MAN CITY have confirmed their second signing of the other, snapping up Bournemouth's Nathan Ake to add to the acquisition of Valencia's Ferran Torres.
And Atletico Madrid could be making one of the biggest name signings of the summer, luring James Rodriguez from rivals Real for just £13.5m.
Follow all the latest gossip and updates with our live blog below…
TIN CAN
Jason Tindall could be the man to replace Eddie Howe at Bournemouth.
The Cherries' No2 has been at Howe's side during their rise from the League Two relegation zone to the Premier League.
Howe quit as Dean Court boss last week following his side's relegation to the Championship.
According to the Athletic, Bournemouth are looking to make the internal appointment and bring the former Cherries defender into the dugout, just as they did with Howe back in 2009, when they promoted him from being in charge of the youth team.
MAN' IN DEMAND
Sadio Mane has been urged to join Real Madrid, by his former agent Thierno Seydi.
He said: “Remaining at Liverpool is not a bad thing for Mane – but a player needs new challenges.
“What is there left for him to win if he stays put at Liverpool?
“Sadio has set the bar very high. He has won everything there is to win with Liverpool.
“So, at a given moment, you have to know when is the right time to leave.
“I know personally that Real Madrid have been interested in Mane for the past three years.
“To my mind moving to Real is not a backward step.On the contrary, it is a triumph.”
GAB WANTS GUNNERS
Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes wants to move to Arsenal despite Manchester United chasing him, according to reports.
The Brazilian defender looks almost certain to leave the Ligue 1 side this summer and is said to have been particularly impressed by talks with the Gunners earlier this week.
Mikel Arteta is keen on bringing a defender in to shore up his leaky back line.
And he looks set to land one in the coming weeks in the shape of the £27million rated 22-year-old, according to Get French Football News.
However, United will reportedly not give up on their pursuit with a deal to take him to Old Trafford said to be close yesterday.
Magalhaes’ scintillating form in France has drawn admiring glances from across Europe, with Everton and Napoli also linked.
HE KAN DO IT
Paul Scholes has become the latest Manchester United legend to warn that signing Jadon Sancho may not be the best idea.
Harry Kane is a better bet for the Red Devils as they have a number of players similar to Sancho, the former midfielder reckons.
The 11-time Premier League winner told BT Sport: “Don’t get me wrong, Sancho is a top-quality footballer, I think he would improve any team in world football.
“His stats say that he is a goalscorer, he will make and score lots of goals.
“I just think we already have three forwards or wide men that are very similar to Sancho, possibly not quite as good as him, but potentially I think they could be.
“I think if that is Harry Kane you are talking about, I would be more desperate to sign him than Sancho at this stage.”
CALL ME, AL
Carlo Ancelotti is determined to get a deal for Napoli star Allan over the line this close season.
The Brazilian midfielder, 29, is available at a tidy £22.5million, according to Corrierre Dello Sport.
IT WAS FERR ON ME
Manchester City newbie Ferran Torres wanted to stay at his boyhood club Valencia but felt he was forced out of the Mestalla.
The Spanish winger, 20, had been with the La Liga club since the age of seven before Pep Guardiola forked out £20.8million to sign him on a five-year deal.
The Spaniard said: “He [Parejo] is a great player but I never had a relationship with him.
“When I joined the first team at 17, a number of weeks passed before he said a simple ‘good morning’ to me.
“He wasn’t a good captain with me.
“The worst of it came after Marcelino’s departure when [Lee] Kang-in and I were seen as culprits in the dressing room and they stopped talking to us for weeks.”
KROOS CONTROL
Toni Kroos has named his dream, all-time XI including “best-ever” former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
The German legend, 30, was speaking on the Einfach Mal Luppen podcast with his brother.
Kroos was asked who he would pick in his fantasy XI if he could play alongside ANYONE for his last-ever game of football.
And the Los Blancos playmaker listed a host of stars from his days at Real Madrid and the German national team.
In goal, Kroos opted for German icon Manuel Neuer behind s 3-2-2-3 formation.
GO GITT'EM
Borussia Dortmund think they have found their ‘new Jadon Sancho’ in Manchester City starlet Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
The 15-year-old is set to leave the Etihad Campus despite impressing coaches at the club.
Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the winger, but BVB are the front runners.
Former City youth product Sancho is set to move to Manchester United, but the two clubs are yet to thrash out an agreement on the deal, with Dortmund wanting £108million.
Marco Lichtsteiner, brother of Switzerland's captain Stephan Lichtsteiner is brokering both Sancho’s move to Old Trafford and the move for Byone-Gittens, according to Bild.
TOON TAKEOVER BOOST
Newcastle have been handed a massive takeover boost with the news billionaire James Pallotta has sold Roma for £533million.
