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          LIVE Transfer Talk: City eye Inter's Barella if Silva leaves

          • ESPN
          Jul 21, 2023, 04:38 PM

          The summer transfer window is now open in Europe, and there's plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

          TOP STORY: Inter's Barella on Man City's list

          Manchester City could look to Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella if they lose Bernardo Silva this summer, according to Tuttomercatoweb.

          The Β£50 million-rated star is also wanted by Liverpool and Newcastle United, but City boss Pep Guardiola is keen to strengthen his midfield following the departure of Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona, as well as Silva's potential exit before the start of the new season.

          City are reportedly negotiating with Paris Saint-Germain over the possible departure of Silva for a fee of around €100m. Should the 28-year-old midfielder complete his move to the French capital, then City were sufficiently impressed by Barella's quality and attitude in the Champions League final to believe he could be the ideal replacement.

          Inter, though, are reluctant for Barella to leave, and have already rejected a bid from Newcastle this summer. Along with Newcastle, Liverpool have been tracking 26-year-old Barella for some time, and the two clubs fear that City's interest might now drive up his fee.

          Inter could even ask for as much as the Β£105m fee Arsenal paid West Ham United to sign Declan Rice, due to Barella still under contract for three years and being such a key and talismanic player.

          - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga & more (U.S.)
          - Read on ESPN+: Explaining the language of the transfer window

          LIVE BLOG

          22:15 BST: AC Milan have identified Basel left-back Riccardo Calafiori as a replacement for Fode Ballo-Toure, reveal Calciomercato. Ballo-Toure looks set for a move to Premier League outfit Fulham, leaving Milan short on depth at left-back.

          The report states the Italian giants are eager to secure a back-up to starting left-back Theo Hernandez, with Calafiori identified as an adequate deputy to the Frenchman. Calafiori featured 31 times in all competitions last season, chipping in with a goal, alongside three assists.

          21:45 BST: West Ham are preparing a fresh offer for midfielder James Ward-Prowse after having an approach rejected earlier in the window, per Football Insider. The Southampton captain netted 11 goals, alongside five assists in all competitions last season, and is expected to depart St Mary's, following the Saints' relegation from the Premier League. The report suggests that whilst the Hammers' first bid was rejected, the London club are expected to make another offer to test Southampton's resolve.

          21:35: Marseille have signed forward Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang from Chelsea, the French club confirmed on Friday. Whilst it is not known whether the Ligue 1 outfit have paid a fee for the Gabon international, it is understood that Chelsea were eager to part ways with the 34-year-old, who managed just three goals for the Blues, since his move from Barcelona last September.

          Meanwhile, Marseille also confirmed that longtime captain Dimitri Payet has left the club despite being under contract until 2024. The 36-year-old former France international said on Friday during an emotional news conference that he wants to "continue to play football" after "a very difficult season with little playing time." Payet's first stint in Marseille lasted from 2013-15 followed by a two-season spell at West Ham. He then returned to Velodrome in 2017.

          21:30 BST: Inter Miami are closing in on a deal for midfielder Andres Iniesta, per Ekrem Konur. The 39-year-old is currently a free agent, following his three-year stint in Japan with Vissel Kobe. Inter Miami have seen several former Barcelona players join the club this summer, with Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba being confirmed by the MLS outfit.

          21.00 BST: Fulham and Al Ettifaq have joined Al Nassr in the race for Manchester United defender Eric Bailly, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report states that the 29-year-old will make a decision on his future in the coming weeks as he prepares to depart Old Trafford. The Ivory Coast international spent last season on loan in France with Marseille, however, the centre-back made just 23 appearances with the Ligue 1 outfit deciding to not exercise the option to bring Bailly to the club on a permanent basis.

          20:30 BST: AC Milan are in negotiations with Villarreal for winger Samuel Chukwueze, per Fabrizio Romano. The tweet reveals that the Nigeria international has already agreed personal terms with the Italian outfit, who are hopeful that they can strike a deal with Villarreal.

          The 24-year-old is understood to be keen on the move and with just one year left on his current deal, the LaLiga club may be forced to part ways with Chukwueze this summer, to ensure he does not walk for free next year.

