European champions Chelsea have been in the market for a new striker this off-season.
The Blues chased Erling Haaland without success and have now set their sights on Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku was on Chelsea's books from 2011 and 2014 but has since become one of the world's best forwards.
TOP STORY - CHELSEA TO TABLE NEW BUMPER LUKAKU BID
Chelsea are preparing to table a new bid of between £100million and £110m (€120-130m) bid for Inter forward Lukaku claims Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues had an initial £85m (€100m) offer, including Marcos Alonso, for the Belgian striker rejected by Inter.
The Sun claim Lukaku is keen on a return to Chelsea, citing "unfinished business" from his previous stint in London.
ROUND-UP
- Paris Saint-Germain are not guaranteed to retain Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe , reports AS. The France superstar has already informed PSG that he will not extend his current contract, due to expire in 2022, and president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is set to take over talks.
- Aymeric Laporte has told Manchester City he wants to leave to return to Spain this off-season, reports 90min. Barcelona and Real Madrid are both interested in the Spain international, who is not first choice at City.
- Arsenal have proposed a player-plus-cash deal, believed to be worth £60m, for Leicester City's James Maddison according to Football.London, but negotiations are "very slow".
- Tottenham will complete a £47m (€55m) deal for Atalanta defender Cristian Romero imminently according to Romano. Atalanta will fill the void by signing Merih Demiral from Juventus.
Chelsea are in the market for a striker and are seemingly keen on one of their former players.
Romelu Lukaku helped Inter to the Serie A title last term and is seemingly in Chelsea's sights.
The Belgium international scored four goals at Euro 2020 after netting 24 times in Serie A.
TOP STORY - CHELSEA REBUFFED IN LUKAKU BID
Chelsea have had their initial bid worth approximately £86 million (€100m) for Lukaku rejected by Inter, reports The Sun.
The Blues made their transfer offer with defender Marcos Alonso also involved, but the Italian champions are demanding a £100m (€117m) fee.
Lukaku is said to be Chelsea's number one target after failing in their bid to lure Erling Haaland away from Borussia Dortmund.
ROUND-UP
- Real Madrid are still expecting Kylian Mbappe to let his Paris Saint-Germain contract expire at the end of the 2021-22 season and join Los Blancos for free, according to AS.
- The Daily Star reports Manchester City and Tottenham are still unable to reach agreement in negotiations over Harry Kane, with £40m separating them currently.
- AS claims Barcelona remain in the box seat to sign highly sought-after Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez despite their financial challenges. Saul has been chased by Premier League trio Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.
- Atalanta are set to win the race to sign Juventus defender Merih Demiral, claims Sky Deutschland, with Cristian Romero looking likely to join Tottenham. Bundesliga pair Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen were also interested in the Turkey international.
- Roma head coach Jose Mourinho has switched his attention from Arsenal's Granit Xhaka to Dortmund's Thomas Delaney, according to Bild.
Jack Grealish has been holidaying following Euro 2020, but it is now decision time on his club future.
Speculation has mounted over the past few days about a potential move to Manchester City.
City manager Pep Guardiola is a long-term admirer of Grealish, and a big-money bid has apparently been sanctioned by chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak.
TOP STORY - GREALISH SET FOR MONDAY TALKS WITH VILLA
Grealish has returned from his off-season holiday and will hold showdown talks with Aston Villa on Monday as a move to City looms, reports The Mirror.
Grealish has been linked with a £100million move to the English champions and is expected to inform Villa of his intention to leave.
Villa have reportedly offered Grealish a bumper new deal worth £200,000-a-week.
ROUND-UP
- Tottenham have turned their attention to Wolves winger Adama Traore, according to the Daily Mail. Wolves reportedly want £45m for the Spain international, who would be re-acquainted with manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Goal claims Leeds United are also interested in Traore.
- Atletico Madrid are preparing for Kieran Trippier to exit the club as links with Manchester United intensify, with the Spanish champions lining up a move for Roma's Alessandro Florenzi, claims AS.
- Atletico are also pursuing Inter's Lautaro Martinez and have moved ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign the Argentina international, according to Tuttosport.
- Borussia Dortmund's Denmark international Thomas Delaney is being pursued Southampton, Norwich City and Crystal Palace, reports Ruhr Nachrichten.
- ABC claims Real Madrid will offer forward Karim Benzema a new one-year contract extension.
Manchester City still hope to sign Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane in the coming days.
