Football Transfer News and Rumours - Fri 8th July

Victor Valdes – Middlesbrough – DONE DEAL

Newly promoted Middlesbrough have completed the signing of ex-Barcelona and Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who was out of contract with Man United. The 34 year old will now join up with Middlesbrough’s four other new signings.

Vincent Janssen – Tottenham Hotspur – Almost Done Deal

After much back and forth Tottenham Hotspur are now confident of agreeing a deal with AZ Alkmaar for their 22 year old striker Vincent Janssen. The club has expressed his desire to move to Spurs, but his club rejected a £15 million bid for him last week. However, a deal is close to being agreed and he’s likely to make the move in the coming week or so.

Lewis Cook – Bournemouth – Almost Done Deal

Leeds midfielder Lewis Cook is expected in Bournemouth this afternoon to finalise a deal to bring the 19 year old to the Vitality Stadium. He could cost up to £15 million though.

Paul Pogba – Manchester United

This one again. Apparently Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward has opened official negotiations with Juventus over the proposed £100 million transfer fee, which would be a world record. Man United are set to offer the 23 year old £300,000 per week, but the player himself is thought to prefer a move to Real Madrid. The Bernebau outfit need to raise the cash before shelling out £100 million though, so Manchester United is Pogba’s likely destination. They want to complete the deal before the Community Shield at the start of August.

Leonardo Bonucci – Manchester City

Manchester City are opening talks with Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci’s agent, and are prepared to offer up to £43 million for the 29 year old Italy international. Juventus rejected a £38 million approach for him recently and are hoping to hold out for £51 million. Fun fact: Manchester City have spent more than £60 million on centre backs in the past two years.

Diafra Sakho – Transfer Request

West Ham striker Diafra Sakho has handed in a transfer request as he goes on the hunt for first team football. The club recently rejected an £11 million bid from Sunderland for the 26 year old, but Sakho has made an attempt to force through a transfer after being dismayed at their interest in a big name striker.

Julian Draxler – Arsenal

Arsene Wenger is lining up an offer for Wolfsburg forward Julian Draxler, but the Bundesliga club are standing firm on their £43 million asking price for the 22 year old.

Joe Allen – On His Way

Jurgen Klopp is in the process of thinning out his Liverpool squad, and Joe Allen is thought to be one of the players on their way out of Anfield. Six clubs are interested in the 26 year old midfielder, including former club Swansea, Southampton, and Sevilla.

Jakub Blaszczykowski – Liverpool

One player on his way to Anfield could be Borussia Dortmund winger Jakub Blaszczykowski, with Jurgen Klopp reportedly keen on his former player. The 30 year old has struggled with injuries and form recently.

Radja Nainggolan – Staying at Roma

28 year old Belgium and AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has reportedly snubbed an offer from Chelsea, who are thought to have offered £30 million for him.

Davide Santon – Sunderland

Former wonderkid and current Inter Milan full back Davide Santon is close to a £4 million switch to Sunderland. The Italian defender formerly played for arch rivals Newcastle.

Alvaro Morata – Arsenal

Arsenal and Chelsea are in the race to sign Real Madrid’s 23 year old striker Alvaro Morata, but the player is thought to prefer a move to Arsenal. He wants Champions League football, but the £65 million asking price could prove a stumbling block for Arsene Wenger.

Kalidou Koulibaly – Chelsea

Chelsea have been tracking Napoli’s 25 year old centre back Kalidou Koulibaly for a while now, but the club have finally made their interest official with a £34 million bid for the Senegalese international.