With the summer transfer window now open, join us for the latest updates from across Europe. Find all completed transfers here if you're looking to catch up with the latest deals.
TOP STORIES: Van Persie agrees Fenerbahce move
A report appearing in both The Guardian and Turkish-football.com claims Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has agreed terms on a move to Fenerbahce, citing a source close to the Turkish club.
Exclusive: Van Persie agrees terms with Fenerbahce http://t.co/FhvqzIUb7p @Turkish_Futbol @JamieJackson___ Pic: Getty pic.twitter.com/EzcOBpBDhE
- Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) July 4, 2015
Van Persie didn't have the best of seasons under his former Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal last season and has been linked with an exit for some time.
The report claims the 31-year-old's agent, Kees Vos, has spent the last two days in Istanbul and, with Van Persie's wife now having consented to a move to Turkey, everything looks to be in place.
TOP STORIES: Arturo Vidal set for Real Madrid move
La Tercera in Chile claims that Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal is joining Real Madrid. It's said he's agreed a five-year contract and that only the formalities need to be completed.
Arturo Vidal tiene listo su arribo a Real Madrid http://t.co/bQ77of6paV pic.twitter.com/PorJKeqaDr
- La Tercera (@latercera) July 4, 2015
Of course, we heard very similar talk about the Chile international joining Arsenal very recently, and that turned out to be wide of the mark, but it would be little surprise if Rafa Benitez looked to make a big signing this summer, and the former Napoli boss will be well aware of the midfielder's abilities.
LIVE BLOG:
22.05 BST: More from Merseyside, as TalkSPORT are reporting that Liverpool are targeting Barcelona's Pedro as a contingency plan if and when Raheem Sterling flies the Kop (get it?) this summer. Pedro is in a similar situation to Munir in that they are both stuck behind a trio of attackers that's pretty hard to crack in Messi, Suarez and Neymar.
21.31 BST: Liverpool have already had a busy summer of signings landing Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino among others. But Brendan Rodgers might not be done yet if the latest from the Daily Star is to be believed. The outlet are reporting that Lazio's Keita Balde Diao would fancy a move to Anfield, with the player's agent saying, "[Liverpool] is a destination we would like...I have not had any direct contact with Liverpool." Okay then.
And his spending could be about to continue, with Diao's agent claiming his client wants a switch to Liverpool.
21.11 BST: Remember Munir El Haddadi? Of course you do. The electrifying Spanish forward forced his way into Luis Enrique's plans at Barcelona at the start of the 2014-15 La Liga campaign when Luis Suarez was out with an injury. Both Chelsea and Arsenal are said to be interested, with the latter making an official enquiry according to the Express, However, it seems Enrique is keen to keep the 19-year-old at Barca, having already turned down a reported offer from Ajax.
20.05 BST: A tug of war might be developing in Italy over Azzurri right-back Matteo Darmian.
Allow us to explain: the 25-year-old Torino wing-back is highly coveted this summer by a slew of top clubs, including Bayern Munich and Napoli. But AS Roma have reportedly snuck to the front of the line, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport: club director Walter Sabatini met with Torino president Urbano Cairo regarding a deal for the defender, whose price tag could be around €20 million.
And then, this:
Manchester United interested in Torino's Darmian: the situation http://t.co/vyFlio1ZEP
- David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) July 4, 2015
The one unifying element in all these reports surrounding Darmian is that he will be sold, but would Torino offload him to a Serie A rival? Or would a club further afield make the most sense?
Go ahead, Man United fans: it's okay to google Darmian's name. You might need to get to know him in a hurry...
19.58 BST: Lo, Lukas Podolski has been unveiled as the newest member of Galatasaray. Check out the action.
19.51 BST: We'd be naughty for suggesting that this has any direct connection to transfer rumours but there's a fun video out involving Cristiano Ronaldo that you might enjoy.
When quizzed about his future at Real Madrid following some glowing comments about his new manager, Rafael Benitez, the Portuguese superstar simply refused to answer and walked out of the interview!
