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Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. Today's big story features the latest in Barcelona's bid to sign Neymar's replacement, while there are also updates from other big clubs in world football, some of which may have huge long lasting repercussions.
So let's head right in and take a look at the major happenings across Europe that made headlines on August 19, 2017:
La Liga
Barcelona identify Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele’s alternatives
Barcelona’s pursuit of Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho is well documented but the stance of Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool respectively, to not let go of their prized assets, has cast doubts on the Catalan club’s chances of signing them.
According to Spanish daily Sport, the Blaugrana have identified alternatives to the two in former Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria – who currently plays for PSG – and Nice midfielder Jean Michael Serie, who has also courted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
The most talked about release clause in football
Marco Asensio is close to agreeing a new contract with Real Madrid, which will keep him at the club until 2023 and will bump his wages by €1m to make it €4.5m, if reports in Marca are to be believed.
The biggest highlight of the new contract is the release clause, which has become €500m from the €79m it was previously. The Spaniard has been linked with a move to Arsenal.
Real Madrid reject huge bid for Mateo Kovacic
Real Madrid have already sold a couple of players in this transfer window and Zinedine Zidane is not too keen on losing any more players. According to Spanish outlet AS, Los Blancos have rejected a £68.6m bid for Mateo Kovacic from Juventus.
Serie A
AC Milan close to making 10th signing of the window
AC Milan are close to concluding a £22.9m deal for the services of Nikola Kalinic, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Fiorentina forward will be leading the line alongside Andre Silva, especially in light of Carlos Bacca’s loan move to Villarreal.
Lazio will only sell Keita Balde for the right price
Lazio midfielder Keita Balde has been heavily linked with a move away from the Serie A outfit with Chelsea, AC Milan and Napoli all interested in his services, if reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport. According to the club’s president, Claudio Lotito, it is the Italian clubs who are offering the double of what the Blues are prepared to offer.
Bundesliga
Borussia Dortmund open to Ousmane Dembele sale
Barcelona have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund sensation Ousmane Dembele, with the German club’s sporting director, Michael Zorc, confirming that the Signal Iduna Park outfit are open to allowing the Frenchman leave but only for the right price.
The German was quick to add, that should their evaluation is not met by Barcelona, the 20-year-old will remain put at the club.
Speaking in an interview, Zorc said: “We have a clear position, if it is fulfilled, [he] will be transferred this summer. If it is not, he will stay at Dortmund."
Kevin-Prince Boateng returns to Germany
Kevin-Prince Boateng has returned to Germany, having spent the last 18 months with the likes of AC Milan and Las Palmas. The 30-year-old midfielder has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Eintracht Frankfurt, having agreed to mutually terminate his contract with the La Liga side.
Speaking in an interview, as quoted by Sky Sports, Frankfurt’s sporting director Fredi Bobic said:
"We know Kevin's strengths in midfield and are convinced that he can play a key role in our team. Kevin is a winner with endless will."
Premier League
Manchester City not prepared to go all out in pursuit of Jonny Evans
Manchester City are prepared to end their pursuit of West Brom defender Jonny Evans, having had a £18m bid rejected for the former Manchester United defender’s services.
The Citizens are looking to add numbers to their defence but are not willing to pay over the odds for the 29-year-old’s transfer.
Tottenham Hotspur looking to sign 3 more players
Tottenham Hotspur have had a slow start to the transfer window, having just confirmed the club record signing of Ajax’s Davinson Sanchez recently.
However, if reports in Daily Mirror are to be believed, the defender is first of many to arrive to the North Lonon outfit, with Mauricio Pochettino looking to sign three out of the following names, Keita Balde, Ross Barkley, Cheikh Diop, Serge Aurier and Paulo Gazzaniga.
Manchester United identify David de Gea replacement
Manchester United are early favourites for the Premier League title, having started the season with two back-to-back 4-0 wins.
According to The Sun, Jose Mourinho and the Red Devils are open to the idea of allowing superstar shot-stopper David de Gea join Real Madrid next summer, if they are able to secure the services of AC Milan’s prodigy Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was earlier involved in a contract fiasco with the San Siro outfit.
Rest of the world
Marseille turn to Aboubakar
Olympique Marseille have been linked with moves for Olivier Giroud and Moussa Dembele, so far in the transfer window, however, according to French daily L’Equipe, the Stade Velodrome outfit have shifted their attention to Porto striker Vincent Aboubakar, who would cost in the region of £16.5m.
Foyth to snub PSG for Tottenham Hotspur
PSG have been linked extensively for the services of Estudiantes defender Juan Foyth, however, according to L’Equipe, the 19-year-old has had a change of heart and is willing to sign for Tottenham Hotspur instead.