          20.00 BST: West Ham and Wolves are interested in a move for FC Midtjylland midfielder Emiliano Martinez, per Football Insider. The 23-year-old Uruguay international impressed in Denmark last season, featuring 33 times in all competitions, however, with his deal not expiring until 2027, FC Midtjylland are in a strong position to demand a hefty fee from the Premier League duo.

          West Ham are in the market for midfield reinforcements following Declan Rice's Β£100m departure to Arsenal, whilst Wolves are also keen on adding to their midfield options, with Ruben Neves moving to Al Hilal.

          19:30 BST: Fulham have made a €25m approach to Benfica for defender Morato, according to Rudy Galetti. The tweet reveals that the west London outfit had a previous offer rejected for the Brazilian centre-back, who is reported to be keen on the switch to the Premier League and is pushing for the move. The 22-year-old featured 22 times across all competitions last season, helping Benfica to win the Primeira Liga.

          19:00 BST: West Ham are willing to offload forward Michail Antonio amid Al Ettifaq interest, report Football Insider. The 33-year-old notched 14 goals in all competitions last season, with the report revealing that the Jamaica international has joined Divock Origi on Al Ettifaq's transfer list, as manager Steven Gerrard eyes attacking reinforcements for the Saudi outfit. Antonio has just one year remaining on his current deal at the London Stadium, leaving the Hammers content to part ways with the forward this summer to ensure they secure a fee.

          18.45 BST: The Guardian reports that Aston Villa are nearing a €60m (Β£51.9m) deal for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, a fee that would see a club record for the Villans.

          Diaby's reported arrival will see the third major signing after the arrivals of Spain centre-back Pau Torres from Villarreal and Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans from relegated Leicester City. Villa coach Unai Emery has been steadily building a side that is looking to break through on the domestic front will also competing in the Europa Conference League.

          Diaby was also on the radar of Al-Nassr, but the Saudi side is now reporting switching gears and focusing on Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane.

          17.38 BST: Manchester City and RB Leipzig are yet to strike an agreement over defender Josko Gvardiol, the German club's sporting director Max Eberl has said.

          Sources have told ESPN's Rob Dawson earlier this month that City were preparing an opening bid for the Croatia international after being given encouragement the 21-year-old wants to move to the Etihad this summer and that he is potentially available for the right fee.

          "A lot has been written and the latest information about Josko surprised us all," Eberl said. "Currently we're still very far apart."

          Leipzig reportedly value Gvardiol at around €100m, which would be a world-record transfer fee for a defender.

          "As you can see, Josko is here -- so it's not true," Eberl added, referencing reports that the player was already close to completing a transfer. "He didn't do a medical check -- not that we know. And I don't think he did it behind our backs because he's just a full professional.

          "There is no agreement, not even remotely an agreement."

          17.02 BST: Manchester United full-back Alex Telles is moving closer to joining Al Nassr, sources have told ESPN's Rob Dawson. The transfer, which could be worth around Β£4m, is still on despite fears that the deal was on the verge of collapse.

          Telles is not with the United squad on their preseason tour of the United States and is keen to move to the Saudi Pro League side. The Brazilian, who spent last season on loan at Sevilla, has been told he is not part of Erik ten Hag's plans.

          Eric Bailly is also not part of United's squad in New Jersey and is free to join another club. He has reported back to Carrington and is undergoing an individual training plan while his representatives work to secure a move away. Sources have told ESPN there has been tentative interest in the Ivory Coast defender from clubs in Saudi Arabia but a deal is not yet close.

          Anthony Elanga is still with the United squad in New Jersey but sources have told ESPN that he's close to joining Nottingham Forest in a permanent transfer. Forest have submitted a bid worth around Β£15m and and he could depart the US and have a medical as early as the weekend.

          Dean Henderson is also in the U.S. but Forest remain keen on the goalkeeper. United are willing to let him move after completing a move for Andre Onana and would prefer a permanent deal rather than a loan.

