Man Utd ‘accelerate’ shock deal with everything agreed as second Liverpool bid incoming
Premier League sides Man Utd, LIverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have thrown a lot of money at targets this summer
These are the latest transfer rumours from the Premier League and around the world
United to accelerate deal
Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport state Manchester United are “ready to accelerate” their attempt to sign Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.
The desire of each party – the player and the two clubs – is “already clear”, the same publication states, and it seems as if this deal is just a matter of time.
United are now ready to step up their interest with an official offer close to €25million (£21.4million) in what is being seen as a bargain price.
The Morocco World Cup star moving to Old Trafford for that valuation would represent a shock considering La Viola were asking for £35million when Barcelona were interested in his services in January.
An agreement with the player is not a problem, with the midfielder making it clear he is open to a Premier League move and Fiorentina “ready to please the player”.
The Athletic report the Reds’ first offer was in the region of £37million for the young Belgian, but the Saints are holding out for nearer to £50million.
A second bid is now incoming, the same publication state, and a compromise between all parties will be sought.
Jurgen Klopp is set to lose two midfielders from Anfield imminently, with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho on their way to the Middle East.
James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have also left Merseyside.
Lavia would join Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai at the club ahead of the new season, should he agree terms with the Reds.
Arsenal on brink of signing
Reports in Italy state Arsenal are on the brink of snapping up young talent Bitello from Brazilian outfit Gremio.
Bitello had been linked with clubs in Serie A but it appears as if the Gunners have stolen a march on Italian teams and will close a deal this week.
In further good news for the north Londoners, Mikel Arteta’s men will reportedly get him for just €8million (£6.9million), rather than the €10million (£8.6million) Gremio were initially demanding.
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Arsenal sporting director Edu’s links in his homeland are likely to have played a part in this deal getting over the line.
The Emirates outfit have had luck in the Brazilian market before, signing Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos in bargain transfers.
Pochettino gives Caicedo update
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino says the Blues are working on reinforcing their midfield as their transfer chase for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo continues.
The Ecuador star was a target for Arsenal last January but the Seagulls stood firm and rebuffed the Gunners’ interest. That stance appears to have softened this summer but the Amex Stadium outfit are not budging on their valuation, which is said to be close to the £100million mark.
Caicedo has emerged at Pochettino’s number-one target after losing Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount.
“At the moment, we are working to reinforce that area, and other areas also,” he said. “I think the players that are here on the tour are in our plans, Chelsea plans. At the moment, nothing to say about the players we have here. We are working very hard to try to add more players in different areas and hope that is possible soon.
“It depends on the situation of different players. We need at least one more and we are working on that. It depends on what happens in the next few weeks. We will decide and take our decision.”
On signing a midfielder, Pochettino said: “That is the idea. We are working, the club is working on that. We need to add some player there. We need one more with experience.”