Welcome to the timesofmalta.com football transfer blog. With the World Cup coming to a close clubs will be stepping up their efforts to try and strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season. Stay with us to follow all the latest news.

8.15pm That's it for today. Thanks for staying with us and we will be back tomorrow. Good night.

8pm Inter have joined the race to sign Bernard, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Brazil winger is a free agent after running down his contract at Shakhtar Donetsk and had been thought to be close to joining AC Milan, with Chelsea also interested, but Inter have also made an offer.

7.20pm Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri says he is "not interested" in what Thibaut Courtois' agent has to say after he publicly asked the Blues to let the goalkeeper go to Real Madrid for personal reasons.

"I am not interested in the agent. I want to hear Courtois. If Courtois tomorrow will say to me the same, I have to speak with my player of course. I want only players who play with a very high level of motivation," he said.

7pm Orestis Karnezis’ role as Napoli’s second-choice goalkeeper is reportedly under threat after he conceded five goals against Liverpool.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Karnezis now risks being overtaken in the pecking order by Standard Liege shot-stopper Guillermo Ochoa following his two gifts on Saturday.

The Greece international only arrived from Udinese last month, following Alex Meret to the San Paolo, but had been promoted to No 1 after an injury to his ex-Zebrette teammate.

As for Ochoa, the newspaper claims Napoli are hoping to loan the Mexican for the coming season.

6.40pm Pepe Reina has promised to fight for Milan’s No 1 jersey but warned that the club must only think about ‘growing’.

Reina had been linked with a quick departure from Milan, with Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea possibly in the market for a new goalkeeper, but the 35-year-old made it clear he was not daunted by the competition at San Siro.

“I respect and admire Gigio, he’s doing very well on a human level,” he said after his side’s 1-0 win against Barcelona on Sunday.

“On a sporting level, I’ll try to learn from him and Antonio and exploit this competition between the three of us so we can do even better.

“Starting place? I’m working to play like everyone is. Gattuso will decide after that, but regardless of everything, my will is to stay at Milan.

6.20pm SkySports is reporting that Manchester United are preparing to make bid for Harry Maguire before Thursday’s deadline.

The Leicester and England defender is Jose Mourinho’s number one target and United are aware it will take a world record bid for a defender for Leicester to sell.

Maguire is returning to training at Leicester tomorrow. He has been given extra time off after England reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia.

6.05pm It's full time at Wembley and it's Manchester City who won the Community Shield after defeating Chelsea 2-0 with both goals coming from Sergio Aguero.

6pm Milan legend Paolo Maldini has officially returned to the club, taking on the role of strategic development director.

“Milan’s new era is further strengthened by the name of Paolo Maldini, who becomes the new strategic development director of the club’s sporting area,” read a statement.

“Paolo is a living legend in the Rossoneri’s history for his exceptional class, talent, leadership, loyalty and record of success, which is unparalleled.

“These qualities will play a decisive role in taking Milan back to where they deserve to be.”

5.30pm It's 2-0 at Wembley and it's that man again Sergio Aguero who has doubled Manchester City's lead against Chelsea. 

5.20pm Leicester City are close to signing Monaco winger Rachid Ghezzal.

The clubs have agreed a deal that could be worth £10m and the player has been having a medical ahead of the transfer. Personal terms not expected to be a problem.

5pm Ilkay Gundogan is now top of Inter's wish list, according to Tuttosport.

The Serie A club have targeted Luka Modric and Arturo Vidal, who joined Barcelona, this summer, but are more likely to sign the Manchester City midfielder who could be available for £36m (€40m).

4.40pm Jasper Cillessen admits he is unsure about his future at Barcelona.

It has been reported that the Dutch 'lkeeper, who has played second fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen over the past two seasons, wants to leave the Nou Camp in search of regular first-team football.

When asked about his future after Barca's 1-0 defeat against Milan, the former Ajax man revealed that he is in the dark.

“I don’t know, I don’t know how my future is,” he is quoted as saying in AS.

4.20pm The English Community Shield is under way with English champions Manchester City taking on FA Cup winner Chelsea at Wembley.

