Welcome to this new initiative by Times of Malta's sports desk. We are looking to keep our readers and social media followers updated with all the latest news and gossip regarding the summer transfer window.

10.15pm That's all for today! Thank you for joining us. We will be back tomorrow for another full week of news and coverage. Good night!

10.07pm Jose Mourinho has dismissed speculation that Marouane Fellaini could leave Manchester United for Galatasaray, saying he is “too important” after the midfielder scored in a 3-0 pre-season win over Valerenga.

“It’s easier for Galatasaray to get me than Marouane,” he said. “If they need a manager, they have a chance, but Marouane? Forget it. He is too important to me.”

9.27pm Everton boss Ronald Koeman wants to secure a double deal for Olivier Giroud and Gylfi Sigurdsson, the Daily Star reports.

It is thought the French striker is now Koeman's number one target with the Swansea man remaining a key area of interest.

8.48pm Neymar still expected to attend sponsorship events in China in the coming days and he did not travel with the squad back to Barcelona today.

Chinese online travel company Ctrip said on Friday it had cancelled an event tomorrow in Shanghai because he was "busy with transfer business".

8.17pm Tottenham are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain right-back Serge Aurier, according to French publication Le Parisien.

Spurs are in the market for a new full-back after the departure of Kyle Walker and the Ivory Coast is available after the arrival of Dani Alves at the Parc des Princes.

7.59pm Julio Baptista could be set for a sensational return to English football, according to The Sun, with Bolton reportedly in talks to sign the Brazilian forward.

The 35-year-old is a free agent following his release from MLS side Orlando City in November.

6.49pm Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho could be on his way to Italy with Roma if the Serie A club come up with £30m, say the Sun.

Sakho was on loan at Crystal Palace last year, and is likely to leave the club this summer having fallen behind in the pecking order at Anfield.

6.14pm Manchester United will have to pay up to £31m if they want to tempt Anderlecht to sell Leander Dendoncker, according to the Daily Star on Sunday.

The 22-year-old Belgian scored against United in the quarter-final of the Europa League last season, and Anderlecht sporting director Herman van Holsbeeck has said they could sell Dendoncker for around £30m.

He told Het Belang van Limburg: “We want to cherish him, but if a club is willing to pay between €25m and €35m, we have a problem.”

5.39pm According to Sky Sport's Jim White, Chelsea's midfielder Nemanja Matic is a Red Devil.

Jose Mourinho's was enough to convince the Serb to join United's ranks ahead of the new season. 

Defender Martin Klein is the latest acquisition for Birkirkara.Defender Martin Klein is the latest acquisition for Birkirkara.

5.04pm Birkirkara continued to be among the most active Maltese Clubs during this Summer Transfer Market as they signed towering defender Martin Klein on a one-year contract with our Club.

Klein is an experienced thirty-three year old defender from Czech Republic. The defender has played in various top-leagues in different countries mainly Czech Republic, Turkey, Hungary and most recently Kazashtan.

3.31pm Everton are weighing up a £9million move for West Ham defender Winston Reid, according to the Mail.

The 29-year-old could come in as cover for defender Ramiro Funes Mori at Goodison Park, though the Kiwi has only just returned to training following surgery on a shin injury.

Renato Bezzerra Camilo, Birkirkara's ninth signing.Renato Bezzerra Camilo, Birkirkara's ninth signing.

2.47pm From Malta, Birkirkara have added their ninth player to their squad as they signed Brazilian defender, Renato Bezzera Camilo.

The 23-year old was recently playing in his native Brazil with Inter de Lages. Previously, he also featured for International Santa Catarina, Mogi Morim Esporte Club and Santa Cruz FC. 

Without doubt, Peter Pullicino boasts several versatile players which will help him to rotate the squad as much as possible during the 2017/2018 campaign. 

2.37pm Further confirmation on the report that Nemanja Matic is closing in on a move to Manchester United.

2.21pm Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri but says his future at the club is up to him and his representatives.

"He knows the situation," Guardiola said. "We have a lot of midfield players, so we're going to see.

"It is like [Eliaquim] Mangala. That's a decision they have to take with their managers [representatives], but we take care of them when they are here, just like we take care of every player, from Brahim Diaz to Vincent Kompany.

"The past isn't important, it is all about tomorrow."

2.20pm Paris St Germain full-back Dani Alves has urged his fellow Brazilian Neymar to "be brave" when it comes to considering a potential world-record transfer to the Ligue 1 giants from Barcelona.

Alvese said: "It's an important decision for him and it's the kind of decision men have to make. He's one of my best friends and I'll always want him by my side, but I can not interfere.

"I helped him come to Barcelona, I did not make the decision for him, but I told him what Barcelona was like and he decided to move there. Decisions are for the brave and I am the bravest of all.

"It's a decision you have to make carefully but you have to be selfish. If I could advise one thing it would be: be brave, the world belongs to the brave."

2.18pm Manchester United could complete the signing of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea by the end of next week, according to the Daily Mail.

Jose Mourinho has been interested in the 28-year-old midfielder all summer, though it is reported that Chelsea want to bring in a replacement midfielder before selling Matic.

2.15pm Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to our transfer news blog!

Stay tuned to us for another day full of stories from across the footballing world. 


 

11.00pm That's all for tonight! Thank you for joining us and we will back tomorrow for much more news. 

