Sporting CP accusations "unacceptable", say Inter

Inter Milan have responded to Sporting CP's statement on João Mário's move from the San Siro to Benfica (see post below), branding the Lisbon club's comments "unacceptable" and "without basis in truth".

Sporting say Inter have sidestepped a penalty clause in the deal that took João Mário to Italy in 2016, alleging the Nerazzurri agreed to pay the Verdes e Brancos 30m euros if they sold the player to another Portuguese club during his contract. The midfielder joined Benfica on a free transfer Tuesday after reaching an agreement with Inter to terminate his deal in Milan.

"FC Internazionale Milano is aware of the statement released to the media by Sporting Clube de Portugal," Inter said this evening. "The comments are unacceptable, extremely serious and - most importantly - without basis in truth.

"The club will protect its image and reputation in the relevant forums."

Sporting fume over João Mário Benfica move

Sporting CP have released a statement accusing Inter Milan of sidestepping a 30-million-euro payment by agreeing to terminate João Mário's contract before his move on a free transfer to Benfica.

When Inter signed João Mário from them in 2016, Sporting say, the Italians agreed to pay an extra 30m euros if they sold him to another Portuguese club during his five-year deal at the San Siro.

"It is the conviction of the Board of Directors of Sporting Clube de Portugal - Futebol, SAD [...] that Inter and the player João Mário sought to avoid what they signed with Sporting Clube de Portugal - Futebol, SAD in 2016," Sporting said.

The club also vowed to "hold the parties responsible for the damages caused and the breach of obligations committed".

Chelsea could sell three stars to finance Haaland transfer

Chelsea would be willing to sell Callum Hudson-Odoi, Hakim Ziyech and Tammy Abraham to raise cash to bring in Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, according to reports in England. German daily Bild claims that Roman Ambramovich has cleared 160 million euros for the club to sign Haaland and Chelsea could bring in a further 100 million by offloading Hudson-Odoi, Ziyech and Abraham.

Inter Milan starlet Esposito loaned to Basel

The 19-year-old striker is about to begin his third loan spell, after stints at SPAL and Venezia. He will spend the new season in Switzerland with Basel, who have secured an option to buy him outright in 2022. Basel ended last season as runners-up in the Swiss Super League.

David Luiz Turkey-bound?

Brazilian central defender David Luiz is searching for a new club now he is a free agent after his contract with Arsenal expired last month. The 34-year-old's next destination could be Turkey. Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak confirmed that the club is in talks with the player, with a view to signing him ahead of the new season.

Willem take AC Milan pearl

AC Milan have loaned Greek central defender Nikos Michelis to Dutch side Willem II for the coming season. The idea is for the talented 20-year-old to gain playing time, maturity and experience in the Eredivisie during the next 12 months. Michelis was voted as the best, left-sided centre-back of last season in Italy's Under-23 league. Willem II do not have the option to buy the defender at the end of the loan.

"I am a defender who likes to play the ball out of the first third rather than opt for long clearances. That's why I think the Dutch league will suit me, because they play a more technical, fast style of football there," the player said.

Nothing has changed with Haaland, say Borussia Dortmund

Borussia's Dortmund's Director of Sport Sebastian Kehl has spoken about Erling Haaland's future amid reports from England that Chelsea are preparing a mammoth bid for the striker. But as far as Dortmund are concerned, the situation remains the same.  "Haaland to Chelsea? Yes I read about that, but for us, nothing has changed. We have plans for Erling next season, both the player and his agent know that. We are expecting him back later this week".

Villarreal sign striker Boulaye Dia

Villarreal have announced the signing of French-Senegalese centre-forward Boulaye Dia who joins on a five-year deal from Stade Reims. The 24-year-old, who joins as a replacement for Carlos Bacca, hit 16 goals last season for his previous employers. Villarreal are reported to have paid 15 million euros for Boulaye  - one of the sensations of Ligue 1 and described as a strong, skillful and pacy striker.

James Rodríguez linked to Porto again

Rafa Benítez's arrival at Everton hasn't been received with great enthusiasm by the Colombian midfielder, who had a tense relationship with the Spanish coach during their time together at Real Madrid. James is looking to move on from Goodison and he has been linked to Porto in the past. He has sent the Portuguese club a come and get me message. When Porto congratulated the player for his birthday on social media, James replied, "Hope to see you soon" which has excited fans. AC Milan have also been linked to the 30-year-old. 

United "close to agreeing personal terms" with Varane

Manchester United and Raphael Varane are close to agreeing terms which would enable the Real Madrid centre-back to complete his move to Old Trafford, the Manchester Evening News reports. Varane is on holiday following his involvement at Euro 2020 with France and is expected to fly directly to Manchester to sort out the final flecks of the deal before he is due back in Madrid. Madrid price Varane at around 70 million euros but would accept a lower fee while United are putting together a bid of between 50 and 60 million euros.    