The Premier League champions appear likely to add his international team-mate first, with Jack Grealish reportedly close to a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Aston Villa have tabled a contract to keep their star man, but City are prepared to spend big to win his signature.
TOP STORY - CITY CLOSE ON GREALISH DEAL
Manchester City are set to complete a £100million move for Jack Grealish in the next few days, according to multiple reports
The Mail says the 25-year-old England international will earn more than £200,000 a week upon joining Pep Guardiola's side.
Though City are expected to cut ties with some veteran players, adding Grealish will have no impact on their longstanding pursuit of Harry Kane, the Sun reports.
ROUND-UP
- Saul Niguez is weighing up a move to the Premier League, with the Mirror reporting Manchester United and Liverpool are possibilities for the Atletico Madrid midfielder in a £35-£40m deal.
- Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are possibilities for Bernardo Silva if he leaves City in the coming weeks, reports the Mail.
- Atalanta centre-back Cristian Romero wants to join Tottenham but the clubs are having difficulty reaching an agreement, reports Fabrizio Romano.
- Brazilian striker Kaio Jorge is set for a €3m (£2.5m) permanent move to Juventus from Santos and is expected to sign through to 2026, reports Romano.
- Arsenal and Everton have shown interest in Schalke's Matthew Hoppe after the USA international's strong Gold Cup performance, reports US journalist Grant Wahl.
- Talks between Wolves and Adama Traore have broken down and Leeds could swoop for the winger, reports Goal.
- Brighton are interested in Benfica striker and Urugay international Darwin Nunez, reports the Mail.
Manuel Locatelli won plenty of admirers for his displays at Euro 2020.
Locatelli played a key role in Italy's tournament triumph, including two goals against Switzerland.
The former Milan midfielder has established himself with Sassuolo over the past two seasons in Serie A and is now on the radar of several leading European clubs.
TOP STORY - LIVERPOOL HIJACK LOCATELLI PURSUIT
Liverpool have joined Juventus and Arsenal in the race to sign Italy international Manuel Locatelli , reports 90min.
The Reds are close to making their opening bid for the Sassuolo midfielder who helped Italy win Euro 2020.
Liverpool are looking to replace Georginio Wijnaldum who has left for Paris Saint-Germain.
ROUND-UP
- Aston Villa have countered Manchester City's £100million bid on Friday for midfielder Jack Grealish with a club-record contact offer, reports The Daily Star. The deal is believed to be worth £200,000 per week.
- Real Madrid are set to act fast on replacing Manchester United-bound Raphael Varane, with a €60m move for Villarreal defender Pau Torres, according to El Gol Digital.
- Granit Xhaka may stay at Arsenal despite strong links with a transfer to Roma, with the Gunners strongly considering a new contract offer for the Swiss midfielder, reports The Athletic.
- Hector Bellerin is close to exiting Arsenal, with his agent flying to London for talks with the Gunners about a move to Inter, claims Calciomercato. Inter are looking to replace Achraf Hakimi who left for Paris Saint-Germain.
- Sport1 claims that Liverpool have been unable to meet Borussia Moenchengladbach's €40m (£34m) asking price for midfielder Florian Neuhaus but remain interested.
Kieran Trippier has one year remaining on his Atletico Madrid contract.
The England international has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.
It has been reported that Trippier wants to return to England, having left Tottenham for LaLiga in 2019.
TOP STORY - TRIPPIER TO WAIT ON UNITED MOVE
Manchester United target Kieran Trippier is willing to wait until late in the transfer window to secure his move, reports the Telegraph.
Atletico Madrid full-back Trippier is said to have set his sights on a move to United, who have already been busy in the transfer market by launching moves for Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.
The report claims Trippier is prepared to sit tight and wait for United to raise the funds required to put together a move for the 30-year-old former Manchester City junior.
ROUND-UP
- Aston Villa are ready to restart talks with Jack Grealish about a new deal next week as Manchester City begin to ramp up their interest, according to the Express and Star.
- Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma is being lined up by West Ham, with a proposed £20m bid set to be tabled, according to the Daily Mail. It had been reported Zouma may be used in a deal for Sevilla's Jules Kounde.
- Barcelona are lining up a second bid to sign Juventus defender Cristian Romero after having had a player-plus-cash deal turned down, reports SportItalia. Tottenham are also keen on Romero.
- Celtic could make a move for ex-England goalkeeper Joe Hart, who is currently on Tottenham's books, says BBC Sport.
It seems clear that Paul Pogba will not remain at Old Trafford for the long haul.
