Brentford have signed Scotland international full-back Aaron Hickey from Bologna for a reported club-record fee in the region of £14million (€16.6m).

The 20-year-old's arrival on a four-year deal, which also includes a series of add-ons, was officially confirmed by Brentford on Saturday.

Hickey spent two years in Serie A with Bologna after arriving from Scottish side Hearts and played 48 times in all competitions, 36 of those appearances coming last season.

He scored five goals and assisted one more in the Italian top flight last term and his form was rewarded with the first of four caps for the Scotland national side in March.

Among Serie A defenders in the 2021-22 season, only Domenico Criscito (six) and Nahuel Molina (seven) of Genoa and Udinese respectively scored more goals 

The fee paid by Brentford eclipses the £13.5million splashed out to sign Kristoffer Ajer last year as they gear up for their second campaign of Premier League football.

"I am very pleased that we have managed to sign Aaron. What he has already achieved in his career is very impressive," Bees boss Thomas Frank said. 

"He is only 20 and has played a full season in Scotland as well as almost two seasons in Serie A.

"Aaron is a rare thing in modern football in that he is equally good with both feet. He is technically very sound and is good when he has the ball in tight areas. 

"He is an attacking full-back that has good creativity, he is a great crosser of the ball, and scored goals in Serie A last year."

Hickey becomes the first signing of the window for Brentford, who are also rumoured to be in the market for a new midfielder after Christian Eriksen's short-term contract expired at the end of last season.

Jurgen Klopp was never worried about the prospect of losing both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah because it was "always clear" the latter would stay at Liverpool.

Mane's Liverpool future came into question towards the end of the season, with rumours suggesting he was ready to leave with one year left on his contract.

In the end, his €41million (£35.2m) transfer to Bayern Munich went through quite quickly in June after Liverpool secured the signing of Darwin Nunez from Benfica.

But Mane's decision to leave did, at the time, cause concern among Liverpool fans because Salah also had only 12 months to run on his contract.

Media speculation suggested contract talks with Salah had been dragging on for a while, but it was finally announced on July 1 that the Egypt star signed a new deal that runs until June 2025.

Despite the seemingly protracted nature of the negotiations, Klopp insists he was always fairly relaxed regarding Salah's future.

"I knew it would happen, it was always clear Mo wants to stay – that was always the message," Klopp told Liverpool's official website.

"I spoke to him obviously and it was always clear: 'I want to stay.' But it's an important contract, different things have to be considered and that's what takes time sometimes.

"We cannot always fulfil the expectations from the outside world – 'there's an ending contract, next year it will end, so sort it now.'

"Things need time, but we are obviously experienced enough to deal with these kind of things. He is very happy now that he can extend his time here.

"We are very happy, a world-class player. Imagine you have to sign Mo Salah now; he's in another club and you want a player with the numbers he created over the years. It's pretty much not possible, but we have him and he wants to stay – very good news."

Klopp was eager to pay tribute to Mane once again, however.

He lauded the Senegal star as one of the Premier League's greatest players and expressed his gratitude for the amicable nature of Mane's parting of ways with the Reds.

"Sadio, what can we say about Sadio, hey? What a player, a world-class player," he continued.

"He and we together reinvented him as a No.9 as well in the last season, which he played outstandingly well.

"I like the way [the transfer] happened now because it was completely clean. We knew, he told us, his agent told us, they wanted to leave, they wanted to have a new challenge, find a new club.

"[It's] never easy negotiations – it's all good until we talk about money, but that worked then really well.

"So, as well a Liverpool legend, one of the all-time Premier League greats, I would say, with the numbers he has. A fantastic person as well.

"So, really happy for him that he is now at the club where he wants to be. He is very thankful for all the things we did, and we are very thankful. Now he is at another club."

Liverpool will face rivals Manchester United in their first pre-season friendly on Monday in Bangkok, Thailand.

Luka Jovic's underwhelming Real Madrid career is over after Fiorentina confirmed the Serbian's arrival on a two-year deal.

