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With just two weeks left for the transfer window to shut, clubs the world over - bar England - are scrambling to get deals done. Barcelona and Real Madrid are yet to replace the void left by the departures of Andres Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo and are in the market for some world-class players. Meanwhile, in Italy, Inter Milan and Roma are looking to strengthen in order to build squads capable of dethroning Juventus from the summit of Serie A.
On that note, here are all the stories that made headlines on August 14, 2018:
Premier League
PSG prepare £100m move for Tottenham star
PSG are set to swoop for Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen and are willing to part with as much as £100m for the Dane, according to Daily Express. Eriksen has also been linked with a move to Barcelona as a replacement for Andres Iniesta and is yet to sign a new contract with Spurs. However, PSG it appears have stepped up their pursuit of the 26-year-old who still has two years left on his current deal. With Premier League clubs unable to purchase any new signings, Tottenham would surely be unwilling to offload one of their best players.
David de Gea to sign new contract
Manchester United keeper David de Gea is all set to remain in England for the foreseeable future, according to Sky Sports. De Gea was initially a target of Real Madrid, who eventually ended up signing Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea, and as a result, Manchester United have decided to offer the Spaniard a lucrative long-term deal to ward off other suitors. De Gea is unarguably the best keeper in the world and offering him an extension is the best piece of business United have done all summer.
Xherdan Shaqiri rejected Manchester United move
According to reports, Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri rejected an opportunity to move to Manchester United in favour of a switch to Liverpool, so he could work with Jurgen Klopp. Shaqiri was contacted by United over a possible move, but he snubbed them in order to move to Merseyside. Shaqiri recently spoke of his admiration for Klopp.
"I have admired Jurgen Klopp for a long time because his teams play fantastic football and he is a fantastic person. It is important for me to work with him and with people who communicate well with good character. We have spoken about my role. He likes me as a player and as you know, the coach doesn’t take any players for nothing," he explained.
Serie A
Milan complete signing of Bakayoko
AC Milan have announced that they have completed a move for Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, who will join the Italian side on a season-long loan with an option to buy. Bakayoko failed to cement a spot in the side after his move to Chelsea and is keen on getting more first-team action.
N'Zonzi arrives in Spain
Sevilla midfielder Steven N'Zonzi has arrived in Spain ahead of his £28.5m move to Roma. N'Zonzi is set to sign a four-year deal and will receive around £60,000-a-week. The Frenchman was also linked with a move to Arsenal earlier in the summer, but the Gunners were put off by Sevilla's valuation of the player.
Bundesliga
Schalke not interested in Rose or Loftus-Cheek
Contrary to reports that suggested Schalke were keen on signing Premier League duo Danny Rose and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, it has emerged that the Bundesliga outfit are planning on making only one more signing before the deadline. Schalke have around €7m to spend and have been on the lookout for a new left-back, having deemed Rose too expensive.
Manchester United scout Hannover youngster
Linton Maina has captured the attention of Manchester United scouts following an impressive preseason with Hannover. Maina could indeed be Manchester United's answer to Leroy Sane, who had an extremely impressive season with rivals City last time around. However, Hannover would be unwilling to offload such a promising talent without a fight.
La Liga
Madrid bid for Juventus star rejected
According to AS, Real Madrid have had a whopping €60m bid for Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic rejected outright. Juventus meanwhile, are planning on offering Pjanic an extension which would keep him at the club till 2021. It is unlikely Madrid will give up their chase that easily though and could be back with an improved offer. With Kovacic out on loan and the uncertainty surrounding Luka Modric, the Spanish side are desperately in the hunt for a world-class midfielder and had identified Pjanic as the perfect fit.
Luka Modric still keen on Inter switch
According to reports, Luka Modric is still hopeful of a move to Inter, despite Madrid all but confirming that he would remain at the club this summer. Inter are said to have offered him a six-year deal and Modric has instructed his agent to attempt to finalise a move. However, conflicting reports suggest Madrid are set to offer him a new contract.
Madrid to beat Barca to signing of €110million-rated midfielder
Real Madrid lead the race for the signature of Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to Goal. A number of clubs, including Barcelona and Juventus were interested in the Serbian but priced out of a deal. However, Madrid are keen on making at least one big-name signing this summer after failing in their pursuit of Eden Hazard and Edinson Cavani and should have no qualms meeting his €110m price tag.
Barca name Dembele price
Barca have slapped a £71m price tag on winger Ousmane Dembele, who was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal earlier in the summer. The Frenchman made just 12 La Liga starts last season after his high-profile move and could be shown the door. The arrival of Malcom has sent Dembele down the pecking order and he is keen on a move away, with PSG the latest club to show an interest in the 21-year-old.
Rest of the World
Samuel Eto'o to be unveiled by Qatar Sports Club
Former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o is close to completing a move to Qatar Sports Club from Turkish side Konyaspor. Eto'o is set to be unveiled at his new club later today; a development which was confirmed in a statement released by the Doha outfit. "The management of Qatar Football Club is pleased to invite you to attend the press conference to present the international star Samuel Eto'o."
Valencia set for Cheryshev swoop
World Cup star Denis Cheryshev is close to completing a move to Valencia. The Russian impressed during his loan stint with the club in 2015/16 and Valencia are keen on re-signing him from Villarreal. His exploits in the World Cup only increased his stock and he has attracted interest from a number of top European clubs.