Naturally, this means he's off to PSG next week.
19.27 BST: Here's a fun one involving someone expected to play a significant role in Saturday night's Copa America final. The Daily Star reports (via Spanish media) that Valencia CF are all set to announce the signing of Argentina defender Ezequiel Garay from Zenit St. Petersburg.
There are no hints at an agreed-upon fee, but that's a big move for the Spanish side given that Manchester United and Arsenal were both reportedly kicking the tires on the 28-year-old defender.
18.51 BST: Small news involving Real Madrid who've announced the exit of two players today. Defender Derik Osede (22, one of many Castilla captains under Zinedine Zidane) has been released while 19-year-old Sergio Molina is reportedly heading to Stoke City.
18.39 BST: Time for Newcastle United to get in the transfer mix, and not from a seller's perspective, either!
The Mirror reports that Steve McClaren's close to capturing Northampton Town striker Ivan Toney for a fee of around £300,000. The 19-year-old forward ended up on the radar after a decent season for the League Two side and in McClaren's push to infuse his latest club with some hungry young talent, it appears Toney is the answer.
We're not sure what the question is.
18.28 BST: Another nugget involving Internazionale here as Chile midfielder Gary Medel isn't leaving the Serie A side this summer.
Says who? His agent, Fernando Felicevich, that's who.
"Are Galatasaray in talks for Gary? No, no, no... There is absolutely nothing concrete with them. They have a zero percent chance of getting him. His present and future is Inter: he will stay 100 percent."
So there you have it. There had been talk of an exchange that sent Felipe Melo to Italy and the Chilean the other way, but Medel's agent laughs in the face of such suggestions, clearly.
18.11 BST: It seems like the spotlight of the footballing world is firmly on the Turkish Super Lig today given the completed deals sending Lukas Podolski to Galatasaray and Robin van Persie to Fenerbahce. And now, it's the turn of mid-tier Antalyaspor to try and seize the spotlight with an audacious bid for... Lionel Messi?
It would appear that club president Gultekin Gencer is bullish about his team's chances of luring the Barcelona and Argentina star to Turkey when he winds down at the Camp Nou.
"I hope that the president who succeeds me is capable of bringing Messi here in five years' time," said Gencer, presumably after they signed a pair of former Barca stars, Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho, this summer.
So maybe you shouldn't rush out and get a personalised shirt just yet...
17.45 BST: How about some Ivan Perisic news? Cool? Okay, here we go.
Wolfsburg director of sport Klaus Allofs has told the Croatian's suitor, Internazionale, to stay away! Says Allofs: "I know that Inter have set their sights on Perisic and they are not the only club to be tracking him. We have no intention of selling. Besides, I don't think this move would be economically convenient for the Nerazzurri."
The Bundesliga side rate Perisic, 26, around €20 million and don't seem to think the Serie A club have the clout to meet that valuation, especially considering their summer spending so far: Geoffrey Kondogbia (€35 million), Miranda (€15 million), Jeison Murillo (€8 million) and Martin Montoya (loan), along with a new contract for unsettled striker Mauro Icardi.
Will Roberto Mancini eventually get his man?
17.26 BST: Samir Nasri has strongly rejected a report claiming he asked to return to Arsenal, insisting he wants to stay at Manchester City. Story here.
Never asked anyone to comeback!! Really happy where i am right now so stop with your silly story
- Samir Nasri Official (@SamNasri19) July 4, 2015
17.08 BST: Mainz general manager Christian Heidel has told Die Welt he is worried by the financial power of Premier League clubs after Leicester paid €11 million for 29-year-old Shinji Okazaki. Full story here.
16.52 BST DONE DEAL Valencia have signed Spain under-19 international Santi Mina from Celta Vigo. Story here.
TEAM - Las primeras declaraciones de Santi Mina como valencianista, AQUÍ http://t.co/yrhR2cl5FH #SantiMina2021 pic.twitter.com/Zf2VWmoNF1
- Valencia CF (@valenciacf) July 4, 2015
16.22 BST: Sergio Ramos can't even attend a wedding without being asked if he's joining Manchester United, but he's not giving much away. Click here for the latest from the Real Madrid man.
