Welcome to Football Transfer News from Last Word On Football. We provide you with the latest ins and outs from around the footballing world.
FTN: The Latest on Serge Aurier, Benjamin Mendy, Naby Keita Transfer News
Serge Aurier to leave PSG. Are United ready to make a move?
PSG manager Unai Emery has revealed that Serge Aurier has admitted he wants to leave the club. While Emery is insistent he wants Aurier to stay, the Ivorian seems set on a move elsewhere.
With a push for the Premier League coming, along with Champions League fixtures, Manchester United need to improve their depth. The Red Devils have been linked with Aurier on numerous occasions and now seems the appropriate time to sign him. Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Ashley young have all deputized at right back in previous years. However, Aurier provides a much more suitable replacement for Antonio Valencia. The opportunity to play alongside fellow Ivorian Eric Bailly could be the deciding factor to sway Aurier towards Old Trafford.
~ Luke Sewell – @LSewell11
Manchester City test Monaco’s resolve over Benjamin Mendy
Monaco have rejected a £44m bid for Benjamin Mendy, with figures from inside the club claiming that they value the Frenchman higher than new signing Kyle Walker. With Gael Clichy on his way out of Pep Guardiola’s side, Manchester City will be eager to find a replacement before the start of the new season in three weeks time.
Mendy recently teased a move away from the current French Champions, donning a pair of Union Jack shorts whilst on his holiday, the caption reading “see you soon”. instagram.com/p/BWaGIxBglXY
Liverpool’s Naby Keita pursuit continues
According to The Mirror, Liverpool will submit a third bid for the Guinean midfielder this week. In the hope that a £70m fee will be enough to entice the owner to sell. Whilst RB Leipzig are hesitatn to sell, such a fee from the Merseysiders will likely be considered due to Keita’s release clause coming in to play at the end of next season. Which would allow him to leave for £22m less than Liverpool’s proposed bid.
It is common understanding that Jurgen Klopp is unwilling to identify any other transfer targets as he looks to strengthen his squad before they compete in the Champions League. This may be a drawn out negotiation period but once Leipzig name their price, Liverpool should eventually get their man.
Torino demand windfall for Andrea Belotti
Sky have reported that Torino are willing to strike a deal with AC Milan for forward Andrea Belotti, but it will come at a cost. AC Milan have submitted a £35m bid, along with both M’baye Niang and Gabriel Paletta. However, it seems that Torino would only be willing to accept an offer of £53m, Niang, Paletta and Manuel Locatelli.
Whilst this is an almost unprecedented price to pay, this move would certainly cap off a successful summer for AC Milan. Who look to jump straight back into contention in Serie A. Whether they have the funds available, and can do so whilst adhering to the Financial Fair Play rules remains to be seen. Milan certainly aren’t pulling any punches this window.
Leicester close in on Kelechi Iheanacho
The Daily Mail is suggesting that a £25m deal for Iheanacho is “as good as done”. The 20 year-old forward is expected to link up with his new teammates following the conclusion of their pre-season visit to Hong Kong this Sunday.
There is some speculation around where dynamic striker fits in with the foxes, who have been known to deploy a two-striker formation for some of their games – but with Iheanacho set to demand regular game time, there is a question over how tactically versatile Craig Shakespeare can be. As both Vardy and Iheanacho will be disgruntled on the bench.
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