It's the Citizens who were off to a fast start with Sergio Aguero putting them ahead after 13 minutes. 

4.15pm Ivan Perisic has suggested that he could leave Inter for Bayern Munich. “If Niko Kovac wants me, he knows where I am...”

Perisic previously played in Germany with Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg, while he spent two years working under Kovac when the Bayern boss was in charge of the Croatian national team.

“Me at Bayern? Niko Kovac influenced me a lot,” the winger told Sport Bild.

“I played very well for Croatia when he was Coach and we congratulated each other for everything we did in Germany.

“If he wants me, he knows where I am. I’d like to play in Spain or England one day, but the Champions League comes first." 

3.45pm Burnley have completed the signing of defender Ben Gibson from Middlesbrough on a four-year deal.

The centre back had his medical in the North West on Saturday after Boro accepted a £15m bid on Friday.

Gibson signed his contract on Sunday morning before taking in this afternoon’s friendly against Espanyol at Turf Moor.

3.15pm Sergej Milinkovic-Savic says he is expecting to stay at Lazio, despite Inter reportedly joining the race for the midfielder.

Premium Sport claimed on Sunday that Inter were preparing a €30m loan with a €70m option to buy for Milinkovic-Savic after they lost Arturo Vidal to Barcelona and failed to bring in Luka Modric.

However, the Serb said after Lazio’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday: “I’m happy to be back.

“I have a contract, you never know what happens in football, but my head is at Lazio and I’m focused on my team.

“I didn’t expect to find so many people when I came back from my holiday. It was beautiful.

“I also hope to find many fans at Formello. They’ll give us a big hand this season.”

2.50pm West Ham remain in talks with Benfica over the signing of attacking midfielder Joao Felix, according to SkySports News.

A deal is close and there is a willingness from all parties to get it done.

Meanwhile, West Ham continue to negotiate with Porto over striker Moussa Marega.

The clubs remain apart in their valuation for the player.

2.30pm Max Allegri has confirmed that there will be no more incomings at Juventus this summer.

Juve have already brought in the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Leonardo Bonucci and Joao Cancelo, and Allegri asserted Juve’s squad was good enough to compete at the highest level in 2017-18, despite their 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Saturday.

“The club did what it had to do,” the coach said after the Bianconeri’s final International Champions Cup friendly.

“More signings? We’re already competitive as we are and I can’t wait to start the season with everyone available."

“It’ll be a pleasure to coach Ronaldo, he’s the best player in the world with Messi. With the arrival of Bonucci, we have five players for two positions.

2.05pm Manchester United are set to complete a £60m move for Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld in the next 48 hours, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The Red Devils had previously been unwilling to meet Spurs' £75m valuation of the 29-year-old, but a breakthrough now appears to have been reached between the two clubs.

2pm Good afternoon everyone and welcome to our transfer blog. Stay with us for the next few hours to see what is happening on the continent.


8.45pm That's it for tonight. Thanks for staying with us and we will be back tomorrow with more news. Good night.

8.30pm Brendan Rodgers has revealed Australia World Cup youngster Daniel Arzani is set to join Celtic on loan.

The 19-year-old playmaker, who made three substitute appearances for the Socceroos in Russia, is ready to complete his transfer from Melbourne City to Manchester City before being sent to Celtic for an extended loan period.

8.20pm Barcelona have announced that they have reached an agreement with Sevilla for the transfer of Aleix Vidal.

Sevilla will pay €8.5m (£7.75m), plus €2m (£1.78m) in variables, and re-sign the player they sold to Barca in the summer of 2015.

He was allowed to leave Barcelona's training camp in the USA yesterday to sort his future.

8pm AFC Bournemouth have agreed a club record fee of £25m (€28m) for Levante midfielder Jefferson Lerma, Sky Sports News is reporting.

The player will travel to England for a medical this weekend, and the transfer still subject to personal terms being agreed and work permit being granted.

7.35pm Ben Gibson's move to Burnley will be completed this weekend, Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis has confirmed.

He told a post-match press conference: “He's going, it's agreed, it's done and we want to thank Ben, an absolutely fantastic professional.

