Saturday 7 June 2014

Football; Fabregas, Hazard, Lallana & more - Transfer Window LIVE

That brings an end to our LIVE transfer blog for the day and for the week. Thank you very much for following. We'll be back on Monday for more of the same from the crazy world of the transfer window. The LIVE coverage doesn't end there for the night, though, as Germany and Brazil prepare for the World Cup with international friendlies. Click the links below to follow. Cheerio!

LIVE: Germany v Armenia (19:45 kick-off)
LIVE: Brazil v Serbia (20:00 kick-off)
 
6:54 PM WAT
6/6/14
TRANSFER RECAP

Right, before we head off, let's have a recap of the main stories of the day. Liverpool are prepared to wait until after the World Cup to seal a £25 million deal for Adam Lallana, Alberto Moreno says he is "dedicated" to Sevilla amid talk of a move to Anfield, and Thomas Ince has turned down a move to Inter.

Lallana deal on hold | Moreno 'dedicated' | Ince rejects Inter
6:47 PM WAT
6/6/14
NIANG REJECTS WEST HAM

AC Milan forward M'Baye Niang has turned down a loan move to West Ham, his agent has revealed. Stephane Courbis was quoted as saying by TMW: "On Monday I met with West Ham, who were interested in the player. The Hammers would like him on loan, but I don't think it is the right choice, so I excluded it. We prefer a permanent deal and we seek a coach who strongly believes in Niang."
6:40 PM WAT
6/6/14
Our reporter in Rio awaits Mr Van Gaal's press conference this evening - and here's a look at where the Dutch have been training...
6:32 PM WAT
6/6/14
EVERTON TRANSFER PLANS

Everton manager Roberto Martinez on loan signings: "The loan market will be important again. I have always felt loans are a real need in our squad, and we welcome that. You look back at the last experience we had with loans was very, very significant in what they brought into the squad. Every time we bring a loan player in we treat him like our own, like one of us, and allow him to enjoy his football and create unique memories."
6:23 PM WAT
6/6/14
LAPORTE SIGNS NEW DEAL

Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte has signed a new four-year deal with the club which, crucially, includes an increase in his buyout clause from €36 million (£29.2m) to €42m (£34.1m). Bayern Munich and Barcelona have been heavily linked with the 20-year-old, while one report this week claimed Arsenal and Manchester United were prepared to pay £30m for the player.

Bilbao confirm new Laporte contract
 
6:15 PM WAT
6/6/14
ITURBE TO PREMIER LEAGUE?

This has the potential to be the most bonkers deal in the history of association football. According to the Daily Express, Liverpool and Arsenal are battling it out for Juan Iturbe... even though the 21-year-old Argentine only joined Hellas Verona in May. The Italian club are reportedly willing to sell and are looking to make an £11.5 million profit by setting an asking price of £24m! Clever business or bad for football? You decide...

Transfer Talk: Iturbe in demand
6:03 PM WAT
6/6/14
OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN LATEST

England manager Roy Hodgson says he will leave a decision on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's involvement in the World Cup until the "last minute". His place in the squad is in doubt after suffering a knee injury against Ecuador on Wednesday. "[There are] no changes," Hodgson told reporters at a press conference. "We will monitor the situation and keep our fingers crossed."

Hodgson waits on Oxlade-Chamberlain
5:55 PM WAT
6/6/14
LIVERPOOL TO WAIT ON LALLANA

A reminder of the big story from earlier: Goal understands that Liverpool are prepared to wait until after the World Cup to seal a £25 million move for Adam Lallana. The Southampton midfielder is desperate for a switch to Anfield and is expected to hand in a transfer request when he returns from Brazil. He may even refuse to take part in Saints' pre-season fixtures if a deal can still not be agreed, with Liverpool keen for their No.1 target to force through a move.

Liverpool wait to seal Lallana deal
5:45 PM WAT
6/6/14
WORLD CUP NEWS

Imagine having the dates and times of all 64 World Cup matches in one place. Ahhhh. It would be brilliant, wouldn't it? Well, you don't have to imagine any more - click below for all the info!

World Cup fixtures in full
5:37 PM WAT
6/6/14
ARSENAL HOLD UP COSTA DEAL???

Yep. You read that correctly. According to the Daily Express, Diego Costa's move to Chelsea is being held up by Arsenal as they ponder whether to activate their buy-back option to re-sign Carlos Vela. Atletico Madrid are unwilling to let Costa leave without a replacement lined up and are hopeful of signing Vela from Real Sociedad.

