TOP STORY: Milan close to Morata coup

Just when you thought AC Milan's summer couldn't get any better, La Gazzetta dello Sport says that the Rossoneri are "on the verge" of signing Alvaro Morata.

The Real Madrid striker is one of the transfer window's most-wanted men, and while it was first Manchester United and then Chelsea that seemed in the box seat to sign the 24-year-old, Milan seems to have gazumped both Premier League clubs.

The paper says that Vincenzo Montella's side have tabled a €70 million bid for Morata, and have offered a further €10m per year to the player in order to convince him to join the likes of Leonardo Bonucci, Lucas Biglia, Franck Kessie and Hakan Calhanoglu in heading to the San Siro.

Arsenal's now focused on Lemar

Arsenal are out of the running to sign Kylian Mbappe from Monaco but remain eager to add Thomas Lemar to their squad. Although, adding the winger could lead Arsenal to allow Alexis Sanchez to leave the club.

The Telegraph says Arsene Wenger has been cautious about the departure of either Sanchez or Olivier Giroud up until now because he is unsure about his chances of landing Lemar, a player for whom he has already seen two bids rejected.

The report goes on to say that Sanchez and Giroud are unsettled but Wenger is mindful of leaving himself short of attacking options. However, he is more confident that Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are happy to remain at the club despite entering the final year of their contracts.

Danilo's fate remains in question

Sport reckons that Real Madrid right-back Danilo has already agreed to a deal to join Chelsea, but the Premier League champions could still face competition from Manchester City and Juventus to complete his signing.

There could also be resistance from Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane who wants to keep hold of Danilo despite not being able to offer him regular football.

Los Blancos are preparing for another busy campaign in which they are expected to challenge on all fronts and the importance of squad depth is not lost on Zidane.

Danilo joined Madrid from Porto for €31.5 million two seasons ago and is said to be available for around the same price.

Barcelona changes strategy on Verratti, Paulinho

Sport reports that Barcelona are set to change tactics in an attempt to land Marco Verratti or Paulinho -- having been unsuccessful in their attempts to sign the two midfielders thus far.

Barca pursued Verratti and Paulinho publicly and asked the players to push for a move -- a plan that has not had the desired effect.

Now, they will bide their time and wait for Paris Saint-Germain or Guangzhou Evergrande to give them a signal that either player is available in the hope of completing a deal later in the transfer window.

Tap-ins

- Joe Hart will have a medical at West Ham on Monday before completing a season-long loan move from Manchester City, the London Evening Standard reports. The English goalkeeper, who has no future at City under Pep Guardiola, is keen to play in the Premier League ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

- Another England international on the move ahead of the World Cup could be Ross Barkley. The Independent claims Tottenham is interested in Barkley, with Everton happy to strike a deal now rather than see the midfielder move for nothing at the end of his contract next summer. The only stumbling block is Everton's £50m valuation.

- Roma are trying to negotiate a deal to sign Riyad Mahrez from Leicester, but the Premier League side want £40m for their star man, according to the Daily Mail. However, the Serie A side only want to offer £21m plus add-ons.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by ESPN STAFF

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