The American businessman agreed a sale of the Serie A side amid reports he could reinvest the money into the Toon.
Pallotta offloaded Roma to compatriot Dan Friedkin after ten months of negotiations.
Geordie fans had their hopes dashed after the £300million proposed Saudi takeover collapsed.
The consortium led by Amanda Staveley and backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund dropped out of a deal, blaming the prolonged process of being approved by the Premier League.
The Magpies would have become the league’s richest club but 17 weeks after paperwork was first filed their dreams were in tatters last week.
SANCH SIRO
Inter Milan have announced they have signed Alexis Sanchez permanently, without paying a penny.
The move frees up £25million for the Red Devils in wages.
Inter said in a statement: “FC Internazionale Milano announces that Alexis Sanchez is moving to the Nerazzurri outright free of charge.
“The Chilean striker has signed a contract with the Club until 30 June 2023.”
WRITTEN IN HIS WILL
Willian is joining Arsenal on a three-year deal, according to reports.
The Chelsea winger is walking away from the club at the end of his contract and will join the North London club for a £100,000-a-week deal.
ESPN claim the transfer is imminent and he will follow David Luiz to the Emirates.
HEART AKE
Nathan Ake has said an emotional goodbye to Bournemouth after leaving the relegated Cherries for Manchester City.
The Dutchman said: “I want to say goodbye after a fantastic time @officialafcb
“I want to thank everybody involved with the club for everything over the past years!
“I’ve had a fantastic few years playing at Dean Court learning so much and creating some amazing memories!
“Lastly I would like to thank all the fans who’ve been amazing to me from the minute I arrived.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t bring this to a good end but I am sure we will see each other again in the future!”
View this post on Instagram
Very excited to join @mancity. Can’t wait to get started! ?? #mancity
A post shared byNathan Aké (@nathanake) on
PARK-ING SPACE
Scott Parker is in line for a new contract at Fulham after winning promotion, reports TOM BARCLAY.
The ex-England star, who broke down in tears after winning Tuesday’s play-off final, has one year left on his current deal.
SunSport understands the Cottagers are ready to discuss fresh terms with the 39-year-old when he returns from holiday.
Fulham are also looking at several players to improve their squad ahead of next term’s return to the top flight.
But Parker has ruled out a repeat of the £100million shopping spree the club went on when they went up two years ago.
Midfielder Harrison Reed, 25, is set to have his loan from Southampton made permanent for £8m.
SCHO POOR
Paul Scholes has hit out at United’s “abysmal” recruitment after Sir Alex Ferguson retired – and is glad they’re cutting ties with Alexis Sanchez.
The Old Trafford legend said: “The sooner they got rid of him the better. He was really poor for Man Utd.
“When Sir Alex [Ferguson] left, it was just part of a four or five-year spell where the recruitment was abysmal to say the least and he was just a part of that.
“He looked a very good player at Arsenal, his previous club at Barcelona as well, but for some reason at Man United it didn't work.
“I'm just grateful Ole's come in now and the recruitment looks to really be going in the right direction.
“Hopefully they won't make a mistake like a Sanchez mistake that's been made over the last four or five years.”
SCHO POOR
Paul Scholes has hit out at United’s “abysmal” recruitment after Sir Alex Ferguson retired – and is glad they’re cutting ties with Alexis Sanchez.
The Old Trafford legend said: “The sooner they got rid of him the better. He was really poor for Man Utd.
“When Sir Alex [Ferguson] left, it was just part of a four or five-year spell where the recruitment was abysmal to say the least and he was just a part of that.
“He looked a very good player at Arsenal, his previous club at Barcelona as well, but for some reason at Man United it didn't work.
“I'm just grateful Ole's come in now and the recruitment looks to really be going in the right direction.
“Hopefully they won't make a mistake like a Sanchez mistake that's been made over the last four or five years.”
TRANSFER ROMAS
U.S. billionaire Dan Friedkin has signed a deal to purchase the Italian Serie A soccer club AS Roma, the club has announced.
Roma said formal contracts with the Friedkin Group were signed on Wednesday for a transaction valued at £531million.
The transaction is anticipated to close by the of the month.
AS Roma president James Pallotta said in a statement: “We have signed the contracts tonight and, over the coming days, will now work together to complete the formal and legal process that will result in the club changing hands.
“Over the last month, Dan and Ryan Friedkin have demonstrated their total commitment to finalising this deal and taking the club forward in a positive way. I am sure they will be great future owners for AS Roma.”
A group of U.S. investors led by Pallotta bought AS Roma in 2012.
NUMBER CRUNCHER
Here are Gabriel Magalhaes’ stats this season, with the defender attracting interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Napoli.