Jovic cost Madrid €60million in 2019 after impressing for Eintracht Frankfurt, but his career has almost gone in reverse ever since.

He scored just two goals in 27 appearances during his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu, before then spending half of the 2020-21 campaign on loan in Frankfurt.

That spell was similarly unimpressive but he returned to Madrid for last season, scoring once in 19 games as Los Blancos won a LaLiga and Champions League double.

However, he now gets the opportunity for a clean break and the chance to re-establish himself away from the high-pressure environment of the Bernabeu.

The deal itself appears rather unusual as Madrid are said to have yielded Jovic on a free transfer but will still pay half of his wages for the next two years.

Jovic's Madrid contract was due to run until 2025, but seemingly part of the arrangement with the transfer would see the final year of his agreement nulled.

In 2024, when Jovic's Fiorentina contract expires, they will have the option to again sign him on a free transfer, though Madrid reportedly retain a percentage of any future transfer.

Madrid's statement read: "Real Madrid C. F. and ACF Fiorentina have agreed a deal for the transfer of Luka Jovic.

"Our club would like to express its gratitude for his work and dedication during his time at Real Madrid, where he has won one Champions League, two LaLiga titles and two Spanish Super Cups.

"Real Madrid wishes him and his family all the best in this new period of his life."

Manchester United have added yet another Ajax product to their wish-list for this transfer period, with 20-year-old striker Brian Brobbey emerging as a new target.

Brobbey came through the Ajax academy when Erik ten Hag was in charge and, after leaving to join RB Leipzig ahead of this past season, he was loaned back to Ajax in a successful move.

After returning to the Dutch giants, Brobbey scored seven goals in 11 Eredivisie fixtures, prompting the club to try and bring him back on a permanent deal.

TOP STORY – RED DEVILS SWOOP IN FOR HIGHLY RATED AJAX YOUNGSTER

Brobbey was widely expected to re-join the reigning Eredivisie champions for a fee in the neighbourhood of £13million.

However, the Times is reporting that Ten Hag has caught wind of the move and is hoping to instead coax the promising young striker to Old Trafford.

It is said the deal with Ajax was almost as good as done, so it remains to be seen if he could be convinced to change directions at the 11th hour, but the Times report includes that Ten Hag has been on the phone to Brobbey in an effort to sway him towards the Premier League.

United's interest in Brobbey follows moves for Ajax stars Lisandro Martinez and Antony, with a package-deal for the pair rumoured to be worth north of £100m.

ROUND-UP

– According to French publication Media Foot, Arsenal are showing interest in 24-year-old Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who is also linked with Newcastle United.

– The Mirror is reporting that Barcelona manager Xavi is keen to re-sign Ousmane Dembele to a new contract, but the club's sporting director Mateu Alemany would prefer a move for Leeds United's Raphinha.

– Everton are targeting 20-year-old Chelsea striker Armando Broja and 25-year-old Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters, according to The Mirror.

– Fabrizio Romano claims Chelsea have reached personal terms with Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake, although the final transfer fee, believed to be in the £40m range, is yet to be decided.

– Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting that West Ham are considering a £13m move for 23-year-old Roma forward Justin Kluivert, while Goal claims Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma told the Hammers he has no interest in moving there.

Angel Di Maria has officially joined Juventus on a free transfer, departing from Paris Saint-Germain after seven seasons in Ligue 1.

Di Maria, 34, has won league titles with Benfica, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, and netted 14 goals with 21 assists in his seven Champions League campaigns playing for the French giants.

Over the past decade, his 131 assists in Europe's top-five leagues trails only Thomas Muller (149 assists) and Lionel Messi (174).

In Di Maria's first interview as a Juventus player, he said coming to the historic club is something that had been on his bucket list.

"[It means] everything, because I have been in every country, in the best team, and I was missing Italy," he said.

"The best team in Italy is Juve, it is the biggest club and I was very excited, very eager to come.

"I knew that last year Juve couldn't win the Scudetto or the Coppa d'Italia, and I think that the motivation to come and to be able to achieve everything with Juve was something very nice, and that's why I said yes.