16.05 BST: Crystal Palace star Yannick Bolasie has told Sky Sports News he does not expect to join Tottenham next season. He had favourited a tweet linking him with Spurs but said that was simply because he had his "phone in my pocket" and added: "You never know but I think I'll be in a Palace shirt next season."
15.34 BST: Atletico Madrid are waiting for Toby Alderweireld's future to be resolved before making a move for Anderlecht centre-back Chancel Mbemba, AS reports. Anderlecht apparently want €20 million for their 20-year-old DR Congo international.
15.09 BST DONE DEAL Rayo Vallecano have signed France-born Senegalese midfielder Ousseynou Cisse from Ligue 2 club Dijon for an undisclosed fee. Story here.
Ousseynou Cissé nuevo jugador del @RVMOficial, para 3 temporadas, posa sobre el césped del Estadio de Vallecas pic.twitter.com/YFNJenJ3wt
- Rayo Vallecano (@RVMOficial) July 4, 2015
14.52 BST: Poldi gets a warm welcome from his new club...
Welcome to Galatasaray, Lukas Podolski! @Podolski10 pic.twitter.com/drCDOkdkXt
- Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) July 4, 2015
14.44 BST: Has Jose Holebas joined Watford from Roma? Watford said he has, he says he hasn't. Story here.
14.30 BST DONE DEAL As they promised earlier, Galatasaray have sealed the signing of Lukas Podolski from Arsenal. Story here.
Poldi is signing... http://t.co/KXKcDUsDMm
- Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) July 4, 2015
14.27 BST: Marca reports that Atletico Madrid are waiting to find out if their €30 million bid for Nicolas Gaitan will be accepted by Benfica. Atletico appear to be leading the race for Gaitan, who would arrive as a replacement for Arda Turan, but Portuguese paper A Bola suggests Manchester United are also contenders for the 27-year-old Argentina international.
14.11 BST: Marc Bartra said he considered leaving Barcelona last season but is now ready to fight for his place. Story here.
13.44 BST: Barcelona retain a purchase option on Gerson, who is set to stay at Fluminense for another year, according to Marca ... but Catalan newspaper Sport goes a step further, claiming there is now an agreement in place for the 18-year-old midfielder to move to the Camp Nou after the 2016 Olympics in Rio. He will, apparently, cost around €15-18 million in addition to the €3.2m they've already paid to secure first refusal.
13.36 BST: El Mundo Deportivo says Atletico Madrid are considering a move for Inter Milan's Xherdan Shaqiri as a replacement for Arda Turan. Stoke and Tottenham are also keen on the Switzerland international, who left Bayern Munich during the January window.
13.15 BST: Sevilla could be set to sign Wissam Ben Yedder from Toulouse, according to our friends at AS.
Sevilla are closing in on Wissam Ben Yedder, who'll be one of their Carlos Bacca replacements http://t.co/s67BZoWemR pic.twitter.com/ufrAkvHzOq
- AS English (@English_AS) July 4, 2015
12.59 BST: Hull City boss Steve Bruce has expressed his frustration that Tom Ince was allowed to join Derby County.Hull City boss Steve Bruce has expressed his frustration that Tom Ince was allowed to join Derby County. Story here.
12.36 BST: Marca reports that Pedro Rodriguez's days at Barcelona are numbered, even if he's highly unlikely to leave this summer, with a January exit apparently on the cards.
12.20 BST: Tuttosport reports that West Ham are "one step away" from signing Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna for an initial €10 million.
12.10 BST: Here is the story on Mousa Dembele's uncertainty on his future at Tottenham.
11.59 BST: Sky Sports News reports that Watford have agreed fees for Tottenham midfielders Etienne Capoue and Benjamin Stambouli, while Jose Holebas has also agreed a move from Roma.
