Good morning and welcome to Sports Mole's live transfer blog on Tuesday, August 5.
As you'd expect with under four weeks to go before the transfer window closes, numerous deals are being completed around the world, while the rumour mill has gone into overdrive.
Here, Sports Mole will keep you updated with all the big news throughout the course of the day.
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
How's that to leave you wanting more from Sports Mole's live transfer blog? We will continue to bring you all of the latest gossip and done deals tomorrow. Until then...
A big story to leave you with, and Manchester United have apparently lodged a bid for £30m-rated Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado. The Colombian winger impressed during his country's run to the World Cup and has been linked with Barcelona, but United seem to have made the first move.
DONE DEAL! Wigan Athletic manager Uwe Rosler has used his contacts at Manchester City to sign highly-rated midfielder Emyr Huws on loan until January. The 20-year-old penned a contract extension at the Etihad Stadium until 2016 on Tuesday and has been sent to the Latics for regular football.
There could be movement elsewhere in the Championship soon, too, with Brighton & Hove Albion believed to be closing in on the permanent signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Stephen Ward. The Republic of Ireland international spent last season on loan with the Seagulls.
DONE DEAL: News of a departure from Blackburn Rovers, who have allowed Spanish attacker Ruben Rochina to return to La Liga with Spanish side Granada on a four-year contract.
Two players that could be leaving the City Ground are strikers Simon Cox and Jamie Mackie. Their Championship rivals Reading are believed to be keen on a double deal for the strikers.
New Nottingham Forest manager Stuart Pearce has already made seven signings this summer, but the former England international is not yet content with his squad and is believed to be keen on adding pacey Sheffield Wednesday winger Michail Antonio to his attacking options.
Reports this evening are claiming that Chico Flores could be on his way out of Swansea City to reunite with former manager Michael Laudrup at Qatari club Lekhwiya. The Dane signed the defender during his time in charge at the Liberty Stadium, but Garry Monk is not thought to be as big a fan.
Right, that is just about it from me tonight! I will leave you in the capable hands of Joe Fish, who will take you into the early hours of the morning and keep you up to date with any clubs doing their business nice and late. Over to you Joe...
One team that have been incredibly busy during this transfer window - for better or worse - is Southampton. A number of key players have departed the club, as has manager Mauricio Pochettino, but chairman Ralph Krueger has insisted that it would have been more dangerous for him to keep the likes of Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Rickie Lambert against their will. However, he has also described the transfer window so far as a "summer of pain", so he clearly isn't too happy with the amount of change going on in such a short space of time.
We also have the full story on the news I brought you a little earlier that Bayern Munich have agreed a fee for Pepe Reina. Just the medical now stands in the Spaniard's way of joining the German champions from Liverpool.
Sticking with the Championship, you can catch up with the business that all 24 clubs have conducted over the last seven days with our club-by-club guide. All of the gossip, done deals and rumours in one handy place, what more could you ask for?
DONE DEAL! It has been in the pipeline for a few days, but it is now official - Norwich City striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel will spend the entire season on loan at Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne. The 26-year-old really struggled during his solitary season in England, scoring just one goal in 27 appearances having joined for a club-record fee.
Earlier tonight we brought you the report that Bayern Munich had agreed terms with Liverpool over the transfer of Pepe Reina, and the German champions have now confirmed the news themselves. The Spaniard looks destined for the Allianz Arena and a place on the bench behind Manuel Neuer.
© Getty Images
The World Cup already seems like a long time ago, but Fulham certainly haven't forgotten the exploits of a certain Giancarlo Gonzalez - one of the key components of surprise package Costa Rica's defence. The Championship club have reportedly made an offer to Columbus Crew for his services, but the £2m bid has been rejected.
Juventus have never been too far away from the headlines during this summer transfer window, with plenty of speculation surrounding their midfield duo of Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba. The latter of those players has moved to end his own saga, however, insisting that he is not thinking about leaving the club. That is a huge boost for the Italian champions, with the Frenchman regarded as one of the brightest young talents in world football.
An interesting changeover there from Pascal, but he's right on all counts. I am here to guide you through the next three hours of what has already been a busy day in the transfer window, and if I make a few people laugh along the way then c'est la vie.