10.56pm Inter Milan defender Jeison Murillo has agreed personal terms with La Liga side Valencia ahead of a move to the Mestalla, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Despite this development, the future of the Colombian is uncertain, with Inter reportedly considering whether to sell the player or not; the Italian paper claims Murillo, 25, is not for sale, whilst Sky Italia believes the player is available on the market for €15 million.

Valencia are reportedly open to sign the player on loan with option to buy or on a permanent deal although the La Liga side are currently not open to match Inter’s price-tag.

Naxxar Lions' new signing, Francesco Serafino.Naxxar Lions' new signing, Francesco Serafino.

10.25pm News from Maltese football, as Naxxar Lions have signed former Boca Juniors player Francesco Serafino. 

The 19-year old has put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the newly-promoted side, who are striving to maintain their Premier League status on their return to the top flight. 

In the past years, Serafino was also part of Torino's youth squad for six months besides being a prominent talent in the youth sides of Boca Juniors. 

10.00pm Newcastle chief Rafa Benitez is ready to raid his former club to sign Real Madrid's Lucas Vasquez, according to the Daily Mirror.

The 26 year-old is a product of Madrid's successful youth academy and has been at the club for 10 years, though he has found starting opportunities limited at the Bernabeu and may welcome a chance to prove his ability in the Premier League.

9.43pm According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Paris St Germain are interested in Inter's midfielder Joao Mario, and they would be willing to insert Serge Aurier in the deal.

If this move happens, then Blase Matuidi would probably be allowed to move to Juventus. 

9.23pm RB Leipzig manager Ralph Hasenhuttl insists it is "100 per cent clear" sought-after midfielder Naby Keita will remain at the German club.

Sky Sports News on Friday reported the Reds have ended their interest of the 22-year-old, having had two bids for the Guinea international rejected over the summer.

9.04pm New Watford boss Marco Silva has told the Hertfordshire Mercury that Stephen Berghuis has asked to leave Vicarage Road.

The Dutchman spent last season on loan at Feyenoord and is reportedly keen to rejoin the Eredivisie champions this summer.

After the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa in the Graham Taylor Tribute Match, Silva praised the Berghuis' attitude despite his desire to return to his homeland.

"With Steven it's an easy decision for me," Silva explained. "He came back at the start of pre-season and was very good for two weeks: very, very good. He had a good attitude and I was really happy with him.

"He's a player who came to me and said he didn't want to stay at the club. He doesn't want to stay and play for Watford so it's the moment for the board to decide and sort out a deal for him.

8.42pm Galatasaray sporting director Cenk Ergun the club ‘will sign’ West Ham’s Sofiane Feghouli and Man City midfielder Fernando in the near future.

With the signings of Bafetimbi Gomis, Younès Belhanda and Mariano already wrapped up, the 20-time Super Lig winners are keen to take the title for the first time since 2015 and the Premier League imports will no doubt strengthen their bid.

Ergun also told the club’s official site that Gala are monitoring the situation of Marouane Fellaini and had proposed a transfer for PSG’s Hatem Ben Arfa.

“We asked about Ben Arfa and Fellaini. Fellaini is still on our radar,” he added. “We are talking to [Jason] Denayer’s club. We have not made an approach for Arda [Turan].

“I hope to make a transfer that will surprise. A surprising name for a surprise position.”

8.01pm Zach Muscat's Arezzo bow out from the Coppa Italia after they were beaten 1-0 by Triestina in the first round. 

Former Pieta and Birkirkara Muscat featured from the first minute for his side, which will now shift its focus on its Lega Pro's commitments. 

7.35pm Serie A club Sassuolo have signed Edoardo Goldaniga and Leonardo Marson from relegated Palermo.

Defender Goldaniga, 23, has moved to the Mapei Stadium on a permanent basis, while 19-year-old goalkeeper Marson will spend the 2017-18 season on loan with the Neroverdi.

6.59pm Brendan Rodgers says Celtic will be in for Patrick Roberts if the forward is allowed to leave Manchester City this season.

"It's something we would look at," he said. "Pat would be amazing for here. I think everyone could see that.

"But it all goes down to, one, Manchester City and how they see his future there. He has gone away on tour with them and got some game time. They will make a decision after that.

"Two, the boy might not want to come back. He might want to play in the Premier League if he has somewhere to do that. He might fancy a spell in Europe. But what he knows is that he has a great place here if it comes to that.

"The club can bring him here. It's more going to be whether the player sees this as the next step for him."

6.23pm Napoli want to sign Manchester City midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko on loan, the Mirror reports.

The 20-year-old joined City from FC Ufa for £1.8m last summer and spent last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven with Serie A seen as a step up in quality for the Ukrainian's development.

6.21pm RB Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuttl insists it is "100 per cent clear" that sought-after midfielder Naby Keita will remain at the club.

The 22-year-old Guinea international was a shining light in the Leipzig side which stormed to a second-placed finish in the Bundesliga last season.

His performances caught the eye and saw him heavily linked with Liverpool, who had two bids for Keita rejected over the summer.

Reports yesterday suggested the Premier League club have now ended their interest and Hasenhuttl believes the player will now stay put.

"That is good," he said when it was put to him that Liverpool would not be returning with a third offer.

"The chance (of Keita leaving) is "null". 

