Transfer news and rumours LIVE – Lionel Messi on verge of new Barcelona deal, Spurs chase Mauricio Pochettino

Updated 02/06/2021 at 18:14 GMT

We’re back for another day of transfer activity, with Lionel Messi ready to commit his future to Barcelona for another two years, according to reports in Spain. Messi had been linked with a summer move to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. Elsewhere, Mauricio Pochettino continues to be linked with the Tottenham job – but will PSG let him leave?

Leo Messi

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19:15 Good night!

That is it for this evening - a decent day all in all, if not quite as busy as yesterday. Is Conte returning to London with Tottenham? We may find out in the coming days.

We will be back tomorrow morning!

Transfers

'You can't say no to Barca' - Bronze joins Barcelona on free transfer

18/06/2022 at 18:58

18:40 - Could Bale stay at Real?

The aforementioned Ancelotti has been speaking to the media for the first time since his reappointment - and opened the door for Gareth Bale to resurrect his career in Spain.

After his surprise departure from Everton, the Italian says he "loves" the Wales forward and believes he has the motivation to fight for his place after a season on loan at Tottenham.

Ancelotti also called Sergio Ramos a "very important" player - could he also be staying?

18:15 - Was Ancelotti second choice to Mourinho for Real?

Could Jose Mourinho have rejoined Real Madrid instead of his Bernabeu successor Carlo Ancelotti?!

According to Sam Wallace at the Daily Telegraph, the former Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham boss was approached by the Spanish side, despite only recently taking over at Italian club Roma.

17:35 - Wolves to have it Lage?

It's widely reported that Bruno Lage is a big step closer to filling the shoes of fellow Portuguese boss Nuno Espirito Santo at Wolves.

New Brexit rules made things a bit more complicated, but the former Benfica head coach has been granted a work permit and the final pieces of paperwork can now be sorted.

Lage has not yet had the most successful career as the main man in charge, but the Jorge Mendes client has plenty of experience in English football as Carlos Carvalhal's ex-assistant at Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday.

Bruno Lage is set to be appointed as the new Wolves boss in the coming days

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16:55 - 'It's a nice day'

While speculation over his future continues to swirl, Antonio Conte appears to be having a pleasant time at the seaside.

"It's a nice day," says the caption on the 51-year-old's Instagram post. Is that cryptic? Is he sending us a message? Or does he just mean it's a nice day. Which it is...

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?!

16:40 - Balbuena to La Liga?

Francis Balbuena could be on his way to Spain this summer with Manuel Pellegrini keen on working with the West Ham defender again.

Diario de Sevilla claims the Real Betis manager would like to move for the Paraguayan whose agents have made no secret of their desire to secure a transfer for their client this summer.

Balbuena is set to be released from his contract at the London Stadium this summer and there is no suggestion he will sign another deal to stay at the Hammers.

Sadio Mane of Liverpool takes on Fabian Balbuena of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on October 31, 2020 in Liverpool

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16:20 - Onana to Arsenal status

Arsenal are monitoring Andre Onana's appeal against a 12-month doping ban closely as they weigh up whether or not to move for the Ajax goalkeeper.

Goal report the Gunners are interested in Onana as doubts over Bernd Leno's standing as the club's long term number one continue to grow.

It's claimed contact was established between Arsenal and Ajax last January, but a transfer could hinge on the decision made by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

16:00 - Fabian on Atleti interest

Fabian Ruiz has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid this summer and the Napoli midfielder has now had his say on the speculation.

"My name linked to Atletico Madrid? It's nice that you talk about me and link my name to that of big clubs like Atletico Madrid. It's a reward for the work of these years," he told AS (via Calcio Mercato).

Fabian Ruiz Napoli Barcelona

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"But I know how these things go - one day they approach you with one team and the next with another."

Fabian would be an excellent signing for Atletico Madrid. The Spanish international would give the La Liga champions an element of control in the centre of the pitch.

15:35 - Sarri to Everton?

Calcio Mercato have news on Maurizio Sarri's future with Lazio setting a deadline of Friday for a decision on whether the former Chelsea and Juventus boss will take over.

However, they also report that Everton could be an option for the 62-year-old who has been out of work since leaving the Bianconeri at the end of last season.

Given some of the names that have been linked with the vacancy at Goodison Park (Eddie Howe, David Moyes etc) Sarri would surely be an attractive candidate for the Toffees.

15:15 - Aston Villa want Burnley striker

Aston Villa see Chris Wood as a summer target with Dean Smith keen to bring the Burnley striker to the club before the start of next season.

Football Inder claims Villa are likely to sign a new centre forward this summer to offer more depth in the attacking area and Wood has emerged as an option.

It's reported that three Premier League clubs are looking at the Burnley frontman who scored 12 times in 33 appearances for the Turf Moor side.

Burnley would apparently want a fee of between £30m and £40m for the 29-year-old. That seems like a lot...

Chris Wood

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14:50 - Conte to Spurs update

While not strictly transfer chat, there's an update on Tottenham Hotspur's interest in Antonio Conte as their next manager.