Games played – 24
Goals – 1
Yellow cards – 3
Red cards – 0
Tackles – 41
Interceptions – 22
Duel win percentage – 67
Forward passes – 578
SMASH 'N GAB
Arsenal are making a move for Gabriel Magalhaes, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners have been on the look-out to strengthen their defence.
And they are now ahead of Manchester United and Napoli in the race for the Brazilian, 22.
BACK AKE
Chelsea had a 72-hour window to bid for Nathan Ake after Manchester City offered £41million for the ex-Bournemouth defender.
The Dutchman, 25, completed his move to the Etihad after signing a five-year deal.
Pep Guardiola moved quickly to sign Ake after the Cherries were relegated to the Championship.
But Manchester United and Chelsea both had doubts over the Dutchman’s lack of physicality, according to the Athletic.
It is cited as the main reason why neither Frank Lampard nor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were interested in moves for Ake.
BMW OUT OF SERVICE
Brentford are set to lose two parts of their BMW strikeforce after losing the play-off final to rivals Fulham, reports TOM BARCLAY.
Ollie Watkins is wanted by a host to top-flight clubs, including Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Leeds and Sheffield United.
It has been suggested the 24-year-old is available for £18million due to a clause in his contract – though Bees sources insist this is not the case.
Meanwhile £20m-rated team-mate Said Benrahma is understood to be interesting Villa and West Ham.
The duo and fellow strike partner Brian Mbeumo hit a combined 57 league goals this term.
'LEXIT
Alexis Sanchez will finally – and officially – leave Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed.
The £505,000-a-week flop's horror spell finally ends after the United boss revealed a deal was done.
Speaking after his side beat LASK 2-1 to confirm their safe passage into the Europa League quarter-finals, United boss Solskjaer was asked about the Sanchez transfer.
The Norwegian said: “I can confirm that.
“Alexis has had a good time over there, he's a good player and we wish him all the best.”
BUSY CITY
Man City want to sign FOUR more players before the new season starts on September 12.
Pep Guardiola is staying at the Eithad for another season at least and has seen the club respond to a trophyless campaign by making two signings already.
Nathan Ake has completed his £41m switch from relegated Bournemouth, while Ferran Torres will replace Leroy Sane after joining for an initial £20.8m plus add-ons.
But City still want more defenders, prioritising a left-back and another centre-back.
Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly is a top target, while further up the pitch the Citizens need to find long-term replacements for departing David Silva and ageing Sergio Aguero.
GOOD MORNING FOOTIE FANS
With the futures of Jadon Sancho and Willian still on a knife-edge, at least Manchester City finally tied up a major signing – £41million Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake.
And that seems certain to mean John Stones exiting the Etihadafter a hellish 18 months.
Manchester United's pursuit of Borussia Dortmund's England frontman Sancho, 20, is at a crawl as the clubs haggle over if and how the £108million asking price should be paid.
Meanwhile, Arsenal still seem sure to land Chelsea winger Willian 31, on a three-year deal, although there's been no clear development over the past 24 hours.
Elsewhere, Ryan Fraser's decision to walk out on Bournemouth could backfire.
The Scotland winger rejected a Cherries deal of around £67,000-a-week — but Crystal Palace are offering closer to £50k a week.
Interest from Arsenal and Tottenham seems to have cooled, giving hope to admirers like West Ham, Newcastle and Fulham.
The Magpies are also said to be keen on Fraser's Bournemouth team-mates Josh King and David Brooks.
And Alexis Sanchez should finally leave Old Trafford today on a permanent switch to loan club Inter Milan.
'NOT BEEN GOOD ENOUGH'
Of Jesse Lingard, United legend Paul Scholes told BT Sport: “I do think when he's playing well he has something to offer.
“I think lately he hasn't been good enough really.
“Is he a starting XI player if you're going to go on to win the league and big trophies at Man United? I'm not sure he is.
“When Ole took him off after an hour, I thought it was a sign that Ole is probably thinking of moving him on.
“When you've got fringe players and you need to get them games, tonight was the perfect opportunity for 90 minutes.
“I don't think he was particularly great in the game. I don't think there's any way in the world he will start the game on Monday.
“I think that was a sign, possibly with Fred as well, maybe the situation. He might be thinking of offloading the pair of them.”
JESSE MIGHT NEED TO GO
Paul Scholes thinks Jesse Lingard's days are numbered at Manchester United.
The 27-year-old scored against LASK as the Red Devils progressed to the Europa League quarter-finals.
It marked the first time Lingard has scored in back-to-back games for United since 2018.
But he was hauled off in the 63rd minute and replaced by Paul Pogba.
Scholes in convinced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's decision to take him off is a huge sign that he is on his way out.
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