay in the Spanish capital.

          ESPN first revealed on Monday that PSG had intensified talks with the centre-back's camp. Sources close to the deal said that things have advanced throughout the week and a final decision is expected in the coming days.

          Ramos wants a two-year deal but PSG are only offering one with a second year as an option to be triggered by mutual content. His wages should also be lower than what he was earning in Spain and what he would have earned had he stayed at the Bernabeu.

          The Spain international, who turned 35 in March, didn't strike an agreement with Madrid due to discrepancies over the length of the deal.

          08.00 BST: ICMYI, yesterday's big transfer news was Borussia Dortmund confirming they have reached an agreement with Manchester United for Jadon Sancho.

          A statement released by the German club on Thursday said the fee is "fixed" at €85m. Sources have told ESPN Sancho will sign a five-year contract with the option of another year after undergoing a medical.

          An official announcement from United followed later on Friday, that confirmed Sancho will have his medical after Euro 2020. Sancho and England are preparing for their quarterfinal against Ukraine in Rome on Saturday.

          Sources have told ESPN's Rob Dawson that Sancho's former club, Manchester City, are due 15% of the profit Dortmund have made on the deal -- expected to be around €11.2m.

          PAPER GOSSIP (by Danny Lewis)

          -- Everton are looking to muscle in on Arsenal's deal for Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Ben White, as has been reported by Daily Mail. New manager Rafa Benitez is keen on the England international, and so the Toffees have outdone the Gunners' offer with one of £50m plus a potential £5m in add-ons.

          -- Now that Manchester United have brought Jadon Sancho in from Borussia Dortmund, Fabrizio Romano has suggested that the Red Devils' priority is a new deal for Bruno Fernandes. The England winger represents another big contract, so they are aware they need to make progress in discussions with the 26-year-old regarding a new agreement.

          -- There have been various clubs linked with Sassuolo's Jeremie Boga this summer, including Marseille, Lille and Olympique Lyon. Well, Le10 Sport are now adding Atalanta and Nice to that list.

          -- It has previously been suggested that Marseille were looking to sign Cagliari forward Giovanni Simeone, and Foot Mercato are now reporting that the feeling is mutual. Their report says that the 25-year-old Argentine is making a move to the Ligue 1 outfit his priority. Marseille are hoping for a loan with an option to make the deal permanent, while Cagliari are keen for a straight transfer.

          -- AC Milan and Brescia still haven't reached an agreement over the permanent transfer of Sandro Tonali, reports Calciomercato. Milan paid €10m to bring the midfielder in on loan last term and were set to owe €15m more to make the deal permanent. However, they are now attempting to reduce that to €10m and sending 20-year-old midfielder Giacomo Olzer in the opposite direction while Brescia are pushing for the original total.