31 Jul 2026 06:31 BST |
5 min read
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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 31 July, including the latest updates on Rodri, Douglas Luiz and Rafael Leao.
Man City name Rodri price
Manchester City and Real Madrid are now in direct talks for Rodri, although there is still a gap in valuation over a fee for the midfielder.
Rodri has agreed personal terms to join Real Madrid and the Spanish giants are looking to pay around €50 million for the 30-year-old, although City are holding out for close to €75, according to journalist Patrik Berger.
A deal is expected to be sealed in the near future, with City already closing in on a replacement in Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is set to join from Lille for around €90 million.
Both the deals for Rodri and Bouaddi have personal terms in place and it is only a matter of negotiating the final deals before a full agreement is expected.
Man Utd explore Leao deal
Manchester United have reportedly asked for information on Rafael Leao after Milan intensified plans to sell the forward this summer.
Leao will be allowed to leave Milan for around €50 million and talks are already underway with Turkish sides Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, although a deal is not thought to be close with either club.
United will likely only push for a move if Marcus Rashford is sold this summer but the England international is likely to remain at Old Trafford unless a permanent bid is received.
However, Leao’s availability could convince United to consider a deal, particularly if Milan lower their asking price, with journalist Nicolo Schira confirming the player is no longer in the Italian club’s plans.
Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz reportedly ‘dreams’ of playing for Manchester United and he is hoping to move to the club this summer as part of a deal for Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee has emerged as a target for Juve and the Italian side are in talks with United over a move, although the Premier League side are holding out for a permanent deal instead of a loan.
Luiz has spent time on loan at Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest after struggling to adapt to life in Italy and Tuttosport claim that Juve could look to offload the Brazilian to United as part of the Zirkzee deal.
United are in search of a midfielder to add to their squad and Juve would need to generate a fee of €30 million for Luiz, with Zirkzee valued at closer to €40m as talks go on.
Real Madrid secure new striker after hijacking Brighton deal
Real Madrid have hijacked Brighton’s move to sign Carlos Espi after activating the Levante striker’s €25 million release clause.
Comunicado Oficial: Carlos Espí.
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) July 30, 2026
Espi scored 11 La Liga goals last season and the 21-year-old was believed to be in advanced talks with Brighton and Hull City before Madrid made their move, with a quick announcement coming over a deal.
Madrid had moved for Espi after agreeing to sell striker Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham for €40m, as well as young midfielder Cesar Palacios.
The deal also contains 30% sell-on clauses for Madrid, with both players reuniting with new Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa.
More rumours
Joelinton also asked to leave Newcastle for Saudi Arabia during talks in May but an offer has yet to materialise for the midfielder. (Daily Mail)
Fulham have held discussions with Toulouse over a potential deal for Charlie Cresswell, with Crystal Palace also interested. (Mirror)
Monaco have accepted PSG’s €50m bid for Maghnes Akliouche after weeks of negotiations. (L’Equipe)
Roma have agreed a €15m deal to sign Wolfsburg defender Konstantinos Koulierakis. (Fabrizio Romano)
Dortmund could turn their attention to Jadon Sancho as an experienced attacking midfielder after pursuing a number of younger targets this summer. (Sky Sport Germany)
