Football transfer news and rumours

Sevilla sign Portugal striker Andre Silva 

Portuguese striker Andre Silva joined Sevilla on a season-long loan on Saturday after spending just one season at AC Milan where his chances of first-team footballappeared limited after the arrival of Gonzalo Higuain from Juventus.

Sevilla announced the deal on their website, adding that they have an option to make Silva's move a permanent arrangement.

The 22-year-old Silva moved to Milan last summer from Porto where he had scored 24 goals in 58 games.

But he was unable to repeat that form in Serie A, scoring 10 goals in 40 matches.

He made his international debut for Portugal in 2016 and has hit 12 goals in 26 appearances.


Spalletti expects Modric to stay at Madrid

Luciano Spalletti feels Luka Modric's interest in joining Inter is a "great sign" for the Italian club - but he still expects the midfielder to remain with Real Madrid.

Modric's future in the Spanish capital has been the subject of speculation, the Croatia international having been heavily linked with a move to Inter.

However, reports have also suggested the 32-year-old - who has helped Madrid be crowned champions of Europe in four of the past five seasons - could be set to sign a new contract with his employers.


Vieira will help Balotelli secure move from Nice

Nice will "try to do whatever is possible" to help Mario Balotelli seal a move away from the French club, according to the club’s manager Patrick Vieira.

The Italy international was not involved on Saturday as new boss Vieira suffered a losing start in Ligue 1, going down 1-0 at home to newly promoted Reims.

Vieira confirmed the player had made clear his desire to move on after two seasons to management at the Allianz Riviera, and therefore was not considered for selection.


Fenerbahce confirm Slimani loan deal from Leicester City

Fenerbahce have announced the signing of striker Islam Slimani from Leicester City.

The Turkish club revealed the arrival of the Algeria international on their official website, though Leicester are yet to confirm the deal.

According to Fenerbahce, Slimani will join them on loan for the 2018-19 season after completing a medical and signing a contract.


Odegaard poised for Championship loan

Real Madrid teenager Martin Odegaard could be set for a loan move to the Championship, reports the Mirror.

The 19-year-old Norwegian joined Los Blancos in January 2015 and made his only senior appearance later that year in May.

The attacking midfielder has spent the last 18 months on loan at Dutch outfit Heerenveen though and it is now believed Madrid wish to further his development with a spell in the English second-tier.


Madrid plan £200m Hazard bid

The European champions are desperate to have the Chelsea star replace Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid are preparing to launch a fresh £200 million (€224m/$255m) bid for Chelsea star Eden Hazard, reports the Daily and Sunday Express.

Mauricio Sarri has insisted his team will not sell Hazard, but Madrid want the Belgian international as their replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

And while they had a £150m valuation on Hazard, the club's officials will meet this week to decide whether to make one large, final bid before the La Liga window closes on August 31. 


Madrid want Eriksen as Modric replacement

The Spurs star would be the top choice if the World Cup Golden Ball winner joins Inter

Real Madrid have identified Tottenham star Christian Eriksen as their top choice to replace Luka Modric if the Croatia star leaves for Inter, according to the Sun.

Eriksen has two years remaining on his contract and has been in talks with Spurs, but that has left Madrid with an opportunity to pounce on the Denmark international. 


Mata and Herrera disappointed not to have received new deals

Manchester United duo Juan Mata and Ander Herrera are disappointed they are being made to play out the final years of their contracts, according to the Daily Star.

Both players had 12-month options triggered last season, which extended their current contracts through the 2018-19 campaign.

Mata and Herrera are likely to receive plenty of interest as their deals wind down, but both players are keen on remaining at Old Trafford.


Denayer rejects loan in hopes of permanent move

Manchester City defender Jason Denayer has refused the chance to go out on loan in hopes of securing a move to Galatasaray, reports the Daily Star.

Denayer turned down moves to both Leeds and Celtic as he has grown tired of short-term moves and looks to seal a permanent switch to Turkey.

Galatasaray are offering £m, £4m below City's price tag for the defender. 


Spurs regret not increasing Grealish bid earlier

Tottenham regret not making a harder push for Aston Villa's Jack Grealish earlier in the window, reports the Daily Star.

Spurs came in with £25m ($32m) bid and refused to budge while Villa, despite their financial woes, demanded £40m for the midfielder.

Tottenham believed those woes would force a sale, but after Villa's new billionaire owners bought controlling interest in the club, they refused to part with Grealish at any price.0)

*** Source: AFP, Reuters, Goal.com