“In the six months I've had at this football club he's as good a professional as I've ever worked with and I spoke to Sean Dyche and Dychey's got a real, top, top player.

“I think it'll go through over the weekend, I think it's all done, I think everybody has agreed it and it's just a case of him doing his medical and then that will be it.”

7.15pm SkySports is reporting that a Dwight Gayle-Salomon Rondon swap deal is close to completion.

Sky Sports News said that the clubs have verbally come to an agreement that will see Newcastle pay a £2m loan fee for the Venezuelan and Gayle moving to West Brom.

The deal would be a straight loan swap for the season with both players returning to their parent clubs next summer.

6.50pm West Ham are close to signing Le Havre centre-back Harold Moukoudi.

Sky Sports News reported last week that West Ham were interested in the 20-year old, now the deal appears to be progressing. The fee is around £10.7m.

6.30pm Diego Laxalt’s agent confirms Zenit St Petersburg “really like” his client, and have approached Genoa.

The Uruguayan has been heavily linked with a move to Russia this summer, having impressed while playing for his country at this summer’s World Cup.

“Yes, it’s true,” Ariel Krasouski told Gianluca Di Marzio’s website.

“Zenit really like Laxalt and spoke to Genoa, they asked for information. Now the Russian club has changed sporting director, and soon the contact will start again.

“Genoa value him at €20m, we’re waiting for the parties to talk again after the change of sporting director at Zenit.

“What’s certain is that Diego is very happy at Genoa, this city and this team are his second home.”

6pm Hatem Ben Arfa is close to signing for Rayo Vallecano, with the Frenchman's representatives in Madrid this weekend to conduct talks, according to L'Equipe.

The former Newcastle United playmaker is available on a free transfer after being released by Paris Saint-Germain.

5.30pm Milan forward Suso could be about to extend his stay with the club, although says there have been offers made for him.

"I received four to five offers, but Milan were not willing to negotiate. My family is happy, with the leadership we will sit down to discuss a possible renewal," he told Marca.

"As a quality of life, Italy is much better than England, it is quite similar to Spain - it feels good and even the weather is not bad. I would like to stay here, but for the future I see myself in my country, I would like to play in La Liga."

5pm Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has refused to rule out an approach for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.

“Pogba is a great player who is on another team,” he said at a pre-match press conference. “We are respectful with players who are in other clubs.

“We are Barca and we are open to improve our team. We have to be prepared for everything. All teams are open until the last day. We are making progress and it would be absurd to say that the market is closed."

4.30pm Leonardo Bonucci is quoted as saying he has no need to apologise to Juventus fans after his return from Milan - “I have to prove everything on the pitch”.

The centre-back left the Bianconeri last season in a €42m deal, but this summer he re-joined in a swap deal with Mattia Caldara.

According to Sky, fans outside the Continassa training centre asked the defender today when he’d ask for forgiveness.

“I don’t have to respond to words,” Bonucci is quoted as replying.

“I have to prove everything on the pitch.”

4.10pm Maxi Meza’s agent says there’s “very real interest from Inter” for his client, who played for Argentina at the World Cup.

The Independiente attacking midfielder only won his first cap for the Albiceleste in March, but was frequently deployed from the bench by Coach Jorge Sampaoli.

“Yes, I had contacts and meetings with [Inter sporting director] Piero Ausilio,” Sergio Carrizzo told PassioneInter.

“I can’t tell you the outcome of that, because at the moment it’s not possible to talk, but yes there has been very real interest from Inter.

3.45pm Maurizio Sarri expects David Luiz to have an integral role at Chelsea this season.

Luiz was a key figure as Chelsea won the 2016-17 Premier League title in Antonio Conte's first season as head coach.

But a rumoured fall out with Conte and a persistent knee injury meant the Brazil defender barely featured last term.

"I'm very happy with David, for his attitude. I'm very happy," Sarri said.

"I think David will be very important for the team, to support me."

3.15pm Daniele Rugani turned down a contract offer of €20m from Chelsea to stay at Juventus, according to reports in Tuttosport.

