Transfer news LIVE updates: Man Utd star Paul Pogba to Barcelona, Liverpool deal approved

Transfer news LIVE updates: Follow the latest news and gossip

Tuesday April 17

Mourinho makes Fred bid

MANCHESTER UNITED are leading the race for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred with the Red Devils having already submitted a bid, according to reports.

The Brazilian is wanted by Manchester City though the new Premier League champions are understood to have offered less than United.

Fred is rated at £50million with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho on the hunt for new options in midfield.

Arsenal are reportedly also interested though Arsene Wenger is rumoured to want the asking price to fall if he is to make a serious bid.

United need to replace the retiring Michael Carrick with Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba also rumoured to be leaving Old Trafford this summer.

And Daily Mail are reporting United are interested enough in Fred to have already placed a bid.

Monday April 16

Lewandowski for Morata

Chelsea are prepared to pull off an audacious move for Bayern Munich hit man Robert Lewandowski which could spell the end for Alvaro Morata, according to stunning reports in Spain.

According to Spanish outlet Don Balon, Roman Abramovich sees Lewandowski as the perfect player to fire Chelsea back to the top of the table next season.

The report suggests that should the 29-year-old arrive, it could push Morata out of the exit door.

As far as Lewandowski is concerned, the Pole appears to be unhappy at the Allianz Arena and is tasking his new agent, Pini Zahavi, with helping him try to find a new club.

Rakitic to Man Utd

Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic is becoming increasingly tempted by a potential move to Manchester United, it has been claimed.

According to Spanish publication Don Balon, Rakitic has a proposal on the table from Old Trafford chiefs to switch clubs in the summer.

It is claimed the Croatia international is concerned Barcelona’s transfer plans could threaten his place in the starting XI.

And he is reportedly open to quitting the Nou Camp for Old Trafford.

The financial terms on offer are also said to be tempting Rakitic.

Don Balon say United are willing to increase the 30-year-old’s current terms.

Transfer merry-go-round

Pay attention, because this one is unnecessarily complicated…

Italian website Calciomercato claim Juventus have already started planning their transfer business, and want two players from the Premier League.

Juventus want to sign Manchester United winger Anthony Martial and Liverpool midfielder Emre Can.

Should the Italian champions sign Martial, that will apparently lead to one or two players leaving Turin.

It’s thought Juan Cuadrado could be sold to Real Madrid, who are looking to replace Liverpool target Lucas Vazquez.

But Jurgen Klopp’s side will only target the Spanish international if Mohamed Salah makes a shock move to the Bernabeu.

Clear. As. Mud.

Dembele responds

Ousmane Dembele has responded to rumours that he could leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

And it’s not good news for excited Arsenal fans hoping to see him playing at the Emirates Stadium next year.

"I'm not going to leave after just one season," he told Telefoot.

"I signed a five-year contract with Barcelona. I'll be here for a long time."

Lewandowski favourites

Manchester United are favourites to sign Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, according to the bookies.

Lewandowski, 27, has been tipped to leave the Allianz Arena to embark on a fresh challenge after the current campaign.

And bookmakers BetVictor claim Old Trafford is his most likely destination.

The Red Devils are now just 3/1 to secure the forward with Los Blancos slightly longer at 4/1.

Verratti rejects Barcelona AGAIN

Marco Verratti says he is relieved he didn’t join Barcelona last season, and wants to stay at PSG.

"Barcelona offered something different, but it was always my first priority to stay in Paris,” the Italian told Canal FC.

“I wanted to stay in Paris if there was a good project, since there were things I did not understand.

“Now I am happy with my choice to stay and I am more convinced than ever I have chosen well.

“Now I want to stay here, but the decision does not depend only on me, there may be a new coach who says he does not want me.

“I am good here and want to win titles.”

Salah next level

Former Tottenham forward Mido says Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is ready to to move “up a level” and join Real Madrid.

“Real Madrid want him, and we have all seen the poor performances of Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema with the 4-4-2,” he told KingFut.com.

“I was afraid that Salah might fail at Liverpool.

“But I think he is ready to jump to the next level. Real Madrid would be able to use his strengths.”

Ceballos deal approved

19:00: Liverpool have been handed a major boost in their bid to sign Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, it has been claimed.

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Ceballos as a replacement for Emre Can, who looks set to leave Anfield when his contract expires in June.

According to Spanish publication Don Balon, Anfield chiefs are willing to spend big to secure the 21-year-old’s signature.

And it is claimed Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has told Liverpool he is willing to green light a deal.

But Perez has reportedly indicated that any transfer is dependant on one condition being met.

Don Balon say the Bernabeu bigwig will only sign off on the move if Liverpool agree to a buy-back clause.

Zaha odds

Chelsea narrowly trail Tottenham in the battle to sign Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha, according to the bookies.

Zaha, who failed to deliver when signed by Manchester United for £15million in 2013, inspired Roy Hodgson’s side to a crucial victory with a brace against Brighton on Saturday.

But his stay at Selhurst Park is in doubt.

Bookmakers BetStars think it will be difficult for Palace to keep Zaha, and make Tottenham favourites to secure his services at 1/1. Chelsea are narrowly behind at 13/8.

BetStars director of trading Ian Marmion said: “Wilfried Zaha has been instrumental in Crystal Palace’s fight for survival this season and it now looks like Roy Hodgson will find it hard to keep the winger at Selhurst Park, with Tottenham emerging as the clear favourites to land the 25-year-old.

“Mauricio Pochettino’s side are priced at evens to sign Zaha, who looks set to bring his second spell at Palace to a close this summer.

“Next in the market are Premier League rivals Chelsea at 13/8. The Blues may need to replace Willian and Hazard this summer after both players were linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge, with Manchester United and Real Madrid interested in the respective wingers.”

Messi VETOES Pogba deal

18:30: Lionel Messi has vetoed Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba’s potential move to Barcelona, it has been claimed.

Pogba, who joined Manchester United for a club-record £89million fee in 2016, has been linked with a summer exit from Old Trafford after a poor season.

Reports in Spain suggest the 25-year-old has been told to look for a new club, while his agent offered him to Manchester City in January, and, according to Diario Gol, the idea of playing for Barcelona appeals to Pogba.

It is claimed he believes he can replace Andres Iniesta, who is expected to quit the Nou Camp at the end of the season.

However, Messi has reportedly put a block on the prospect of Barcelona launching a move.

Diario Gol claim the Argentina superstar has two reasons for being against the signing of Pogba.

Messi reportedly believes the United academy graduate should not be given another chance to join the club after previously snubbing their interest.