TOP STORY: Juventus keeping tabs on Leicester's Mahrez

Earlier this month, Chelsea and Arsenal seemed the clubs most likely to battle it out for the signature of Leicester playmaker Riyad Mahrez, but both were said to have been put off by Leicester's demand for about £50 million for Mahrez.

Now, according to the Mirror, Serie A champions Juventus could swoop.

The English publication reports that Juve "have the Algeria international in their sights as a potential alternative in case they are unable to agree a deal with Bayern Munich for Douglas Costa."

It adds that Chelsea are still "monitoring" the situation, while Arsenal could yet opt to table a bid.

United 'submit bid for Madrid's Morata'

Speculation linking Manchester United with Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has grown stronger in recent weeks, and now the Mail reports that the English giants have lodged an official bid.

"I can say that their proposal is a very, very important one, and now the decision rests with Real," agent Juanma Lopez confirmed on Monday.

Jose Mourinho's side had been thought likely to move for Morata, Torino's Andrea Belotti or Romelu Lukaku of Everton, but Morata is now the key target.

The Mail writes that the 24-year-old will cost "upwards of £60m," with Bernabeu officials "hopeful of thrashing out a deal somewhere around £70m and further talks expected in the coming days."

Morata, the report adds, "wants his future to be fixed within the fortnight, and Mourinho is keen for United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to handle business quickly."

The news comes as the Mail reports that former United target Antoine Griezmann will sign a new Atletico Madrid deal until 2022, but his €100m release clause will not be increased.

Chelsea legend Terry could move in at Villa

Not long ago, it seemed likely that John Terry could head to the south coast, with Bournemouth interested in signing him.

But now the ex-Blues skipper could be off to the Midlands after meeting Villa boss Steve Bruce "for talks about his future over a game of golf in Portugal at the weekend," according to the Sun.

It says 36-year-old Terry "is keen on the idea of leading Villa out of the Championship," in which they struggled at times last season, and would be given a contract "with a big promotion bonus."

Sky Sports reports that he "is considering a number of offers, and Villa hope he can be persuaded to see out his career with them."

Hammers mull Hart loan if price is right

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is yet to receive an offer after his loan spell at Torino ended, but West Ham could step in, the Mirror writes.

The Hammers were linked with a move for England international Hart earlier in the year and are interested in taking him on loan. But the Mirror reports that he would have to lower his £175,000-a-week pay packet if he is to switch to the Londoners, who are not prepared to pay more than £100,000 a week.

Tap-ins

- Man City boss Pep Guardiola is ready to move for Mexico winger Hirving "Chucky" Lozano, according to Sky Sports. The report states that the 21-year-old Pachuca player, who has impressed with his consistent goal scoring, had previously interested Manchester United but now looks likely to join their city rivals.

- Liverpool have turned down a £1m offer from Derby for defender Andre Wisdom, the Liverpool Echo reports. After four seasons out on loan, Wisdom is set to leave Anfield, but Liverpool want around double that amount, and sources say Derby could come back with a bigger offer.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by CHRIS BORG

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