Also clear: Paris Saint-Germain's interest in the France midfielder.
The big question that remains to be answered is the timing of a potential move for the Manchester United man.
TOP STORY – PSG WEIGH UP POGBA OPTIONS
Paris Saint-Germain are interested in a move for Paul Pogba but are still debating when to make their bid.
According to The Athletic, PSG have begun discussions to determine Pogba's interest in a move but have not made a formal approach to United.
While the report says a bid is expected within the next few weeks, it remains a possibility that PSG could wait until Pogba is out of contract in 2022 and deal with the player directly.
Jack Grealish has been linked with a move away from Aston Villa in the past, and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is a known long-term admirer.
Grealish is currently on holidays after Euro 2020, but talks of a huge transfer to City have not gone away.
Could the Premier League champions be about to make their move?
MAN CITY SET TO TABLE GREALISH BID
Manchester City are set to officially commence their move for Aston Villa's Jack Grealish with a £75m bid, claims the Daily Mail.
According to the report, Villa will hold out for £100m for their star England international.
Villa have no desire to sell Grealish for anything less and will know Guardiola is keen to secure his services.
ROUND-UP
- Chelsea have opened talks with Sevilla about potentially signing French centre-back Jules Kounde, according to The Guardian. The 22-year-old has a release clause worth €80m (£68.4m).
- Arsenal have enquired with Inter about star forward Lautaro Martinez, reports the Telegraph. It is believed Inter may be willing to sell the Argentina striker for €90m (£77m).
- Eurosport reports that West Ham are interested in a move for Manchester United defender Phil Jones who has struggled with injury in recent times.
- Newcastle are closing in on a deal for Arsenal's Joe Willock, and it could be finalised within the next 48 hours after his loan stint last season, claims Mail Online.
- Liverpool may sign Wolves' Spanish winger Adama Traore in a cut-price £30m deal, according to the Star.
All indications are Raphael Varane is set to move on from Real Madrid.
The France international appears locked in on one destination.
Manchester United are said to be close to a deal for the defender.
TOP STORY – UNITED CLOSE TO VARANE MOVE
Manchester United have been linked to Raphael Varane in transfer rumours for months.
Now it appears the move could come to fruition, as Marca reports United and Real Madrid are close to a €50million (£42m) agreement.
Though the Mirror reports some at the Premier League club are worried the 28-year-old is merely using them to get a better deal out of Madrid, Fabrizio Romano says United are "confident" a deal is close and that no other clubs are involved.
ROUND-UP
– With his Arsenal contract set to expire next year, Alexandre Lacazette is in demand, and Calciomercato says Atletico Madrid are pondering a potential €15m offer.
– Erik Lamela is set to join Sevilla in a swap deal, with Tottenham getting Bryan Gil, Marca says, while Romano says Spurs will also get €25m in the deal and Gil will sign through 2026.
– Newcastle are eyeing Ross Barkley as a potential addition if they cannot pry Joe Willock away from Arsenal, says The Athletic, with a loan move for Leicester's Hamza Choudhury also a possibility.
– West Ham could make a move for Liverpool's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, says the Express.
– Ben White's £50m move from Brighton to Arsenal will be official next week, reports Romano.
– Paris Saint-Germain have had talks with Kalidou Koulibaly's agent about a move from Napoli, reports Corriere dello Sport.
– Roma have offered €15m for Barcelona's Clement Lenglet, says Sport.
Jack Grealish was the player England fans wanted to see during Euro 2020.
Now a move to a bigger Premier League club might be on the cards.
Grealish is reportedly moving closer to leaving Aston Villa.
TOP STORY – CITY EYE GREALISH SWOOP
It seems increasingly unlikely Aston Villa will be able to hold onto Jack Grealish.
The England winger has agreed to personal terms with Manchester City, according to a Football Insider report.
Though he grew up a Villa fan and has spent his entire career with the club, save for a season on loan to Notts County, Grealish is in demand among the Premier League's big-money clubs.
City reportedly are preparing a £90million offer that would be difficult for Villa to refuse.
ROUND-UP
- With Paul Pogba and Manchester United at a stalemate in contract talks, the Telegraph says Paris Saint-Germain believe they can sign the midfielder with a £43million bid.
- Alexandre Lacazette is entering his final year under contract with Arsenal but the Gunners are ready to move on. According to the Sun, they are hoping to net £15m for Lacazette after paying £52m to sign him four years ago.
