Josko Gvardiol landed a contract extension with RB Leipzig on Thursday and insisted he never wanted to leave.

Chelsea were strongly linked this week with Gvardiol and were said to be targeting a €90million (£77m) move for the defender.

That has not come off and the 20-year-old former Dinamo Zagreb player has extended his contract with Leipzig by a year to run until 2027 instead.

He moved to Leipzig in July last year, after a deal was agreed in the previous September.

Gvardiol was one of only four defenders in the Bundesliga last season to make at least 50 interceptions and 200 recoveries while also committing no errors that led to a goal.

Croatia international Gvardiol said: "I really enjoy being here and I wanted to stay here. We have a lot of work to do and a lot to achieve here. We have a good team and we're ready.

"We're in the Champions League and won the DFB-Pokal last season. We want to compete for trophies once again.

"I'm grateful to the club for counting on me and planning with me long-term."

Manchester City have completed the signing of defender Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of £15.1million (€17.4m)

The Switzerland international has put pen to paper on a five-year deal for the Premier League champions, and will wear the number 25 shirt at the Etihad Stadium.

Akanji will provide further competition for a place in the heart of Pep Guardiola's defence, with Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake injured.

The 27-year-old, who was into the final year of his contract at Signal Iduna Park, is the second player to swap Dortmund for City during this window after Erling Haaland, alongside whom he won the German Cup in 2021.

Akanji played 158 times for BVB across all competitions after arriving from Basel in 2018, scoring four goals, but had not appeared under new head coach Edin Terzic at the start of this season.

"I am delighted to be here, and can’t wait to get started," Akanji told the club's official website. "City have been one of the best teams in Europe over the last few seasons.

"They are brilliant to watch, play an exciting brand of football and compete for trophies year in, year out, so coming here feels like the perfect next step in my career.  

"Pep Guardiola is an exceptional manager, and this is an exceptional squad of players, so this is an exciting opportunity for me. 

"I am really looking forward to testing myself in the Premier League and I will do everything I can to help this club be successful."

Akanji could make his City debut on Saturday when Guardiola's men travel to struggling Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Manchester City have completed the signing of defender Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of £15.1million (€17.4m)

The Switzerland international has put pen to paper on a five-year deal for the Premier League champions, and will wear the number 25 shirt at the Etihad Stadium.

Akanji will provide further competition for a place in the heart of Pep Guardiola's defence, with Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake injured.

The 27-year-old, who was into the final year of his contract at Signal Iduna Park, is the second player to swap Dortmund for City during this window after Erling Haaland, alongside whom he won the German Cup in 2021.

Akanji played 158 times for BVB across all competitions after arriving from Basel in 2018, scoring four goals, but had not appeared under new head coach Edin Terzic at the start of this season.

"I am delighted to be here, and can’t wait to get started," Akanji told the club's official website. "City have been one of the best teams in Europe over the last few seasons.

"They are brilliant to watch, play an exciting brand of football and compete for trophies year in, year out, so coming here feels like the perfect next step in my career.  

"Pep Guardiola is an exceptional manager, and this is an exceptional squad of players, so this is an exciting opportunity for me. 

"I am really looking forward to testing myself in the Premier League and I will do everything I can to help this club be successful."

Akanji could make his City debut on Saturday when Guardiola's men travel to struggling Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Manchester United have confirmed the capture of Brazil international Antony from Ajax, with the Premier League club expected to pay an £81.3million (€95m) fee for the winger.

The Selecao star has been a long-term target of former boss Erik ten Hag following his move from the Eredivisie to Old Trafford, and now the 22-year-old will follow the Dutchman to rejoin him on a five-year deal.

The deal, which was struck earlier this week after Ajax turned down multiple offers from United, becomes the fifth major signing of the transfer window for the club.

"This is an incredible moment in my career to be joining one of the most iconic clubs in the world," Antony told United's official website.

"I'm thankful to everyone who has believed in me, especially my family, and all my coaches and team-mates, because I could not have got here without them.

"Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.

"My time at Ajax was fantastic and I will always be grateful for the trust they put in me, but now I am ready for the next challenge.

"I can't wait to join my new team-mates and play my part in bringing success to Manchester United."

Antony has 31 goals and 27 assists in 134 club appearances for Ajax and Sao Paulo, and was a two-time title winner with the former, as well as a gold medalist at Tokyo 2020 with the Brazil Olympic squad.

He joins former club-mate Lisandro Martinez and international team-mate Casemiro among the new faces at Old Trafford, with Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia also signed under Ten Hag.

Following two opening league defeats, United have since responded with two victories, in which the Dutchman has benched both veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo and captain Harry Maguire.

