Transfer news: Alexis Sanchez, Neymar, Philippe Coutinho, Paul Pogba

Solskjaer wants Sanchez out

Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is “desperate” to get rid of Alexis Sanchez before the European transfer window closes on September 2, reports The Sun. Described by the paper as a “£505,000-a-week flop”, the Chilean striker could be banished to United’s reserves until the time he agrees to leave Old Trafford. Italian outfit Roma would like to sign Sanchez but they “refuse to pay his huge salary” and as a result, says the Sun, United will have to put pressure on Sanchez to move in the next three weeks, or else face paying him another £8.6m in wages until they get shot of him in the January window.

Barca eye Neymar

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Barcelona are ready to launch an audacious hijack of Real Madrid’s bid to bring Neymar to the Bernabeu, reports Goal.com. In recent days the speculation has been all about Real’s courting of the PSG star with boss Zinedine Zidane desperate to boost his ailing squad with the South American. But Spanish broadcaster RAC1 claim that Barcelona have despatched a delegation including technical manager Eric Abidal to France for talks with Paris Saint-Germain.ccGoal says its sources in the French capital have confirmed the story and the La Liga champions will “make an opening offer in the region of €100 million (£93m), plus Philippe Coutinho”.

Coutinho to PSG?

The former Liverpool playmaker was linked to both Tottenham and Arsenal in the summer transfer window, but apparently Barcelona didn’t want to loan out Coutinho, instead preferring to use him as a bargaining chip with PSG in their bid to win the hand of Neymar

Goal.com says that PSG are resigned to losing Neymar, who arrived in Paris two years ago, but they are “determined to receive as much money as possible for a player they signed for €222m”. Not only are they after cash, plus Coutinho, but it’s believed the French club have also demanded right-back Nelson Semedo included in any potential deal. Goal states that PSG have told Barca’s negotiating team they will “consider an offer that includes both Coutinho, Semedo and a cash payment of around €50m (£47m).”

However, sources in Spain claim that PSG would “prefer” to sell Neymar to Real Madrid, who are ready to pay well over £100m for the Brazilian, while there’s also the sensitive issue of the relationship between Barca and PSG, which has yet to fully recover from Neymar’s transfer in the summer of 2017

Pogba staying put

The news that Real Madrid may miss out on Neymar should worry Man Utd, who are aware of the club’s previous interest in Paul Pogba. But the Daily Star says that United “have had assurances from Pogba that he will remain committed for another season at least”. The paper quotes sources at ESPN as saying that United themselves have “no intention” of selling Pogba and are confident the Frenchman will not have his head turned by Real before September 2.

Alderweireld could leave Spurs for nothing

Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld is ready to run down his contract and secure a free transfer. The 30-year-old Belgian is surplus to requirements and his £25m buyout clause has now elapsed, as he enteres the final 12 months of his deal. From January, he can speak to foreign clubs and make a move for nothing at the end of the season. But Spurs still hope they can flog him before the European transfer deadline on September 2 and make some money from the defender. (The Sun)

Arsenal set for windfall

Arsenal could be in for a windfall, with former youngster Jeff Reine-Adelaide linked with an £18.5m move to Lyon from Angers. If the 21-year-old does move the Gunners side will receive 10 per cent of the fee as part of a sell-on clause agreed when the player was sold a year ago. (Daily Mirror)

United offload Pereira on loan

Manchester United’s fourth choice goalkeeper Joel Pereira has been sent out on loan, this time to Scottish side Hearts, after spells at Rochdale, Belenenses, Vitoria Setubal and Kortrijk. Pereira is highly rated but the 23-year-old made 14 appearances last season. (Manchester Evening News)

Chelsea's sell invisible man

Chelsea have sold Kenneth Omeruo after seven years at the club, during which time he never played a game for the Blues. The 25-year-old defender last night secured a permanent move to Leganes following an impressive loan spell last season. The La Liga side have forked out £4.6m for the Nigerian international, who has penned a five-year contract. (The Sun)