Transfer Talk: Costa deal on hold
 
5:28 PM WAT
6/6/14
DONE DEAL

Tottenham have confirmed that young central defender Grant Hall will join Championship side Birmingham on loan next season. He spent last year at Swindon in League One.
5:24 PM WAT
6/6/14
TRANSFER RECAP

Considering the transfer window isn't even open yet, it's been a busy(ish) afternoon of transfer news. To recap, Alberto Moreno says he is "dedicated" to Sevilla amid talk of an imminent move to Liverpool, while Thomas Ince has rejected a switch to Inter in favour of a return to the Premier League. You can read more with full quotes from both players below.

Moreno denies Liverpool agreement | Ince rejects Inter
5:16 PM WAT
6/6/14
ROMEU TO CHELSEA?

According to the Metro, West Ham are contemplating making a move for Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu, who spent last season on loan at Valencia. The Spaniard is not expected to feature in Jose Mourinho's plans next year.

Transfer Talk: West Ham could move for Romeu
5:05 PM WAT
6/6/14
AYOZE JOINS NEWCASTLE

According to the Evening Chronicle, Porto, Arsenal, Everton, Schalke, Borussia Dortmund, Marseille, Real Madrid and Valencia were all interested in Tenerife wonderkid Ayoze Perez before the 20-year-old 'wonderkid' joined Newcastle earlier today.

Transfer Talk: Major interest in Ayoze
4:58 PM WAT
6/6/14
INCE TURNS DOWN INTER

Thomas Ince confirms he has rejected Inter: "After lengthy discussions with my family I have decided that my immediate future in the game lies in the Premier League. I am flattered to have received such strong interest from several big European clubs. But I believe at this early stage of my career I need to continue my football education in England. I would like to thank the clubs overseas for their interest and kindness. I still have ambitions to one day play in Europe. I am now looking forward to what lies ahead next season."
4:51 PM WAT
6/6/14
MORENO LATEST

This comes after Liverpool were told by Sevilla that a move for Alberto Moreno would cost €22 million (£17.8m). The two clubs are still yet to agree a deal after an initial €20m (£16.2m) offer from the Reds was rejected.

Liverpool told to stump up for Moreno
 
4:45 PM WAT
6/6/14
MORENO DEDICATED TO SEVILLA

If that didn't throw his move to Liverpool into doubt, this certainly will - he's already looking ahead to Sevilla's Super Cup match against Real Madrid on August 12.

He added: “Hopefully I can play in that match and win such a big title, particularly against Real Madrid, and hopefully [Ivan] Rakitic will be there with us, who’s a great person and team-mate. As soon as we return to training on July 7 we will start preparing for the match.”
4:39 PM WAT
6/6/14
LIVERPOOL LATEST

Liverpool were hopeful of signing left-back Alberto Moreno but, speaking at a press conference this afternoon, the player insisted he is “dedicated” to Sevilla and is leaving his future in the hands of his father and agent. He said: "All I know is that I've been a Sevillista since I was a kid. My future? I do not know about that. That’s a matter for my father and my agent to deal with. I have four years [left on my contract], I am dedicated to play and I'm happy here."
4:33 PM WAT
6/6/14
INCE TO INTER?

Big update on the future of Thomas Ince. According to Sky Sports, the midfielder has turned down a move to Serie A side Inter in favour of a switch to the Premier League. The midfielder is out of contract at Blackpool this summer and spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace.

Transfer Talk: Ince rejects Inter
4:25 PM WAT
6/6/14
SIDWELL IN DEMAND

Oh yes. That's right. The midfielder everybody is talking about. Steve Sidwell is a rumoured target for a host of Premier League clubs and, according to talkSPORT, is now also attracting interest from Hull, Stoke and West Brom when he leaves Fulham at the end of the month. He's got more suitors than Cesc Fabregas!

Transfer Talk: Interest in Sidwell
4:17 PM WAT
6/6/14
MONACO APPOINT JARDIM

New Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim to the club's official website: "I am very happy to work for Monaco as it is a big club. I fully believe in this project and I think that this group can go far. AS Monaco is a team with players full of quality. There are many young players with a lot of talent. I am going to do everything to help them progress. The first thing is to start learning to speak French. I have been taking lessons for a few days now, it is question of respect towards the supporters, and the people of Ligue 1."
 
