Transfer news LIVE: THREE Spanish giants chase Rodri, Vinicius Jr contract talks STALL, Villa AGREE Garnacho loan

Casemiro to Inter Miami

Casemiro has sealed a move to Inter Miami – but the switch has plunged the MLS side into a bitter legal row.

The midfielder was a free agent after walking away from Manchester United at the end of last season.

The Samba star has penned a deal until the end of the 2027 MLS season, with an option to stay in Florida until 2029.

But MLS chiefs are investigating the move after Miami allegedly violated tampering rules.

Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, bought Casemiro’s discovery rights from the LA Galaxy, but MLS bosses are now probing allegations that Miami illegally tapped him up first.

LA Galaxy effectively called “dibs” and had the league’s priority to negotiate with Casemiro — called “discovery rights” in MLS, which are meant to stop teams from negotiating against each other for in-demand targets.

Rodri set for surgery

Rodri is set to undergo surgery on a back problem which looks likely to keep him out of the start of the new season.

The Manchester City ace lifted the World Cup for Spain on Sunday and was also named player of the tournament.

However it emerged last month that the midfielder was likely to need an operation at the end of his international duty – although the exact nature of the problem was unclear.

It has now been revealed to be a back issue – with the prognosis likely to be confirmed once he has gone under the knife next week.

The timing of the op will also lead to further uncertainty over the future of the former Ballon D’Or winner.

Rodri has just one year left on his existing contract and he has yet to agree to the new offer on the table at the Etihad.

He hails from the Spanish capital and has previously stated he would find it hard to turn down an offer from Real Madrid.

Bradley Barcola twist

Liverpool are confident of beating Arsenal to £100million-rated Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola.

The Gunners are eyeing Barcola after missing out to Chelsea on the signing of £117m-rated Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.

But SunSport understands the Reds are in the driving seat for the winger, who is also wanted by Bayern Munich.

The Merseysiders are on the hunt for a marquee forward signing after the departure of club legend Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool have already missed out on Yan Diomande, who is set to join PSG from RB Leipzig once the German side seal a replacement.

Diomande’s arrival in Paris means the back-to-back European champions can afford to offload Barcola.

Garnacho to Villa details

Alejandro Garnacho has joined Aston Villa on loan from Chelsea.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Villa will take Garnacho for the upcoming season with a buyout clause that will become mandatory if agreed conditions are met.

Romano adds that the Villans’ Unai Emery made the winger one of his priority targets as he wants to add more pace and creativity to his attack.

A medical has already been booked, meaning the Argentina international is now closing in on another Premier League switch just a year after leaving Manchester United for Chelsea.

Man City leading Bouaddi race

Manchester City are increasingly confident of signing Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to talkSPORT.

The Morocco international is also attracting interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, while Chelsea have tracked the teenage midfielder throughout the summer.

Lille value the 18-year-old at around £85m, with City hoping to wrap up a deal as they continue planning for the future of their midfield amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Rodri.

Bouaddi impressed at the World Cup, with a string of fine performances which featured an excellent all-round display against Brazil in the opening match.

Spain’s big three chasing Rodri

Rodri is attracting interest from Spain’s top three teams.

Barcelona and Real Madrid continue to monitor the Manchester City midfielder, while reports in Spain also claim former club Atletico Madrid are interested in bringing him back.

City remain hopeful of tying the Ballon d’Or winner down to a new contract despite the growing speculation over his future, though Rodri reportedly wants to move back to Spain.

Chelsea see £64m Scott bid rejected

Chelsea have had a £64million bid for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott turned down, according to BBC Sport.

The Cherries are holding out for around £80m for the England Under-21 international, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Scott has entered the final two years of his Bournemouth contract after rejecting offers to extend his stay on the South Coast.

This saga will be one to watch over the next month or and beyond.

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PSG move could tempt World Cup hero away from Barcelona

Ferran Torres is edging closer to leaving Barcelona amid growing interest from PSG.