Zach Muscat (13) will start for Arezzo in the Coppa Italia.Zach Muscat (13) will start for Arezzo in the Coppa Italia.

5.30pm Malta international Zach Muscat will feature from the start for Arezzo as they will kick start their 2017/2018 campaign with the first round tie of the Coppa Italia against Triestina.

This will be the second season with the Italian club for the former Birkirkara defender.

Stay tuned to our blog as we will bring you further developments about Muscat's performance this evening.

4.40pm Neymar will leave Barcelona and make his long-protracted move toParis Saint-Germain 'in a matter of days, according to European football expert Pete Jenson.

Speaking on 5 Live's Football Daily Podcast, Jenson said: "I think Neymar is a matter of days before we put an end to this and he confirms he'll be playing at PSG next season. I'll be amazed if that deal doesn't happen."

3.45pm Inter's preparations to the season remained on track as Luciano Spalletti's men have beaten Chelsea 2-1 in a pre-season friendly in Singapore. You can read the report and watch highlights here.

3.25pm Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta said he would rather have Neymar at the club than a massive transfer fee, with speculations linking the Brazilian to Paris Saint-Germain in a world record deal.

"I do not think 200-300 million will be more beneficial for Barcelona than having Neymar," Iniesta told a news conference ahead of the Saturday's pre-season friendly against Real Madrid.

2.45pm Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld is still unsure whether he will be offered a new contract by the Premier League side.

1.50pm Udinese have signed Dutch defender Bram Nuytinck from Anderlecht on a four-year contract.

The 27-year-old centre-back won the Belgian Pro League twice with the Brussels club and will now try his luck in Serie A.

1.30pm Rangers misfit Michael O'Halloran has returned to St Johnstone on a six-month loan.

Former Gers boss Mark Warburton splashed out £500,000 to land the pacey wideman from Saints back in January 2016.

But he struggled to break into the Light Blues line-up and has now been allowed to rejoin Tommy Wright's Perth set-up.

1.15pm Gylfi Sigurdsson will not feature in Swansea’s pre-season match. with Birmingham today. 

It was agreed between the club and player that he would sit this game out due to the current transfer speculation surrounding him as Everton continue to be linked with a move for the Iceland international.

11.55am Monaco have already begun to build for life without Real Madrid transfer target Kylian Mbappe. The Ligue 1 champions have agreed a fee of €10m with Rennes for their 21-year-old forward Adama Diakhaby, who scored four times in just three starts last season.

11.25am The Daily Mail is reporting this morning that Paris St Germain want to include Angel Di Maria in the deal that will see Neymar leave Barcelona and join the French side.

11.00am Nikla Sule and Sebastian Rudy are undergoing their medicals at Bayern Munich as they look to complete their moves from Hoffenheim. 

The Bundesliga giants put deals in place for the duo in January, with Sule joining on a five-year deal while Rudy will pen a three-year contract.

Robin Van Persie to return at Feyenoord.Robin Van Persie to return at Feyenoord.

10.30 Robin Van Persie is set for an emotional return to his first love as the Dutch forward is closing in on a move to Feyenoord.

The veteran striker left the De Kuip Stadium 13 years ago to join Arsenal and is now set for a return as he is set to put the seal on a one-year contract with an option of a further 12 months.

10.15am SkySports are reporting that Leicester City have rejected a second bid from Roma for Riyad Mahrez.

Sky Sports News said the latest offer is around £27m. The Italians had a bid of £20m rejected earlier this month, Mahrez having declared in May that he wanted to leave.

09.46am Inter coach Luciano Spalletti has confirmed there has been no contact from Manchester United over Ivan Perisic.

"Until now, there hasn't been any important contact," he said. "There was something you already know about at the beginning of the window but there was no follow-up and so, for me, the topic is over.

"It's true as time goes by, it becomes more and more difficult to replace him with another player. I will strongly oppose the sale of Perisic if an offer comes."

09.39am Good morning everyone and welcome to the timesofmalta.com Live Transfer News and Rumours. Stay with us to follow all that is happening from the summer transfer market.


 

9.48pm That's it for this Friday! We will be back tomorrow further stories from both Maltese and international football.

Jorginho will leave Hibernians and pursue his career in Saudi Arabia.Jorginho will leave Hibernians and pursue his career in Saudi Arabia.

9.30pm Big news from Hibernians as Brazilian forward Jorginho will be leaving the champions and sign with Saudi's FC Khaleej.

The 31-year-old will team up with former Hibs' colleague Gilmar, who signed a one-year contract with the side earlier this summer.

Jorginho has been a key figure in last season's journey towards the title triumph and also left a good impression in this summer's UEFA Champions League ties against FC Infonet Talinn, where he scored in both legs. 

Further development on this story will be on tomorrow's newspaper

9.18pm More news from the local scene, as champions Hibernians are running the rule over two strikers from Brazil ahead of a major shake-up which there will be in the offensive department, and possibly even in their midfield region. 

Stay tuned to this blog for further development on this news. 

8.48pm Winger Maurizio Vella has left a good impression at Perugia, while on trial.

However, the club has not reached an agreement with Floriana and the Italian will return to Malta to resume his commitment with the Greens. 

8.30pm More major news from Floriana, as they are set to bid farewell to their target man Mario Fontanella. 

