Mahrez agrees terms as Coutinho standby
RIYAD MAHREZ could be set for a shock move to Barcelona as they switch their focus away from Philippe Coutinho.
The La Liga giants are desperate to push through a deal to sign Coutinho from Liverpool.
They have so far had three bids rejected for the Brazil international with the Merseyside club refusing to sell their star player.
Barcelona are expected to return with an even larger bid to test Liverpool’s resolve and have time on their hands with the Spanish transfer window not closing until tomorrow evening.
But the Reds have so far indicated they will not change their mind over their decision regarding Coutinho’s future.
And Spanish outlet AS claim Barcelona have already switched their attentions to an alternative.
Riyad Mahrez has made it clear all summer of his intentions to leave Leicester City.
Roma looked set to win the race for his signature but were unable to reach an agreement with Leicester over the fee.
But AS report Barcelona have made Mahrez their Plan B should they fail in their attempts to sign Coutinho.
And Mahrez looks likely to complete a deadline day move away from the King Power stadium after the Algerian national team announced they had released the winger to complete a transfer.
The 26-year-old has reportedly agreed terms with Barcelona should they give up on signing Coutinho.
Arsenal are also reportedly interested in reviving their interest in Mahrez.
It is said Leicester could be set to receive a fee in the region of £46million for the winger. – Express Newspapers
Hazard today as he becomes the third member of the family to sign for the Blues. The 22-year-old follows in the footsteps of older siblings Thorgan and Eden to link up with Chelsea’s development squad after making the switch from Hungarian club Ujpest. Like his siblings, Kylian operates most effectively as an attacking midfielder or winger, offering versatility in the final third of the pitch. He made 34 league appearances for Ujpest before joining Chelsea, scoring four goals. Since news of the transfer broke online, supporters have been weighing in on their newest recruit. “I’ve actually always wanted Kylian Hazard, Eden says he’s the most talented,” claimed one Chelsea account. Another joked: “We’ve surely got to bring back Thorgan and have the Hazardous strike force.” “Chelsea and the Hazards, a better love story than Twilight,” added a third. “It wasn’t the Kylian we all hoped, but it will sure do for now.” Thorgan and Eden joined Chelsea in 2012 – but Thorgan failed to make a first team appearance before being sold to Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014.
FULHAM NEWCASTLE expected a busy day of transfer activity before the deadline passes, with the club keen to sign Chelsea’s 21-year-old winger Kenedy on loan.
TOTTENHAM EVERTON have made an offer to take Barcelona’s Thomas Vermaelen, 31, on a season-long loan with a view to buying the Belgium defender.
DEFENDER HULL were close to signing Leicester’s 24-year-old Nigerian forward Ahmed Musa on a season-long loan.
MIDDLESBROUGH