4:13 PM WAT
6/6/14
DONE DEAL

Monaco have announced the appointment of Leonardo Jardim as the club's new coach. The 39-year-old joins on an initial two-year deal after leading Sporting to second place in Portugal.

A club statement reads: "AS Monaco is delighted to announce the appointment of Leonardo Jardim as new head coach for the next two seasons, 2014-2015 and 2015-2016, and one-year option. The Portuguese coach will take charge of the squad on June the 30th for the start of preseason training."
4:06 PM WAT
6/6/14
ARSENAL UPDATE

Lorenzo Insigne's agent Antonio Otaiano says the Napoli striker is "honoured" to be attracting the interest of Arsenal but does not want to comment further on the striker's future until an official offer has been made. The Gunners have been linked with a £17 million deal for the Italian.

He told Tutto Mercato: "We take into account the praising reports that Wenger has given about the player. We are honoured that a club like Arsenal could have Lorenzo on their wish list....The club consider him without a shadow of a doubt as one of their key players for their ambitious project. Hence, as of today, I don't see that there can be any further developments unless Arsenal speak to Napoli directly and Napoli change their view on Lorenzo's role here."
3:58 PM WAT
6/6/14
RHODES TO NORWICH?

Norwich manager Neil Adams has rubbished talk of a bid for Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes. The relegated club have been linked with a move for the Scotland international, who scored 22 goals last season, but insists no offer has been made.

He said: "I've seen it, I've seen all the rumours. I think they've put two and two together and come up with 25. Obviously Joe Royle had him as a young player, and I played with his dad Andy Rhodes. That's where the links are. We've made no offer for Jordan Rhodes - fantastic player, don't get me wrong. Scores goals for fun, guarantees goals. But there's been no offer."

Norwich rubbish Rhodes rumour
3:50 PM WAT
6/6/14
GET INVOLVED
3:38 PM WAT
6/6/14
DONE DEAL

AC Milan have signed defender Alex on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain. The 31-year-old has agreed a two-year contract.

3:32 PM WAT
6/6/14
FROM MADRID TO MIDDLESBROUGH

It's not a path trodden by many, but Real Madrid goalkeeper Tomas Mejias, who normally plays for the Spanish giants' 'B' team, will join Middlesbrough, Goal Spain have confirmed. Mejias spent the back end of last season on loan with the Championship club, who are coached by former Real assistant Aitor Karanka.
3:25 PM WAT
6/6/14
NO PRESSURE, RONNY

3:20 PM WAT
6/6/14
NASRI - NOT GOING TO BRAZIL...

...but staying at Manchester City, according to the Guardian, who claim the French midfielder is set to sign a new five-year deal with the defending champions when he returns from his holiday. The report adds that Joe Hart, Edin Dzeko and Aleksandar Kolarov could follow suit.
3:08 PM WAT
6/6/14
CELTIC APPOINT DEILA

In cheerier news...

3:03 PM WAT
6/6/14
RIBERY OUT OF WORLD CUP

Here's a link to the breaking story as Didier Deschamps confirms Franck Ribery is out of Brazil 2014...

Ribery out of World Cup
2:58 PM WAT
6/6/14
FRANCE CALL UP TWO

In addition to Franck Ribery, it was confirmed earlier today that Clement Grenier will also miss out on Brazil due to an injury. Remy Cabella, the Montpellier playmaker, and Morgan Schneiderlin, of Southampton, have been called up to fill in.

2:53 PM WAT
6/6/14
BREAKING NEWS

Franck Ribery is out of the World Cup, Didier Deschamps has confirmed in the last few moments. "This morning, Ribery stopped during a run," he said. "Today, he cannot train. Tests confirm worsening situation. He cannot play."
2:38 PM WAT
6/6/14
BONY LATEST

Swansea boss Garry Monk to Wales Online: "There have been lots of stories, but we've had absolutely zero contact from anyone about Wilf. And the fact is that as a club, we don't care anyway. We don't want to lose Wilf. We want him to stay with us and for him to be part of our future. And the fact is that he is under contract. He is our player so it will be down to us to decide whether he stays or not."