"For me it's a new step in my career… from the moment I said yes, I'm seeing it on the first day, all the people here are like a family, all the time looking after you. That makes me very happy."

When asked what he could promise the Juventus fans, Di Maria said he can guarantee that his will to win will never be in question.

"I think the only thing I can promise the fans is my effort," he said. "My sacrifice, the mentality of wanting to win – and to be able to achieve as many titles as possible.

"I will always leave everything on the field, as I have always done. That will never be lacking.

"Hopefully we can win all the titles and we'll all be very happy."

In Juventus' first statement on the Argentine's signing, they called him "a world-class forward, capable of scoring exceptional goals, but also able to coordinate the entire frontline, often sending his teammates through on goal."

It finished saying: "He is Angel Di Maria. And he is a Juventus player."

Tottenham have signed Clement Lenglet on a season-long loan from Barcelona.

The France defender becomes Spurs' fifth signing of the transfer window as they look to build on last season's fourth-place finish.

He follows Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster in making the move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of Antonio Conte's first full season in charge.

The deal, confirmed by both sides on Friday, is subject to international clearance and Lenglet receiving a work permit. There is no option to make the transfer permanent.

Lenglet won LaLiga in his first season at Camp Nou after making the move from Sevilla in 2018.

He added the Copa del Rey to his list of honours last season but made just seven league starts in 21 appearances in 2021-22, falling out of favour under Xavi.

Lenglet could make his competitive debut for Spurs when they begin the 2022-23 Premier League campaign against Southampton on August 6.

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of winger Samuel Lino from Gil Vicente, with the 22-year-old signing a five-year deal with the Spanish giants.

Diego Simeone's side finished third in LaLiga last season, although their qualification for the Champions League appeared far from certain for long periods of the campaign.

Atletico have now moved to add creativity to their ranks by signing Lino, who scored 26 goals in 99 appearances for the Portuguese club, for a reported fee of €5.85million (£6.9m).

A statement on the club's website read: "Samuel Lino is a versatile player who can play on both wings, standing out for his speed and his great ability to face rival defenders.

"In this way, our club gets the services of a young player, with experience in European football and with a great projection."

Lino, meanwhile, revealed the prospect of working with Simeone was a big motivation for the move, saying: "It means a lot because he is one of the best coaches in the world and one of the longest in charge. 

"He has a gigantic history, and I am very happy to have the opportunity to work with him and for him to help me grow."

The winger is the second player to arrive at the Wanda Metropolitano in the close-season after Axel Witsel joined the club after leaving Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer.

Former Arsenal and England star Jack Wilshere has announced his retirement from football at the age of 30.

Wilshere said this week he was considering his options after he and Danish Superliga side AGF mutually parted ways, having spent less than five months with the club.

The midfielder spent 10 seasons with Arsenal after coming through the Premier League side's youth system and is reportedly set to re-join them as a youth coach.

He won the FA Cup twice with the Gunners and was named PFA Young Player of the Year as well as taking the club's player of the season award after a superb 2010-11 campaign.

After leaving Arsenal in 2018, Wilshere went on to represent West Ham and Bournemouth, with whom he had previously had a loan spell.

He also earned 34 caps for England across a six-year period, representing his country at two major tournaments including the 2014 World Cup.

But Wilshere struggled badly with injuries throughout his career and ultimately revealed in a statement on Friday that he felt the time had come to stop playing.

The player released a post on social media that was tagged with the comment: "I've lived my dream. Thank you all."

Wilshere wrote: "Today I am announcing my retirement from playing professional football.

"It has been an unbelievable journey filled with so many incredible moments and I feel privileged to have experienced all that I did during my career. 

"From being the little boy kicking a ball around in the garden to captaining my beloved Arsenal and playing for my country at a World Cup. I have lived my dream.

"In truth, it has been difficult to accept that my career has been slipping in recent times due to reasons outside of my control whilst feeling that I have still had so much to give.

"Having played at the very highest level I have always held such ambitions within the game and if I am truthful I did not envisage being in this position at times.

