My word have we got a star-studded transfer round up for you today – even if the stars in question have mostly been taking it easy.
A five-time Ballon d’Or winner snubbing a visit to play Scottish Champions Celtic because he fancies a bit of a rest? The world’s most expensive player relaxing on a Highland golf course? Dear oh dear.
Here are today’s top stories…
–
Top Stories
- Celtic are expected to bid for Blackburn and Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy this week but winger James Forrest will not be moving in the opposite direction. (Herald)
- German defender Marcel Appiah played for Hearts in a closed door match against Sunderland yesterday, with the 28-year-old released by Dutch club NEC Nijmegen. (Sun)
- Joey Barton is in line to make his Rangers debut from the bench in tonight’s League Cup tie with Annan Athletic. (Various)
- Celtic need three new players to avoid missing out on the Champions League group stage for the third year running, says former striker John Hartson. (The Times)
- Barcelona stars Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique will sit out a Dublin friendly with Celtic on 30 July since they have been given extra time off by the Spanish champions. (Daily Express)
- Northern Ireland defender Liam Donnelly, who spent last week on trial with Hearts after being released by Fulham, has been told he will not be offered a contract by the Scottish Premiership club. (Edinburgh Evening News)
–
Done Deals
- Nick van der Velden has agreed to join up at Dundee United, the 34-year-old taking advice from fomer Tannadice favourite Freddy van der Hoorn. (Evening Telegraph)
- Jazz Richards has signed for Cardiff on a swap deal from Fulham. Scott Malone has moved in the opposite direction.
- Johann Berg Gudmundsson has moved from Charlton Athletic to Burnley. The transfer fee has not been disclosed.
- Massimo Donati has signed for Hamilton Academical on a free transfer from Bari. Donati won the league with Celtic in his last season playing in Scotland.
- Tom Walsh has signed for St Mirren on loan from Rangers.
–
South of the Border
- Stoke manager Mark Hughes has said the Potters have lodged bids for West Brom striker Saido Berahino, believed to be in the region of £20million. (Press and Journal)
- Leicester want £45m for Riyad Mahrez, 25, but are confident the Algeria forward will stay with the Premier League champions following France midfielder N’Golo Kante’s departure for Chelsea. (Telegraph)
- Marseille winger Georges-Kevin Nkoudou is set to undergo a medical at Tottenham but Clinton Njie is not keen on a loan move in the other direction. (Press and Journal)
- Manchester United have delayed announcing their squad numbers for the new season – until they have completed the £105m signing of Juventus’ France midfielder Paul Pogba. (Sun)
- Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea have all made offers for Valencia’s £54m-rated Portugal midfielder Andre Gomes, 22. (Mundo Deportivo)
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not heading to China on Manchester United’s pre-season tour. United take on Borussia Dortmund in Shanghai on Friday and then head to Beijing for a mouth-watering friendly against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Monday. (Press and Journal)
–
And Finally…
The Wales and Real Madrid star teed off early at Castle Stuart before heading for another 18 holes at Royal Dornoch in the afternoon.
The world’s most expensive footballer was in the Highlands with four schoolmates as part of an annual golf trip which they take every summer to a chosen location.
As he walked off the 18th green at Castle Stuart, he said: “I enjoyed the golf course, I found it pretty tough but it was a windy day so that played a part”.
