Cristiano Ronaldo wants Barcelona superstar at Juventus, Man City closing in on first signing and more: Transfer round-up, July 9, 2018

Good evening and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. With the world's attention being fixated on the ongoing World Cup, top clubs are working behind the scenes on the transfer front.

And as always, there are stories which will have huge repercussions on the transfer market. After scorching through papers and sources from all over Europe, we have managed to find transfer stories that made headlines on July 9, 2018:

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Premier League

Man City's first summer signing

Riyad Mahrez to undergo Manchester City medical in the next 48 hours

Pep Guardiola is finally set to land his long-term target in the form of Riyad Mahrez. According to the Daily Mail, Manchester City and Leicester City have agreed upon a £60 million fee for the Algerian forward. It is believed that Mahrez will undertake a City medical in the next 48 hours.

The Premier League champions were embroiled in talks since the past month or so after failing to reach an agreement this past January. Guardiola was keen on landing Mahrez on the deadline day of the winter transfer window but Leicester's extravagant demands put City off.

Mahrez went AWOL after Leicester's firm stance but returned to training after 10 days and finished the season strongly with four league goals in the second half of the season. Meanwhile, the Foxes are closing in on the signing of Norwich City's James Maddison as Mahrez's replacement.

Three-way race for Steven N'Zonzi

Le10 Sport has reported that as many as three Premier League clubs are interested in the services of Sevilla's Steven N'Zonzi. It is stated that Everton and West Ham United are ready to rival Arsenal for the signing of the midfield enforcer. N'Zonzi has a £30 million release clause at Sevilla.

Arsenal were said to be the front-runners for N'Zonzi until now but Lucas Torreira's signing has opened the floodgates for other teams to make their move. Sevilla have not received any bid for the Frenchman until now but it is reported that N'Zonzi is ready to try out his luck in the Premier League for the third time.

Serie A

Reunion on the cards

Napoli want Angel Di Maria

Carlo Ancelotti is eyeing a reunion with the Argentine winger. Mediaset Premium has revealed that Napoli have tabled a massive offer for the PSG forward. Di Maria has been reportedly offered a three year deal with the Partenopei worth €5 million per year in wages. Napoli hope that a lack of playing time for Di Maria at PSG will make him accept a move to Serie A.

West Ham make a £40 million bid for Felipe Anderson

Manuel Pellegrini's top target since taking up the West Ham job is reportedly on his way to the club. According to Goal, the Hammers have tabled a club-record £40 million bid for Lazio winger Felipe Anderson.

A consensus is expected to reach among both the clubs in the coming days. Lazio earlier wanted £50 million for Anderson but later settled for West Ham's offer of £40 million plus bonuses.

Bundesliga

Rangnick is the new RB Leipzig boss

Ralf Rangnick becomes RB Leipzig's interim manager

After guiding the club to the first division couple of seasons ago, Ralf Rangnick has returned as the head coach of RB Leipzig. With Julian Nagelsmann set to take over the reigns in the 2019/20 season, Leipzig were in search of an interim manager and finally zeroed in on their sporting director.

Jesse Marsch, previously of New York Red Bulls will be Rangnick's assistant at the Red Bull Arena. The American has joined the club on a two-year deal.

Southampton closing in on Jannik Vestergaard

Sky Sports have reported that Southampton and Borussia Monchengladbach have reached an agreement for the transfer of central defender Jannik Vestergaard. A £18 million transfer fee is reportedly agreed between both the parties.

The Danish international made 32 appearances last season and was an unused substitute in Denmark's World Cup campaign. He is Southampton's third summer signing.

La Liga

Soon to be teammates?

Cristiano Ronaldo wants Ivan Rakitic at Juventus

Juventus are reportedly close to completing the biggest transfer in the club's history as Cristiano Ronaldo prepares to sign for the Bianconeri. According to Don Balon, Ronaldo has demanded Juventus to sign another La Liga star to cement their chances in next year's Champions League.

Ronaldo has reportedly instructed his soon-to-be new side to pursue a move for FC Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic. The midfielder is reportedly looking to leave the Catalans and already has an offer on the table from Bayern Munich. But at Ronaldo' behest, Juventus are now ready to throw the kitchen sink at Barcelona for Rakitic's acquisition.

Real Sociedad target Nacho Monreal

The Mirror understands that Real Sociedad have contacted Nacho Monreal's representatives over an ambitious summer deal. Sociedad are hoping to lure the defender back to Spain. But Arsenal reportedly have no interest in negotiating a transfer for Monreal with Unai Emery considering the left back as an integral member of his squad.

Rest of the world

Super Mario to join Marseille

Mario Balotelli on his way to Marseille

RMC Sport has revealed that Mario Balotelli was yesterday spotted leaving the Marseille training facility. The French side is reportedly in talks with the player's representatives over a potential summer deal.

Personal terms have not yet agreed upon but are expected to be finalized in the coming days. Balotelli spent the last two seasons at Nice, scoring 33 goals in 51 appearances.

Paulinho returns to China

Guangzhou Evergrande have confirmed the arrival of Paulinho back in the Chinese Super League. After a year with FC Barcelona, the Brazilian midfielder has returned to the Far East. Paulinho has joined the CSL giants on a six-month loan spell with a compulsory purchase option from December 31. Paulinho made 49 appearances for Barcelona last season and scored 9 goals.