Transfer deadline day LIVE: Liverpool set to sign Arthur Melo, Cristiano Ronaldo Napoli loan, Man City confirm Akanji

End of the Rose at Watford

Watford and Danny Rose have `greed to end the defender’s time at Vicarage Road.

The 32-year-old’s contract has been terminated by mutual consent after a disappointing year with the Hornets.

Having joined from Tottenham last summer, the left-back made just eight appearances as the Hertfordshire club were relegated from the Premier League.

Everton to seal Gueye return

Everton are on the verge of sealing the return of midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye.

The Senegalese midfielder has spent the past three years at Paris Saint-Germain, having left Goodison Park for £30m in 2019.

However, the 32-year-old is wanted back on Merseyside with the Toffees prepared to pay a ‘significant fee’ to land their former favourite.

And Gueye appeared to tease his return to the Premier League on Twitter moments ago with the use of the side-eye emoji.

White to stay and earn Spurs

Tottenham whizkid Harvey White looks set to stay at the club rather than heading out on loan today.

A host of lower-league clubs were ready to borrow the versatile 20-year-old midfielder, who is one of the most exciting players in Spurs’ academy.

He was on the bench for the majority of the second half of last season and involved during pre-season.

Antonio Conte has kept homegrown White around the first-team picture and now he looks set to stay put for at least the first half of the campaign.

Chelsea target pens new deal

Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol has signed a one-year contract extension at RB Leipzig until 2017.

The Bundesliga club yesterday rejected a £75m bid from the Blues, an offer that would have seen the Croatian move to Stamford Bridge in 2023.

On penning his new deal, the 20-year-old is quoted as saying: “I really enjoy being here and I wanted to stay here. We have a lot of work to do and a lot to achieve here. We have a good team and we’re ready.”

Fabrizio Romana believes the contract extension does not necessarily rule out a Chelsea swoop in the future, and talks between the two clubs may continue in January.

Hammer blow for Saints in Duje duel

West Ham have made a late move to hijack Southampton’s capture of Duje Caleta-Car.

The Saints have been in talks with the Marseille defender this week, having targeted him as the ideal replacement for the outgoing Jan Bednarek.

However, according to talkSPORT, the Hammers are now in negotiations with the Croatian centre-back’s representatives.

And reports elsewhere suggest that the 25-year-old has arrived in London to undergo a medical at an unnamed Premier League club.

Tielemans to remain with Foxes

Youri Tielemans is likely to stay at Leicester this transfer deadline day.

The 25-year-old Belgian has been linked to Arsenal and Manchester United throughout the window, as well as Newcastle in recent days.

But SunSport understands that the most probable outcome is the Foxes ace stays exactly where he is – for now.

Tielemans has less than a year remaining on his contract so could be in for a big pay-day should he leave on a free next summer.

Maitland-Niles is a Saint

Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ loan move to Southampton has been finalised, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The transfers guru reports that has completed his medical on the south coast – after signing a new contract with Arsenal.

The 25-year-old has penned an extension with the Gunners until 2024, but an option to buy has been included in his loan deal with the Saints.

The deal is done, but we await confirmation from the two clubs.

Brighton eyeing up Blues’ Billy

Brighton are thought to be preparing a bid for Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that the two clubs are in discussions over a fee for the 21-year-old.

It is understood that the young Scottish international has been told he can leave Stamford Bridge after not receiving a squad number for the new campaign.

However, manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to have the final say on his departure.

Two join race for Dendoncker

Leander Dendoncker is at the centre of a three-way transfer battle after Everton and West Ham joined Aston Villa in their pursuit of the Belgian.

Villa had made initial contact with the Molineux outfit yesterday regarding a deal for the Belgian midfielder, and felt confident of landing their man.

However, they now face competition from two Premier League rivals with just over 12 hours of the transfer window remaining.

Milan could make late Ronaldo offer

Chelsea are said to be in discussions to sign Rafael Leao from Italian giants AC Milan.

