Football transfer news and rumours

Lewandowski is Sarri's top target

Robert Lewandowski has been new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri's top option all summer reports the Daily Star, even over Sarri's former player Gonzalo Higuain.

However, Bayern Munich remain unwilling to sell their star striker in the face of interest from the London club and Real Madrid.

Forget Higuain. Sarri's been after Lewandowski the whole time! Catch up on the latest transfer rumours and gossip:https://t.co/fG0LTLUJSh

— Goal (@goal) July 30, 2018

The Blues have only nine days left to convince Bayern to sell before the Premier League transfer window closes.

Leicester look to sell Slimani

Islam Slimani is attracting the interest of a number of clubs but Leicester City are only willing to sanction a permanent sale, reports the Leicester Mercury.

Algeria international Slimani arrived at the King Power Stadium two years ago, but has failed to tie down a regular berth due to injury and spent 2018 on loan with Newcastle.

🇵🇹 ENQUIRY FOR SLIMANI 🇵🇹

Sporting Lisbon have made an enquiry to take Leicester City striker Islam Slimani on loan, according to Sky sources.

Full story: https://t.co/fJqHGsZMpt

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 21, 2018

Former club Sporting CP are among those interested but they are believed to be unwilling to meet Leicester’s demands for a permanent move at £18m ($24m/€20m).

Man City drop Hart asking price

Manchester City have lowered Joe Hart's price tag to £5m, and might even be willing to let the goalkeeper leave for free, report the Times.

Hart wants to leave the club on a permanent deal, rather than go out on loan for a third successive season and City seem willing to accommodate his request.

Manchester City are lowering their £5m asking price for Joe Hart (31) and could even let him go on a free transfer. Turkish side Fenerbahce are one of several continental clubs to have shown interest. [The Times] pic.twitter.com/rmZxjq5nBo

— City Watch (@City_Watch) July 30, 2018

There has been some interest on the continent for Hart, and City are not likely to hold fast on their demands as letting the keeper walk for nothing appears an option.

Mourinho confident in only one signing

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho reiterated the belief that he will only sign one player before the transfer deadline, despite his demands for two.

Leicester City defender Harry Maguire, Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld, Chelsea star Willian and Inter winger Ivan Perisic have been linked with moves to Old Trafford as United try to dethrone Premier League champions Manchester City.

🔴🔴 WHY UNITED NEED MAGUIRE 🔴🔴

Man Utd have stepped up their interest in Harry Maguire.@p_smith86 looks at why defence is a priority for Jose Mourinho this summer: https://t.co/S9bqyrplsL pic.twitter.com/zIXZyajBPc

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 26, 2018

But while Mourinho thinks he'll get one of his targets, he admits landing multiple targets is probably too much to hope for.

Bale set for new Real Madrid contract

According to the Sun, Gareth Bale was uncertain over his future prior to the summer as he did not have a good relationship with then manager Zinedine Zidane.

However, new Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui has convinced Bale the attacker is a key part of his plans - a role that was unlikely before the departures of Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui has backed “outstanding” Gareth Bale to fill Cristiano Ronaldo's void at the Santiago Bernabeu. ⚪️#RMCF #LaLiga #ICC2018 pic.twitter.com/MACtFgKuI6

— Goal (@goal) July 31, 2018

While there has been interest from Tottenham and Manchester United in bringing Bale back to the Premier League, the Welsh star is open to fresh contract talks.

Everton chasing £30m Rojo

 Marcos Rojo in a £30m ($39m) deal, reports the Daily Mail.

Rojo's position in the squad is perilous with United looking to add another central defender, and his former Sporting Lisbon boss, current Everton manager Marco Silva, is interested in a reunion.

Everton want Marcos Rojo from Man United in £30m deal as Marco Silva plots reunion https://t.co/47pMtsYxfF | @ChrisWheelerDM pic.twitter.com/PpiDxevGtN

— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) July 30, 2018

The Red Devils are aware of Everton's interest, but they have yet to receive an offer for the defender.

*** All the transfer news have been collated from Goal.com, BBC, Reuters, AFP