"However, having had time to reflect and walk with those closest with me I know that now is the right time and despite the difficult moments I look back on my career with great pride at what I have achieved.

"Playing at the very highest level with some of the best players in the world, winning FA Cups, captaining my club and representing my country were beyond my wildest dreams when I was a small boy growing up in Hitchin.

"I feel very fortunate to have had the career I've had but none of it would have been possible if it wasn't for the love and support of so many people."

After thanking friends, family and some former coaches, Wilshere added: "Words will never do justice to the love and thanks I have for the Boss, Arsene [Wenger], Pat Rice and Boro Primorac.

"Without your belief, support and guidance from the very first day we met I wouldn't have been able to become part of the Arsenal family.

"I'm forever grateful to you all. A huge thank you to the board, management and everyone else connected with Arsenal FC. Having joined the club at the age of seven years old you've become my extended family and thank you for everything."

Paul Pogba told Juventus supporters, "We'll see each other soon", as the midfielder jetted into Turin to seal his Bianconeri return after leaving Manchester United.

The 2018 World Cup winner spent a trophy-laden four years at Juventus after originally leaving United in 2012, winning a Serie A title in every season before returning to Old Trafford in a then-world record move in 2016.

Despite lifting the Europa League and EFL Cup trophies in his first campaign after returning, Pogba's second spell with United proved to be largely underwhelming, and the club confirmed he would depart on a free transfer last month after a new contract was not agreed.

Pogba was immediately linked with another return to a former stomping ground with a return to Juventus, whose chief executive Maurizio Arrivabene said talks were progressing "very, very well" on June 30.

And in a video posted to his social media accounts from a private jet on Friday, Pogba revealed the move was close.

"It's time, it's time, yes sir," the midfielder declared, adding in Italian; "we'll see each other soon." 

Pogba, who made 178 appearances and scored 34 goals in his first spell with the Bianconeri, also added the caption '#PogAlmostBack', in a reference to his 2016 unveiling at United.

The enigmatic midfielder made a bright start to his final season at Old Trafford as he recorded four assists in his first appearance of the campaign, but went on to add just five more in his next 26 outings as the Red Devils missed out on Champions League qualification. 

Pogba is not the only imminent arrival at the Turin giants, who confirmed on Friday that Argentina star Angel Di Maria was undergoing a medical at the club ahead of sealing his own free transfer, having left Paris Saint-Germain.

Julian Alvarez has been provided with plenty of information about Manchester City by club legend Sergio Aguero after officially making his move following his final game for River Plate.

Argentine forward Alvarez penned a five-and-a-half-year deal with City in January for a reported £14million fee but remained with River on loan.

Alvarez's switch has now been completed after River suffered a 1-0 aggregate defeat to Velez Sarsfield in the Copa Libertadores last 16.

The 22-year-old caught the attention of several of European heavyweights thanks to a record of 53 goals and 31 assists in 120 River appearances.

He will have to go some to emulate the achievements of countryman Aguero in a City shirt, with the now retired striker becoming the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 257.

"We all know how important Kun was for Manchester City and what he means for the world too, as a club player and as a player for the Argentinian national team as well," Alvarez, who will wear the number 19 shirt, told City's official website.

"I had the opportunity to speak with him and he told me many things about the city, about the team-mates, about Manchester City in general.

"I also spoke with Willy Caballero and Nicolas Otamendi since we are team-mates in the national team.  

"I am very excited about what's to come and I'm very happy to be part of this club."

Alvarez is another piece in an exciting window for City, who have already added Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega to their ranks.

For Alvarez, the chance to work with Pep Guardiola and play in the Champions League were among the huge lures of leaving South America for Europe.

"I was able to talk to him [Guardiola] in February, when the signing was confirmed," Alvarez added.

"He welcomed me to the club. I am glad to be part of the City project. I think he is one of the best coaches in the world and he has been at incredibly successful clubs. 

"I want to do a good job for him, to continue growing as a footballer and as a person.

"I am very excited and proud having come this far.

