Barcelona star finally signs new contract, Man United to continue pursuit of top-target, and other transfer news and rumours of the day - 6th October 2017

Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. The ongoing international break has ensured that no club football will entertain us this weekend. However, transfer news have continued to flow thick and fast.

With plenty of talk from across all the major footballing leagues in the world, here's a look at the more significant bits of transfer news, rumours and updates for the day:

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La Liga

Iniesta signs new 'lifetime' contract at Barcelona

After what seems like an eternity, Barcelona's club icon Andres Iniesta has finally put pen to paper on a new deal that will see him retire at Barcelona. Earlier this summer, Iniesta had sent the Blaugrana's devout fans into a worried frenzy after publicly admitting that he was having second thoughts about signing a new deal.

However, the Spaniard has eased concerns after finally signing a new contract that will keep him at Camp Nou until the end of his career.

Barcelona plan swoop for Mesut Ozil

Arsenal's contract rebel Mesut Ozil has entered the last year on his contract at Arsenal and seems to be showing no interest in signing a new deal with the Gunners. Earlier this week, reports from Europe claimed that Manchester United had emerged as front-runners for the German's signature.

Latest reports from the Daily Express, though, suggest that Barcelona are also interested in signing the creative midfielder. After failing to snatch Philippe Coutinho from the firm grasps of Liverpool earlier in the summer, the Catalans are now believed to be monitoring Ozil, who will be free to sign pre-contract agreements with new clubs in January.

Bundesliga

Kai Havertz has been attracting a lot of attention with his excellent performances

Liverpool enter race to sign Kai Havertz

The English Premier League giants have had an awful start to the season and will be desperate to bring in reinforcements in the January transfer window. Liverpool have been plagued by defensive issues this season, after failing to sign their #1 defensive target, Virgil van Dijk.

While most fans have urged Jurgen Klopp to recruit new defenders, reports from the Metro seem to suggest that the Merseyside club are focussing their attention on Bayer Leverkusen's 18-year old midfielder Kai Havertz, who has also been closely monitored by Arsenal and Manchester United.

Borussia Dortmund consider Mikel Merino recall

After showing excellent promise while on loan at Newcastle United, Mikel Merino has forced his parent club - Borussia Dortmund to consider cutting short his loan spell to take him back to Germany.

The 21-year old midfielder has been in superb form, after stepping up, in Jonjo Shelvey's absence. However, there is also a clause in his contract that can make his move to Newcastle permanent, which is what Dortmund are understood to be keen to avoid as the midfielder's valuation has risen considerably this season.

Serie A

Will Perisic finally make his way to Manchester United?

Liverpool to fight Tottenham to sign Geoffrey Kondogbia if Valencia don't

English Premier League giants Liverpool are all set to fight tooth and nail against Tottenham, to sign Inter Milan star Geoffrey Kondongbia, according to reports in the Daily Star. The 24-year old was a regular feature in Inter but was loaned out to Valencia.

After performing wonderfully in the La Liga, Kondongbia has now attracted attention from the big clubs. As it stands, Valencia have an option to sign him permanently for an estimated fee of £22 million at the end of the season.

However, the reports claim that Liverpool and Spurs are lurking and could swoop for the defensive midfielder, should Valencia choose not to sign him up.

Manchester United continue to pursue Ivan Perisic

Despite failing to sign one of their top targets -- Ivan Perisic -- in the summer transfer window, Manchester United are reportedly still in the hunt to sign the talented Croatian winger. The Red Devils missed out on signing their man after failing to agree on a fee with Inter Milan before the 28-year old signed a new contract with the Serie A giants.

Reports from the Metro, however, suggest that the saga is far from done, as Perisic's new contract includes a release clause of about €60 million, which Jose Mourinho and Co. are allegedly willing to meet next summer.

Premier League

Is this Theo Walcott's last season at Arsenal?

Southampton express interest to sign Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott's time at Arsenal could be drawing to a close, come January. The Englishman has fallen woefully out of favour at Arsenal and has been forced to warm the bench regularly this season. Walcott hasn't started a single Premier League game for the Gunners and is understood to be growing frustrated.

Latest reports from the Daily Express suggest that Southampton could be a fitting destination for Walcott, who graduated through the ranks of the Southampton academy, before joining Arsenal.

The Saints have struggled to find the net this season, and are allegedly willing to fork out about £12-15 million to bring Walcott back to his boyhood club. Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly keen on offloading a few players in January, with Walcott said to be the flagbearer.

Fenerbahce plot move to sign Daley Blind

Turkish side Fenerbahce have emerged as surprise contenders to sign Manchester United's Daley Blind. The Dutchman has seemingly fallen down the Red Devils' pecking order and has struggled to break into the first team.

Bereft of regular first-team football, Blind is reportedly open to a move elsewhere in search of more play time. Reports from the Mirror claim that the Turkish giants are desperate to bring in a big name, and could launch a move for the defender in January.

Ligue 1 and the rest of the world

Real Madrid could come calling for Edinson Cavani in January

Real Madrid could line up to sign Edinson Cavani

Zinedine Zidane is growing increasingly frustrated at Real Madrid after a remarkably slow start to the season and is now reportedly eyeing Paris Saint-Germain's hitman Edinson Cavani. After 7 games into the season, Real Madrid are languishing (by their usual standards) in 5th place, 7 points adrift of arch-rivals and table-toppers Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Neymar's arrival and subsequent tantrums have visibly shaken Edinson Cavani, who could well be on his way out at the soonest. Latest reports in The Sun claim that Zinedine Zidane is keeping his eyes on the Uruguay and could swiftly swoop to sign the striker to replace Karim Benzema at the front of the line.

Manchester United emerge as surprising suitors for Thomas Meunier

Dani Alves' arrival at Paris Saint-Germain has unfortunately pushed Thomas Meunier lower down the pecking order, prompting many to believe that the right-back could favour a move away from Paris.

As per the Metro, Meunier has now added fuel to the fire by admitting to being frustrated in an interview. The Belgian said:

"‘Yes [I am frustrated] because I want to play every match, whether it’s against Gueugnon, Niort or Bayern Munich"

The reports also said that Unai Emery is unlikely to block an exit, understanding that Meunier requires consistent game time ahead of the World Cup next year in Russia.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho apparently views Meunier as a perfect replacement for an ageing Valencia and could make a move to bring the 26-year old to England next summer.