Transfer Rumours: Bradley Barcola deal accelerates as surprise Man Utd talks start

Transfer Rumours: Bradley Barcola deal accelerates as surprise Man Utd talks start Make us your Google favourite sources runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 23 August, including the latest updates on Bradley Barcola , Joshua Zirkzee and Lautaro Martinez . Barcola confidence Liverpool are likely to strike a deal for PSG winger Bradley Barcola before the deadline, insider believes. The two clubs have been locked in direct discussions over the France international for weeks. The seeming lack of progress on a potential deal is due to the fact that these negotiations are taking place verbally rather than via official, written bids and counter-offers. Liverpool have proposed various fees and deal structures during these talks. They have made it clear that they will not pay PSG's reported asking price of €170 million for Barcola, but a breakthrough is expected, with both clubs maintaining a strong relationship. Villa make Zirkzee enquiry Romano also reports that Aston Villa have enquired about Man Utd forward Joshua Zirkzee. The Netherlands international is an option for the Birmingham club should they sell Ollie Watkins to Al-Hilal and fail to strike a deal with Chelsea for top target Nicolas Jackson. Zirkzee has also fielded interest from several Serie A clubs in recent weeks, but things haven't developed on that front as his Italian suitors have struggled to make the sales that would free up the necessary resources and squad space for his signing. Martinez to Barca squashed Barcelona 's links with Inter striker Lautaro Martinez are nothing but "unfounded rumours," as per . The Argentina international has been touted as a potential alternative to Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez , but Inter consider the striker untouchable this summer. Some reports have claimed that personal terms have already been agreed, but this is a "mere fantasy." There has been no contact between Inter and Barcelona. Nerazzurri CEO Beppe Marotta and head coach Cristian Chivu have both made it clear that Martinez is not for sale at any price. Real Madrid's next signing Real Madrid are closing in on a deal to sign Racing Santander starlet Sergio Martinez, writes. The 19-year-old scored a remarkable goal in Racing's first game back in LaLiga, which prompted interest from several high-profile clubs. However, Real Madrid moved quickly and indicated that they are willing to pay more than his measly €3m release clause. Martinez has reportedly greenlit the transfer despite the fact that Real Madrid are planning to initially have the midfielder feature in their Castilla team, albeit with the possibility of regularly training with the first team. Late Ait-Nouri exit? Juventus are exploring a late-window move for Man City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri , claims. Manager Luciano Spalletti feels that his squad needs reinforcements on the left side of the backline. Real Madrid defender Alvaro Carreras would be the preferred option for the position, but a deal is considered too complicated. Talks with Man City aren't any more straightforward, however. Ait-Nouri only joined for €36.8m last summer, so he is likely to prove too expensive for Juventus. Moreover, the Cityzens will surely be reticent to lose more players given the exodus they have already experienced. More transfer rumours Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao is Chelsea's top target in the event that Pedro Neto is sold. () In addition to Newcastle , Real Madrid are also showing an interest in Man City midfielder Nico Gonzalez . () Former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka has agreed to join Aston Villa on a free transfer. () AC Milan forward Christopher Nkunu is prioritising a return to RB Leipzig over a move to Newcastle. () Besiktas have made a formal bid for Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock . ( insider ) Real Salt Lake are exploring a deal to sign former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum after his Al-Ettifaq exit. ( Ben Jacobs ) Man City have shown an interest in Manu Kone , but AS Roma now expect him to stay. () Chelsea have rejected a loan offer with an option to buy from AS Roma for Jamie Gittens . ()