Righty ho, time for me to pass you on to Barney Corkhill for the next three hours. He can sometimes be funny, so hopefully today is one of those days. Barns...
It's highly unlikely that Thomas Vermaelen will still be an Arsenal player come September, and it looks like Barcelona are going to make a run at the Belgian.
Napoli last season, now Bayern Munich? It looks like Pepe Reina could become Manuel Neuer's back-up at the German champions. Read more.
An update from Southampton, who look set to announce a new signing tomorrow:
Saphir Taïder to #SaintsFC not going to be confirmed until Wednesday now. Not sure why there has been a delay.
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) August 5, 2014
TRANSFER UPDATE! After several done deals this afternoon, tonight's transfer update is a biggy! Check it out here.
Although he may struggle for many Premier League starts this season, John Obi Mikel is reportedly going to stay at Chelsea.
© Getty Images
© Getty Images
Gus Poyet's next target for Sunderland is reportedly teenage Atletico Madrid centre-back Jose Giminez.
To Spain, where Rayo Vallecano have completed the double loan signing of Villarreal pair Jonathan Pereira and Javier Aquino. More here.
Blackpool's mad dash to assemble a squad in time for the new season is just about done now. They've got themselves a decent goalkeeper in Joe Lewis, who joins on a season-long loan from Cardiff City.
Thank you, Jacky. A quick story to bring you is that Cian Bolger has permanently joined Southend United, leaving Bolton Wanderers without making a senior appearances in 18 months at the Championship side.
That's all from me for this evening, but I'm pleased to say that Pascal Lemesre will be with you until 8pm to keep you up to date with all of the latest developments in the transfer window. Adios!
Valentin Roberge has insisted that he does not want to leave Sunderland this summer. The 27-year-old has struggled for first-team football since arriving at the Premier League club on a free transfer in 2013.
ANOTHER DONE DEAL! Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the signing of midfielder Jordon Mutch from Cardiff City. The 22-year-old has moved to Loftus Road on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £4m.
DONE DEAL! Norwich City have confirmed the arrival of midfielder Gary O'Neil on a two-year contract. The 31-year-old moves to Carrow Road after his release by Queens Park Rangers at the end of last season.
© Getty Images
Sebastian Coates has hinted that he may have to leave Liverpool if he is not included in the starting lineup on a regular basis next season. The 23-year-old has made just 24 appearances for the club since his arrival at Anfield in 2011 and last season he was loaned out to his boyhood team Nacional.
Former Sunderland midfielder Don Hutchinson has urged manager Gus Poyet to look for alternative options to Fabio Borini. The Italian spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light, where he scored a number of important goals as the Black Cats retained their Premier League status, as well as reaching the final of the League Cup.
Leeds United have completed the signing of Nicky Ajose from Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee. The former Manchester United trainee has agreed a three-year contract at Elland Road, having spent the previous three seasons with The Posh.
Nottingham Forest owner Fawaz Al Hasawi has defended his decision to sell two key players without consulting manager Stuart Pearce. The Forest boss claimed on Tuesday that he was in need of answers after it was reported that Jamaal Lascelles and Karl Darlow were close to joining Newcastle United.
DONE DEAL! West Bromwich Albion have secured the signing of full-back Cristian Gamboa from Rosenborg. The 24-year-old is thought to have agreed a switch to The Hawthorns a number of days ago, but the move was held up because of work permit issues. A busy day for the Baggies.
Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson has played down speculation linking the club with Sporting Lisbon striker Islam Slimani. It was reported last month that the Foxes were leading the chase to land the 26-year-old Algeria international.
DONE DEAL! West Bromwich Albion have completed the signing of Jason Davidson on a two-year contract. The 23-year-old has arrived at The Hawthorns for an undisclosed fee from Dutch club Heracles Almelo, where he had spent the previous three years.
Good afternoon! Right let's start with a bit of reaction to last week's big-money move for Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea to Everton. Former Toffees defender Martin Keown has told Sports Mole that he is unsure whether the £28m fee represents value for money. You can read what he's had to say on the transfer here.
Right, that is just about me for this afternoon. However, be sure to stick with us as I pass the baton onto Jack Prescott, who will lead you through the next few hours!