"The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world. As a boy I always dreamed of playing in Europe, playing for the best clubs, in the major leagues and so to be here today is a privilege.

"I have watched a lot of City games. It's very satisfying to watch them play. City are one of the best clubs in the world and they have an incredible playing style."

Steven Bergwijn has agreed a move to Eredivisie champions Ajax from Tottenham in a €31.25million (£26.5m) deal.

The Netherlands forward made the switch to England from PSV in January 2020 and made an immediate impact with a goal on debut in a 2-0 win over Manchester City.

But Bergwijn failed to command to a regular spot in the team and was included in the starting line-up of only four Premier League matches last season.

The signing of Richarlison from Everton pushed Bergwijn further down the pecking order and, with a World Cup on the horizon, he has opted for a switch back to the Netherlands, with Ajax confirming he has penned a five-year deal.

Head coach Alfred Schreuder told the club's official website: "It is indicative of Steven's ambition that he chooses to make the step to Ajax. 

"He is a player with many qualities, has an enormous drive and is also very goal-oriented."

Bergwijn had confirmed last month his desire to depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium while away on international duty at the Nations League.

"It would be nice if there was clarity soon. I just have to go play," he said. "But I want to leave Spurs now, that's for sure."

Ajax have lost forward Sebastien Haller to Borussia Dortmund for €31m, while winger Antony continues to be linked to Manchester United.

Chelsea are looking to swoop in and scoop up Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who has been Manchester United's primary midfield target since the appointment of new boss Erik ten Hag.

De Jong, 25, has 44 international caps for the Netherlands, and has spent the past three seasons with the Spanish giants.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has been adamant the club does not want to part ways with the star they paid €75million for back in 2019, but the club's financial position may force their hand.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA LOOK TO STEAL UNITED TARGET WITH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ALLURE

De Jong is reportedly been hesitant about a move to United due to the fact that they could not offer Champions League football, and that is where Chelsea will have their advantage in negotiations.

The Metro is reporting the Stamford Bridge club are preparing an offer that will include both players and cash, with €60million as well as Spanish duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso said to be on the table.

The elephant in the room regarding a De Jong move is that Barcelona reportedly owe the Dutchman £17m in deferred wages, and the Daily Mail claims he wants the balance fully paid before he signs off on any transfer.

ROUND-UP

– United have been told they will need to pay £106m in order to secure the signings of Ajax duo Lisandro Martinez and Antony, according to the Daily Record.

– According to i Sport, Chelsea are working on a new contract extension for Reece James, despite three years still remaining on his current deal, in an effort to fend off interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid.

– The Daily Mail is reporting Wolves will send 19-year-old Fabio Silva on a season-long loan to Anderlecht after purchasing him for £35m two years ago.

– The Mirror claims Leeds United are preparing a club-record offer of £32m for 21-year-old Club Brugge midfielder Charles De Ketelaere, who already has eight senior international caps for Belgium.

– According to Fabrizio Romano, the likely departure of Raheem Sterling has put City in a position to offer Riyad Mahrez a contract extension.

Jesse Marsch has revealed Raphinha is showing "urgency" in trying to secure a move away from Leeds United, and could miss the club's upcoming pre-season tour of Australia amid links to Barcelona.

Raphinha has become the subject of a high-profile transfer tussle since helping Leeds secure Premier League safety on the final day of last season, with Barca, Chelsea and Arsenal touted as possible destinations.

Chelsea appeared set to secure the tricky wideman's signature after reportedly agreeing to a deal worth over £60million last week, but that move has stalled amid Raphinha's apparent desire to join Barca.

Blaugrana president Joan Laporta is certain of Raphinha's intention to move to Camp Nou, announcing on Saturday: "He wants to come".

Raphinha returned for pre-season training with Marsch's side on Thursday, but did not feature in their 4-0 friendly win over Blackpool in York, after which the American said the winger's presence on their upcoming tour – which begins on Sunday – was uncertain.

"My guess is… I don't know [if he will travel]," Marsch said. "We just have to wait and see what happens in the next couple of days.