The former's future at the club remains up in the air after reported attempts to force an exit to play Champions League football this term, with Antony's arrival potentially paving the way for the forward to get his wish.

Manchester United have confirmed the capture of Brazil international Antony from Ajax, with the Premier League club expected to pay an £81.3million (€95m) fee for the winger.

The Selecao star has been a long-term target of former boss Erik ten Hag following his move from the Eredivisie to Old Trafford, and now the 22-year-old will follow the Dutchman to rejoin him on a five-year deal.

The deal, which was struck earlier this week after Ajax turned down multiple offers from United, becomes the fifth major signing of the transfer window for the club.

"This is an incredible moment in my career to be joining one of the most iconic clubs in the world," Antony told United's official website.

"I'm thankful to everyone who has believed in me, especially my family, and all my coaches and team-mates, because I could not have got here without them.

"Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.

"My time at Ajax was fantastic and I will always be grateful for the trust they put in me, but now I am ready for the next challenge.

"I can't wait to join my new team-mates and play my part in bringing success to Manchester United."

Antony has 31 goals and 27 assists in 134 club appearances for Ajax and Sao Paulo, and was a two-time title winner with the former, as well as a gold medalist at Tokyo 2020 with the Brazil Olympic squad.

He joins former club-mate Lisandro Martinez and international team-mate Casemiro among the new faces at Old Trafford, with Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia also signed under Ten Hag.

Following two opening league defeats, United have since responded with two victories, in which the Dutchman has benched both veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo and captain Harry Maguire.

The former's future at the club remains up in the air after reported attempts to force an exit to play Champions League football this term, with Antony's arrival potentially paving the way for the forward to get his wish.

Chelsea are expected to be one of the major players on deadline day, having completed a deal for Wesley Fofana on Wednesday.

The Blues have been one of the big spenders during the transfer window and owner Todd Boehly is eager to bolster his squad after a slow start to the season.

Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been linked with the Blues, along with Anthony Gordon, although Everton boss Frank Lampard insists he is not for sale.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA OFFERED CHANCE TO SIGN PSG'S NEYMAR

The Daily Mail claims Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Neymar, but the Times reports that Paris Saint-Germain are now refusing to sell him in an apparent U-turn.

The 30-year-old Brazil international had been linked with a move away from Paris during the off-season, although nothing substantial materialised.

Chelsea were approached about Neymar, with PSG potentially open to letting him go as they seek to avoid any issues with UEFA's Financial Fair Play guidelines.

ROUND-UP

– Chelsea have made a €50 million (£43m) bid for Ajax centre-back Edson Alvarez, according to the Telegraaf. The Blues have already added Fofana but want more reinforcements, with the Mexican able to also play in midfield.

– Chelsea are also interested in Aubameyang, with Fabrizio Romano claiming negotiations are progressing with Marcos Alonso involved in a deal with Barcelona. The Blues have also been linked with Milan's Rafael Leao, according to The Times.

– Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona and Inter have agreed to a deal for full-back Jordi Alba to join the Nerazzurri on loan. The deal is on the basis that Robin Gosens leaves Inter for Bayer Leverkusen.

– Milan are set to win the race to sign Barcelona's Sergino Dest, beating out interest from Manchester United, claims Gianluca Di Marzio. Dest will join the Rossoneri on a season-long loan with the option of a permanent deal.

– Newcastle United are in the race to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, claims the Mail. Arsenal are also interested in the Belgium international.

– Fulham have submitted a bid for Blackburn's Chile international Ben Brereton Diaz according to The Athletic. Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson has said he would cost a lot of money, with Fulham's offer not disclosed.

– PSV have opted against selling 23-year-old Netherlands international Cody Gakpo amid interest from Leeds United and Southampton, reports The Athletic.

Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli says the Serie A outfit have never made a concrete offer for Cristiano Ronaldo, as the striker looks increasingly likely to stay at Manchester United beyond the end of the transfer window.

Ronaldo reportedly declared his intention to leave Old Trafford after United failed to secure Champions League qualification last season, and with Napoli back among Europe's elite after finishing third in Serie A last term, southern Italy was touted as a possible destination.

Despite Ronaldo only making one Premier League start this season – in a humiliating 4-0 loss at Brentford – United have continually reaffirmed their desire to keep him.

On Wednesday, Erik ten Hag declared he and Ronaldo were "on the same page" and claimed the Portuguese legend remained happy at Old Trafford.

With the transfer deadline fast approaching and the likes of Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich ruling out a deal for Ronaldo, his options appear to be dwindling.