Sky Sports Italia journalist Angelo Mangiante claims talks are ongoing between the two parties, with Conte now available following his departure from Inter last week.

Adding more meat to the bones of speculation, it has also been reported by The Athletic that Spurs could reunite Conte with former Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici in North London. This feels like it's starting to get real!

14:35 - Ancelotti to spoil Man Utd's transfer plans?

As already referenced in this live blog a few times today, Ancelotti was hired as Real Madrid manager on Tuesday and news is already emerging over who he might target in the transfer market.

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claim Real Madrid could now make a move for Cristiano Ronaldo, spurning Manchester United's chances of re-signing the Portuguese forward.

Ronaldo is widely believed to be available this summer after a difficult season with Juventus and a return to Old Trafford has been mooted.

But a return to the Santiago Bernabeu could be more attractive to Ronaldo, especially with Ancelotti now back at the club.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus Celebrates 1-0 during the Italian Serie A match between Juventus v Internazionale at the Allianz Stadium on May 15, 2021 in Turin Italy

Image credit: Getty Images

14:20 - Chelsea and City target Locatelli

Manuel Locatelli is on the radar of both Chelsea and Manchester City with both Premier League clubs ready to bid for the Italian international midfielder.

The 23-year-old has been a star player for Sassuolo and is expected to secure a big money move away from the Serie A club, with Paris Saint-Germain also believed to be interested.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb Locatelli is a target for Chelsea and City with Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel both fans of the young midfielder.

13:40 - Ancelotti's transfer 'present'

Carlo Ancelotti was confirmed as the new Real Madrid manager on Tuesday and there are now reports he will be given a "present" in the transfer market by the club.

Gazzetta dello Sport claim Real Madrid will sign Kylian Mbappe for their new (old) manager, bringing to an end a transfer pursuit that has been years in the making.

Kylian Mbappe

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Indeed, Mbappe is seemingly destined to make the move to the Spanish capital and with still no news on a contract extension (his PSG contract expires next summer) now would look to be the right time to swoop.

What a present that would be for Ancelotti. Better than getting socks as a gift...

13:10 - Premier League interest in Celik

Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all reportedly interested in signing Zeki Celik after helping Lille to the Ligue 1 title last season.

The Evening Standard claims the 24-year-old, who has two years left on his contract at Lille, is valued at around €15m and is of interest to a number of Premier League clubs.

Inter are also looking closely at the Turkish international amid fears that Achraf Hakimi will leave the San Siro over the summer transfer window.

zeki celik lille

Image credit: Eurosport

Celik would be a good fit for Arsenal in particular, especially if Hector Bellerin is on his way out of the Emirates Stadium this summer, as has been speculated.

12:45 - Mkhi staying at Roma

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has signed a contract extension to stay at Roma until next summer following speculation about his future at the club.

Talk around the Armenian's next move intensified following news of Jose Mourinho's appointment, with the Portuguese coach struggling to get the best out of the player at Manchester United.

However, Mkhitaryan, who has been at Roma since 2019, has decided to stay in the Italian capital, in spite of Mourinho...

12:25 - Chelsea fire sale coming!

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel wants to strengthen his squad with as many as four new signings and the Blues are prepared to sell a number of players to help fund those moves.

The Daily Mail reports as many as 11 fringe figures could leave Stamford Bridge this summer with the likes of Tammy Abraham, Olivier Giroud and Ross Barkley all believed to be up for sale.

Tuchel wants a new centre forward to be signed this summer along with a centre back, a central midfielder and a wing back.

It could be an interesting summer at Stamford Bridge. It sounds like there will be a significant level of upheaval ahead of the start of next season!

Ross Barkley of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Southampton

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12:10 - PSG want to extend Kean loan

Some news that broke late last night - Paris Saint-Germain want to extend Moise Kean's loan deal from Everton for another season.

Football journalist Fabrizio Romano reports PSG are happy with the performances produced by the Italian, but only want to sign him on loan again rather than pay the purchase option to sign him permanently.

Everton will reportedly only make a decision on Kean's future once a new manager has been appointed following Carlo Ancelotti's exit from Goodison Park on Tuesday.

11:50 - Bayern still want CHO

Remember when Callum Hudson-Odoi decided to stay at Chelsea and warm the bench rather than make the move to Bayern Munich a couple years ago? Well, the Germans still want him!

That's according to BILD (via Sport Witness) who claim Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic still wants to sign the winger from the Stamford Bridge club.

At this point, Hudson-Odoi would surely be more open to a move away from Chelsea, such has been the lack of game time he has been afforded over the last season or so.

Competition for places at Bayern Munich would be stiff, but their long-standing interest suggests they have a plan on how to get the best out of the player.

11:35 - United interested in Trippier

Manchester United are reportedly lining up an offer to sign Kieran Trippier this summer, reigniting a long-term interest in the England international right back.

Manchester Evening News reports United see Trippier as a potential target after parking plans to move for him in the January transfer window.

The Atletico Madrid man was handed a 10-man suspension for breaching betting rules, scuppering a return to the Premier League for him.

However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants some competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right back and sees Trippier as someone who would provide that.