11.52 BST: Liverpool are in discussions to sign Brazilian teenage midfielder Allan Rodrigues de Souza from Internacional, sources have confirmed to ESPN FC. Story here.
11.42 BST: Valencia captain Dani Parejo has signed a new contract until 2020. Story here.
.@DaniParejo, on his contract extension: "This was what I wanted" http://t.co/HBS2LPcilg #Parejo2020 pic.twitter.com/TWHQ8sWQ7w
- Valencia CF English (@valenciacf_en) July 4, 2015
11.27 BST: Frank de Boer has said he expects Jasper Cillessen to stay at Ajax despite reported interest from Manchester United. Story here.
11.13 BST: Roma view Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko as an ideal signing but believe it will be difficult to complete a deal for him, sporting director Walter Sabatini has said. Story here.
10.59 BST: Marca says Real Madrid want Real Zaragoza defender Jesus Vallego, 18, after receiving impressive reports on his performances over the last year.
10.42 BST: Juventus managing director Giuseppe Marotta would consider signing Chelsea's Juan Cuadrado on loan but said both Mohamed Salah and Stevan Jovetic are set to join one of the Milan clubs (and it appears he means Inter). Story here.
10.33 BST: Sao Paulo have announced that midfielder Rodrigo Caio -- a previous target for Valencia -- has rejected the chance to join Atletico Madrid on loan.
NOTA OFICIAL - Rodrigo Caio ACESSE: http://t.co/GPXv2R2U1N #SPFC pic.twitter.com/BbV3p4O4Qq
- São Paulo FC (@SaoPauloFC) July 3, 2015
10.00 BST: And an update from Galatasaray on Lukas Podolski...
Germany number 10 Lukas Podolski will officially sign the contract at the Türk Telekom Arena today at 16:30 local time, 15:30 CET.
- Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) July 4, 2015
09.59 BST: Barcelona boss Luis Enrique specifically requested a deal for Arda Turan, according to presidential candidate Josep Maria Bartomeu, and it appears the club could make their move before the upcoming election. Andres Iniesta has talked up a deal too. Story here.
09.29 BST: Here is our full story on Lukas Podolski's imminent move to Galatasaray.
09.09 BST: Marca reports that Monday is judgment day in the Arda Turan saga. Atletico Madrid want a decision by Monday, and so Barcelona -- without a president till July 18 -- will have to make special arrangements to avoid missing out to Chelsea, Manchester United or whoever else might actually be in this race.
08.01 BST: After playing only a bit-part role at Tottenham last year, the Mirror are reporting that Mousa Dembele is ready for a little sit down with manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Belgian, who has two years left on his deal with Spurs, says he'll chat with the boss when he's back from holiday and that "we will see" what his future holds.
07.15 BST: Middlesbrough are close to making their first summer signing as Alex Baptiste prepares to undergo a medical at Rockcliffe Park and finalize the details on his contract. The Gazette reports that the versatile defender, who comes over as a free agent from Bolton, is expected to sign a three-year deal.
06.30 BST: Celtic are set to make a third bid for Dundee United's Nadir Ciftci, according to the Daily Record. Celtic's two initial offers were rejected by United, while Ciftci recently turned down a move to Wigan, preferring the chance to play with the Scottish champions.
05.59 BST: Sheffield Wednesday have signed Crystal Palace full-back Jack Hunt on a season-long loan.
CONFIRMED: Jack Hunt joins the Owls on loan from @CPFC. Full story at http://t.co/Ofdb166N9k #swfcpreseason pic.twitter.com/f7fODpGPd7
- Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) July 3, 2015
05.06 BST: We roll into the Fourth of July edition of our live Transfer Talk blog with some A-League news. The league's official website reports that Adelaide United have signed former Chelsea youth team player George Mells to a one-year deal with the option to extend. The attacking midfielder has been touted for his technical ability and the experience he will bring to the club after spending time playing in the U.K. during his youth.