And while Giuntoli emphasised his respect for Ronaldo, he told DAZN a move to Naples had never been on the table. 

"He is an extraordinary player and we can only exalt him," he said.

"There is nothing true, we have an excellent relationship with his agent but there has never been anything concrete."

Meanwhile, Ronaldo's former Real Madrid team-mate Keylor Navas had also been linked with a move to Napoli, but Giuntoli ruled out signing another goalkeeper after Luciano Spalletti's men brought in Salvatore Sirigu.

"We have two goalkeepers and they are very good, so at 99 per cent [chance], we will keep the current squad," he added.

Christophe Galtier would still prefer to add a defender to his Paris Saint-Germain squad before the transfer window closes despite seeing his side cruise to victory over Toulouse.

The Ligue 1 champions had slipped up with a 1-1 draw at home to Monaco on Sunday but were utterly dominant in a 3-0 away win on Wednesday.

Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Juan Bernat found the net in a game that saw PSG attempt 20 shots, with 13 of those hitting the target.

The margin of victory would have been much greater if not for a magnificent performance from Toulouse goalkeeper Maxime Dupe, who produced nine saves.

Toulouse had 14 shots of their own in an open game, with seven hitting the target, leading to questions about the PSG defence even after their emphatic display of superiority.

Asked if he would be happy going into the rest of the season without signing another defender before Thursday's transfer deadline, Galtier replied: "It would be better to have it [a new defender].

"It would be preferable. We always wanted it. We will see what will happen during the day."

But Galtier refused to say whether a move for Inter centre-back Milan Skriniar, with whom PSG have been heavily linked, is still possible.

"The transfer window is still open. But you shouldn't ask me the question," Galtier responded to a question about the Slovakia international. 

"I always ask to stay focused on preparing for matches."

Ajax have moved to replace Manchester United-bound winger Antony by sealing a season-long loan deal for Sevilla's Lucas Ocampos.

The Eredivisie giants will have the option to make Ocampos' stay permanent for a reported €20million at the end of the season.

Ocampos made exactly 100 league appearances for Sevilla after moving to Spain in 2019 from Marseille, though his best form came in his first season at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, when he scored 17 goals in all competitions.

The 28-year-old has 10 senior caps for Argentina, the most recent of which came earlier this year.

The addition of Ocampos will come as a relief to the Dutch champions, who have seen several key players leave during the transfer window.

Antony's departure follows those of Lisandro Martinez, Sebastien Haller, Ryan Gravenberch, Noussair Mazraoui, Andre Onana and Nicolas Tagliafico. 

And the exodus could be set to continue amid reports Chelsea have made a £43m (€49.7m) bid for midfielder Edson Alvarez ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline. 

Chelsea have already spent big in their first transfer window under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, but reports suggest head coach Thomas Tuchel is keen to bring the 24-year-old in to ease a growing injury crisis at Stamford Bridge.

Fellow Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus, meanwhile, is reportedly being targeted by Frank Lampard's Everton.

Bernardo Silva has declared he will be "staying in Manchester", putting an end to rumours the Manchester City midfielder would be moving to Barcelona.

Silva has been an integral part of City's success under Pep Guardiola since arriving from Monaco in 2017.

The Portugal international has won four Premier League titles, four EFL Cups and an FA Cup in England, though has been heavily linked with Barca in the past couple of years.

Despite seeming to indicate he would like to play for the LaLiga giants one day, Silva has confirmed he will not be making the move in this transfer window, which closes on Thursday.

After grabbing an assist in Wednesday's 6-0 thrashing by City of Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, the 28-year-old committed to his team, telling Spanish outlet RAC1: "I'm staying in Manchester, here. I'm happy and the decision has been made."

Silva has scored two goals in five league appearances so far this season for City, with three starts.

His goal in the 4-2 comeback win against Crystal Palace on Saturday was his 100th goal involvement for the club, with an even split of 50 goals and 50 assists, which became 101 on Wednesday in his 257th appearance with his assist for Joao Cancelo.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has claimed Cristiano Ronaldo is happy to stay at the club.

Ronaldo was widely reported to be pushing for an exit from Old Trafford due to his desire to play in the Champions League but offers were seemingly not forthcoming.

With the transfer window closing on Thursday, Ronaldo is set to remain at the club until at least January, barring any last-minute offers, but Ten Hag is adamant the 37-year-old is not disappointed by that outcome.

"We are on the same page. [He is happy to stay] otherwise he wouldn't be here," Ten Hag told reporters.

"From the start we said we planned with him, we are happy with him, he's happy to be here, and we want to make the season a success together."

