Why Messi is yet to sign new contract and other transfer news and rumours of the day - 22nd August 2017

The summer transfer window is just a few days away from being shut. Clubs from Europe's top 5 leagues are rushing to add players to their squad before the window closes.

Here's a quick look at all the important transfer news and rumours from across Europe.

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La Liga

Barcelona near €40m Seri Deal

Barcelona are one step closer to signing Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri, reports RAC-1. The Ivory Coast international’s agent is already in Barcelona negotiating the player’s contract with the Catalans.

The two parties have all but finalised an agreement over a four-year deal.

Lionel Messi to hold off on new contract until Barcelona complete big signings

World football's demigod, Lionel Messi, has sparked fear among Barcelona fans, by claiming that he will not sign a new contract until the club buys some big players.

With Neymar gone and Suarez injured, Messi is said to be growing concerned with his future at the club, according to the Daily Express.

Barcelona are monitoring Keita

Barcelona are scouting RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita as the club continue to look for signings before the close of the transfer window.

Keita, who has been a long-term target for Liverpool, was scouted by Barcelona representatives during Leipzig’s defeat by Schalke at the weekend, with Leon Goretzka also under observation.

Pereira set for Valencia move

Valencia are closing in on the season-long loan signing of Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira, reports Cadena Ser Valencia.

Pereira spent last term on loan at Granada and looks poised to return to La Liga to gain further first-team experience in 2017/18.

English Premier League

Chelsea will make another attempt to sign Belotti

Chelsea to make fourth bid for Andrea Belotti

Despite seeing 3 of their bids get rejected, the English Premier League champions are plotting a 4th bid to lure the striker to Stamford Bridge to partner Alvaro Morata. The latest bid is believed to be around £91 million.

Liverpool close in on Kovacic

The English Premier League side have identified Real Madrid's Mateo Kovacic as a possible target.

The Croatian is believed to have fallen down the pecking order at Madrid and could be open to a switch. Liverpool have reportedly agreed terms verbally and will make an official offer soon.

Lemar could yet join the Gunners

According to French outlet Le 10 Sport, AS Monaco could be ready to sanction Thomas Lemar's departure. This has instilled new hope in the Gunners and another bid seems likely to be launched.

Spurs enquire about Foyth

Sky sources are reporting that Tottenham have made enquires for Estudiantes defender Juan Foyth.

Reports in Argentina say that the 19-year old has been left out of their squad to play Nacional in the Copa Sudamericana clash this week.

Serie A

Milan complete their 11th signing in the ongoing summer transfer window

Milan sign Kalinic

AC Milan have continued their busy summer with the signing of striker Nikola Kalinic from Fiorentina who will wear the no. 7 shirt at the club.

The deal is a loan with an option to buy and Kalinic has penned a deal until 2021.

Inter Target Alderweireld

Tottenham centre-half Toby Alderweireld is a target for Serie A giants Inter. Spurs' signing of Ajax defender Davinson Sanchez has sparked reports that Alderweireld could be on his way out of the north London club, with Inter leading the chase.

Roma end Mahrez interest

Roma have been forced to abandon their pursuit for Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez due to the club's whopping £50m price tag, reports The Sun.

Marchisio wants to leave Juventus

Claudio Marchisio wants to leave Juventus before the end of the transfer window, with Chelsea mooted as a possible destination.

Reports claim that the midfielder does not have a strong relationship with Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri and is keen for more first-team football to boost his chances of making Italy's World Cup squad.

Bundesliga

Aubameyang has said that he wants to leave Dortmund

Bayern eye Draxler

Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign Paris Saint-German's Julian Draxler. According to Sun Sport, the player will cost the German club £36.5 million.

Aubameyang wants to leave

According to reports, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has said that he wants to leave Dortmund. Chelsea and AC Milan have been put on alert after hearing this news. Both the clubs had wanted to sign the striker earlier in the summer but failed.

Dortmund firm on their stand regarding Dembele

Borussia Dortmund are refusing to budge from their €150 million price tag on Ousmane Dembele. Barcelona have until the end of the week to put forward an improved offer.

Ligue 1 and rest of the world

Martial could play for Monaco

Monaco want to re-sign Anthony Martial

The Ligue 1 champions are being raided left and right this summer, with several of their top players already at different clubs. Leonardo Jardim is reportedly keen on securing reinforcements and is believed to be keen on bring Anthony Martial back.

Lille want Batshuayi

The Ligue 1 side are reportedly keen on signing Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi. Having won only 1 out of their 3 league games in the current season, Lille are looking for reinforcements and could lodge a £36 million bid for the Belgian

Paris Saint-Germain close in on Monaco duo

PSG are close to sealing a €140m + Lucas Moura deal for Kylian Mbappe. They are also willing to offer in excess of €70m to secure the services of Fabinho.

To find a way around FFP, PSG will be taking Mbappe on a loan deal with the option of making it permanent.

Galatasaray interested in Gibbs

Galatasaray are keen on signing Arsenal outcast Kieran Gibbs, according to The Times.

The report claims the Turkish giants are hoping they can persuade the Gunners to sell Gibbs, who has been told he is free to leave, for £4 million.