Transfer news live - Chelsea's De Jong bid plus Raphinha and Paqueta updates

The Frenkie de Jong transfer saga has taken a late twist, with Chelsea looking to hijack Manchester United's move and owner Todd Boehly touching down in Barcelona to help make a move to Stamford Bridge happen.

The Chelsea chief sat down with Camp Nou officials at a restaurant on Thursday evening, insisting "we're here for a meal", but hoping to make the Dutchman his main course.

Being gazumped on De Jong would be a significant blow for United - particularly with Cristiano Ronaldo's situation. He's expected to miss pre-season as he pushes for the exit.

Elsewhere, Arsenal are continuing their summer push for new transfers seeking signing No.5, while Liverpool have handed Joe Gomez a new deal, with two more in the offing.

Stick with us for all the latest on that and the rest of the deals in the pipeline this summer.

08:27Tom Blow

Man Utd youngster drops transfer hint

Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri has suggested he could spend the 2022/23 campaign out on loan.

The 20-year-old has just completed an 18-month loan spell at Spanish outfit Alaves.

"Right now, I want to feel good again after the holidays, well trained, more than anything because this year is very important both at club and national team level," he recent told reporters in Uruguay.

"You have to be ready for everything and prepare well. I want to have the maximum continuity of minutes to try to arrive well.

"I'm not looking for a particular league. It's easy to say 'earn minutes' because nobody promises them to you, and you have to earn them. It's a complicated search, but I'm going to try to find the best option to play, show myself and feel good."

08:07KEY EVENT

Chelsea lead Raphinha race

Chelsea are the favourites to sign Leeds winger Raphinha, according to the Evening Standard.

A number of clubs are believed to be interested in the 25-year-old, including Barcelona.

But the Catalan giants are yet to submit an offer.

07:32KEY EVENT

Paqueta battle continues

Lucas Paqueta is yet to receive a concrete offer from a Premier League club, according to Chronicle Live.

The Brazil international, 24, is reportedly a target for Arsenal and Newcastle.

Paqueta has two years left on his existing Lyon deal.

07:12Tom Blow

Good morning!

Hello and welcome to our live transfer blog!

We've got more news and gossip coming up throughout the day.

Stay tuned!

22:57Tom Blow

Goodnight!

That's all we've got time for tonight!

Join us on Saturday morning for more transfer news and gossip.

22:48Tom Blow

Zaha heading to Rome?

Roma boss Jose Mourinho is interested in signing Wilfried Zaha, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

It's believed Roma have not opened discussions with Crystal Palace... just yet.

22:15Tom Blow

Fiorentina sign Jovic

Fiorentina have signed Luka Jovic from Real Madrid on a two-year loan.

The Italian side have the option to make the transfer permanent in 2024.

21:45Tom Victor

Ferdinand identifies two standout targets

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has identified Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham and West Ham stalwart Declan Rice as two "standout" midfielders as Erik ten Hag's side pursue summer reinforcements.

United have been linked with a number of midfield targets, including former Ajax stars Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen.

However, a deal for Eriksen is yet to be announced and Chelsea have joined the De Jong race, so Ferdinand has thrown more names into the hat.

Click here to read more

21:10Tom Blow

Chelsea want Ake

Chelsea are interested in re-signing Nathan Ake, according to Sky Sports News.

The Manchester City defender, 27, made just 14 Premier League appearances last season.

Chelsea are also close to signing Raheem Sterling from City.

20:40Tom Blow

Di Maria joins Juventus

Angel Di Maria has signed a one-year contract at Juventus.

The former Manchester United winger, 34, left Paris Saint-Germain last month.

20:27Mike Walters

Ten Hag surprised by youth players

Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal won places on Manchester United 's pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia after impressing new boss Erik ten Hag.

As United set off for Thailand with a 28-man squad, Savage and Iqbal were the first youngsters to catch the Dutchman's eye in the first week of training under new management.

Savage and Iqbal made their debuts as late substitutes against Young Boys in the Champions League group stage last season. And their career paths remain on parallel lines with Savage, 19, surpassing his father Robbie's footnote in the club's record books.

Click here to read more

19:58KEY EVENT

Chelsea make De Jong move

New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly had dinner with Barcelona supremo Joan Laporta with £63million Frenkie de Jong on the menu.

