Transfer Rumours: Douglas Luiz Dreams of Man Utd, Rodri Edges Closer to Real Madrid, and Madrid Hijack Espi Deal

The summer transfer window refuses to slow down. Manchester City and Real Madrid are locked in direct talks over Rodri, though the two clubs still have a gap to bridge. Rodri has already agreed personal terms with Real Madrid, who believe a fee of around €50m should be enough for the 30-year-old. City, however, are holding out for closer to €75m. Journalist Patrik Berger reports that a final agreement could be reached before long, and City are already working on a replacement: Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to join from Lille for roughly €90m. Personal terms are in place for both deals, leaving only the final transfer details to be ironed out. Manchester United have opened the door to a possible deal for Rafael Leao by asking for information about the Milan forward. Milan are increasingly willing to sell this summer and would let Leao go for about €50m. Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have both held talks, but neither club is close to a deal. United's approach could change if Milan lower their asking price, although the Premier League side is more likely to act if Marcus Rashford is sold first. As it stands, Rashford is expected to stay at Old Trafford unless a permanent bid comes in. Nicolo Schira says Leao is no longer in Milan's plans. At Juventus, Douglas Luiz is reportedly dreaming of a move to Manchester United. The Brazilian midfielder hopes to make the switch this summer, possibly as part of a deal that would take Joshua Zirkzee in the opposite direction. Juve are in talks with United over Zirkzee, but United want a permanent transfer rather than a loan. Douglas Luiz had previous loan spells at Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest after struggling to settle in Italy. According to Tuttosport, Juve could offer Luiz to United as part of the Zirkzee negotiations. The Italian club value Luiz at €30m, while Zirkzee is rated closer to €40m. Real Madrid have hijacked Brighton's pursuit of Carlos Espi. The Spanish club met the Levante striker's €25m release clause and announced the signing on July 30. Espi, 21, scored 11 La Liga goals last season and had been in advanced talks with Brighton and Hull City before Madrid stepped in. Madrid made the move after agreeing to sell Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham for €40m and also letting young midfielder Cesar Palacios go to the same club. The two players will reunite with new Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa, with Madrid retaining 30% sell-on clauses. Elsewhere, Joelinton is said to have asked Newcastle to let him move to Saudi Arabia during May talks, but no offer has emerged. Fulham have held discussions with Toulouse about Charlie Cresswell, with Crystal Palace also interested. Monaco have accepted PSG's €50m bid for Maghnes Akliouche after weeks of negotiations. Roma have agreed a €15m deal with Wolfsburg for Konstantinos Koulierakis. Borussia Dortmund might turn to Jadon Sancho as an experienced attacking midfielder after spending the window chasing younger options.