Reports in Spain claim the Spain international has received a lucrative offer from the French champions, where he would reunite with former National Team boss Luis Enrique who gave him his Spain debut in 2020.

Fast forward six years, and he scored the goal that won La Roja the World Cup for the second time.

Barcelona are planning to offer Torres a new contract, but PSG are increasingly confident they can lure the forward to Paris this summer.

Liverpool make move for PSG target

Liverpool have made an initial approach to sign Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche, according to Sky Sports.

The Reds have checked on the France international’s availability despite PSG remaining firmly in the race after seeing several bids rejected by Monaco.

Akliouche is viewed as one of Europe’s brightest attacking talents and Liverpool’s interest comes as they continue planning for life after Mo Salah.

Guardiola in Italy talks after World Cup

Pep Guardiola has held talks over becoming the next Italy manager.

Italian Football Federation President Giovanni Malago admitted discussions have taken place and insisted finances would not stand in the way if Guardiola decides he wants the job.

The Manchester City boss has repeatedly been linked with international management, and Italy are keen to tempt one of football’s most successful coaches into taking charge of the Azzurri.

Guardiola would have a huge job on his hands as Italy haven’t qualified for a World Cup since 2014, and haven’t played a World Cup knockout match since the 2006 final when they beat France on penalties.

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Forest closing in on Diomande deal

Nottingham Forest are closing in on the signing of Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Forest are confident of reaching an agreement after submitting a bid worth around €40million plus add-ons, – though well below the Ivorian’s €80m release clause.

Diomande has been one of Europe’s most sought-after young centre-backs, and Manchester United were even linked when Ruben Amorim was head coach.

But Forest now appear to be leading the race as they look to strengthen ahead of the new Premier League season.

Vinicius Jr contract talks stall

Vinicius Jr’s future at Real Madrid has been thrown into fresh doubt after reports in Spain claimed contract talks have broken down.

The Brazil superstar’s representatives have reportedly halted negotiations and will not return to the table unless Madrid improve their current offer.

Reports in Spain suggest there remains a significant gap between the two parties over financial terms, raising the prospect of a sensational summer exit if no agreement can be reached.

Vini Jr remains one of Real’s biggest stars, but uncertainty over his long-term future is now growing as negotiations remain at a standstill.

Villa midfield rebuild gathers pace

Aston Villa’s midfield is undergoing a major reshuffle following the departures of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and Morgan Rogers to Chelsea.

Unai Emery has already replaced Tielemans with Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes, who joined from Wolves in a deal worth £34million that could rise to £38m with add-ons.

Villa have also strengthened further forward after beating Newcastle to the signing of Johan Manzambi from Freiburg for around £50m.

The highly-rated Switzerland international was one of the breakthrough stars of the World Cup and is regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young attacking talents.

The double swoop underlines Villa’s determination to refresh the spine of Emery’s squad ahead of the new campaign.

Fabregas wants Kean at Como

Cesc Fabregas is looking to bring former Everton striker Moise Kean to Como this summer.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the ambitious Serie A club are keen on signing the Fiorentina forward as they continue strengthening their squad.

Kean enjoyed a productive campaign last season and has emerged as one of Como’s priority attacking targets.

Como will play in the Champions League next season, so are looking to add more firepower to their squad to help them compete on the biggest stage.

Barcelona move for Laporte

Barcelona have made contact with the representatives of Athletic Club defender Aymeric Laporte as they look to strengthen their back line.

According to Sport, the Spain international has emerged as an option for the Catalan giants during the closing stages of the transfer window.

The player sees it favourably, with his release clause under €15million.

Laporte formed a solid partnership with Pau Cubarsi at the World Cup, with the pair conceding just one goal across eight matches.

Hansi Flick is now keen to use that same defensive axis at club level next season with Barca seeking to win the lot.

Chelsea see Scott bid rejected

Chelsea have had a £64million bid for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott rejected, according to BBC Sport.