Monk rubbishes Bony exit talk
2:30 PM WAT
6/6/14
LIVERPOOL TO WAIT ON LALLANA

Goal understands that Liverpool are prepared to wait until after the World Cup to seal a £25 million move for Adam Lallana. The Southampton midfielder is desperate for a switch to Anfield and is expected to hand in a transfer request when he returns from Brazil. He may even refuse to take part in Saints' pre-season fixtures if a deal can still not be agreed, with Liverpool keen for their No.1 target to force through a move.

Liverpool wait to seal Lallana deal
 
2:23 PM WAT
6/6/14
YANGA-MBIWA ON THE MOVE?

According to La Provence, Newcastle defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa is a target for Marseille. The Magpies paid £8.5 million for the centre-back 18 months ago and are hoping to recoup much of that fee if he leaves this summer.

Transfer Talk: Marseille tracking Yanga-Mbiwa
2:15 PM WAT
6/6/14
ARSENAL LATEST

Bob Bradley claims his son's nationality played a part in Arsenal choosing Kim Kallstrom over him in January. USA international Michael Bradley was on the club's radar but Arsene Wenger opted to sign the Swedish midfielder instead.

"I think American players and coaches have to fight really hard for respect," Bob said in an interview on Slate.com's 'Hang Up and Listen' podcast. "In January, Arsenal (were) looking to add a midfielder, and they chose Kim Kallstrom. Kim Kallstrom's not a bad player, but I think Michael feels pretty strongly that he's better, and so Arsene Wenger must not feel that way, and Ivan Gazidis must not feel that way. So sometimes, no matter what you do, you don’t get the respect you think you deserve."

Bradley 'snubbed over nationality'
2:08 PM WAT
6/6/14
GET INVOLVED
The Twittersphere has nearly exploded today with your views on a certain Spain midfielder...
2:03 PM WAT
6/6/14
AJAX STRIKER TO QPR?

QPR have said they will approach transfers differently on their return to the Premier League, having splashed out on high wages on their way to being relegated two years ago. The Daily Mail claims the newly promoted club have reignited their interest in Ajax forward Kolbeinn Sigthorsson.

Transfer Talk: Sigthorsson interests QPR
 
1:56 PM WAT
6/6/14
GORDON HOLDS CELTIC TALKS

At a press conference to announce Ronny Deila as Celtic's new manager, club chief executive Peter Lawwell has confirmed reports that Craig Gordon could be making a playing return with the Scottish champions. The 31-year-old goalkeeper has been without a club for two years due to injury problems. Lawwell said: "He has been in training with us, and we are going through discussions with his agent just now."
1:49 PM WAT
6/6/14
PISZCZEK TO ARSENAL?

Arsenal are looking for a new right-back to replace Bacary Sagna, with Serge Aurier strongly linked, but another reported target, Borussia Dortmund's Lukasz Piszczek, will not be moving to the Premier League. According to talkSPORT, Barcelona are poised to sign the full-back.

Transfer Talk: Piszczek set for Barcelona
1:42 PM WAT
6/6/14
ATLETICO AGREE SIQUEIRA DEAL

Are Chelsea edging closer to another signing? Atletico Madrid have announced an agreement for Granada left-back Guilherme Siqueira. The 28-year-old has been touted as a replacement for Stamford Bridge-bound Filipe Luis.
1:38 PM WAT
6/6/14
DONE DEAL
1:36 PM WAT
6/6/14
SANTON TO SERIE A?

It doesn't look that way. Newcastle defender Davide Santon has confirmed there is interest in him from AC Milan and Roma but says he is happy at St James' Park and does not expect to leave.

He told Sky Italia: "There has been interest from Milan and Roma for me, but I have two more years on my contract with Newcastle and I don't know if they want to sell me. I'm fine at Newcastle, I immediately felt at home there and I like the Premier League. I think I won't return to Italy this summer."

Santon expects Newcastle stay
 
1:30 PM WAT
6/6/14
AYOZE PEREZ JOINS NEWCASTLE

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew to nufcTV: "We're delighted to confirm our first signing of the summer and very pleased to have Ayoze at Newcastle United, as a number of other clubs were chasing his signature too. He had a terrific season in Spain last year and is a player who we hope to develop further on Tyneside. He's only 20 but has a very good eye for goal and that's a great asset for any young player to have."