"There's urgency from his end, I think, to come up with a solution. We have to in the next couple of days see how things stand and see how we go.

"It hasn't been an easy time for him this summer. Things have come and gone and there have been a lot of little discussions. Right now he's our player.

"He showed up today and trained with everybody, he had such a good attitude. We had a very open and honest conversation about while he's here, he's part of us, and then we'll see what happens. It's still a long way to go in the transfer window.

"I know he has hopes and dreams. I know he loves this team and this club and he loves being here. We'll see how things progress day by day."

Leeds secured the signing of Feyenoord winger Luis Sinisterra for a reported fee of £21.3million (€25m) on Thursday, in a sign the Yorkshire club could be planning for life without the Brazilian.

But Barcelona must overcome their financial difficulties in order to strike a deal for Raphinha, with Laporta acknowledging this week that salary adjustments were necessary in order for the Blaugrana to register new signings Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen. 

Olivier Giroud joked he will treat Zlatan Ibrahimovic to dinner if the Swedish striker agrees to a new contract with Serie A champions Milan.

Ibrahimovic, who turns 41 in October, officially became a free agent last week after his existing deal at San Siro expired.

Despite his age and fitness issues that restricted him to only 12 starts in all competitions last season, the veteran is reported to have been offered a one-year deal by Milan.

Only Rafael Leao and Giroud (both 14) scored more goals than Ibrahimovic's eight last term, and the latter is hopeful of spending another season with the much-travelled striker.

"When he signs the renewal, I will pay for dinner," Giroud told Tuttomercatoweb. "We want him to sign, but there is obviously no pressure. 

"He is still hungry and he is important for the locker room. I talked a lot with him. He has the same desire to win even at 40."

Giroud's goals helped Milan to a first Scudetto triumph for 11 years in what was the France international's first season at the club after joining from Chelsea.

It was the second domestic league trophy won by Giroud, having previously lifted Ligue 1 win Montpellier in 2011-12.

Milan finished two points ahead of rivals Inter, while Juventus were 16 points adrift in fourth, but World Cup winner Giroud expects both sides to be stronger this coming season.

"Juve and Inter are the teams that have strengthened the most, so it will be a fierce battle between them and us," Giroud said.

Stefano Pioli's side have themselves strengthened, with striker Divock Origi among those to have arrived since Milan lifted the title in May.

The Belgium striker scored 22 goals in 107 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, while only starting 34 of those matches, and Giroud is relishing the additional competition.

"He speaks French, so I did my role as a big brother because it is very important to welcome everyone even if I am going to compete with him," Giroud said.

"I have always said that competition is very important to be strong, to learn and to give your best. It's a good reinforcement."

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of Manchester United's travelling party for their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.

The Portugal international is said to have asked the club for a move away last week if a satisfactory offer is received in this window.

Ronaldo was due to return to training on Monday, but he was granted extra time off due to a family issue.

It was reported on Thursday that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will not be part of the squad that flies out to the Far East on Friday for the same reason.

According to the Manchester Evening News, a United spokesperson said: "Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United party scheduled to depart for our pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia on Friday. He has been granted additional time off to deal with a family issue.

"Cristiano remains under contract with Manchester United for another season, and he is not for sale."

United are due to take on Liverpool in Bangkok on Tuesday in a prestige friendly ahead of flying to Australia for the next stage of their pre-season preparations.

It is not known if Ronaldo will meet up with his team-mates ahead of further games against Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

Ongoing speculation regarding Ronaldo's Old Trafford future comes less than a year on from his return to the club following 12 seasons away with Real Madrid and Juventus.

He led the scoring charts last term with 24 goals in all competitions, but his homecoming did not go to plan as United registered their lowest Premier League points tally.

United endured a fifth successive season without silverware and finished down in sixth, meaning no Champions League football in the 2022-23 campaign.

That is said to be the reason why Ronaldo, the leading scorer of all time in UEFA's primary club competition, is pushing for a move elsewhere.

Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Napoli and MLS clubs have been linked with the forward, as have his former sides Madrid and Sporting CP.