The Cherries are demanding around £80m for the England Under-21 international, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.

Scott has entered the final two years of his contract and has rejected multiple offers to extend his stay on the South Coast.

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PSG land Digne as Villa line up replacement

PSG have completed the signing of Lucas Digne from Aston Villa, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the France left-back has signed a deal until June 2029.

That came after the Ligue 1 champions triggered his release clause for a fee of just under €10million.

Villa have wasted little time searching for a replacement, with talks progressing over a move for AC Milan’s Pervis Estupinan.

According to The Athletic, personal terms are not expected to be an issue, with discussions now focused on agreeing a transfer fee between the clubs.

Former Brighton full-back Estupinan would reunite with Unai Emery, who previously coached the Ecuador international at Villarreal.

Al Hilal win race for Summerville

Al Hilal have won the race to sign Crysencio Summerville after reaching a verbal agreement for the West Ham winger, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

The Saudi Pro League club received the player’s approval after fending off a late push from Serie A side Roma, who attempted to hijack the deal over the last 48 hours.

West Ham have agreed to sell the Dutchman for £55million plus a further £10m in add-ons, with Summerville now cleared to travel for his medical.

It’s another major statement signing for Al Hilal, who continue to attract top European talent this summer.

Spurs move for Schjelderup

Tottenham have already made contact with Benfica over a deal for Andreas Schjelderup as they look to steal a march on their Premier League rivals, according to O JOGO.

The Norway international is attracting growing interest after an impressive campaign, with Chelsea and Liverpool both monitoring his situation.

Spurs are understood to be keen to move quickly before either of their rivals submit a formal offer for the highly-rated winger.

Schjelderup, who scored against England in the World Cup quarter-final, has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after young wide players.

Benfica are expected to face a battle to keep hold of the 22-year-old this summer.

Jackson open to Villa move

Nicolas Jackson is interested in joining Aston Villa and reuniting with former boss Unai Emery, according to the Daily Mail.

The Chelsea striker’s name reportedly came up during discussions between the two clubs over Morgan Rogers’ £117million move to Stamford Bridge.

Villa have admired Jackson for some time, with Emery keen on a reunion after managing the Senegal international during their time together at Villarreal.

While no agreement has been reached, Jackson is understood to be open to the switch as Villa continue exploring attacking reinforcements.

Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, but has now returned to his parent club and could be on the move again.

Hull close in on Japan international

Hull City are set to complete the signing of Japan international Hidemasa Morita following his departure from Sporting Lisbon.

The 31-year-old midfielder has agreed a two-year deal at the MKM Stadium, with the option of a further 12 months.

He has now completed his medical – reports Fabrizio Romano.

Morita leaves Sporting after making 166 appearances, winning two Portuguese league titles and the Portuguese Cup, while also featuring 23 times in the Champions League.

The experienced midfielder is set to become Hull’s latest summer arrival alongside Jack Butland, Oscar Zambrano and Matt Targett.

Real Madrid find Enzo Fernandez alternative

Real Madrid have added PSG midfielder Fabian Ruiz to their shortlist as they look to strengthen in the middle of the park, according to Fichajes.

The Spain international is viewed as a more affordable option than PSG team-mate Vitinha or Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.

The report adds that Ruiz would be open to returning to Spain if the opportunity arose.

Los Blancos will continue to assess several midfield targets before deciding whether to make a formal move later in the window.

Real Madrid and Barcelona in Rodri race

Rodri is still dreaming of joining Real Madrid but any move depends entirely on club president Florentino Perez, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Romano reports nothing has changed despite the midfielder’s desire to return to his hometown, with Manchester City still hopeful he will instead sign the new contract already on the table.

Meanwhile, El Nacional claims Barcelona are also interested after Rodri’s impressive World Cup displays, with Hansi Flick said to be an admirer.

However, Barca would reportedly need to sell Frenkie de Jong before they could realistically finance a move, leaving both Spanish giants monitoring the situation.

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