PAPER ROUND
Man City plan huge spending spree
Having seen UEFA lift restrictions on their transfer spending and Champions League squad size after meeting financial fair play targets, Manchester City are set to spend big this summer.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Manuel Pellegrini is expected to have a budget in excess of £100 million to challenge Chelsea for the Premier League title, with Paul Pogba, Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling top of his wish list.
Sources told ESPN FC on Friday that City were closing on an £8 million bid for Fabian Delph to bolster their homegrown numbers and midfield options, although the club will surely be holding out for their first-choice targets in the early stages of the recruitment process.
Liverpool plot swoop for another Brazilian starlet
Brendan Rodgers is not wasting any time this summer after a disappointing 2014-15 season for Liverpool, having already made a number of key transfers including a £29 million deal for Hoffenheim's Brazilian playmaker Roberto Firmino.
The Anfield coach is also thinking about the long-term health of the team, with the Guardian reporting that Liverpool are interested in signing 18-year-old Brazilian Allan Rodrigues de Souza from Internacional.
The paper states the midfielder impressed Liverpool coaches and scouts at the Frenz International Cup held in Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur earlier this year when both sides' under-18s teams played, with the Mirror reporting that Liverpool will pay around £500,000 for the highly rated youngster.
United dig in heels over Ramos-De Gea deal
The Telenovela that is the David De Gea-Sergio Ramos transfer saga shows no signs of a dramatic conclusion just yet, with Manchester United and Real Madrid battling for supremacy in both transfer offers.
While Real are confident of landing goalkeeper De Gea, the Guardian reports that United "refuse" to sell the 24-year-old to Los Blancos unless they are able to land Ramos from Madrid.
The paper reports that United are "unmoved" by Real's imperious record of landing high-profile transfer targets, and are prepared to lose De Gea for nothing next summer if they are not able to secure a deal to bring Ramos to Old Trafford.
According to Marca, Ramos "has no intention to rectify his decision" to leave Real, with the paper describing his stance as "irrevocable." Transfer Talk has said this before, but surely the easy way out is for the clubs to simply swap the duo and be done with the heartbreak?
Meanwhile, talkSPORT reports that United striker Robin van Persie has turned down a move to Besiktas, with the 31-year-old reluctant to uproot his family despite a £7-million-a-year offer on the table from the Turkish club.
Falcao a steal for Chelsea?
While many casual observers may be surprised at Chelsea taking a chance on Radamel Falcao after the Colombia forward's desperately disappointing loan spell at Manchester United last season, the Premier League champions may have, in fact, got themselves a steal of a deal.
The Daily Mail reports that the Monaco forward took a £145,000-a-week pay cut to play for the Stamford Bridge side from the staggering £285,000 a week he earned at Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old still has a lot to prove in the Premier League, and it seems he is willing to risk a huge amount of money to regain his reputation as one of the world's top forwards. Hats off to you, Radamel.
Gunners prepare for more deals
Arsenal fans may have to get used to life without Lukas Podolksi, as Galatasaray have announced they are in negotiations with the World Cup winner, with a medical set for Saturday morning.
Negotiations underway for the transfer of Lukas Podolski. http://t.co/6AbgqMLyob pic.twitter.com/353vxbB1I4
- Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) July 3, 2015
Meanwhile, the Mail reports that Atletico Madrid are targeting Santi Cazorla as they prepare to lose Arda Turan, but Arsene Wenger will consider only an "astronomical" offer for the 30-year-old midfielder.
Tap-ins
- Tim Sherwood's Aston Villa revolution continues with The Sun reporting that the club have had a £9 million bid for Nice left-back Jordan Amavi accepted, and will fly in the defender for talks at Villa Park this weekend.
- Barcelona have bid farewell to Martin Montoya in the best possible way, recalling perhaps his most memorable moment for the Blaugrana. It's just a shame it didn't happen on the pitch for Inter's latest loan signing ...
Good luck to Martín Montoya with his new adventure on loan to @inter https://t.co/EUU8QS13Fz Full story: http://t.co/POIRtXtxCv
- FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 3, 2015