The Italian striker has received offers from Malta, Dubai and Jordan and he will evaluate the offers in the coming week. 

Last season, Fontanella scored 14 goals for Floriana in the BOV Premier League and was crucial in his team's success in the FA Trophy.

8.15pm Back to Maltese football, as Floriana are working to strengthen their squad and are looking to bring in two foreigners.

A midfielder and a forward are expected to join the club by next week. 

8.08pm Leicester City winger Tom Lawrence could be the subject of an £8m bid from Premier League new boys Brighton, reports the Leicester Mercury.

7.18pm Former Juventus Martin Caceres has joined Hellas Verona for his third spell in Serie A.

Last season, Caceres was at Southampton, however, he barely found some playing time at the St Mary's. 

7.09pm Sky sources understand Liverpool ended their pursuit of Naby Keita when their second and final bid was rejected two weeks ago.

Liverpool will become interested again should RB Leipzig change their stance, but there’s no indication of that at the moment

6.31pm According to L'Equipe, Zenit St Petersburg are seeking to bring Argentine defender Emanuel Mammana.

Mammana is currently at Lyon and the French club value him 16 million euro. 

5.54pm West Ham are adamant they will strongly resist any interest from Liverpool for their playmaker Manuel Lanzini, according to the London Evening Standard.

Lanzini is reportedly who being considered as a potential replacement for Barcelona target Philippe Coutinho.

5.33pm Bostik League Premier Division club Billericay Town are set to make another high-profile signing in former Arsenal, Liverpool and Stoke City winger Jermaine Pennant.

Owner Glenn Tamplin has massive plans for the Essex club and hopes the likes of Pennant and last season's additions Jamie O'Hara and Paul Konchesky will see them speed through the leagues.

Billericay are short-price favourites to win the Step Three league this season and secure the first of three promotions they would need to reach the EFL.

Recently, Pennant was on trial with Hibernian, however, Neil Lennon dropped his interest from the player. 

Justin Haber left Floriana.Justin Haber left Floriana.

4.51pm Malta international Justin Haber has rescinded his contract with Floriana after just one season.

The goalkeeper's last appearance for the Greens was in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round against Red Star Belgrade, with Giovanni Tedesco's side beaten 3-0.

The Greens have brought in Ini Akpan from Birkirkara as a replacement in goal. 

3.40pm Stoke midfielder Darren Fletcher believes Xherdan Shaqiri's physical similarity to Lionel Messi gives opposition defenders a problem.

"I'm not saying he's Messi but he's got that same low centre of gravity and he can get past you so he really is hard to get a handle on," he told The Sentinel.

"He's a fantastic footballer. You can talk about his strength and his size but the biggest thing is that his first touch is fantastic: that moves the ball and eliminates strong players, then he relies on his strength when he has to."

Gareth BaleGareth Bale

3.15pm Gareth Bale's agent has dismissed the "ridiculous" speculation suggesting he could leave Real Madrid this summer.

The 28-year-old is preparing for his fifth season at the Bernabeu, having won the Champions League three times during that spell, but reports have once again linked the Welshman with a move away.

However, Bale's representative Jonathan Barnett told Press Association Sport: "The speculation is ridiculous. Stupid."

2.45pm You can watch Neymar's bust-up with Nelson Semedo here.

2.20pm Bayern Munich have reportedly claimed Chelsea manager Antonio Conte made an enquiry about their midfielder Renato Sanches.

The German giants' chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says Conte expressed interest in Sanches after the clubs' friendly in Singapore on Tuesday.

"There are at least 10 teams after Sanches," Rummenigge told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Conte asked for some information about him after Tuesday's match because he knows he can make the difference in the middle of the pitch."

2.00pm Lucas Perez could be edging closer to the Arsenal exit door after his agent claimed former club Deportivo La Coruna have tabled a bid for the forward.

The 28-year-old moved to the Emirates Stadium from Spain last August for a fee reported to be in the region of £17million.

However, Perez has found his chances severely limited, starting just twice in the Premier League and making nine starts in total.

1.55pm Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has some interest news on Neymar's future at Barcelona.

1.40pm Newcastle United have completed the loan signing of Mikel Merino from Borussia Dortmund.

1.35pm LA Galaxy have signed Mexico midfielder Jonathan dos Santos from Spain's Villarreal in a bid to turn around their season, the Major League Soccer club said on Thursday.

Dos Santos, who represented Mexico at the Confederations Cup, will begin training with the Galaxy on Friday before being unveiled at a media conference.

"His signing will significantly improve our team as we continue to push for the playoffs and, ultimately, a sixth MLS Cup," LA Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid said in a statement.

1.25pm Middlesbrough have signed striker Ashley Fletcher from West Ham United for 6.5 million pounds ($8.5 million) on a four-year contract, the English Championship club said on Friday.

Fletcher, 21, who joined West Ham last July, failed to find the net in limited first-team opportunities under manager Slaven Bilic, starting only twice in all competitions during the 2016-17 season.

1.15pm Neymar has been pictured storming out of Barcelona training following an angry confrontation with new team-mate Nelson Semedo as speculation over the Brazilian's future continues to intensify.

The 25-year-old, linked with a big-money transfer to Paris St Germain, appeared to be involved in a heated argument with Semedo during a training session in Miami ahead of Saturday's pre-season friendly against Real Madrid.