Official: Newcastle sign Ayoze Perez
1:15 PM WAT
6/6/14
ATLETICO STRIKER SEARCH

Staying in Madrid, Mundo Deportivo claims Romelu Lukaku is a target for Atletico. The Spanish champions are on the lookout for a new striker as Diego Costa edges closer to completing his move to Chelsea. Costa passed a medical at the London club on Wednesday and is expected to be confirmed as a Blues player before the World Cup begins.

Transfer Talk: Atletico keen on Lukaku
1:07 PM WAT
6/6/14
KROOS TO REAL MADRID?

According to El Confidencial, Real Madrid are keen on a deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos. The German has reportedly told Bayern he wants to leave and has asked the club to consider any offers for him.

Transfer Talk: Madrid wants Kroos
1:00 PM WAT
6/6/14
GET INVOLVED

Be sure to get involved with your views on the latest transfer news and rumours! You can click the links above to do just that. Hilary Kirui has been in touch - and it looks like we've got a #scoop!
12:52 PM WAT
6/6/14
WEST BROM MOVE FOR STRIKER?

West Brom are interested in adding to their striking options during the summer. According to talkSPORT, they have submitted a £9 million bid to Spartak Moscow for Yura Movsisyan and are set to open talks with the player.

Transfer Talk: West Brom make £9m bid
12:45 PM WAT
6/6/14
WORLD CUP NEWS

Speaking to Bild, Franck Ribery on chances of making France's World Cup squad: “Today I tried to run a little. I have a test tomorrow, and then we will see. Hopefully, everything will then be in order.”

Ribery holds World Cup hope
12:38 PM WAT
6/6/14
DONE DEAL

Newcastle have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old striker Ayoze Perez from CD Tenerife. He scored 16 goals in 34 games in the Segunda Division in Spain last season and has signed a long-term deal at St James' Park.

He told nufcTV: "I'm very happy to be here to start this new adventure. I'm very eager for it to begin and I'm very pleased to play for this magnificent club. Any football player would be interested in playing for such a club and I will earn my position to get in the first team."

Official: Newcastle sign Perez
12:30 PM WAT
6/6/14
FERDINAND LATEST

Rio Ferdinand is on the lookout for a new club after leaving Manchester United. The defender has plenty of options but, according to Sky Sports, has turned down the the chance to join Aston Villa. Paul Lambert, you've just been merked...

Transfer Talk: Ferdinand turns down Villa
12:23 PM WAT
6/6/14
MEULENSTEEN TO MAN UTD?

Not a chance! Rene Meulensteen worked in various different roles at Manchester United during a 12-year spell but has been told by Louis van Gaal that he does not want him to return. Ouch. But he's not bitter or anything...

"There aren't many coaches who have spent so much time with one club as I have," he said. "You would think it would make sense to have some continuity. But the people who have made the decision think their decision makes sense as well so we'll see what the future brings."

Meulensteen snubbed by Man Utd
12:15 PM WAT
6/6/14
COMMENT

Goal understands that Chelsea and Manchester City have both tabled £28.4 million bids to Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas, but Arsenal have decided not to activate their buy-back clause because they are unwilling to spend more than £25m on the player. Goal's James Goldman believes the Gunners will come to rue missing out on a return for their former captain.

Arsenal will rue missing out on Cesc
 
12:07 PM WAT
6/6/14
VELA TO ATLETICO MADRID?

According to Marca, Carlos Vela has told Real Sociedad that he has received an "irresistible offer" from Atletico Madrid. The Mexican has also been linked with Real Madrid and a return to former club Arsenal.

Transfer Talk: Atletico make Vela offer
12:00 PM WAT
6/6/14
PEDRO FUTURE UNCERTAIN

Yet ANOTHER player potentially departing Barcelona, Pedro says he does not know whether he will remain at the club next season. Cesc Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez, Pedro ... I hope Luis Enrique has some replacements lined up!

Pedro told Marca: "I'm not sure what’s going to happen, I'm relaxed and concentrating on the team [Spain] and the World Cup. When I need to decide something, I'll talk to the club and we'll see what happens. But I'm relaxed and I don't know anything, I'll carry on concentrating on the team and on playing well in the World Cup."

Pedro unsure of Barca future
11:53 AM WAT
6/6/14
DEL BOSQUE UNHAPPY WITH MEDIA

Our tweeters have spotted a slight flaw in Mr Del Bosque's logic...
11:48 AM WAT
6/6/14
SANCHEZ TO JUVENTUS?

