Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. Today's stories feature the latest update on some of the major happenings in world football which may change the complexion of a few clubs. So let's head right in and take a look at the major happenings across Europe that made headlines on August 12, 2017:
Premier League
Chelsea to rival Manchester United for Ivan Perisic
The Mirror reports that Chelsea have entered the race for Inter Milan's Ivan Perisic in what will be a blow to United's transfer plans. With the Red Devils hesitant to pay £48 million for the Croatian, Chelsea have made their way into the negotiations and are prepared to pay the required amount.
Antonio Conte believes that his side need cover in every position and Perisic can be used as a left winger and as a left fullback too. Along with Perisic, the Blues are also in talks with the likes of Joao Cancelo and Danny Drinkwater.
Manchester United set to trigger release clause of Sergi Roberto
FC Barcelona's resolve is all set to be tested yet again with Jose Mourinho being interested in Sergi Roberto. The Sun had revealed that the utility man, Roberto, has a release clause of just £36.5 million. Manchester United think that Roberto can be a good cover for the side with Jose Mourinho preparing his side for a title battle on all fronts. Juventus also remain interested in the 25-year old.
Newcastle United step up interest in Arsenal duo
Rafa Benitez is reportedly fuming because of the Magpies' lack of funds this summer and to appease him, owner Mike Ashley is ready to bid for Arsenal's Jack Wilshere and Lucas Perez.
The Spanish striker wants to leave Arsenal this summer and is available for around £10 million. Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere was left frustrated after being kept out of the first team squad against Leicester City despite being totally fit. The Sun understands that Wilshere might be again offloaded in another season long loan deal with Newcastle being one of the clubs interested in him.
Serie A
Juventus register an interest in Naby Keita
Gazzetta Dello Sport has claimed that Juventus CEO Beppe Marrota is a big fan of RB Leipzig's Naby Keita. The Guinean international is not for sale this summer but the German club have confirmed that Keita has a release clause of £48 million next summer. Marrota has revealed that Juventus do not have a midfielder of Keita's ilk and will trigger the player's release clause next summer.
AS Roma make a final offer for Riyad Mahrez
Tuttomercatoweb understands that the Romans have slightly improved on their original bid of £32 million for the Algerian and now have offered add-ons and bonuses which will take the deal closer to £35 million. This is said to be Roma's last offer for Mahrez and they have requested Leicester to reply in a day or two. But the Foxes are hell bent on their £50 valuation and might reject this bid just like the previous two approaches.
Bundesliga
Liverpool might move for Max Meyer if Coutinho leaves this summer
Jurgen Klopp is reportedly a massive fan of 21-year old Max Meyer and might move for the Schalke forward if Coutinho departs for FC Barcelona. Caughtoffside understands that Meyer has just 12 months remaining on his current deal and has rejected to sign an extension with Schalke. Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring the situation but Jurgen Klopp's personal interest in the player might tilt the decision in Liverpool's favour.
Schalke in talks over a loan deal for Baba Rahman
Sky Sports has reported that Schalke have begun talks with Chelsea over another loan spell for left-back, Baba Rahman. The Ghanaian was on loan with Schalke last season too but a knee injury in the African Cup of Nations in January ended his campaign prematurely. But the German side are eager for another season long loan deal for the 23-year old who does not seem to have a place in Antonio Conte's plans.
Schalke's sporting director Christian Heidel recently said, "We are in talks with the player, his advisors and Chelsea. Ultimately, it is about when Baba will be able to play again."
La Liga
FC Barcelona announce the signing of Paulinho
The Catalans have announced Paulinho's acquisition from Guangzhou Evergrande for a sum of €40 million. The 30-year old midfielder is set to be unveiled later this week. His coach at Guangzhou, Luiz Felipe Scolari said after Paulinho officially signed for Barcelona that, "Losing Paulinho is a loss for Evergrande, but it is a good thing for Chinese football. It proves that the world’s leading clubs are paying attention to the Chinese Super League."
Sevilla interested in Real Madrid's Marcos Llorente
Zinedine Zidane and the Real Madrid boardroom believe that the team currently has no place for the youngster Marcos Llorente and hence want him to go on a season long loan. Sevilla have registered an interest in the midfielder who spent last season on loan at Alaves. The La Liga giants are seeing Llorente as a direct replacement for Steven N'Zonzi who is reportedly close to joining Juventus. Meanwhile, Manchester City are also keeping tabs on Llorente's situation.
Ligue 1
Kylian Mbappe says his goodbyes to AS Monaco teammates
L'equipe reports that the 18-year old has told his Monaco teammates that he is off to Paris Saint Germain. It is speculated that the two clubs have agreed upon a fee for Mbappe who will now become the second huge signing for the Parisians this summer. Mbappe was left out of yesterday's clash against Dijon with the reason being unknown for his exclusion. The deal is supposedly in the region of €180 million with Mbappe ready to earn close to €12 million per year with PSG.
Jese Rodriguez set to join Stoke City on loan
The former Real Madrid winger who currently plies his trade for PSG is close to joining Stoke City on a temporary deal, AS understands. Rodriguez rejected a two-year loan deal from Fiorentina as he has set his sights on playing in the Premier League. Jese joined the Parisians last year in a £22.5 million deal but has seen himself fall down in the pecking order under manager Unai Emery at the Parc Des Princes.