Could this incident effect his future?

11.30am Manchester United's hopes of signing Ivan Perisic have received a boost after Inter boss Luciano Spalletti admitted the Italian club could not keep the winger against his will.

"For me the talk is always the same when it comes to him," Spalletti said.

"He's strong, he's a player I want to keep with me, but then we must consider the opinion of the club and the player."

11.10am Alexis Sanchez's start to the season could be derailed after the Arsenal forward posted a picture on social media claiming he was ill.

The Chile international has yet to begin pre-season training with his team-mates following his exertions at the Confederations Cup in Russia, where he helped the Copa America champions reach the final.

Sanchez's future remains up in the air as he enters the final season of his current contract, with talks on a new deal seemingly at an impasse.

Bruno with Birkirkara president Frank Zarb.Bruno with Birkirkara president Frank Zarb.

10.45am Birkirkara have confirmed the signing of Brazilian forward Bruno Fernandes De Brito.

The 28-year-old forward has put pen to paper on a one-year contract and comes to the Premier League following spells at Dutch side Willem II and Hapoel Kfar Saba, of Israel.

Djameel Leeflang, new striker for Lija Athletic.Djameel Leeflang, new striker for Lija Athletic.

10.30am Some news from the Maltese transfer market. Lija Athletic are set to sign Dutch striker Djameel Leeflang. The towering striker is set to put pen to paper on a one-year contract.

For Leeflang this will not his first experience in the Premier League following spells with Valletta and Qormi.

10.26am Sought-after midfielder Radja Nainggolan has signed a new four-year contract with Roma.

The 29-year-old Belgian, who had been linked to Chelsea and Manchester United, has committed to the Serie A club until June 30, 2021.

On Thursday he told asroma.com: "I've shown that I always wanted to do this. I'm happy to be here."

10.20am As usual we start our day with a look at the UK newspapers backpages. Read all the news here.

10.15am Good morning everyone and welcome to the timesofmalta.com Live Transfers News and Rumours. Stay with us for another day of transfer news.


 

8.00pm That's it for today. Thanks everyone for staying with us and we will be back tomorrow morning. Good night to all.

7.50pm Juventus are expected to make a move to sign Roma defender Kostas Manolas. 

The Greek defender was close to join Zenit St Petersburg this summer but pulled up on the move just before he was set to under go a medical.

The Bianconeri look at Manolas as an ideal replacement for Leonardo Bonucci who joined Milan.

7.20pm SkySports is reporting that Barcelona think Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho would be willing to join them if  a deal can be done amicably.

There is no change in Liverpool's position: Coutinho is not for sale, he is happy at Liverpool and he signed a new five-year contract in January.

6.45pm Diego Fabbrini has joined Real Oviedo on a season-long loan from Birmingham.

According to the Blues' official website, the 26-year-old Italian has been "deemed surplus to requirements" as boss Harry Redknapp shapes his squad for the coming season.

He remains contracted to the club for a further two years, but his upcoming spell in the Segunda Division will follow another spent with Spezia in Serie B during the 2016-17 campaign.

6.04pm Hull have signed Chelsea defender Michael Hector on a season-long loan.

Hector joined the Blues in 2015 but has yet to make a first-team appearance and spent the last two seasons on loan with boyhood club Reading and German side Eintracht Frankfurt.

"When I found out that Hull were interested in taking me on loan, it was an easy decision to make," the Jamaica international told hullcitytigers.com.

5.42pm Atalanta are seeking to reinforce their midfield ahead of a hectic 2017/2018 campaign, which will see them feature in the UEFA Europa League for the first time.

Marten De Roon could be the man who joins them, having already been with the Dea a couple of years ago. 

He featured for Middlesbrough last season in the Premier League. 

5.18pm Everton boss Ronald Koeman is eyeing a shock swoop for veteran West Ham defender James Collins, according to The Sun.

4.45pm Some news on Alexis Sanchez's future at Arsenal.

4.20pm New signing Benjamin Mendy will miss the start of the Manchester City's season with a thigh injury.

Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed the defender has been nursing the injury for eight months and is doubtful for City's opener away at Brighton on August 12.

Bjorn Kristensen (left) with Reggiana during yesterday's friendly tournamentBjorn Kristensen (left) with Reggiana during yesterday's friendly tournament

4.07pm Positive news for Maltese football, as Malta international Bjorn Kristensen is currently on trial with Italian club Reggiana.

Yesterday, the Hibs midfielder featured in a couple of games part of a friendly tournament against Carpi and Perugia.

Reggiana will be playing in next season's Serie B campaign while next Sunday they will be involved in the Coppa Italia as they face Trastevere in the first round. 

3.55pm Besiktas president Fikret Orman has confirmed that the club are in talks with Valencia to sign transfer-listed Alvaro Negredo on loan, Marca is reporting.

The Turkish side are ready to pay Negredo's £6.25m-per-year salary, but the La Liga outfit also want to include a mandatory purchase clause to be met at the end of the season.

3.30pm Inter  are prepared to sanction a £45m deal to bring Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal to the San Siro, calciomercato.com reported.

He has previously played in Serie A with Juventus and Luciano Spalletti is said to want midfield reinforcements, identifying the Chilean as a top target.

