Welcome to Sports Mole's live transfer blog on Thursday, August 27.
The clock is ticking as football clubs home and abroad have just five days left to complete their transfer business.
With the futures of numerous top-flight players, including David de Gea, John Stones, Saido Berahino, Kevin de Bruyne and Paul Pogba, still unresolved, these next few days could be hectic.
We will provide updates of all the latest transfer news as it develops throughout the day.
Good morning everyone! Another day of transfer activity is upon us, and we could be in for a busy one as there are just five days of the summer window remaining. David de Gea, John Stones, Saido Berahino, Kevin de Bruyne and many more continue to make the headlines, but will their futures be decided by next Tuesday's deadline? Stick with us and you'll find out!
Let's kick off the day with news surrounding West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino. As we all know, Tottenham are interested in the England Under-21 international. However, after having two bids knocked back by the Baggies, the Daily Mail reports that the North London outfit are thinking about ending their pursuit of the player. Considering Berahino unfollowed West Brom on Twitter last night, that could make for an awkward conversation come next Wednesday morning.
It's that time again when we look back at the transfer stories that have emerged over the last 12 hours or so. If you've missed anything, then you will find it in this morning's update. Click here.
Manchester United have been linked with numerous big names in the last few weeks. Neymar and Thomas Muller come to mind. Another player who has topped the gossip pages is Real Madrid star Gareth Bale. According to ESPN, the Red Devils are going to make a final attempt to sign the Welshman by using Madrid's interest in goalkeeper David de Gea. It seems very unlikely that this will happen in the next five days, but the transfer window is known to spring surprises!
Tottenham Hotspur are said to be growing frustrated in their pursuit of Saido Berahino, with West Bromwich Albion wanting £25m for the striker. According to a newspaper report, Spurs have identified Queens Park Rangers man Charlie Austin as an alternative.
DONE DEAL! Mario Balotelli has finally sealed his exit from Anfield, joining former club AC Milan on a season-long loan. More on this developing story here.
Former Leeds United and Republic of Ireland left-back Ian Harte has announced his retirement from football at the age of 37. The left-back had been without a club since leaving Bournemouth earlier this summer.
More now on John Stones's situation at Everton. The defender has handed in a transfer request amid interest from Chelsea, but Toffees boss Roberto Martinez has said that the request will be rejected by the club.
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has been explaining the reason why Kevin Nolan left the club this morning. Read what he had to say here.
Arsenal have been linked heavily with Karim Benzema in recent months, but will they bring the French striker in? Manager Arsene Wenger has not offered any hint of the deal, but he has said that he is always available to do transfer business.
Aston Villa fans, remember Aleksandar Tonev? Well, he's left the club for Serie A newcomers Frosinone. Read more about that deal here.
More transfer news involving a Premier League club now, with Norwich City defender Michael Turner joining Sheffield Wednesday on loan until the end of the season.
Wigan Athletic striker Billy McKay has reportedly edged closer to a £200,000 move to Dundee United.
DONE DEAL! Sevilla announce the arrival of Fernando Llorente on a three-year contract and tweet out the medical photo that Spanish clubs love.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has been speaking about his need for a striker and the club's pursuit of Saido Berahino. Here's what he's had to say.
A shock move to Sevilla for West Ham United striker Andy Carroll has reportedly fallen through due to the knock-on effects of Juventus pulling out a deal to allow Simone Zaza to move to the Premier League club. More on that here.
Bolton Wanderers have confirmed the signing of defender Jose Manuel Casado on a one-year deal.
Southend United have completed the signing of winger Stephen McLaughlin from Nottingham Forest on a two-year contract. Phil Brown is pretty chuffed, by the sounds of it.
DONE DEAL! Reading have just confirmed that striker Pavel Pogrebnyak has left the club to join Russian side Dynamo Moscow.
BREAKING NEWS! Some big developments in the John Stones transfer saga now as Everton confirm that they have rejected his transfer request. You can find out more about that breaking story right here.
West Bromwich Albion chairman Jeremy Peace has confirmed that Saido Berahino will not be sold during the summer transfer window. What next for Tottenham Hotspur, who have been chasing the striker over these last few weeks?
TRANSFER UPDATE! Check out all of today's news and gossip in the summer transfer window with our evening roundup. It's been another busy day, that's for sure.
DONE DEAL! Joey Barton, a free agent since leaving Queens Park Rangers following their relegation at the end of last season, is now on Burnley's books. The veteran midfielder has penned a one-year deal at Turf Moor.
Kevin Nolan, who left West Ham United by mutual consent this morning, is already being rumoured to be a potential signing for Cardiff City.
Reports have emerged of Middlesbrough winger Albert Adomah handing in a transfer request to his club. The 27-year-old was left out of Aitor Karanka's side for their League Cup win against Burton Albion.
DONE DEAL! Real Madrid midfielder Lucas Silva has moved to Ligue 1 outfit Marseille on a one-year loan deal. The 22-year-old only played eight games for the Spanish giants last season, and was not handed a shirt number at the Bernabeu for the current campaign.
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has claimed that teammate Son Heung-min has been "badly advised" as the South Korean closes in on a move to Tottenham Hotspur, and should stay at the BayArena instead. Could there be a last-minute turnaround on the cards?
Wolfsburg director of sport Klaus Allofs has claimed that Manchester City have made an "astonishing" wage offer to Kevin de Bruyne. Amid rumours that the 24-year-old winger will be left out of his side's squad against Schalke 04 this Friday, could he have played his last game for the Bundesliga side?
Fancy knowing the latest on Heung-Min Son's prospective move from Bayer Leverkusen to Spurs? Well, here's the German club's CEO to tell you what the state of play is. Click HERE!
