Liverpool have rejected a £25 million bid for Christian Benteke from Crystal Palace.
The Reds are looking to recoup most of the £32.5 million they paid for the Belgium international just less than 12 months ago.
The Reds are looking for £30 million plus add-ons for the 25-year-old, who has failed to impress manager Jurgen Klopp.
Benteke was the signing Klopp’s predecessor Brendan Rodgers pushed for last summer but after scoring seven goals in his first nine appearances he managed just three in his last 23 matches.
Stekelenburg opts for Everton transfer
Everton’s Dutch influence continues to grow as Ronald Koeman made compatriot Maarten Stekelenburg his first signing as manager of the Toffees.
The 33-year-old former Holland international has signed a three-year contract and will be reunited with Koeman for a third time in his career.
“I’m very happy – things have moved very fast over the last couple days,” the former Fulham goalkeeper told evertontv.
“He (Koeman) has come to Everton and he called me a few days after asking if I was willing to follow him. It wasn’t difficult to make that choice.”
Ballon D’Or still in Balotelli’s sights
Mario Balotelli says he still expects to win the Ballon d’Or despite admitting he has been below par in recent years.
The Italy international returned to Liverpool for pre-season yesterday after spending a disappointing season on loan at former club Milan.
Balotelli signed for Liverpool two years ago in a £16 million deal, but failed to make an impression after just four goals in 28 appearances.
“In my view there weren’t enough (expectations put on me), as I can do so much more than what I said. But it takes time,” said Balotelli.
“On the scale of 0 to 10, I stopped at five, but I’ll get to 10 eventually. I want to get there.”
Watford pay record fee for Success
Striker Isaac Success has joined Watford from Spanish club Granada on a five-year deal for a club-record transfer fee.
The 20-year-old scored six goals in 30 La Liga appearances for Granada last season, as the club finished one point above the relegation zone in 16th position.
Though financial details of the transfer were undisclosed, British media reports suggested that deal for Success was around £12.5 million .
The Nigerian becomes the third signing of the summer at Vicarage Road, following the arrivals of forward Jerome Sinclair and defender Christian Kabasele.
Tevez defends Messi decision
Carlos Tevez has backed Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football by hitting out at the Argentine FA (AFA).
Messi announced his decision to hang up his boots for his country following their Copa America final loss to Chile, in which he missed a penalty during the shootout.
The Barcelona star said his decision came about due to the pain of suffering so many defeats, but some – including Tevez – feel it was partly due to his poor relationship with the AFA.
“The AFA is an absolute mess,” the Boca Juniors player said. “Leo sees the players breaking their backs for the shirt and sees the AFA neglecting them.
“We have to put ourselves in his position. He is tired, and that’s normal. I also got tired of the national team a few times.”
Sanches snubbed Man. United – Nani
Renato Sanches turned down a move to Manchester United to sign for Bayern Munich, according to Portugal team-mate Nani.
Sanches, 18, joined Bayern from Benfica for an initial €35 million in May, with reports at the time claiming United had also been interested in him.
Nani has confirmed that the midfielder had an opportunity to move to Old Trafford but ultimately passed up the offer.
“Renato would have been a great signing for Man United,” Nani said. “But he had a choice – and it was Bayern Munich.
“I hope he has made a good choice, but I think United will now know what a big player they have missed.”
Pogba ‘wants to play in a better league’
Paul Pogba’s father has claimed the Juventus midfielder “wants to play in a better league.”
Pogba is currently on international duty with France at Euro 2016, but that hasn’t stopped speculation that he could be on his way out of Turin for good.
Both Manchester United and Real Madrid have made contact over the 23-year-old’s availability, with the La Liga side said to be his preferred destination.
“Sign for Real Madrid? Interesting, yes,” Fassou Pogba said.
“What we want is that he plays in a better league. He will decide on which team he wishes to play soon.”