It looks like there will be a summer of major change at Barcelona. Tuttosport reports that Alexis Sanchez has agreed terms with Juventus but the clubs are still apart on the transfer fee. Juve are looking at a deal worth €20.5 million (£16.6m) but Barca are holding out for €25m (£20m).

Transfer Talk: Sanchez agrees Juventus move
11:42 AM WAT
6/6/14
SUAREZ TO REAL MADRID?

This rumour just ain't going away. Italian publication Corriere dello Sport is the latest outlet suggesting Real Madrid will make an offer of €90 million (£72m) to Liverpool for Luis Suarez.

Transfer Talk: Madrid eye Suarez move
 
11:37 AM WAT
6/6/14
LAMBERT DEAL

Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman to the Daily Mirror: "If he can replicate those kind of [goalscoring] figures for Liverpool I think they got themselves a really shrewd bargain. As we know football isn't about four-year signings or five-year signings, it's about next year. It's year to year unfortunately. It's a wonderful opportunity for Rickie."

McManaman: Lambert a bargain for Liverpool
11:32 AM WAT
6/6/14
ATLETICO TRIO TO JOIN CHELSEA?

According to the Daily Mirror, Chelsea are set to raid Atletico Madrid with a £50 million swoop for three of their players. Diego Costa has already passed a medical to move to Stamford Bridge, while the Blues also hope to sign Filipe Luis and Tiago as early as this weekend.

Transfer Talk: Chelsea hope to land trio
11:25 AM WAT
6/6/14
MORENO RECAP

A reminder that Goal has learned it will take €22 million (£17.8m) for Liverpool to sign Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno. Reports from Spain yesterday claimed a deal would be completed "in the next few hours" but we understand that the two clubs are yet to finalise an agreement.

Liverpool told to cough up for Moreno
 
11:17 AM WAT
6/6/14
DE JONG TO NEWCASTLE?

Newcastle are not interested in taking Luuk de Jong back to St James' Park after he spent the second half of last season on loan at the club. They are, however, considering a move for his brother - Ajax's Siem de Jong. That's according to the Daily Mirror.

Transfer Talk: Newcastle consider De Jong move
11:11 AM WAT
6/6/14
DEILA NAMED CELTIC MANAGER

Ronny Deila moves to Celtic from Stromsgodset IF, who he led to the Norwegian title last season, and has signed a 12-month rolling contract at Celtic Park. The 38-year-old is looking forward to the challenge and has promised to bring fans attacking football.

He told the club's official website: “I know what I want for Celtic and our supporters and that is the best of everything, it is what our fans deserve. I want to deliver the best attacking, exciting and entertaining football we can play, for the players to give their best every time they take to the field of and, of course. I want my players to work with me to achieve the best results possible and bring trophies to Celtic."
11:07 AM WAT
6/6/14
CELTIC APPOINT NEW MANAGER
11:03 AM WAT
6/6/14
GET INVOLVED
10:58 AM WAT
6/6/14
PIQUE COMMENTS

The comments in question, by the way, are: "We have to defend Cesc a little. He told me it's done. He's off - €33m [£27m], he said to me."

Well, if you say that at a press conference, no matter how quietly, you're asking for trouble...

Torres would welcome Fabregas at Chelsea


The Spain international striker says the Barcelona man is the type of player the Blues are currently missing, and says he could drive Jose Mourinho's team forward
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres says Cesc Fabregas would be a “good signing” for the club, with the midfielder set to leave Barcelona this summer.
Sportmasta understands Manchester City are preparing a £30 million bid for the Spain international with former side Arsenal also interested in the Spain international.
Manchester United and Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Fabregas and Torres feels he would do well if he opted to return to England with a move to Stamford Bridge.

"Big players are always good signings. We know Cesc, he knows the division and was always among the top players when he was at Arsenal," Torres told Movistar.

"He likes to play good football and will offer ball control, cutting edge, goals. If he's made to feel important, like a leader - like when he was at Arsenal - he can drive the team on and he's a type of player Chelsea don't have right now."

Barcelona team-mate Gerard Pique has claimed that a deal for Fabregas to leave Camp Nou has already been done and Torres feels he is not fully appreciated by the the Catalan giants.

"Cesc is such a great player and he simply is not being valued at his level in Barca,” he added.

"In any other team he would be a regular starter. So it is a difficult situation for him, but he will resolve it and I hope he does so by remaining in Barcelona."