The Blues are poised to pinch the Barcelona midfielder from under the noses of Manchester United, who have been in advanced talks for his services. De Jong, 25, is desperate to stay at the Nou Camp, having described Barcelona as his "dream club".

But with the Spanish giants confident of recouping the £63million they paid Ajax for him in 2019, he remains up for grabs. While United boss Erik ten Hag has a working relationship with De Jong from his time in Holland, Chelsea can offer the superstar Champions League football.

Boehly is keen to make a series of statement signings to make good on his promise to keep the Club World Cup champions competitive. Asked by a journalist why he was in Barcelona, Boehly smiled and replied: "We're here for a meal."

Click here to read more

19:28KEY EVENT

Suarez to be reunited with Messi?

Luis Suarez has been linked with a move to Inter Miami and a potential reunion with former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi.

Paris Saint-Germain star Messi is tipped to join Miami in the future and free agent Suarez has rejected an offer from River Plate.

Yet Suarez has denied rumours linking him with Miami.

"Play with Messi at Inter Miami? That is not real," recently said Suarez, as quoted by GOAL. "Many things are said. We players cannot go out 24 hours a day to deny what they say.

"We let them talk; we let them say. Leo has his future in Paris. Then I don't know where he will want to retire."

19:05Tom Blow

Tottenham sign Lenglet

Tottenham have announced the signing of Clement Lenglet on a season-long loan from Barcelona.

The centre-back, 27, has 15 senior caps for France and has previously won the La Liga title, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana.

18:34Tom Blow

Fiorentina sign Gollini

Fiorentina have announced the signing of Pierluigi Gollini.

The goalkeeper, 27, joins from Atalanta. He's previously played for Aston Villa and Tottenham... and was on the books at Manchester United as a youngster.

17:57Colin Millar

Dani Alves confuses fans

Dani Alves has confused fans after posing in the new kit of Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Barcelona for the second time in his career.

Barca did not extend the short-term contract of Alves even though the veteran right-back was hoping to stay at the club for at least the first half of next season to keep his World Cup dream alive, meaning that he is now a free agent and on the lookout for a new club.

Click here to read more

17:31Josh O'Brien

Ronaldo's behaviour being discussed

Cristiano Ronaldo's demand to leave Manchester United for a Champions League club has rocked the Red Devils but Erik ten Hag may want to think twice before parting ways with the forward.

The 37-year-old feels as if the club have not shown the kind of ambition he was hoping to see from them as they look to bounce back from the worst season of their Premier League history last time out. As things stand, United have made just one purchase in the form of young Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia.

With that being said, the club are thought to be on the verge of securing their second addition in former Spurs star Christian Eriksen. United continue to push for their priority target Frenkie de Jong, but progress in that particular pursuit has stalled in recent days.

Click here to read more

17:13John Cross

Power struggle at Barcelona

Ousmane Dembele is being caught up in a power struggle at Barcelona.

Dembele, 25, a summer target for Chelsea, was on the brink of signing a new deal at the Nou Camp this week after his representatives held fresh talks with Barcelona this week. Barcelona coach Xavi is desperate to keep Dembele who is now a free agent after his previous contract at the club expired at the end of June.

But sporting director Mateu Alemany is championing Leeds winger Raphinha and has different views to Xavi and their differing views have effectively put BOTH deals on hold. Alemany wants to make his own mark with a big deal for Raphinha despite a potential £60m deal being involved - and the coach wanting them to keep Dembele.

Click here to read more

16:42KEY EVENT

Newcastle's Asensio boost

Real Madrid will accept just £35million for Marco Asensio, according to Spanish outlet AS.

Newcastle are leading the race for the player's signature with Arsenal and Liverpool also reportedly interested.

16:23KEY EVENT

Arsenal want Bennacer

Arsenal are interested in re-signing Ismael Bennacer, as reported by Yahoo Sport.

The midfielder, 24, was on the books at Arsenal between 2015 and 2017 but never played in the Premier League.

He is now at AC Milan, helping them win the Serie A title last season.

Arsenal are reportedly willing to offer €40million (£34m) for Bennacer.

15:43David Anderson

Raphinha's transfer patience

Raphinha is prepared to hold out for his dream move to Barcelona - despite his increasing desperation to quit Leeds.

Raphinha reported back for pre-season training on Thursday and Leeds boss Jesse Marsch admits he wants to leave Elland Road urgently.