          - Brown: Everything to know about new Man United goalkeeper Onana

          16.07 BST: So you're a big club -- or a supporter of one -- and you missed out on your big summer transfer target. It happens. There are only so many potential difference-makers out there, and someone always has a bigger checkbook than yours. (There's always someone more desperate, too.)

          Sometimes, victory comes to those with the most well-formed Plan B or C. If you missed out on a big target, or you're looking at who to spend money on after losing a big star, allow me to help. For 10 of the biggest transfers of the summer thus far -- and for five other huge deals that could come to fruition in the coming weeks -- I have devised some alternatives.

          Using tools like the tables at FBref.com, the role and ratings data from the DAVIES database, data provided by TruMedia and StatsPerform and my own eyeballs, I came up with some players who are comparable to the big names that have changed clubs (or might) this summer.

          - Connelly: Transfer alternatives for Bellingham, Rice, Kane and more

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          Postecoglou: Kane won't get fazed by transfer talk

          Ange Postecoglou speaks about his conversations with Harry Kane and the England captain's future at Tottenham.

          15.35 BST: New Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has said the club cannot allow for the uncertainty over the future of Harry Kane to continue much longer.

          Sources have told ESPN's James Olley that Kane, who won't sign a new contract at Spurs, is open to leaving north London this summer should the club accept a transfer fee, but he won't force a move away.

          Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United are all interested should the club be open to his departure. Kane's future is one of the biggest challenges facing Postecoglou as he begins his tenure as manager this summer.

          "It's fair to say I'm not relaxed about it," Postecoglou told reporters. "I know that every time I am talking to [the press], or whenever Harry is going to talk, that's the first question you are going to get. So, you've got to deal with it.

          "I think, for everyone concerned, we don't want to be doing it for too long. I don't think that is good for anyone. I don't think it is good for Harry, I don't think it is good for the club, because as laser-focused as we want to be, you end up repeating yourself along the way.

          "But the flip side of that is I don't want to put a deadline on it, because that adds even more pressure. You want these things to happen for the right reasons. The reality of it is he's still a contracted player at our football club, so that's the way I see him.

          "It's not like his contract is ending on the 12th [of August] and he's got to make a decision, he's got another year. So from that part, I am not relaxed but I am not putting pressure on him or anyone else at the football club, saying: 'Well, we need to do this.' But I don't think, deep down, any of us want it to go on for too long."

          14.52 BST: Lyon forward Bradley Barcola has attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain, according to Le Parisien.

          The 20-year-old scored five goals in 27 appearances for Lyon last season, and then scored twice in his four games for France at the European Under-21 Championship.

          Barcola's performances have not gone unnoticed by PSG, who are considering a move for the versatile forward who can play anywhere across the front three.

          14.18 BST: Brighton & Hove Albion have signed Australian midfielder Mackenzie Hawkesby from A-League Women side Sydney FC.

          The 23-year-old, who was named Sydney FC's player of the year in 2022, helped the Sky Blues win the A-League Women finals earlier this year.

          Hawkesby joins former Sydney teammate Madison Haley in signing for Brighton this summer, whole the club also announced the arrival of Spain midfielder Vicky Losada at the weekend.

          13.46 BST: Burnley have signed winger Nathan Redmond on a two-year deal with the option of a third, the Premier League club announced on Friday.

          The 29-year-old, who joins Burnley from Turkish side Besiktas, is their seventh signing ahead of their return to the top flight as winners of the Championship last season.

          Redmond made over 250 Premier League appearances during spells with Southampton, Norwich City and Birmingham City.

          13.12 BST: There's a strong chance that Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo could be lining up for Saturday's U.S. friendly opponents Chelsea next season, if the two clubs can agree a transfer fee.

          Having fended off interest from Arsenal in January -- which saw the 21-year-old publicly push for a move before extending his contract until 2027 -- Brighton now seem more amenable to letting him leave. But with the Gunners opting to spend Β£105m to bring in Declan Rice from West Ham instead, sources have told ESPN's James Olley that Chelsea now head the queue to sign Caicedo and have seen a Β£70m bid rejected already.