The defender never wanted to leave the Bianconeri and was willing to reject a massive pay rise from the Premier League side.

2.45pm Bologna forward Bruno Petković has officially re-joined former club Dinamo Zagreb, signing a five-year contract.

The 23-year-old was in the Croatian side’s youth system from 2007 to 2009, but joined Catania’s Primavera set-up in 2012.

He joined the Rossoblu in the summer of 2017 but failed to break into the first team, and spent the second half of last season on loan at Bolonga.

This afternoon Dinamo have confirmed that Petković has returned to the club, signing a five-year contract.

2.20pm Juventus are ready to make the most of another fall-out between Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba, according to reports on Tuttosport.

The French midfielder is keen on a move back to Turin, with the Man Utd unhappy at Pogba’s decision to ignore his plea for players to return early to pre-season from holiday.

2pm Kevin Mirallas will join Fiorentina on a season-long loan subject to a medical, Everton have announced.

SSN revealed on Friday a move to the Serie A club was close to being completed.

The 30-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Olympiakos after falling out of favour with Ronald Koeman and not playing under Sam Allardyce.

1.45pm Barcelona have reached agreement with Bayern Munich to sign Chile international midfielder Arturo Vidal, the two European giants announced.

The 31-year-old, who has played 100 games for Chile and scored 24 goals, will sign a three-year deal after having a medical in the next few days, Barca said in a statement.

Bayern added: "Arturo Vidal is leaving Bayern Munich with immediate effect to join Spanish Liga champions Barcelona. The clubs reached agreement on the transfer late on Friday evening."

No transfer fee was given but Spanish media reports said Barca will pay 18 million euros ($21 million), rising to 21 million euros, for the former Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus player.

1.30pm Good afternoon everyone and welcome to our transfer blog. Stay with us to follow all the latest news from around the continent.


9pm That's it for today. Thanks for staying with us and we will be back tomorrow. Good night.

8.45pm The FIGC has issued a new charge against Chievo, president Luca Campedelli and several directors for alleged false accounting.

The Flying Donkeys had been charged with exchanging players with Cesena at many times their actual value, in order to show false profits on their balance sheets.

Their Serie A status was at risk, as the prosecutor asked for a 15 point deduction for last season.

However, a technicality meant that the case had to be dropped and re-submitted, and the Flying Donkeys have once again been charged.

8.15pm Empoli have officially confirmed the signing of Leonardo Capezzi, on loan from Sampdoria with option and counter-option.

The midfielder came through the Fiorentina youth system, before signing for the Blucerchiati in 2016.

Last season we was sent on loan to Crotone, but the Squali were relegated and he’ll now continue his career with a return to Tuscany.

7.45pm Everton new signing Lucas Digne has been speaking about the ‘controversy’ caused by a tattoo on his chest which reads "I never walk alone".

Liverpool fans have been quick to mock the tattoo, but Digne said today: "My tattoo has a story but it's not about football.

"When I was three or four years old, I went for my first day at school and my parents gave me a necklace with these words. Maybe Liverpool fans are so angry against me because I said two times no to Liverpool. I'm blue."

7.15pm Burnley have agreed a fee with Middlesbrough for Ben Gibson.

We’re told the agreement is a deal worth £15m for Boro. Burnley had failed with two previous bids of £12m and £13m over the past 48 hours.

6.45pm Parma sporting director Daniele Faggiano confirms he met Mario Balotelli’s agent but “we need to be careful with the budget”.

The striker was linked with a move to the Ducali this summer, but he still has a year left on his deal with Nice, who will only let him leave for €10m.

Agent Mino Raiola previously claimed Super Mario would be available on a free transfer, which has prompted some bad blood with Les Aiglons.

“I met the agent of several players, including Balotelli,” Faggiano told ParmaLive.

“Balotelli is a player who is not easy to sign, we need to be careful with the budget.”

6.15pm SkySports is reporting that Burnley have expressed an interest in signing Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

The Clarets' first-choice goalkeepers Nick Pope and Tom Heaton are both injured, and it’s expected Hart will discuss a move to Turf Moor over the next few days.