Twitter has theorised that should the deal go ahead, Milan may make a late swoop for Ronaldo.

MEN reported that the move would appeal to the Portugese ace and would be better than any of the exit routes he’s been denied.

Ten Hag said yesterday that he was planning on Ronaldo staying with the club. However, Manchester United’s number 7 has been linked with a move away all summer.

Could this be it?

Gunners haven’t given up on Luiz

Arsenal are still hopeful that they can make a deal for Douglas Luiz work – despite Aston Villa stating that the player will not be leaving the club today.

According to The Sun’s Jack Rosser, the Gunners are prepared to up the ante by submitting a £25m offer for the midfielder.

Ironically, Luiz was in action at the Emirates last night, getting himself on the scoresheet by netting direct from a corner in Villa’s 2-1 defeat.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has gone on record by saying they will make a move for a midfielder if the right player becomes available.

Romeu completes move to Girona

Southampton have confirmed that their long-serving midfielder Oriol Romeu has joined Girona on a permanent deal.

The 30-year-old departs St Mary’s, having made 256 appearances for the south coast club.

Romeu joined Southampton from Chelsea for £5m in 2015.

In the seven years since, the Spaniard picked up 60 yellow cards in the Premier League, more than any other player in that period.

Breaking: Man City sign Akanji

Manchester City have completed the signing of Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji on a five-year deal.

The 27-year-old moves to the Etihad Stadium for an initial fee of £16.7m.

A Swiss international with 41 caps to his name, the centre-back had been at Dortmund for four years, having joined the Bundesliga club in January 2018 from Basel.

On signing for the Premier League champions, Akanji told the club’s official website: ‘I am delighted to be here, and can’t wait to get started.”

Could Bellerin move to Barca?

Hector Bellerin has emerged as a late transfer target for Barcelona, according to Goal journalist Charles Watt.

The Arsenal right-back was expected to seal a move back to Real Betis this summer, having spent last season on loan at the Andalusian club.

However, Betis have been unable to agree a financial package for the defender and are no longer in the running.

Meanwhile, LaLiga rivals Barca are said to have held talks with Bellerin’s representatives as they look to strengthen at the back.

One out, Wout in at Leicester

Leicester City are closing in on a replacement for Wesley Fofana.

The Foxes have agreed terms with Reims centre-back Wout Faes, who is now set to undergo a medical with the Premier League club.

The 24-year-old Belgian has impressed during his time in France, and earlier this year won a first cap for his country.

The six foot two defender will move the King Power for £15m once the formalities of the deal have been completed.

Breaking: United confirm Antony capture

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Antony from Ajax for £85.4m.

The Brazilian winger arrives at Old Trafford on a five-year deal with the option of a further 12 months included in the deal.

Antony told the club’s official website: “This is an incredible moment in my career to be joining one of the most iconic clubs in the world.

“I’m thankful to everyone who has believed in me, especially my family, and all my coaches and team-mates, because I could not have got here without them.

“Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.”

The transfer fee is said to be the biggest ever paid by a Premier League club on deadline day.

Liverpool looking to loan Arthur

Liverpool are planning to ease their midfield crisis with the loan signing of Juventus’ Arthur Melo.

It is being reported that the Brazilian international is set for a medical with the Anfield club this afternoon.

The 26-year-old central midfielder had been a target for Arsenal earlier in the year, but a move to the Emirates failed to materialise.

Arthur’s time in Turin has been disappointing following his €72m move from Barcelona in 2020.

Villa: Douglas Luiz going nowhere

Aston Villa have announced that Douglas Luiz will NOT be allowed to leave the club today.

According to Sky Sports News, the West Midlands outfit have gone on record as saying the in-demand midfielder will remain at Villa Park.

A number of Premier League sides had been linked with the Brazilian including Liverpool and Arsenal.

