Gilardino: Veteran striker Alberto Gilardino is expected to leave Palermo and sign for Empoli, Sky Sport said. Gilardino, 33, does not intend to hang up his boots as yet and held talks with Empoli after terminating his contract with Palermo by mutual consent. Gilardino scored 10 goals last season to help the Sicilians escape the drop to Serie B on the very last day of the season.

Witsel: Napoli are fighting to sign Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel from Zenit St Petersburg, according to the player’s father. The 27-year-old is expected to end a four-year spell in Russia this summer. Thierry Witsel said: “It’s true I met with (Napoli sporting director) Cristiano Giuntoli. It was a positive discussion and there could be interest by both parties, so we’ll see how things evolve.”

Batshuayi: Chelsea have signed Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi from Marseille. The 22-year-old moves for a reported £33 million fee and has signed a five-year contract. Batshuayi becomes incoming head coach Antonio Conte’s first signing. Batshuayi joins compatriots Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois at Chelsea. In swapping Stade Velodrome for Stamford Bridge, he makes the same move Didier Drogba did 12 years ago.

Sorrentino: Experienced goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino, who played for Palermo last season, has signed for Serie A rivals Chievo after becoming a free agent. Sorrentino, 37, left Chievo to join Palermo in a transfer move in 2013 worth €2m. He had first signed for the ‘Flying Donkeys’ in summer of 2008.

Meunier: Belgium defender Thomas Meunier has joined Paris St Germain on a four-year deal from Club Bruges. The 24-year-old full-back was part of the Belgium squad who were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the European Championship.