- Arsenal remain interested in a move for James Maddison, reports the Mirror, and they could explore a swap deal with Leicester City to get it done.
- PSG want to keep Moise Kean on a permanent deal after his year on loan from Everton, but Juventus also are interested, Le 10 Sport reports.
Following the conclusion of the European Championship and the Copa America, focus has switched back to club football as the 2021-22 campaign draws ever nearer in Europe's top leagues.
Most clubs are busy strengthening their squads ahead of the new season, while for others there is a need to raise funds as the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue to be felt.
With six weeks of the window to go for teams in England, Spain, Germany, France and Italy, the futures of many top talents remain uncertain – not least in the case of Lionel Messi, who became a free agent on July 1.
But while Messi is widely expected to sign a new long-term deal with Barcelona, other global stars will remain in the headlines until a transfer is secured or the window shuts.
Stats Perform looks at some of the biggest names who could be on the move between now and the end of August.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)
Linked with: Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United
While Messi's future now seems certain to be with Barcelona beyond next month, fellow superstar Ronaldo's status is less clear after entering the final year of his Juventus deal.
The Bianconeri are supposedly weighing up whether to cash in on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner or risk losing him for free next year when his deal expires.
While Juve endured a disappointing 2020-21 that saw them miss out on the Scudetto for the first time in nine years, Ronaldo had another impressive season in front of goal.
He scored 29 goals in 33 league appearances to finish top of the scoring charts, becoming the first player to win the Golden Boot in Serie A, LaLiga and the Premier League.
Harry Kane (Tottenham)
Linked with: Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid
Kane has spent 17 years with Tottenham but admitted in May he feels at a "crossroads" in his career following another trophyless campaign last time out.
The England international, who scored four times in his country's run to the Euro 2020 final, is yet to discuss his future with recently-appointed boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
He finished as the Premier League's top scorer last season, making him the third player to win the Golden Boot on three occasions after Thierry Henry (four times) and Alan Shearer.
Kane also set up 14 goals to become only the second player in the Premier League era to top the charts for both goals and assists, the other being Andy Cole for Newcastle United in 1993-94.
Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
Linked with: Manchester City, Real Madrid, Chelsea
Alongside Kylian Mbappe, who Paris Saint-Germain will refuse to sell this window despite his delicate contract situation, Haaland is arguably football's hottest property.
The Norway international has been superb for Dortmund since arriving in January 2020, breaking a number of Bundesliga and Champions League goals records along the way.
That includes becoming both the quickest and youngest player to hit 20 goals in the Champions League, doing so in just 14 matches for Dortmund and former side Salzburg.
Last season alone, Haaland netted 27 times in 28 Bundesliga games. That included two or more goals on 11 occasions – only Gerd Muller (12 in 1971-72) has done so more times in a season.
Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Linked with: Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid
Having won it all during his time with Bayern, including seven successive Bundesliga crowns, could the time be right for Lewandowski to seek a new challenge elsewhere?
Recently-appointed Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann admitted last week teams are interested in signing the 32-year-old, but that should of course come as no surprise.
Lewandowski is coming off his finest campaign yet for the Bavarian giants, having scored 41 times in the Bundesliga in 2020-21 to break Bayern great Muller's record for goals in a single season that had stood for 49 years.
The Poland striker's 48 goals in all competitions last time out were the most scored by any player in Europe's top five leagues in 2020-21, meanwhile, followed by Mbappe (42) and Haaland (41).
Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Linked with: Manchester United
With the signing of Jadon Sancho as good as wrapped up, Man Utd are rumoured to be closing in on a second big-money signing of the window in long-serving Madrid defender Varane.
The Frenchman has spent a decade at the Santiago Bernabeu, but it looks as though both the player and club are ready to cut ties with less than a year to run on his contract.
United are seeking a partner for Harry Maguire and Varane ticks plenty of boxes for what the Red Devils are after, not least in terms of his passing accuracy (89.58) and headed clearances (60) in 31 LaLiga games last term.
That compares to a passing accuracy of 89.82 for Victor Lindelof, 88.26 for Eric Bailly and 87.29 for Maguire in the Premier League last term. Maguire led the way with 86 headed clearances, meanwhile, some way in front of Lindelof's 40 in 29 games.
Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Linked with: Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Juventus
United have been linked with an array of top talent, though they could have a battle on their hands keeping hold of one of their own star men in Pogba.
Following a couple of years of speculation, the World Cup-winning midfielder is supposedly eager to head home to France with Paris Saint-Germain.