Konrad unveiled at Olympique Marseille

"The French league has great potential, it is in transition. I don't see any risks in coming here. I knew beforehand that Marseille is a great club. I watch football all the time and I regularly watch Ligue 1; it's a great league," said Konrad, who joins on loan from Barcelona and has been given the No.20 shirt.

Giroud expected in Milan on Thursday

A number of Italian outlets are reporting that AC Milan and Chelsea have agreed a deal for Olivier Giroud. The French striker is expected to arrive in Italy on Thursday for a medical revision before completing his move.

Chelsea to turn to Griezmann?

As we reported on Sunday, it seems that Antoine Griezmann is going to be one of several players Barça are looking to get off the wage bill this summer and after Manchester City reportedly ruled out a move for the France striker, Chelsea may be coming in with a loan offer.

Sturridge in Mallorca

Here's confirmation of that rather enjoyable deal that has seen Daniel Sturridge arrive at RCD Mallorca.

Sturridge to train with Mallorca

The former Liverpool and England striker has been without a club since leaving Trabzonspor in 2020 due to a betting suspension but has been invited to train with newly promoted Liga side Real Mallorca. 

Olympiacos snap up Vaclik

On the back of his eye-catching Euro 2020 with the Czech Republic, Greek giants Olympiacos have signed Tomás Vaclik after he parted ways with Sevilla.

Rui Patricio in Rome to undergo medical

Sky Sports Italia reports that Wolves keeper Rui Patricio is in Rome to undergo a medical examination ahead of his imminent signing for Roma. He will become one of the first signings under Jose Mourinho and will reportedly cost €11 million.

PSG to confirm Donnarumma signing Wednesday

Italian journalsts Nicolo Schira reports that PSG will officially confirm the signing of Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on Wednesday. He is set to sign a contract until 2026, worth €10 million a year. 

Sancho in Manchester today for medical

Following the Euro 2020 final, Jadon Sancho is in Manchester today to undergo a medical at Manchester United's Carrington training ground. During Euro 2020, United announced an agreement in principle had been made for the England international, whose signing will be made official should he pass the medical as expected.

Ramsey becomes a problem for Juventus

According to Tuttosport, Aaron Ramsey has had no offers to leave Juventus and new coach Max Allegri has no place for the Welshman in his team, which has prompted difficult situation for both parties. The Italian newspaper reports that Ramsey's €7m salary plus bonuses has proved an obstacle to his exit.

João Mário signs for Benfica

Benfica have officially announced the arrival of João Mário on a free transfer, after the Portuguese midfielder terminated his deal with Inter. The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Sporting Lisbon and now joins Sporting's eternal rivals.

Brighton ready to make offer for Cucurella

UK reports claim that Brighton are ready to offer €15 million for Getafe's Marc Cucurella. Getafe signed Cucurella permanently from Barcelona just last summer for €10 million. The 22-year-old joined Getafe on loan in 2019 and has since become the club's standout player. 

Grealish on City's radar

According to Football Insider, Manchester City are willing to offer Aston Villa 90 million pounds for Jack Grealish, who is reportedly keen to work with Pep Guardiola and to try his hand in the Champions League.

Man United in talks to sign Varane

Sky Sports reporting that Manchester United have been given permission to negotiate terms with Real Madrid central defender Raphael Varane, whose deal at the Bernabéu ends in June 2022. Madrid are open to cashing in on the French international this summer so as not to lose him on a free at the end of next season, while United are in the market for a world-class defender to partner with Harry Maguire in the centre of defence.

Rafa Benitez eyeing Koulibaly for Everton

New Everton boss Rafa Benitez is considering an offer for Napoli's Koulibay, who has been previously linked with Manchester United and Real Madrid. Reports in England claim the operation could cost around €35 million. It's not the first time Everton have shown interest in the 30-year-old defender, who played under Benitez during the Spanish coach's second season of his two-year spell at Napoli from 2013 to 20015.

Chelsea ready to go all out for Haaland - Bild

Although Borussia Dortmund have stated publicly that they will not allow Erling Haaland to leave this summer, Chelsea are reportedy willing to go all out in a bid to land the Norwegian star. According to Germany's Bild newspaper, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic has given the green light for the club to make an offer of €175m for Haaland, who has a contract with Dortmund until 2024.

Bild reports that Chelsea are looking to offload three players to help finance the operation: Hudson-Odoi (€20-30 million), Hakim Ziyech (€28-38 million) y Tammy Abraham (€23-36 million). 

Casilla leaves Leeds for Elche

Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has joined La Liga outfit Elche CF on loan until the end of the season.

Mou tracking Telles as Leo Spinazzola replacement

Jose Mourinho is looking for a player to cover the long term absence expected after Spinazzola's Achilles injury and has an eye on Man United's Brazilian Telles.

Rui to Roma

The Portuguese stopper will be swapping the Premier League for Serie A and is just waiting to complete his medical.

Transfer news live updates: welcome

Hello and welcome to our live transfer-news blog for Monday 13 July. We'll endeavour to keep you abreast of all the happenings in this summer's transfer window as news breaks.