          With his transfer valued at around Β£100m, the Ecuador international's career has skyrocketed since joining Brighton in August 2021 from Independiente del Valle, a club renowned for its first-class academy, for just Β£4m. He was sent out on loan to Beerschot in Belgium to gain experience straight away, but when he returned Caicedo took little time to find his feet in the Premier League, establishing himself one of the top young midfielders in the game during his first full campaign.

          Here's the lowdown on Chelsea's potential new arrival.

          - Karlsen: How would Brighton star Caicedo fit at Chelsea?

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          How much would Moises Caicedo improve Chelsea?

          Marc Cucarella feels Moises Caicedo would be a good addition for Chelsea in the long run after reports of the Brighton player being linked with Chelsea.

          12.29 BST: Benfica president Rui Costa has said Joao Felix is "an Atletico Madrid player, period" after the forward was linked with his former club as a potential escape route this summer.

          Felix is pushing for a move away from Atletico, saying this week that he would "love to play for Barcelona," but sources have told ESPN's Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez that the only interest shown so far in the Portugal international has come from Aston Villa.

          Barca's finances mean they would only be able to bring in Felix on loan, and there is debate inside the club as to whether that would be a smart move.

          Felix left Benfica in 2019 after coming through their academy, but club president Costa said they have "not much availability" in terms of arrivals or departures this summer, having already brought in Angel Di Maria on a free transfer.

          11.57 BST: Carlo Ancelotti has said he's "very happy" with his Real Madrid squad this season after the arrivals of Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, Joselu, Fran Garcia and Brahim Diaz -- and insisted they can compete for trophies even if they don't bring in another forward.

          The departures of Karim Benzema and Mariano Diaz mean Spain international Joselu is currently the only natural centre-forward in the Madrid squad, as they continue to pursue Kylian Mbappe.

          "[The new signings] are going to bring quality to the squad," Ancelotti told reporters in Los Angeles on Madrid's first day of training at UCLA. "Fran Garcia will help cover the left-hand side. Joselu will give us a bit more in the air. Guler has a lot of talent. Bellingham is a great midfielder, with qualities we didn't have in the squad."

          The Italian coach -- who refused to talk about ongoing reports linking him with the Brazil job in 2024 -- has said he'll try out a new formation in pre-season, starting against AC Milan in Pasadena on Sunday.

          "I want to try something new at first to see how it goes," Ancelotti said. "If it doesn't work, we always have the old system.

          "You adapt the system to the characteristics of the players there are. A player has arrived who will give us a lot in attack: Bellingham."

          - To infinity and beyond! New Real Madrid away kit is glorious

          11.21 BST: Tottenham Hotspur are considering Fiorentina striker Arthur Cabral if Harry Kane leaves the club, the Daily Mail reports.

          Sources have told ESPN's James Olley that Kane will consider leaving Tottenham if the club decides to accept a transfer bid but won't force a move away this summer.

          Spurs had been hopeful of staving off interest from Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United by tying down Kane on a long-term basis, given he has just one year left on his Β£200,000-a-week deal.

          However, his refusal to agree a fresh deal places renewed pressure on Spurs over their reluctance to let Kane, who turns 30 next week, leave the club.

          If that happens, Spurs could turn to Cabral. The Brazilian scored 17 goals in 48 appearances last season as Fiorentina reached the final of the Europa Conference League and finished eighth in Serie A.

          10.36 BST: Chelsea forward Armando Broja is determined to stay at the club despite reported interest from West Ham and the arrivals of more attacking players at Stamford Bridge, the Daily Express reports.

          Broja, 21, got a taste of first-team action at Chelsea last season, making two Premier League starts and opening his account for the club in a 3-0 win over Wolves. The Albania international had scored nine goals for Southampton during a loan spell in the 2021-22 season.

          However, with the summer signings of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, places in the Chelsea attack will be even harder to come by. But the Express reports that Broja is willing to stay at the club and fight for a place under new boss Mauricio Pochettino.

          09.55 BST: Celta Vigo have signed Real Madrid Castilla midfielder Carlos Dotor on a five-year contract.

          Dotor, 22, starred for Madrid's reserve team last season under coach Raul Gonzalez, providing 11 goals and two assists.