Pressed on how Ronaldo – who has not started United's last two matches – could fit into his tactical approach, Ten Haag expressed confidence the former Real Madrid and Juventus superstar could settle into any system.

"The way of playing, the set of demands, you can see in training Ronaldo has the ability," he added.

"He will fit in because, I don't have to explain, he is a great player with great capabilities. He will fit in every system and every style. We are on one page, and he knows what the demands are."

Ten Hag has added to his ranks in the final days of the window with the capture of Antony, with the winger signing from former club Ajax for a fee of £85million (€100m).

Antony's arrival came just over a week after United had spent a reported £70m (€80m) on Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro, but Ten Hag made it clear such spending was necessary.

"All the top clubs in the Premier League spent a lot of money, that is how the market developed," he explained. "I can do nothing about it, no one can, it's just the market. We have to accept how it went.

"If you want to compete at the top, you don't have a choice. All the Premier League clubs spent this kind of money. If you want to fight for the top four positions you have to do it, and we have the ambition, especially over the long term, to play for trophies, so I think we had to do it."

United face Leicester City on Thursday, seeking a third Premier League win in a row after starting the campaign with back-to-back defeats.

Former Italy striker Mario Balotelli has joined Swiss club Sion on a two-year deal.

The 32-year-old spent last season with Adana Demirspor after leaving Monza, scoring 18 Turkish Super Lig goals

Much-travelled frontman Balotelli will be able to tick off another country he has played club football in, having sealed a move to Sion on Wednesday.

Sion sporting director Barthelemy Constantin said: "Mario Balotelli will bring us a lot offensively since he comes out of a full season and arrives with us with confidence. 

"He is the kind of striker we needed, with great determination. It is an honour to have him with us."

The former Inter, Manchester City and Milan man had been linked with a move to LaLiga club Valencia.

Sion are sixth in the Swiss Super League with eight points from six matches.

Josip Ilicic is free to find another club after his contract with Serie A side Atalanta was terminated by mutual consent on Wednesday.

Ilicic joined Atalanta in July 2017 from Fiorentina and scored 60 goals in 173 appearances across all competitions.

His game time reduced over the past two seasons and he is now on the lookout for a new club, with Hellas Verona reported to be interested in signing the 34-year-old Slovenia international.

A statement on Atalanta's official website said: "Atalanta announce that the contract between the club and the player Josip Ilicic has been terminated by mutual agreement.

"He has enchanted Bergamo with his plays, his inventions and his pure class since 2017. He made us dream with his magic on the pitch and moved us with his sensitivity and humanity off it.

"His four goals at Valencia will forever remain a portrait of the champion Ilicic, while the noble gesture of donating the ball of that magical evening to Bergamo's Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital is a portrait of the man Josip.

"There would be goals and assists to list, but what these five seasons together have meant goes far beyond numbers.

"Now we part ways, but the memories and emotions will remain forever. Good luck, Professor and thanks for everything!"

Sevilla have confirmed the signing of Adnan Januzaj on a free transfer, with the winger signing a four-year contract.

Januzaj, who came through the ranks at Manchester United, left Real Sociedad at the expiration of his contract at the end of last season.

The Belgium international spent five seasons at La Real, having joined from United in 2017.

Januzaj enjoyed a fine breakthrough season at Old Trafford in the 2013-14 season but never quite lived up to expectations.

However, at 27, he has the chance to play in the Champions League with Sevilla, who had been in need of a winger as they expected to sell Lucas Ocampos to Ajax, though that move broke down unexpectedly.

Januzaj made 132 LaLiga appearances for La Real, scoring 14 goals and assisting a further 16, having created 145 chances for team-mates.

Sevilla face Barcelona in their next LaLiga match, having taken just one point from their opening three games.

Juventus have completed the signing of Leandro Paredes on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

An official agreement published by the Serie A side on Wednesday stated the deal includes an obligation to buy the player permanently "subject to the achievement of certain given sporting objectives by the end of the season" for a fee of €22.6million, with a further €3m in add-ons.

Paredes joined PSG from Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2019 and made 117 appearances in all competitions for the French giants, scoring four goals.

The Argentina international midfielder started just 10 Ligue 1 games last season, and is yet to start a game this season under new PSG head coach Christophe Galtier, though did make four substitute appearances.

Juventus have moved to make Paredes their eighth signing of the transfer window, with the likes of Angel Di Maria, Paul Pogba and Bremer already added to Massimiliano Allegri's squad.

The 28-year-old returns to Serie A having already played for Roma earlier in his career, with loan spells at Chievo and Empoli during that time.