2.55pm Fiorentina have parted ways with goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu joined Ligue 1 side Nantes for 2.5 million euros.

2.39pm Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has revealed that the club tried to sign Kyle Walker from Tottenham before he joined Man City.

"If you want Walker, you know that Walker is expensive. We tried to buy Walker," he said in quotes carried by the Mirror. "Honestly, I think now every single player is expensive.

"For you to even enquire about one player, he is expensive. You go to buy a right-back, a left-back or a central defender and he is expensive. It is very difficult in the transfer market for the teams that need to improve their squads."

1.46pm Sevilla are taking positive steps in their attempt to bring Jesus Navas back to the club.

"We sent a proposal and are awaiting a response," said Sevilla president Jose Castro at Nolito's unveiling in quotes carried by Marca.

"It is a pretty generous offer with a significant economic effort from us. We love Jesus and I am sure he will want to play at Sevilla."

1.22pm The agent of Valencia defender Aymen Abdennour has confirmed talks are ongoing with Watford.

But he went on to say there is plenty of work to do before a transfer can be finalised as Inter Milan have also agreed a deal for the player.

Pedro Henrique Oliveira.Pedro Henrique Oliveira.

12.40pm News from the Maltese transfer market now. Ħamrun Spartans will be fielding a new Brazilian striker this evening when they face Birkirkara in a friendly at the Tedesco Stadium.

Pedro Henrique De Oliveira arrived in Malta yesterday and the 25-year-old is expected to be involved in the warm-up match as coach Jacques Scerri takes a close look at the six-foot forward with a view of offering him a one-year contract. 

12.24pm Interesting news from L'Equipe. The French newspaper is reporting that Paris St-Germain have reached an agreement with Neymar for his transfer from Barcelona.

However, apparently PSG do not want to pay the €222m release clause and are looking to negotiate a lower price.

It is reported that talks are ongoing but Neymar has agreed a five-year deal.

12.00pm Wantaway midfielder Ross Barkley may have decided he needs to leave Everton for a new challenge but manager Ronald Koeman will not let him go on the cheap this summer.

"What I heard from the board is there is not really an offer on the table for Ross," said Koeman.

"He has one more year of contract and we work with respect for people and if he is back after his surgery, after the injury, and back for training he will be part of first-team sessions.

"My priority is not Ross, it is his decision. I look more to other players.

11.37am Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has agreed to put pen to paper to a new two-year contract with the Premier League side.

10.45am Zinedine Zidane refused to be drawn on Real Madrid's pursuit of Kylian Mbappe after their pre-season 4-1 defeat to Manchester City this morning.

"I am the coach, you have to talk to someone else. Right now nothing has happened, we are with this squad."

To watch the highlights of City's crushing win over Real click here.

10.40am We start off the day by looking at the latest headlines from the UK newspapers. Read all here.

10.30am Good morning everyone and welcome to the timesofmalta.com Live Transfer News and Rumours. Stay with us to follow all the transfer news of the day.


 

10.34pm That's it for today! Join us tomorrow for further news from both the local and international scene, and also to check out the coverage of various international friendlies which see Europe's best clubs as protagonists.

10.27pm Out-of-favour Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has not travelled with the squad ion their tour of Germany as he continues to build up his fitness from a knee injury sustained while on loan at Crystal Palace in the second half of last season.

It is understood the Eagles are still interested in signing the Frenchman on a permanent basis - and the centre back is keen to rejoin the London club - but the stumbling block is the fee.

Liverpool's valuation of £30m is too much for Palace, despite his influence earning a nomination for player of the year even though he played just eight matches for them before injury, but the Reds will not lower their asking price for the 27-year-old.

10.12pm During the Serie A draws, Torino president Urbano Cairo has underlined that high-profile striker Andrea Belotti will remain at Torino ahead of next season. 

9.33pm Gylfi Sigurdsson has rejoined training with the Swansea first-team squad after missing the club's pre-season tour of the US.

The Everton target withdrew from the Swans' three-match Stateside trip two weeks ago with the club reporting he was not in "the right frame of mind" to travel.

Sigurdsson has spent the past fortnight training with the U23 players and it was unclear whether he would link up with Paul Clement's senior squad on their return to the club's Fairwood training base on Wednesday afternoon.

Pedro Henrique Oliveira, Hamrun Spartans' latest signing.Pedro Henrique Oliveira, Hamrun Spartans' latest signing.

8.31pm Another Brazilian for Hamrun Spartans, as today they signed forward Pedro Henrique Oliveira.

Pedro Henrique, 25, was playing in the second tier of South Korea with Daejon Citizen before joining the Spartans. 

The striker boasts various international experiences having played in different countries such as Brazil and Thailand. 

Pedro Henrique is also an East Timor U-23 player, for whom he already played over four matches.

8.07pm According to Sky Sport Italia, Milan have offered 10 million euro to loan Renato Sanches from Bayern Munich, with the right to buy the player for around 40 million next season.

However, Bayern have not yet replied to the offer. 

7.56pm Rennes have signed winger Ismaila Sarr from Metz on a four-year deal.

Sarr had been linked with Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle before joining Rennes.

Sarr told staderennais.com: "It's my pleasure to sign at Stade Rennais. The adventure of Rennes will soon begin for me, I already feel red and black."

7.28pm English-born striker Dom Dwyer has rejoined Orlando City from Sporting Kansas City in a record MLS deal worth up to $1.6m.