Pogba has undoubtedly struggled for consistency in his second spell with United, but showed exactly what he is capable of in his four appearances for France at Euro 2020.
He scored a stunning goal against Switzerland and set up another against Portugal, while his eight chances created was second only to Antoine Griezmann (10) among France players.
Eduardo Camavinga (Rennes)
Linked with: Real Madrid, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Arsenal
A number of Europe's top clubs are on red alert after Rennes president Nicolas Holveck admitted this week that in-demand midfielder Camavinga may be sold this window if a new contract cannot be agreed.
Camavinga made his debut for boyhood club Rennes in April 2019 and has gone on to make 82 appearances in all competitions, with 67 of those outings coming in Ligue 1.
The 18-year-old leads the way in the French top flight for tackles attempted (226) and tackles won (138) since his debut, followed by Marseille's Valentin Rongier in both categories (194 and 125 respectively).
To further underline exactly why so many teams are keen on the youngster, he was one of only two current teenagers – along with Barcelona's Pedri (1,485) – to complete more than 1,000 passes in Europe's top five leagues last term with 1,418.
Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo)
Linked with: Juventus, Arsenal
Euro 2020 acted as a shop window for a number of players, and not many of them saw their stock rise in such a way as Italy midfielder Locatelli.
The 23-year-old featured five times for the Azzurri in their successful European Championship campaign, including an appearance from the bench during extra time in the victory over England in the final.
He scored twice in the 3-0 group-stage win over Switzerland and had the second best goals-per-90-minutes ratio of any Italy player (0.66) after Matteo Pessina, who scored twice in four games (0.95).
Locatelli also won more tackles per 90 minutes (2.32) at the Euros than any other Italy player, followed by Marco Verratti (2.02) and Federico Bernardeschi (1.42).
Arsenal have already made a €40million (£35m) bid, but Juventus are considered the favourites to land the Milan youth product.
Eden Hazard has struggled for impact at Real Madrid two years into his five-year deal.
The 30-year-old signed with Madrid for a reported €100 million (£86m) from Chelsea in 2019.
Hazard has battled against injuries and poor form in Spain, making 43 appearances and scoring five goals in two seasons.
TOP STORY – CHELSEA WEIGH UP SHOCK HAZARD RETURN
Eden Hazard could make a sensational return to Chelsea and end his underwhelming spell with Real Madrid, reports AS.
Chelsea are weighing up a shock move for the Belgium attacking midfielder, who spent seven years with the Blues.
The report did not disclose any financial details but cited Hazard's strong connection with Chelsea's squad and desire to re-discover his best football.
ROUND-UP
- The Sun claims Manchester United are plotting a cut-price move for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka as a replacement for Paul Pogba, who has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain in recent days.
- Tottenham's swap deal for Bryan Gil from Sevilla in exchange for Erik Lamela will soon be finalized according to Sky Sports. Spurs will also pay £21.6 million (€25m) for the winger.
- Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowsk is "interested" in a contract offer from Chelsea after his agent spoke to the Blues, claims Bild. Lewandowski is seen as Chelsea's alternative option should they fail to land Erling Haaland.
- Switzerland international Xherdan Shaqiri could be among those sold by Liverpool in an off-season clear-out, according to the Liverpool Echo. Divock Origi and Nat Phillips were also mentioned in the report.
- talkSPORT reports that Arsenal are preparing a £30m bid to sign Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale . The Times claims the Gunners have been told to raise their offer.
Paul Pogba has one year remaining on his Manchester United contract.
After a strong Euro 2020 with France, he is attracting interest.
Pogba has been linked with a move away from United numerous times in the past and a decision could be looming.
ROUND-UP – POGBA'S AGENT IN PSG TALKS
Paul Pogba 's agent Mino Raiola is discussing a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain , claims the Daily Mail.
Manchester United are feeling the pressure to sell the France international who is set to be a free agent in 12 months' time.
PSG are reportedly eyeing off a £43million move, which is less than half the amount United paid for him in 2016, given his contract status.
TOP STORY
– Chelsea are ready to submit a monster bid worth £135m for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland , claims 90min. Dortmund have insisted they will not sell the Norway forward, but the bumper deal may tempt them.
– Bild claims Manchester United along with Real Madrid and Barcelona are monitoring Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka 's situation.
– Milan are looking to prepare another loan deal for Diogo Dalot from Manchester United, reports Fabrizio Romano.
– Sky Sports claims a deal is imminent for Arsenal's Granit Xhaka to move to Roma .