5.50pm Gonzalo Higuain has been speaking about his decision to join AC Milan ahead of Chelsea.

There had been speculation that Higuain would reunite with his former Napoli head coach Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea.

However, instead he has joined Milan on an initial loan deal.

"The esteem in which I hold Sarri isn't new," said Higuain at his Milan unveiling today. "But the only person who wanted me there (at Chelsea) was him. Everyone wanted me here."

5.30pm Hibernians' neighbours, Tarxien Rainbows, have also been very active in the market this week and have just confirmed another overseas player.

The Rainbows have reached an agreement to sign Brazilian Jackson da Paixao on a one-year contract. 

For the 28-year-old winger this will be his first experience in Maltese football having spent most of his career in Brazil.

The former AD Bahia de Feira player had also a spell in Iran with Gostaresh Foolad. 

The Rainbows said in a statement that Jackson possesses speed and dribbling techniques that should increase the team's attacking flair for the upcoming season.

Tiago Adnan Fonesca signing his contract with Hibernians.Tiago Adnan Fonesca signing his contract with Hibernians.

5.15pm Maltese Premier League side Hibernians have completed the signing of Brazilian striker Tiago Adnan Fonseca.

The 30-year-old forward has spent much of his career in his homeland where he donned the colours of Ferroviaria, Atletico PR and Novorizontino. 

Fonseca also had spells in Romania with top-flight side Astri Giurgiu.

5pm Fiorentina’s loan move for Kevin Mirallas will not come at the expense of the club’s efforts to sign Marko Pjaca.

The 30-year-old has agreed to a temporary switch to the Artemio Franchi from Premier League club Everton.

He is suplus to requirements at GoodisonPark, having spent the second half of last season on loan at Greek club Olympiakos.

The Belgian international is thought to have given the green light to a move to Florence, with the deal expected to be concluded in the coming days.

The Viola have also been heavily linked with Juventus winger Pjaca.

The 23-year-old, despite having a number of suitors, is said to favour linking up with Stefano Pioli’s team.

4.30pm Maurizio Sarri has been speaking in his press conference ahead of Chelsea's Community Shield clash with Man City on Sunday...

On Brazilian midfielder Willian, whose ongoing status at Stamford Bridge has appeared unclear during the summer, Sarri said: "I spoke yesterday with him about his lateness, not about his future.

"It was a very positive conversation. I am happy about it. There is not a Willian problem. Yes, I do (think he will stay). Very confident."

On Thibaut Courtois' future: "It depends on him but I hope Courtois will be our goalkeeper."

4pm Alex Iwobi has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, the club have announced.

The 22-year-old has made 98 appearances since making his debut in 2015, scoring nine goals.

3.30pm Lisandro Lopez has agreed to join Genoa after Inter passed up a permanent deal for the Benfica defender.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio’s website, Lopez has passed a medical with Genoa and will be confirmed by the Rossoblu in ‘the next few hours’.

The 28-year-old, who has four caps for Argentina, spent the second half of last season on loan at Inter but played just 45 minutes in Nerazzurro.

3pm Tottenham Hotspur have yet to make a formal bid for Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish and are some way off in their valuation of the player, the Championship club's manager Steve Bruce said.

British media reports have linked the highly-rated Grealish with a 20-million-pound switch to Tottenham, who have yet to make a signing in the close season.

"At the moment, Spurs haven't got anywhere near what the owners want to even consider, so there's not a discussion to be had," Bruce told a news conference on Friday.

"I don't think we've had a formal bid. The one thing that the owners have made pretty clear is no one is for sale. We don't want to lose our best players."

2.30pm Spanish club Malaga confirm they have loaned midfielder Esteban Rolon to Genoa for the season.

The Argentine heads to Marassi on a temporary basis, having made only ten appearances for the La Liga side last term.

The 23-year-old joined Malaga from Argentinos in his homeland but struggled to impose himself in the south of Spain.

As such, he has joined the Rossoblu in search of more regular game time as he continues to adjust to European football.

Lucas Santana ZagueiroLucas Santana Zagueiro

2pm Senglea Athletic are awaiting the arrival of Brazilian defender Lucas Santana Zagueiro. 

