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Hello and welcome to today's La Liga roundup. With less than a month until the close of the transfer window, the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona are closing in on top targets. Without further ado, let's dive into the roundup:
Chelsea complete signing of Athletic Bilbao keeper
Atheltic Bilbao have confirmed that Chelsea have triggered keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's release clause estimated to be £71m. Kepa is on his way to London to complete his medical which means Thibaut Courtois is closing in on a move away from Chelsea. “I saw him one year ago [when I was] at Naples, and my first impression was he was a very good goalkeeper,” Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri announced. “Very young, but very, very good.”
AC Milan striker to return to Spain
Carlos Bacca is set to return to Spain and is close to completing a move to an unnamed Spanish side. According to reports, multiple Spanish clubs are interested in signing Bacca who spent a season on loan at Villarreal. Trabzonspor were also keen on a move for Bacca but he reportedly turned down a €5m per year deal.
Jordi Cruyff heads to Chinese Super League
The son of Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff has signed on as manager of Chinese side Chongqing Lifan. Jordi was linked with a Barcelona job as well but ruled it out. “I have ruled out the possibility of moving to Barcelona,” Cruyff told an interview with Marca back in May.
“It is not the right fit for me at the moment, but last year I turned down the opportunity to join to instead coach Maccabi. Of course, this approach was greatly appreciated and there is the issue of my father’s legacy, but for personal and professional reasons I cannot commit."
Real Valladolid complete Verde signing
According to reports, Roma striker Verde is on the verge of completing a move to Real Valladolid. Verde will join on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for €2m.
Barcelona
Pogba update
Barcelona and Paul Pogba have reached a 'full agreement' regarding personal terms as the sage surrounding the Frenchman takes another twist, reports reputed journalist Tancredi Palmeri. Pogba reportedly demanded a move to Manchester United after his relationship with manager Jose Mourinho reached a breaking point, but Manchester United remain firm on their stance that the Frenchman is not for sale.
Barcelona complete signing of Moussa Wague
The Catalan giants have secured the services of Senegal international Moussa Wague for €5m. They have also included a release clause of around €100m. Wague is a promising fullback and could challenge Nelson Semedo for a starting spot.
Manchester United target Jordi Alba
Reports in Daily Star suggest Manchester United are 'desperate' to sign Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba. Mourinho does not trust the options he has at his disposal, including Luke Shaw, and is pushing to force a move for Alba. Mourinho is eager to get one over on rival Pep Guardiola and is looking to seal a move for Alba who played under Pep at Barcelona.
Real Madrid
Modric future set to be decided
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric's future at the club. While one report states that Modric is closing in on exit, having left his training session an hour after arriving at the facility, a different report has emerged suggesting Madrid are on the verge of offering the Croat a new deal worth 8 million euros per season.
Mateo Kovacic to have Chelsea medical
Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic is set to have his Chelsea medical later today ahead of his season-long loan move. Kovacic has been used in a bit-part role ever since his arrival at Real Madrid from Inter and has pushed for a move away from the club. Manchester City were rumoured to be interested in the Croat as well, but Chelsea it appears have stolen the march on their English rivals.
Courtois closes in on Madrid switch
With the imminent arrival of Kepa from Bilbao, Courtois is all set to complete his move to Real Madrid. Courtois is expected to arrive in Madrid tomorrow to complete his medical. Madrid have reportedly offered 35m pounds plus Kovacic on loan in exchange for Courtois but Chelsea are yet to accept the deal.
Madrid eye Thiago and Pjanic
Real Madrid are looking to complete moves for Juventus' Miralem Pjanic and Bayern's Thiago to replace Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic. Thiago moved to Bayern from Barcelona in 2013 but has his heart set on a return to his home. Pjanic meanwhile has a price tag of £75m which might throw Madrid off.
