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With the transfer window close to entering its final month, teams are moving quickly to finalise signings and get their squads ready for the grind of a new season. As usual, the big clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, have been linked with some huge names, while the likes of Atletico and co. quietly go about their business.
On that note, we bring you a round-up of the latest happenings from the transfer market, for you can never get tired of reading the twists and turns of the daily saga
Simeone urges Vrsaljko to stay put
Atletico manager Diego Simeone has urged World Cup star Sime Vrsaljko to stay at the club amidst interest from Inter. "We're very happy with Sime," Simeone had stated. "He had a very good World Cup, especially showing what he can do in attack and was decisive for his team.
"We are waiting for him to arrive on August 6 and after that, we will see the needs of the club, I'm happy with what he's given us, he's an important player."
Vrsaljko featured 21 times in the league for Atletico, but with Juanfran remaining the side's first-choice, the Croatian was considering a move away.
Simeone wants Simeone
According to reports in Sport, Diego Simeone wants his son Giovanni Simeone at Atletico. The club have made a bid in the region of €40m, but Fiorentina are holding out for a lot more than that for the young striker. Giovanni played 38 games for the Italian side last campaign, scoring 14 goals, and is touted to be one of the brightest prospects in Europe.
Atletico Madrid have already signed the likes of Thomas Lemar and Gelson Martins and a deal for Simeone would put them in contention for a shot usurping Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Barcelona
Manchester United to swoop for Yerry Mina
Reports in the Sun have suggested Manchester United are leading the race to sign Barcelona defender Yerry Mina. Leicester have played hardball with respect to the sale of Harry Maguire and Manchester United are unwilling to meet Toby Alderweireld's price tag which has forced them to turn to Mina as the best alternative.
Mina would be available for a fee in the region of £35m, but Everton and West Ham too are interested in the defender, meaning United would have to act fast if they are to secure his services.
Munir to stay, Paco to go
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has decided Munir will be a part of his plans for the coming season and has opted against offloading him. Paco Alcacer, who has had a torrid time of it at the Camp Nou, is likely to be sold for around €30 million to generate funds as Valverde looks to strengthen the side ahead of the start of the new season.
Asier Illarramendi on priority list
In what would be quite a shocking move, Barcelona are plotting a swoop for former Real Madrid flop Illarramendi. Illarramendi struggled during his time at Madrid, but turned around his fortunes in style at Sociedad, cementing his spot in the first team.
However, if he were to move to the Catalan giants, he would in all likelihood have to settle for a spot on the bench with the likes of Busquets, Rakitic, Coutinho and Arthur Melo taking up the midfield spots.
Real Madrid
Madrid to make stunning €215 million move for Harry Kane
If reports in Don Balon are to be believed, Madrid are poised to make a whopping €215 million bid for World Cup Golden Boot winner Harry Kane. After being priced out of a deal for Eden Hazard, Florentino Perez has set his sights on the Tottenham striker and is all set to travel to London next week to thrash out a deal with Kane's representatives.
Bale to return to Spurs?
After Tottenham's defeat to Barcelona in a preseason friendly, Mauricio Pochettino was asked about the possibility of Spurs signing Gareth Bale. The manager, however, has shot down that idea, saying, "I think it's not realistic." Bale has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu ever since the Champions League final, but recently received assurances about his future and is set to stay at the club and cement his stature as Madrid's most important player.
Courtois deal in doubt
Don Balon have claimed that Real Madrid have hit a stumbling block in their pursuit of Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois. With Navas all set to be offered a new contract, it is believed that Florentino Perez is against the idea of having two starting keepers in his side, especially considering the wages they would command.
Courtois is available at a cut-price, but he might have to look for a move elsewhere with Perez looking at other targets for now.
