BVB confirm Mario Gotze return
The big deal in Germany is done.
Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that Mario Gotze is returning from Bayern Munich after three years.
A £20million deal will take him back to the Westfalenstadion – £10million less than BVB sold him for in 2013.
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Mourinho issues Juventus warning over Pogba
Jose Mourinho has warned Juventus that Manchester United will look at other options if they continue to drag their heels over the Paul Pogba deal, writes David McDonnell in Shanghai.
United remain confident of landing Pogba in a world record £100million deal, but Mourinho said he has two other targets for his position and could switch to them if Juventus continue to stall.
Those two targets are understood to be Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic and Paris St Germain’s Blaise Matuidi, with Mourinho turning up the heat on Juve to try to get the deal over the line.
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Mauro Icardi confirms Milan stay
Mauro Icardi has been linked with a number of big-money moves this summer.
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are just two of the names that have been linked with the Argentine hitman.
And the player’s wife, Wanda Nara, has also offered up her thoughts recently, over talking to prospective suitors.
But Icardi himself has now spoken, giving an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport. And he’s made it clear where his future lies.
“I am here and I am happy here. That’s what I’ve always said. I have a contract with Inter until 2019, they’re my club.
“My families objective is to stay in Milan. I’ve never hidden the fact that my family is happy here and that goes for Wanda and the kids.
“Milan is our home. This is the reason why she is talking to the club. The aim is to find a solution.
“I’m not interested in rumours and I don’t give a lot of weight to what is said and written in the media. Everyone knows my intention [is to stay].”
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Long commits to Saints
Southampton have tied Shane Long down to a new four-year deal contract.
The Republic of Ireland international enjoyed his best season yet as a professional with the Saints last term, notching 13 times to secure European football under Ronald Koeman.
Long will hope to build on that under Claude Puel in the Europa League.
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West Brom target Juventus starlet Lemina
West Brom are ready to make an audacious bid for Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina, according to the Birmingham Mail.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan with the Old Lady from Marseille, but has since made his move permanent this summer.
Stoke had a £17million bid rejected, but the Baggies are prepared to go further to land the starlet.
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City agree fee for Kroos?
Manchester City have agreed a £60million fee for Real Madrid maestro Toni Kroos, according to The Sun.
The German international’s impact with Los Merengues waned a little last season with Luka Modric’s sensational performances.
Pep Guardiola will now make his move for the former Bayern midfielder in order to implement his style of play in the Premier League.
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West Brom to return with fresh bid for Leicester’s Jeffrey Schlupp
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Pjaca undertakes medical at Juventus
Juventus appear close to unveiling Croatia international Marko Pjaca.
The Dinamo Zagreb winger impressed at the Euros and is ready to move to Turin in a £21million deal.
The Bianconeri have already added Miralem Pjanic, Mehdi Benatia, Mario Lemina and Dani Alves. Massimiliano Allegri’s side appear in good shape to make a run for the Champions League even if Paul Pogba joins Manchester United.
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Halilovic leaves Barcelona for Hamburg
Barcelona’s starlet Alen Halilovic has joined Hamburg for £4.2million.
In an odd move that sees the Croatian prodigy depart the Camp Nou permanently, Barça have included a buy-back clause.
The Blaugrana can re-sign the youngster for £8.4million next summer.
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Dzeko ‘100%’ staying at Roma
Former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko will “100% stay”
“He’ll 100 per cent stay at Roma,” said the Bosnian’s agent Irfan Redzepagic.
“He wants to prove he’s a world-class player in the Giallorossi shirt.”
Dzeko endured a tough debut season in the Italian capital, scoring just eight Serie A goals in 31 games.
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Everton announce arrival of Steve Walsh
Everton have announced the appointment of Steve Walsh as their new Director of Football.
Walsh previously worked for Leicester as Assistant Manager and Head of Recruitment and is credited with discovering talent such as Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kanté.
Chairman Bill Kenwright said: “It’s great news to welcome Steve to our new era at Everton Football Club. His track record, particularly at Leicester City, is already the stuff of football folklore.”
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Spain have a new manager
Spain have announced Julen Lopetegui as their new manager.
The ex-Porto coach replaces Vicente Del Bosque, who stepped down after Euro 2016.
Lopetegui had been tipped to join Wolves when their Chinese takeover comes to fruition.
But the lure of the Spanish job has proven too much.
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Newcastle confirm Grant Hanley’s arrival
Grant Hanley is a Newcastle player, with the club confirming the signing of the Scot from Blackburn.
The 24-year-old comes in to fill a hole left by the departure of Fabricio Coloccini this week.
A fee of £5.5m appears to have got the job done as Rafa Benitez prepares for the new season.