The 26-year-old, who was released by Norwich as a youngster and had spells in non-league with Staines and King's Lynn before moving to America, previously enjoyed a successful loan spell with Orlando in 2013.

MLS contracts are owned by the league, but clubs can use additional funds to secure transfers and the $1.2m deal for Dwyer surpasses the previous league record of $500,000 which was set in January when Kevin Molino moved from Orlando to Minnesota United.

7.15pm The Serie A draws are under way. You can watch the livestream here.

6.28pm Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mikel Merino is in the North East for a medical with Newcastle.

The Spain U21 international is set to join Rafa Benitez's side on a season-long loan.

Merino will follow Christian Atsu, Florian Lejeune, Jacob Murphy and Javier Manquillo through the door at St James' Park this summer.

6.15pm Just a reminder of the main story of the day so far. 

Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev insists no agreement has been reached with any club for the sale of Kylian Mbappe.

Real Madrid are reportedly willing to pay a world record £161million to land the 18-year-old France striker, one of the hottest properties in world football.

But speaking at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Vasilyev said Monaco have accepted no bids and are hoping Mbappe will agree a new contract.

4.55pm Liam Cullen has signed a two-year deal with Swansea that will keep him at the club until 2019.

The 18-year-old striker featured twice for the Under-23s during their pre-season tour of Northern Ireland and also played for Wales U20s at the Toulon Tournament in France.

4.39pm Could be the case that Man. United will make a bid for Gareth Bale. Reports in England are saying that the Red Devils could step up their efforts to sign for the former Tottenham winger.

4.15pm Barcelona are increasingly confident they'll be able to sign Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool – especially if Neymar leaves.

They believe Liverpool would find it difficult to turn down an offer in the region of €100m.

They also believe that although Coutinho loves Liverpool, a Brazilian player would find it difficult to turn down Barcelona.

4.00pm Turkey national soccer team coach Fatih Terim has left his job two weeks after he was involved in a brawl in a west coast holiday town, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) said in a statement on Wednesday.

The 63-year-old former Fiorentina, AC Milan and Galatasaray boss, was seen in television footage fighting with a restaurant owner. Turkish media said he and his sons-in-law left five men injured after the incident.

3.45pm Ross Barkley's future is definitely away from Everton, manager Ronald Koeman has just announced.

3.20pm Monaco are set to offer a new contract to Kylian Mbappe.

[attach id=592223 size="medium"]Neymar... linked with PSG switch.[/attach]

3.00pm PSG striker Edinson Cavani was not giving much away when asked about a potential move for Neymar last night...

"We are talking about a great player and I think any player would like to play alongside any great player...but as I always say it is one of those transfer market things that everyone is talking about now. 

"For me at the moment my team-mates are the best players and for me they are the only ones that count and if a new player should come in to the team then we shall see but at the moment we just focus on the group that is here already."

2.00pm Everton and Swansea are still in negotiations for Gylfi Sigurdsson but the clubs are still far apart in their valuations.

Swansea won't sell for less than £50m but Everton's package so far totals £40m.

1.44pm Hull City have signed defender Ondrej Mazuch on a two-year deal from Sparta Prague for an undisclosed fee, the Championship team said on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old Czech international joined the second-tier team on trial initially, playing in their pre-season fixtures against Benfica and FC Nantes before being awarded a permanent contract.

1.35pm Lazar Markovic has been left out of Liverpool’s squad for friendlies in Germany after holding talks with Fiorentina.

The Serbia forward is surplus to requirements at Anfield and has spent the last two seasons out on loan, first at Fenerbahce and then Sporting Lisbon.

Press Association Sport said the 23-year-old has met Fiorentina to discuss a move but Liverpool are holding out for £16million, having paid Benfica £20m for his services back in 2014.

1.22pm Hibernian have made their seventh signing of the summer, bringing in Vykintas Slivka from Juventus for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old midfielder has signed a three-year deal.

1.03pm SkySports Italia is reporting that Manchester United are favourites to sign Chelsea's Nemanja Matic after Juventus switched their attention to PSG's Blaise Matuidi.

Matic isn't on the club's pre-season tour and may find his chances at Stamford Bridge limited next season following the arrival of Tiemoue Bakayoko.

12.50pm PA Sport is reporting that Manchester City have never bid for Kylian Mbappe and have no interest in challenging Real Madrid for the France striker.

The 18-year-old Monaco forward, who soared to prominence last season with 26 goals in all competitions for the Ligue 1 champions, is reportedly close to a world-record move to the Spanish giants.

A transfer fee of £161million has been mooted, dwarfing the £89million Manchester United paid for Paul Pogba last summer, meaning only a tiny number of clubs could afford Mbappe.

City are among that elite band but, despite reports the contrary, it is understood they have not offered for the player and have no intention of doing so.

12.09pm SkySports is reporting that the Virgil Van Dyk will be a Liverpool player by the end of the summer transfer window. The Southampton defender has handed in a transfer request earlier this month.

12.00pm Juventus are reportedly set to relaunch a bid for Paris St Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi.

The Bianconeri were keen to sign the French international last January but a deal failed to materialise.

10.40am  Inter coach Luciano Spalletti is desperate to keep hold of coveted Croatian winger Ivan Perisic as he overhauls his squad ahead of the next Serie A campaign but the Italian is well aware that every player has a price.