Staying in Spain and Villarreal and Elche will reportedly go head-to-head for the signing of Serbian winger Milos Krasic this summer. The 29-year-old, who is widely expected to leave Fenerbahce this summer, has been linked with a number of European clubs in recent weeks.
Back to Spain for a moment and Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez has reportedly rejected the advances of Monaco this summer and will instead complete a move to Italian giants AC Milan. Lopez was Madrid's first-choice stopper in La Liga last season, with his performances keeping Iker Casillas on the sidelines in the league. However, the arrival of Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas this summer has reportedly signalled the end of Lopez's career at the Bernabeu.
#SAFC are delighted to confirm the signing of @JackRodwell from @MCFC on a five-year contract. #HawayRodwell pic.twitter.com/duHy4SQy7j
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 5, 2014
DONE DEAL! Sunderland have signed Jack Rodwell from Manchester City on a five-year deal.
Switching the focus to the European football for a moment and Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has denied reports that the Serie A club are interested in signing Barcelona right-back Dani Alves this summer.
Sammy Ameobi has admitted that he is playing for his Newcastle United future this season. The 22-year-old has been with the Magpies since 2008, but has still not scored a single Premier League goal for the club.
Cardiff City midfielder Gary Medel has moved a step closer to joining Inter Milan after arriving in Italy this afternoon. The Chilean has said that he wants to "emulate" Esteban Cambiasso, who departed Inter on a free transfer this summer after 10 years at the club.
© Getty Images
Want all the latest done deals and speculation? Take a look at Sports Mole's 1pm transfer update here.
Staying in England, this time with Manchester United. The future of Marouane Fellaini continues to drag on and Napoli boss Rafa Benitez has hinted at a move for the Belgian international.
Switching back to England and Tottenham Hotspur, who are believed to be preparing a £15m offer for PSV Eindhoven's Memphis Depay. Manchester United are also said to be interested, but have not yet submitted an official offer for the Netherlands international.
DONE DEAL! Some news from Spain - Villarreal have completed the signing of Argentine youngster Luciano Vietto on a five-year deal from Racing Club. A number of Premier League clubs had been linked with the attacker, but the Yellow Submarine have swooped to complete the deal.
Thanks Liam, afternoon all! The season is fast approaching and managers around the globe are doing their best to complete deals. What will today bring?
And that is my stint on this blog done for today, but don't fear because Matt Law will be here shortly to guide you through the next three hours. Over to you, Matt.
DONE DEAL! There had been rumours that Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo was heading for the Premier League this summer, but that will not happen. The Paraguayan centre-forward has just secured a switch to Turkish side Trabzonspor.
Now let's head down to the Championship and Birmingham City, who appear resigned to the fact that they will be losing Tom Adeyemi this summer. Reports have claimed that the midfielder has handed in a transfer request, but manager Lee Clark has urged the player not to move to another club in the second tier because he has the quality to play in the Premier League.
Turning attention back to Man United for a moment and it promises to be a busy few weeks on the transfer front at Old Trafford. While departures are expected, it's also widely accepted that new signings need to be made as well. Sports Mole caught up with the club's former striker Michael Owen to find out where he believes the team needs strengthening.
Last month Spanish attacker Michu sealed a loan switch away from Swansea City to Serie A outfit Napoli. Today, the 28-year-old has been discussing the reasons behind his desire to move, which appears to centre around the lure of playing in the Champions League for the first time in his career.
© Getty Images
Many Manchester United players can be forgiven for feeling a little uncertain about things this morning. As the team prepare to return to England from the USA, new manager Louis van Gaal is expected to inform some of his squad that they are not in his plans for the new Premier League season. To find out who is reportedly on the verge of being sold, click here.
Let's begin with a look at some of the bigger headlines from the last few hours:
Report: Liverpool agree Alberto Moreno fee
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur back in for Wilfried Bony?
Juan Cuadrado agent confirms Barcelona talks
Rafael Marquez back in Europe with Hellas Verona
Watford loan Gianni Munari from Parma
Morning all. With most Premier League clubs returning from their pre-season tours, we should see more deals being completed - not that we are solely focused here on events in England. Should anything happen, we'll keep you updated right here so stay tuned.
Written by
Liam Apicella
Liam Apicella
