‘My head is at Chelsea’ says in-demand Willian
● Midfielder wants to stay at Stamford Bridge despite interest by United, Real and Barcelona
Will ian has moved to clarify his Chelsea future, declaring “my head is here”, but doubt slinger over the future of Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard.
Willian, having been strong- ly linked with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona, says the latter made a formal bid for his services but appears happy to continue his five-year stay at Stamford Bridge.
“I’m a Chelsea player,” said Will ian .“I always made it clear that what I wanted was to stay in the club. The only club I knew that really made an official offer for me was Barcelona.
“But I have my head here and I intend to continue in the club unless the club wants to sell me. But my head is here in the club.”
Real Madrid have been heavily linked with both goalkeeper Courtois and Hazard. While the latter’s current deal lasts until 2020, Cour tois is out of contract next summer.
Reports surface dye st erday afternoon that Courtois failed to show up for training as expected, with suggestions he has already informed new manager Maurizio Sarri of his wish to leave.
Chelsea have also reportedly emerged as the main interested party in Lyon for ward Nabil Fekir, who returned to training yesterday after helping France to lift the World Cup, despite being a supposed target of Liverpool throughout the summer.
Newcastle announced the season-long loan signing of striker Salomon Rondon from West Brom, Dwight Gayle moving the other way in a similar deal. “It’s an honour to be here and I’m excited to get started with my teammates,” said Rondon. “The clubs were talking for a long time and now I’m focused on the season to help my teammates to get the points to do well this season.”
Manchester United boss Jose M our in ho is keen on adding to his squad but could see outgoings first. Defender Axel Tuanzebe has already made way, re-signing for Aston Villa on a season-long loan, and Italian full-back Matteo Darmian could be exiting as talks with Benfica reportedly continue.
United continue to be linked with a move for a central defender, with Tottenham’s Toby Alder weir eld, Harry Maguire of Leicester and Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng all linked with Old Trafford.
Paul Pogba’ s agent Mi no Raio la is reported to be lining up a move for the United midfielder, right, with Barcelona and Juventus among potential destinations.
Everton are reported to have pipped United in the pursuit of Barcelona centreback Yerry Mina. They are said to have reached a £28.5 million, five-year deal for the Colombia international.
Arsenal have been linked with Bayern Munich’s Boateng, while Gunners striker Lucas Perez could be set to follow Jack Wilshere and move to West Ham. Calum Chambers has been heavily linked with a season-long loan switch to Fulham. Bournemouth have agreed a fee understood to be a club record £25m with Spanish club Levante for Colombian midfielder Jefferson Lerma.
All that remains is for confirmation that Lerma has agreed personal terms, passed a medical and obtained a work permit.
Leicester announced on Sunday evening that they have struck a deal to sign winger Rachid Ghezzal from Monaco on a four-year deal.
Ghezzal will link up with his new team-mates this week ahead of the Premier League season opener at Manchester United on Friday night.
Meanwhile, England Under-21 striker Adam Armstrong has left Newcastle for Blackburn on a permanent deal. Armstrong scored nine goals for Rovers on loan last season and has penned a fouryear contract.