Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. Today's stories feature the latest update on some of the major happenings in world football which may change the complexion of a few clubs. So let's head right in and take a look at the major happenings across Europe that made headlines on June 26, 2017:
Serie A
Alex Sandro set to become the world's most expensive defender
Corriere Dello Sport has claimed that Juventus have accepted a second bid from Chelsea for their left-back, Alex Sandro. The Blues have bid £61.2 million which in effect will make him the most expensive defender of all time. Antonio Conte had set his sights on Sandro since the past few weeks and the Brazilian is expected to start ahead of Marcos Alonso for them next season.
Manchester United want AS Roma's midfield general
It is widely speculated that the Red Devils are in the market for two midfielders this summer. For this very reason, they have identified Radja Nainggolan as a potential recruit. Il Tempo reports that the midfielder is keen on a move to England and is ready to shift loyalties if Manchester United agree a fee with Roma. The Italian club are rumoured to have set an asking price of £35 million for Nainggolan.
Gianluigi Donnarumma makes another U-turn
In an amazing turn of events, AC Milan shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed that he is ready to commit his future with the Rossoneri. He said in an Instagram post, “I want to reiterate my absolute love for Milan and the fans. My promise is that as soon as the Euros is over, I will meet the Milan hierarchy with my family and my agent to discuss my contract renewal.” Earlier in the month, it was claimed that Donnarumma had declined a contract offer from Milan as he wanted a move to Real Madrid.
Update: Donnarumma claims he was hacked over Milan renewal post
Bundesliga
Red Bull Leipzig name the price for Naby Keita
Bild and many respectable journalists have claimed that Liverpool target, Naby Keita is eager to change scenes this summer and wants a move abroad. But it is also written that Leipzig will demand a €80 million fee for the hard working midfielder. Liverpool are leading the race for Keita at the moment but will have to increase their valuation of the player by a whopping €20 million.
Arturo Vidal urges Alexis Sanchez to join Bayern Munich
With Sanchez's future still up in the air, his national teammate, Arturo Vidal, has urged the Arsenal man about joining Bayern Munich. Vidal said, "I want Sanchez here. I do not know if he has agreed to a move elsewhere but I think he is a champion player and he needs to play with us. We are the best club in the world." The Bavarians are willing to spend close to £65 million on the forward but Arsenal are defiant in their stance of keeping Sanchez at the Emirates.
Premier League
Nemanja Matic set to be unveiled as a Manchester United player in the next 48 hours
The Guardian have reported that Chelsea and Manchester United have agreed a fee in the region of £40 million for Nemanja Matic. He has been courted by the Jose Mourinho and will finally be reunited with his former boss. He will be United's second signing this summer after Victor Lindelof became a Red Devil a few weeks back.
Also read: 5 players close to signing for Chelsea this summer
Tottenham Hotspur want Barcelona's Carles Alena
FC Barcelona's highly rated midfielder, Carles Alena might be on his way out of Spain soon with AS reporting that Spurs are close to agreeing a deal for the La Masia product. Alena has not signed a contract extension yet with the Catalans which makes him available to foreign clubs at just €3 million before July 1. Spurs want a cut-price deal for the Spaniard and hence are working over time for making this deal happen.
Frank De Boer announced as Crystal Palace manager
The club have confirmed that the legendary Ajax manager will take over the hot-seat at Selhurst Park. De Boer won four league titles with Barcelona as a player and is a brilliant acquisition by the Eagles. He replaces Sam Allardyce who left Palace on mutual terms last month. Marco Silva and Claude Puel were also considered for the job but Palace have punched above their weight by bringing De Boer into the Premier League who was once linked with Arsenal and Liverpool.
La Liga
FC Barcelona enquire about Philippe Coutinho
Barcelona are having second thoughts about spending €90 million for Marco Verratti. The Catalans have therefore set their sights on Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho who will be available for a transfer at over €100 million, according to Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri. The Reds want funds to fuel their move for AS Monaco's Kylian Mbappe and might accept a world record bid from Barcelona. Neymar is currently holidaying with Coutinho in Brazil which has added fire to the rumour.
Gareth Bale prefers a move to England over France
According to the Daily Express, the Welshman is reconsidering his future at the Bernabeu. He is worried about his place at Real Madrid after reports emerged of the club high command wanting to sell him to accommodate Mbappe in the playing eleven.
Update: Confirmed: Real Madrid superstar rules out exit
Paris Saint-Germain are rumoured to be interested but Bale wants a move closer to home and has alerted the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
Rest of the world
PSG enter the race for Ousmane Dembele
The Frenchman is in great demand this summer with Barcelona ready to make him their record signing. But L'equipe reports that Paris Saint-Germain have entered the race for the 20-year old and are ready to offer Dembele a better financial deal than the Catalans. Borussia Dortmund are ready to sell Dembele at €90 million and it is up to the player to decide between moving to Spain or his native country.
Braga teenager set to ignite a transfer battle between Arsenal and FC Barcelona
Barcelona and Arsenal are fighting it out to lure Braga's 17-year old wonder kid, Pedro Neto. A Bola understands that Braga want at least €20 million for Neto. Arsenal had a €15 million bid rejected last week whereas Barcelona are set to enter the fray in the coming days.