Last night, a frustrated Steven Gerrard had admitted that he didn’t know whether the club would be able to keep Luiz.

But the Villa boss will be in better spirits this morning following the revelation that the former Manchester City man will be staying.

Walcott on his way out?

Theo Walcott could be set for a loan move away from Southampton before the window closes.

The 33-year-old’s second spell with the Saints has not been a success, and he has fallen out of favour with Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The forward’s last appearance for the south coast club was way back in February, but he remains keen to play first team football.

A number of Championship clubs are interested in taking the former England international for the season with Cardiff understood to be heading the race.

Fulham’s Chilean pursuit goes cold

Fulham have had a bid for Blackburn Rovers’ Ben Brereton Diaz rejected.

The high-flying Cottagers lodged an offer for the Chilean international last night, but the Championship club have been quick to respond.

The 23-year-old forward, who scored 22 goals in the second tier last season, has indicated that he is unwilling to sign a new contract at Ewood Park despite having less than ten months remaining on his current deal.

It is unknown if Fulham will return with an improved bid ahead of tonight’s 11pm deadline.

Blues could offload flop Bakayoko

Reports in France suggest that Chelsea are ready to terminate Tiemoue Bakayoko’s contract in order for him to join Nice.

The midfielder moved to the Blues from Monaco in 2017 for a whopping £40m, but he has made just 43 appearances for the club in the subsequent five years.

Instead, the 28-year-old has spent time away from Stamford Bridge on loan, most recently with Napoli in 2020-21.

Bakayoko has a year remaining on his contract with the Premier League outfit, but Chelsea will rip it up if the player agrees terms with Nice.

Representatives of the Frenchman have been in negotiations with the Riviera club for several days.

Struggling Villa looking at Lucas

Aston Villa are considering a late bid for Tottenham’s out-of-favour forward Lucas Moura, according to The Telegraph.

The Brazilian has fallen down the pecking order at Spurs following the arrivals of Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski.

And Villa have identified the 30-year-old as the ideal player to inject some energy into the squad following a disappointing start to the season.

If Moura does depart for Villa, be it permanently or on loan, then Tottenham are likely to move for another attacking player.

Antonio Conte’s team have been linked with a swoop for Leeds’ Dan James, who is also thought to be a target for Fulham.

Depay to stay at Barca

Contrary to reports on Thursday morning, Memphis Depay will remain at Barcelona this season.

That’s according to Spanish publication Sport, who understand that the Dutchman will now honour the final year of his Barca deal.

It had earlier been reported that the Dutchman was prepared to rip up his contract at the Nou Camp.

That news put Manchester United on red alert, having been heavily linked with a swoop for their former forward.

But that deal now looks to be dead in the water.

Depay scored seven goals in 53 apps during a disappointing spell at Old Trafford between 2015 and 2017.

More on Aubameyang’s Chelsea move

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s return to the Premier League is edging closer with details of his Chelsea deal supposedly disclosed.

The Athletic report that the 33-year-old will move to Stamford Bridge from Barcelona on an initial two-year deal, with the potential for a third depending on the player’s appearances in his second season.

And the transfer fee is understood to be in the region of €7.5m plus Marcos Alonso, who been a long-term target for Barca.

While Aubameyang is currently expected to be out injured for the next three to four weeks, he will certainly be hoping to be a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s team by the time the Blues host his former club Arsenal on November 5.

Arsenal braced for Martinelli bid

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has emerged as a shock target for AC Milan as a possible replacement for Chelsea target Rafael Leao.

Portuguese forward Leao has been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge before Thursday’s deadline in a potential £126m transfer.

And according to Calciomercatoweb, Milan have already identified who they want to replace the 23-year-old with should they sell him this window or in the future.

Brazil international Martinelli is on the Rossoneri’s radar with the 21-year-old understood to be their number one target.

With the player only tied down at the Emirates until 2024, Milan believe they have a chance at prising the youngster away from North London.