Trippier_Atlético_3.jpg

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11:20 - City's statement of intent

Sticking with Manchester City, chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak gave an interview to the club's site yesterday in which he made a pretty bullish statement of intent.

Having won the Premier League for the third time in the last four years, al-Mubarak hinted that City will spend big on one or two targets in the transfer market this summer.

"One of the things I've learned over the years is, you need to constantly bring in talent into the team, refresh and particularly when you are at a high level and when you're on the top," he said.

Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak

Image credit: Getty Images

“Having won the league, it is not the time to sit back and be content. That would be your biggest mistake.

“This is the time to send a strong message, that there's no contentment, that you're not satisfied with just winning the league."

That noise is the rest of the Premier League gulping...

11:05 - City in touch with Silva's agents

It's an open secret that Manchester City are in the market for a new centre forward this summer following the exit of Aguero and a surprise target has emerged.

According BILD (via Sport Witness), the Premier League champions have made contact with the agents of Andre Silva who could cost €40m this summer.

Silva enjoyed an excellent 2020/21 season for Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 28 goals in 32 Bundesliga games, but is he the man Pep Guardiola needs?

Having been linked with the likes of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, a move for Silva might be somewhat underwhelming, even if it would be a sensible signing.

André Silva - Eintracht Frankfurt

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10:50 - Aguero had other offers!

Monday saw Sergio Aguero complete a move to Barcelona and Mundo Deportivo have more details on how the Argentine ended up at the Camp Nou.

They claim Aguero turned down more lucrative offers to sign for Barca with the striker taking a significant pay cut to make the move to the Catalan club.

It's believed Juventus offered Aguero more money than Barcelona, but the 32-year-old wouldn't be swayed in his decision. He really, really wanted to play with his best mate, Messi. That's sweet.

10:35 - Atleti in for Cucurella

Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in signing left wing back Marc Cucurella this summer after another impressive season for Getafe.

Cucurella, whose loan move from Barcelona was made permanent last summer, is on Diego Simeone's radar as he looks to strengthen his squad.

Mundo Deportivo claims the Spanish champions could sign Cucurella from Getafe for a fee of around €15m, which would represent pretty decent business for a player of such ability.

10:20 - Inter want Celtic striker

Odsonne Edouard's name has been a staple of the transfer gossip column for some time and the Celtic striker is now being linked with a move to the Italian champions.

Calcio Mercato claims Inter are taking a look at the Frenchman ahead of a potential summer move with Edouard believed to be on his way out of Celtic.

Odsonne Edouard, attaquant de l'équipe de France espoirs sélectionné pour l'Euro U21.

Image credit: Getty Images

Edouard, who scored 22 goals in 40 games for Celtic last season, has just 12 months left on his contract, so this will be the Scottish champions' last chance to get a big fee for their best player.

Would Edouard's arrival at the San Siro mean someone leaving Inter? Romelu Lukaku perhaps?

10:05 - Emerson back to Barca!

Some confirmed news here - Barcelona have announced the return of Emerson Royal to the club from Real Betis after an impressive season.

Indeed, the right back has impressed for Manuel Pellegrini's side, convincing Barcelona to buy the player's full rights (they owned half his rights) for around €9m (according to reports).

Emerson will give Barcelona decent depth in the full back positions. While the Catalans haven't made waves in the transfer market this summer so far, they are making some smart additions. This could be one of them.

09:50 - Firpo to the Premier League?

More news from Spain, and from Barcelona. Junior Firpo is reportedly on his way out of Barcelona and the full back could apparently be on his way to the Premier League.

Sport claims Firpo has offers from Southampton and West Ham United this summer as he looks for more regular first team football.

It's claimed the two Premier League clubs have been talking to Barcelona over a deal for Firpo for days and that the Catalan club wants a fee of €16m for the player.

Firpo has long had significant potential, but has endured a difficult Barca career and has never been able to achieve much consistency. It's probably the right time for him to move on.

Junior Firpo (Barcellona) durante il match di Supercoppa spagnola contro la Real Sociedad, gennaio 2021 (Getty Images)

Image credit: Getty Images

09:35 - Update on Spurs' Poch chase

Tottenham Hotspur still want Mauricio Pochettino to make a sensational return to the club this summer, but there's a disappointing update (from their perspective) on that.

Football journalist Fabrizio Romano reports PSG are still convinced Pochettino will remain at the Parc des Princes for next season, pointing to the two-year contract he is tied to.

According to Romano, Spurs contacted Pochettino a few days ago, but recognise they may have to turn their attentions to other targets, even if the Argentine wants a return.

09:15 - Messi close to new Barcelona deal

Good morning and welcome to Eurosport's transfers live blog. We'll be bringing you updates of all the reports and rumours as they emerge today, starting with news from Spain!

According to AS, Lionel Messi is on the verge of agreeing a new two-year contract with Barcelona, putting an end intense speculation over his future at the club.

Of course, Messi made clear his desire to leave the Camp Nou last summer, but now seems to have been persuaded to stay by new (old) president Joan Laporta and his best pal Sergio Aguero, who signed for Barca on Monday.