The 20-year-old came through the Botafogo youth academy and is seen as a great prospect. 

During his career he has also played for Brazilian second division side Rio Claro.

The player is expected to arrive in Malta on Friday where he is expected to put pen to paper on a one-year contract.

The Cottonera side are working  relentlessly to strengthen their squad ahead of the start of the BOV Premier League on August 17.

Infact the Premier League side are looking to bring in more overseas players in the coming days. 

1.45pm Anthony Martial arrived at Manchester United's training ground on Friday after his early departure from the club's tour of the United States.

Martial started the opening two games of United's pre-season tour before being allowed to leave in order to attend the birth of his second child.

However, Jose Mourinho criticised the France international for not immediately returning to the tour after the birth.

1.30pm Roma have reportedly turned their attentions to signing Lyon’s Tanguy Ndombele following negotiations with Steven N’Zonzi.

The Giallorossi have been heavily linked with a move for Sevilla’s N’Zonzi as they look to bolster their midfield options.

However, Corriere dello Sport reports that negotiations with the France international may have broken down.

According to the Italian daily, the 29-year-old’s wage demands are too high for sporting director Monchi to agree to.

N’Zonzi is said to want €4m-a-year in order to accept a move to the Italian capital.

1.15pm Having appeared set to join Inter throughout this week, Arturo Vidal now looks certain to sign for Barcelona.

Gianluca Di Marzio is reporting that the Spanish champions have ageed personal terms with the Chilean midfielder, following talks between the player’s agent and the club yesterday evening.

And the 31-year-old is now just ‘one step away’ from completing a move to Catalonia from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

1pm Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Bayern Munich star Jerome Boateng for £50m, according to the Daily Mail.

United are chasing a defender this summer, and have reportedly held talks with Barcelona defender Yerry Mina, but Boateng could be the next target before the window closes on August 9.

Boateng, 29, saw a move to PSG stall this week.

12.40pm  Chelsea playmaker Pedro has signed a one-year contract extension to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge until 2020, the Premier League club has said.

The 31-year-old, a World Cup and European Championships winner with Spain, joined Chelsea in 2015 and has since made 131 appearances across all competitions, winning the league title in 2017 and the FA Cup last term.

"It's important for me to continue with Chelsea, I am comfortable here and want to win new titles and trophies. I want to help the team, score goals, and I repeat, I am really happy," Pedro

12.20pm Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus has signed a two-year contract extension which will keep him at the Premier League champions until 2023, the club said on Friday.

The 21-year-old Brazil international has scored 24 goals in 53 matches across all competitions since joining City in January 2017 and helped the club win the league title and League Cup under manager Pep Guardiola last season.

"I can say that it was the best decision I've made in my life to come to Manchester City because whilst I'm here I'm improving as a professional and as a person," Jesus told City's website.

12.05pm Luka Modric can leave Real Madrid – if a club pays £668m – according to club president Florentino Perez.

Perez is quoted in Marca this morning saying: "The only possibility that Modric leaves is by paying 750m euros.”

That is the price of the Croatia international and losing World Cup finalist’s release clause. He has two years left on his current deal at the Bernabeu.

Sky in Italy reported earlier this week that Inter had made contact with Modric’s representatives to enquire over a possible deal.

12pm Good afternoon everyone and welcome to our transfer blog. Stay with us to follow all the latest news.


9.15pm That's it for today. Thanks for staying with us we will be back tomorrow. Goood night.

Walter Acuna holds the Ħamrun Spartans jersey after completing his move.Walter Acuna holds the Ħamrun Spartans jersey after completing his move.

9.05pm Ħamrun Spartans continued to bring in more signings on Thursday when they announced that they had recruited Argentine striker Walter Acuna.

The 26-year-old striker has played top flight football in his country with Rosario Central, Bahia and Club Atletico Colon and also managed to find the net six times.

Acuna is seen as a great signing for the Spartans who are hoping he will help them make a leap in quality upfront.

Acuna is the third attacking player signed by the Spartans on Thursday following the arrival of Ryan Darmanin and Francesco Marra.