          Celta are reportedly paying a €3m fee for 50% of the player's rights.

          Real Madrid are one of the club who have been linked with interest in Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga this summer.

          09.12 BST: Manchester United are keeping their options open with Jonny Evans and are refusing to rule out the possibility of signing the veteran defender permanently, sources have told ESPN's Rob Dawson.

          Evans has signed a short-term deal at Old Trafford to allow him to feature in the club's preseason matches. He made his first United appearance for eight years in the 1-0 win over Lyon in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

          The 35-year-old has not been picked to travel to New York with Erik ten Hag's senior squad but will instead join a group of young players for the game against Wrexham in San Diego.

          Sources have told ESPN that Ten Hag has been impressed with Evans after joining training sessions at Carrington and remains open-minded about whether there is a place for the centre-back in his squad for next season.

          Evans is looking for a new club after leaving Leicester City following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

          08.30 BST: ICYMI -- Inter Miami continued to compile their version of "Barca West," signing defender Jordi Alba on Thursday to reunite with former teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets.

          The club's recent overhaul comes as it is about to emerge from the All-Star break for a venture into the new Leagues Cup and a home match against Mexico's Cruz Azul on Friday. Messi is expected to make his Inter Miami debut in that match.

          Alba played 11 seasons at Barcelona, helping the legendary Spanish club to six LaLiga titles. He also played for Valencia. The attacking left-back had 37 goals with 107 assists in 605 matches across all competitions. The 34-year-old has made 93 international appearances for Spain and was part of the squad which won Euro 2012 and this year's UEFA Nations League.

          The trio of former Barcelona players will reunite with Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who just moved into the head coach role for the last-place team in the Eastern Conference.

          Inter Miami is 5-14-3 (18 points) during the MLS season and are 12 points below the playoff line with 12 regular-season games remaining.

          PAPER GOSSIP (Nick Judd)

          - West Ham are stepping up their plans to bring James Ward-Prowse from Southampton, according to the Guardian. Hammers boss David Moyes is keen to reinvest some of the money from Rice's aforementioned departure to Arsenal to add two midfielders with Premier League experience. Moyes is particularly interested in Ward-Prowse's set piece capabilities, and the 28-year-old could be available for around a Β£45m fee. Moyes is also interested in Fulham's Joao Paulinha and AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana.

          - Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has rejected a move to Inter Milan because he's disappointed with the Italian club's proposed net salary, according to the Daily Record. They believe the Spaniard is looking to secure a net wage of Β£8.7m, which far exceeds the Italian club's offer of Β£4.3m, and which could even price him out of many clubs' budgets. De Gea's preference is believed to be a return to LaLiga after an absence of 12 seasons following his move from Atletico Madrid to United. Inter, meanwhile, have instead turned their attention to Shakhtar Donetsk's Anatoliy Trubin and Bayern Munich's Yann Sommer.

          - Al Ahli are looking to sign Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, according to the Daily Mail. The Saudi Arabian club have already signed Roberto Firmino from Liverpool and Edouard Mendy from Chelsea and are close to sealing moves for Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City and Allan Saint Maximin from Newcastle United. Partey, 30, is with Arsenal for the club's preseason tour in the United States, but the Ghanaian player is open to a move.

          - Newcastle are keen on Southampton full-back Tino Livramento, according to the Sun. The 20-year-old can play at both right and left-back and though he missed last season because of an ACL injury, Magpies boss Eddie Howe believes Livramento can provide good cover for his defence. However, Newcastle are said to be working within tight FFP constraints, and so they might have to find a creative way to afford any move for the defender.

          - Juventus are keen to tempt Franck Kessie away from Barcelona and are prepared to use Federico Chiesa in the deal, according to Corriere della Sera. The Italian side are looking to replace Paul Pogba, who is expected to sign with a team in Saudi Arabia. However, Juve aren't prepared to pay a fee for 26-year-old Kessie, and so could also look for a loan option. However, Barcelona might instead go for Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix and use Kessie, alongside Ferran Torres, to seal a deal with Atleti.