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Hello and welcome to the Premier League transfer roundup for the day! It could be argued that today has been relatively a quieter day in the transfer market rumour mill with regards to the Premier League.
But there are some big stories and here are some of them…
#5 Jamaal Lascelles
Newcastle United captain and defender Jamaal Lascelles has signed a new deal with the Magpies that will keep him in the until 2024. After months of being linked with a move outside the club, the defender has finally quashed all of it by putting pen on paper.
After signing the deal, he admitted that he is incredibly happy for being tied with the club in long term. He also added that his goal is to give the fans happiness through the way they play.
“I'm over the moon - it's great news to be tied down to Newcastle for a long time. It's pretty much all I ever wanted: playing in the Premier League in front of amazing fans,” he said.
"I think now as players, we just need to give the fans what they deserve. We need to put in the performances and make it even more special. Since I've been here, everything's been really positive and now I need to get my head down and get this team higher up the league."
Lascelles was linked with quite a few clubs but a move never happened and the player himself now claims that there was nothing serious regarding the stories while also adding that he can now work at peace with current employers.
“All that speculation, I don’t think anything was serious. Now I can focus on Newcastle completely with no other distractions. I need to get my head down and start getting this team higher up the league,” he said.
#4 West Ham and Liverpool
West Ham are actually one of those clubs that are low-key the most active in the transfer rumour mill. They are somewhat linked to a new face every now and then and the player they have been put together with today is an AC Milan midfielder – Franck Kessié.
According to TMW, the Hammers are very interested in acquiring the signature of the midfield powerhouse and have offered €35 million for him. While Gattuso considers him as indispensable, director Leonardo could cash in for him but the amount quoted is not deemed to be enough.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are looking at Spain to add depth to their squad. As a result, they have been linked with Athletic Bilbao’s Iker Muniain by El Gol Digital, quoting Metro. The Spaniard was once the crown jewel of Spanish football but has somewhat faded away in the recent years.
Real Betis, meanwhile, could sneak in a bid for Xherdan Shaqiri should Liverpool get the Basque.
#3 Manchester City madness
A lot has been said in the media circus today about the Citizens and so we will get to it immediately. The focus is mainly on Real Madrid wanting one of Manchester City’s brightest young talents.
According to Telegraph, Real Madrid could land Brahim Diaz on a free transfer in the summer. The report states that the Spaniard is tired of not being given chances with the first team, which is why he is wanting to leave and join Real Madrid.
Perhaps, the bench at Madrid is warmer. Haha!
Meanwhile, Sky Sports are claiming that Raheem Sterling has verbally accepted a new deal of five years with the Citizens. And finally, Pep Guardiola is set to pose a hurdle in the path of his former club Barcelona.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Etihad outfit want Frenkie De Jong from Ajax and could make a €70 million offer for him.
#2 Malcom and Manchester United madness
Ever since making his move to Barcelona, Malcom has found it difficult to find minutes in the first team. As a result, he had been linked with a move outside of the club with Arsenal being among one of his suitors.
However, the player took to Instagram to reveal his displeasure at those stories and confirmed of his desire to not only stay with the Catalans but also fight for a place in the first team.
"About news that came out here in Spain, I want to clarify this: I came to Barcelona with many objectives, and those who know me know that I am a very determined person," he wrote.
"I'm very happy with my development with every passing day. My objective is to make my dreams come true.
"My family is also adapting very well to the city. Anyway, I'll continue fighting for everything I desire in my career."
#1 Rumour of the day ft. drabness
Yes, I just did that. The rumour of the day will be accompanied with a story that has been doing the rounds for a while now. As you may – or may not – have guessed it already, our story here is surrounding the two La Liga giants.
First up, the drab one. Oh, sorry, the Special One. Or so he once claimed that he was. Anyway, according to Don Balon, the idea of Antonio Conte becoming the next manager of the Blancos wasn’t well received.
As a result, there is almost no chance for him to join the Bernabeu outfit. Instead, Jose Mourinho could end up with the Galacticos with the Italian taking his job at the Old Trafford.
Finally, Barcelona have named a price for Ousmane Dembele and Liverpool might ust grab him now. According to Balon, the Reds can have Dembele should they pay €100 million for him.