Real Madrid midfielder and former Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos is relishing the prospect of combining with Spain's Olympic head coach Luis de la Fuente in Tokyo, having previously worked with him at Under-19 level.
Spain head into the Tokyo Olympics as one of the favourites for the gold medal, given De la Fuente has been able to call upon six players that reached the semi-final stages at Euro 2020 with the senior national side.
The names of their star-studded line-up would be enough to frighten any Olympic opposition as they have included Pedri, Unai Simon, Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Eric Garcia and Pau Torres.
While the players on the pitch paint an attractive picture that could see Spain win their second gold and first since 1992, Ceballos explained how his relationship with De la Fuente could help him thrive.
"I have had great coaches, but with Luis [de la Fuente] we have a different relationship. We have linked up very well from the first tournament (Under-19 European Championship in 2015)", the former Arsenal midfielder said in Tuesday's press conference.
"From then on we have forged a great relationship. He has given me confidence and I have been lucky to give it back to him on the field."
De la Fuente's men get their campaign underway versus Egypt on Thursday before subsequent fixtures against Argentina and Australia and Ceballos, who played 49 times across his two-year loan spell at Arsenal, is aware of the different challenges that the Games provide.
"It is a completely different competition than what we football players are used to. It is a unique opportunity", he said.
"It is really difficult to qualify for it because it has a lot of requirements that are really tough to meet. But this team has done a lot of things to deserve it, and now it is the time to enjoy it."
Barcelona youngster Pedri did not misplace a pass in normal time during the Euro 2020 semi-final against Italy and created 11 chances at the tournament, one more than fellow squad member Olmo (10) and one fewer than first-placed Jordi Alba (12).
Both will be team-mates of Ceballos and the midfielder praised all of his colleagues as they prepare to attempt to recreate the 1992 heroics which sealed home Olympic success in Barcelona.
"We have a really great team. On paper, I think we can be among the favourites, but in reality there are a lot of fantastic national teams. On the field it is going to be different", he said
"Playing in this Olympic Games has been a special dream and I have been reading about what happened in that [the 1992] tournament. Especially in the final, that there was extra time and that Spain won against Poland with a goal from Kiko Narvaez.
"Hopefully we can repeat what they did in their day."
Like Ceballos, De la Fuente spoke with pride about leading his nation at the Games, while he also discussed the possibility of following in the footsteps of those from Barcelona 1992.
"It is a pride being here. It is a different feeling from other tournaments because the Olympic Games are unique. It is a totally special experience, and we are wishing to start enjoying it as a competition and living the Olympic environment.", the head coach said.
"We are feeling the same they felt, a great desire to start competing, a great conviction that we have a great team to compete for everything. And feeling capable of fighting for the maximum. I am sure we are feeling what they felt.
"We are going to try to be up to the standards expected of us, and I am sure that we are going to perform to that level and fulfil the expectations we are creating."
Manuel Locatelli is hot property after helping Italy win Euro 2020.
The Sassuolo midfielder is understood to have an ambition to play Champions League football in 2021-22.
Sassuolo are ready to cash in on their prized asset with interest coming in.
TOP STORY - JUVENTUS RAMP UP LOCATELLI INTEREST
Juventus are ready to usurp Arsenal in the hunt for Sassuolo's Italy international Locatelli, according to The Guardian.
Sassuolo want €40 million (£34.3 million) for the midfielder but Juventus offered €30m as a loan for the 2021-22 season with an option to buy, which Sassuolo declined, insisting they want an outright transfer.
Arsenal were previously understood to be in the box seat to sign Locatelli, given they are prepared to pay their asking price, but Juve's interest may have changed that situation.
ROUND-UP
- New Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti wants to sign Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot, claims Mundo Deportivo. Dalot spent last season on loan with Milan.
- Jose Mourinho's Roma have joined the race to sign Villarreal's 25-year-old winger Alfonso Pedraza, according to Calciomercato. Chelsea, Milan and Barcelona are also keen on the Europa League winner, who can play at left-back.
- L'Equipe reports Chelsea have offered Bayern Munich a player swap deal with Callum Hudson-Odoi in exchange for Kingsley Coman.
- The Daily Express claims Brighton and Hove Albion will prepare a move for Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard once the reported £50m sale of Ben White to Arsenal goes through.
- Arsenal are also reportedly keen on Norwich City full-back Max Aarons as they prepare for Hector Bellerin's exit, according to the Express.
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