LIVE Transfer Talk: Sevilla's Jules Kounde to snub Premier League in favour of Barcelona
Despite interest from the Premier League, Sevilla's Jules Kounde has his heart set on Barcelona. Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images The summer transfer window is approaching, and there's plenty of gossip swirling about who's moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings and goings and, of course, done deals! TOP STORY: Kounde wants Barca move over Premier League Mundo Deportivo reports that Jules Kounde has told Sevilla that he would prefer to join Barcelona this summer over a move to Premier League clubs Chelsea or Newcastle United. 3dChris Wright 6dESPN 1dJon Molyneux-Carter 2 Related That would come as a major blow for Chelsea, who were pursuing the 23-year-old defender after losing both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers. Kounde is reportedly Xavi Hernandez's first choice to reinforce the defensive line alongside the aforementioned Christensen, who is expected to be presented at Camp Nou in the coming weeks. Club legend Gerard Pique is apparently not part of the Barca manager's plans for next season. Despite Chelsea and Newcastle being willing to pay Kounde's €90 million release clause, Sevilla would reportedly accept around €65m-€70m for the France international, as the Catalan side are preparing a swap proposal which includes 21-year-old USMNT full-back Sergino Dest. However, any transfer could still be in doubt as Kounde recently underwent minor surgery following an injury while playing for France, which will keep him on the sidelines for at least a month. - ESPN+ guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more (U.S.)- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)- Don't have ESPN? Get instant access LIVE BLOG 21.30 BST: Sassuolo have offered Giacomo Raspadori to AC Milan and want a transfer fee of €30m for the attacker, according to Calciomercato. While Milan's priority is still to sign Lille duo Renato Sanches and Sven Botman, they are interested in strengthening their attack and could look to include defender Matteo Gabbia in an effort to bring the cost of a move down. Elsewhere, Juventus could move for Raspadori if they can't come to an agreement with Atletico de Madrid for Alvaro Morata while West Ham United are also interested in the Italy international. 20.57 BST: Fulham have reached an agreement with Sporting CP for Joao Palhinha after having a bid including an €18m transfer fee accepted, according to Fabrizio Romano. Wolverhampton Wanderers have also made the midfielder an offer that is said to be tempting, with the decision now in the hands of the 26-year-old Portugal midfielder. 20.24 BST: Newcastle United are weighing up a move for Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope as they aim to bring in competition for Martin Dubravka, according to the Mail. The Magpies have also looked at Manchester United's Dean Henderson, Paris Saint-Germain's Alphonse Areola and Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga but that trio could be set to join Nottingham Forest, West Ham United and Lazio, respectively. Pope has had various offers but a move to Newcastle appeals to him due to investment in the club and the progress made so far under Eddie Howe. 19.51 BST: Gazzetta dello Sport reports that while Sassuolo's Davide Frattesi remains AS Roma's priority in midfield, they are also looking at Houssem Aouar of Lyon, although the Ligue 1 outfit want a transfer fee of €25m as opposed to the €15m the Giallorossi have offered so far. Regarding potential outgoings from the Italian capital, Jordan Veretout is wanted by Marseille and Lyon, while Nice are interested in a deal for Justin Kluivert, but not at the €14m transfer fee agreed when he joined them on loan, with Marseille and AS Monaco also interested. 19.18 BST: Nottingham Forest are in talks with Mainz defender Moussa Niakhate ahead of a possible move, reports L'Equipe. The 26-year-old former France youth international has one year left on his contract and would not be against leaving the Bundesliga, with Everton and West Ham United also having shown an interest in him. 18.45 BST: Stade Rennais, Nice and Schalke are all interested in Metz right-back Fabien Centonze, reports Foot Mercato. Les Grenats will seek a transfer fee of €3m for the 26-year-old following their relegation to Ligue 2. 18.12 BST: Juventus have renewed the contract of Mattia De Sciglio, who is now set to stay until 2025, the club announced on Thursday. T
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