Perisic is desperate to leave the Serie A side and join Manchester United but so far Inter have held firm to keep their prized asset.

"Sure, there were rumours, but the status quo is that we want to keep Perisic, he's an important player in the team and we're counting on him to start the new season," Spalletti told reporters.

"Having said that, if someone comes in with a very difficult offer to reject, then we'll consider that, but of course, we'll need to find a valid alternative for Perisic as well."

Moussa Dembele - Celtic.Moussa Dembele - Celtic.

10.17am Celtic skipper Scott Brown insists Moussa Dembele will get even better under Brendan Rodgers amid speculation the young forward is attracting interest from Marseille.

He said: "For him to score a hat-trick in a Rangers v Celtic match in his first season and going from there to what he is now, he is a top quality player and underneath this manager he is going to get better.

"We have a great manager and, if he stays here, he will definitely improve.

"I am sure the gaffer wants everyone to stay here, so here's hoping everyone does stay."

10.15am As always we kick off our day with the latest transfer gossip from the UK back pages with Kylian Mbappe and Philippe Coutinho dominating the headlines again. Read all here.

10.00am Good morning everyone and welcome to the timesofmalta.com Live Transfer News and Rumours. Stay with us for another day of transfer activity. 


 

8.10pm That's it for today. Thanks everyone for staying with us and we will be back tomorrow morning. Good night.

7.51pm Manchester United are still two signings short this summer, but Jose Mourinho is confident executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has the situation under control.

"I don't know," he said when asked if any progress had been made on transfers.

"Honestly, I don't know. Ed is in control. He did Lindelof and Lukaku, he knows that I would like two more players, but he also knows that I have balance.

"I understand the situation, I understand the market and if my club is not able to do two players and do just one, I will accept that as a consequence of the market now."

7.14pm Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson insists the squad has enough quality even if manager Jurgen Klopp fails to make more signings before the start of the season.

“Whether he brings in new players or not, I feel as though he has a lot of confidence in us and that transcends into how we play,” he told LFCTV Go.

“Individually, if you go through the team last year, I feel everyone improved and that is specifically down to the manager.

6.55pm St Etienne midfielder Habib Maiga has committed his future to the Ligue 1 club by agreeing a new three-year contract.

The 21-year-old Ivorian, who was given his professional debut at Bastia in March, made five appearances for Les Verts last season.

6.41pm Well, this could be interesting...

6.17PM Tottenham are showing interest in Hoffenheim right-back Jeremy Toljan, according to Sky sources.

The 22-year-old impressed for Germany’s U21s at the recent European Championships, which Germany won, and made 20 Bundesliga appearances last term.

6.09pm West Brom face competition from Leicester, Stoke and Crystal Palace in their pursuit of Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, the Express and Star are reporting.

With United having added Victor Lindelof to their defensive ranks, Smalling faces a battle to force himself into Jose Mourinho's first XI and it appears West Brom are not the only club looking to tempt him away from Old Trafford with the promise of regular first team football.

6.00pm Burnley and Leeds have agreed a fee for Charlie Taylor, who signed a four-year deal at Turf Moor earlier this month.

The agreement, which involves an undisclosed sum, means the two clubs will now no longer have to go to a tribunal.

The 23-year-old full-back joined the Clarets after coming to the end of his existing contract at Elland Road.

5.09pm Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has denied that the club have received any offers for striker Moussa Dembele amid speculation of a bid from Marseille.

“There’s nothing in it from our perspective. He’s a boy that’s very calm. And like I said, a young player still developing,” Rodgers said.

4.44pm Brighton have completed the signed of Chelsea youngster Izzy Brown on a season-long loan.

4.22pm Riyad Mahrez is training with his Leicester team-mates as normal today and we are told his situation has not changed.

There are reports that Roma have made a second improved official bid of £30m offer for Mahrez, but that is not the case.

Talks have been held with Roma but Leicester do not want to sell and a first bid of £20m was dismissed out of hand.

3.51pm He's been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool, but could Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain join Stoke this summer?

The Sun say the Potters are in discussions with the player’s agent over a potential £25m move.

The England international has a year left on his contract with Arsenal and it is said the promise of first-team football ahead of the 2018 World Cup might sway him towards Stoke.

3.20pm After failing to strike a deal with Monaco for Fabinho, Paris Saint-Germain have moved on to Porto midfielder Danilo Pereira, according to Le10Sport.

The 25-year-old reportedly has a €60m release clause and PSG sporting director Antero Henrique has started negotiations over the defensive midfielders potential arrival.

2.45pm Former Swansea striker Michu has been forced to quit football at the age of 31.

The once-capped Spanish international has suffered from a persistent ankle problem which limited him to only 12 starts for Real Oviedo in Spain's Segunda Division last season.

2.00pm Alexis Sanchez still hasn't signed a new Arsenal contract and there is a real race developing between PSG and Manchester City for his signature.

There are reports in France this morning that PSG have made a 50m euro bid, but SkySports are reporting that no bid has been made.

City not out of it and Sanchez is said to be interested in the prospect of working with Pep Guardiola. 

1.40pm Monaco's response to Marca's report regarding Kylian Mbappe future comes quickly as the French side dismiss the report of a deal with

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