Valencia expect to complete the signing of former Manchester United and Paris Saint-German striker Edinson Cavani, according to head coach Gennaro Gattuso.
Cavani has been without a club since leaving United as a free agent in July, having scored 12 goals in 41 Premier League appearances during a two-year spell at Old Trafford.
The Uruguay international's 200 goals for PSG, meanwhile, make him their all-time top goalscorer, and he turned down a return to Ligue 1 after attracting interest from Nice earlier this month.
Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere said Cavani's desire to move to Spain was the reason those transfer talks broke down, and the 35-year-old now appears close to getting his wish.
Speaking ahead of Monday's clash with Atletico Madrid in LaLiga, Gattuso said: "I am optimistic by nature, we are working, talking, I think we have possibilities.
"[Valencia owner] Peter Lim is working hard, and I think we are going to sign Cavani because Lim, at the moment, believes a lot in this possibility.
"When you talk about Cavani, he is not a normal player, he has played for big clubs and at the highest level for a long time. He is 35 years old but has an incredible mentality, I am talking about the technical part, not money, that is not a problem, there are two different things.
"The problem is that a lot of people talk in an operation and it's not easy to close it in two minutes.
"We are working on it for two or three weeks, but we are going to wait and I hope that it will close in a positive way for us. We have done everything to solve it and I hope that the signing will be closed.
"We are talking about a champion, a footballer who has played in teams of a high level, I am also excited that he comes here."
Los Che, who have taken three points from their first two league games this season, are also set to conclude another loan deal for Tottenham's Bryan Gil, who spent the second half of last campaign at the Mestalla.
Gattuso revealed his belief the deal will go through when Spurs bring in a replacement, adding the young playmaker was "99 per cent" likely to make the move.
Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez has completed a season-long loan move to LaLiga rivals Valencia.
The 20-year-old broke into Barca's first team last season, scoring two goals and providing as many assists in 37 appearances.
With Franck Kessie among the Blaugrana's new signings and Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva reportedly a target, Nico informed Xavi he wanted to move on in order to be given more playing time.
Valencia on Saturday confirmed Nico will spend the 2022-23 campaign at the Mestalla Stadium.
Barca's head coach Xavi on Friday stated that he had mixed feelings over Nico's temporary switch.
He said: "[Nico] came to me three weeks ago. I insisted that he continue because he would have minutes. I like Nico.
"But a few days ago he came back and told me that there was a team where he would play. He has been brave and is going to Valencia.
"I hope he comes back more mature because it must be important for the future of Barca. For the midfield we have [Sergio] Busquets, [Miralem] Pjanic, Kessie, Frenkie [de Jong], Sergi Roberto, and even [Andreas] Christensen, who can play there."
Valencia start their season at home to newly promoted Girona on Sunday, while Barca face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
Barcelona coach Xavi refused to rule out exits for Frenkie de Jong and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the eve of their LaLiga opener, acknowledging "anything can happen".
Manchester United's interest in De Jong has evolved into one of the longest-running sagas of the transfer window, while Chelsea are being strongly linked with both the Netherlands midfielder and Barca striker Aubameyang.
Although Xavi and president Joan Laporta have expressed confidence Barca will overcome their financial woes to register a host of new acquisitions ahead of Saturday's fixture against Rayo Vallecano, they are trying to offload players and reduce the wage bill.
While Xavi still considers both men key players, he made it clear they may depart before the transfer window closes.
"From here until August 31 a lot can happen, but I like Aubameyang a lot," Xavi told a news conference on Friday.
"He helped us a lot, he's an important player for me, he arrived here with a lot of humility, a good work ethic, so we'll see what happens."
On De Jong's future, the Blaugrana boss added: "It's the same as Aubameyang, he's an important player and he's part of the squad.
"If I can use him, great. From now until the 31st we will see what possibilities there are and where we are with regards to our participation in the market.
"From now until August 31, anything can happen with Frenkie and with any players in the squad."
Reports have suggested tensions are high between De Jong and the club after he appeared to be jeered by a group of supporters while arriving at training earlier this week.
But Xavi denies there is any ill-feeling towards De Jong, who joined from Ajax for a reported fee of €75million in 2019.
"I didn't hear whistles, I heard applause," Xavi claimed. "People are able to express how and when they want, I'm here to try to improve the squad and make a cohesive unit.
"It depends on how you perform on the pitch whether they support you or whistle. I think Frenkie can help the squad very well, he's helped the club also and I have no complaints."
One player who is set to leave Barcelona is young midfielder Nico Gonzalez, who declared on Wednesday he would be joining Valencia on a season-long loan.
Nico made 37 appearances for Barca last season – although only 17 were starts – and Xavi revealed the 20-year-old asked to leave.
"He came to me three weeks ago. I insisted that he continue because he would have minutes. I like Nico," Xavi said. "But a few days ago, he came back and told me that there was a team where he would play.
"He has been brave and is going to Valencia. I hope he comes back more mature because it will be important for the future of Barca.
"For the midfield we have Busquets, [Miralem] Pjanic, [Franck] Kessie, Frenkie, Sergi Roberto, and even [Andreas] Christensen who can play there."
Chelsea are in the market to bolster their defence following the exits of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Thomas Tuchel's side have already added Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli for £35million.
The Blues are eager to add another centre-back to their ranks before the closure of the transfer window.
TOP STORY – BLUES TO MAKE WORLD-RECORD BID FOR FOFANA
Chelsea are preparing to make a world-record offer for Leicester City's French defender Wesley Fofana, reports Football London.
The Blues' bid would be the highest fee paid for a defender, having had a previous offer declined by the Foxes.
It is believed Chelsea's previous bid was £70m with Leicester insisting he is not for sale. Harry Maguire, sold by Leicester to Manchester United, holds the record for a defender at £80m.
ROUND-UP
– Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, having reached an agreement with the Italian club for an initial £15m fee, according to The Guardian. France international Rabiot is in the final year of his contract with Juventus.
– 90min reports that United target Benjamin Sesko is close to agreeing to a deal with German club RB Leipzig. The report claims that 19-year-old Slovenian forward Sesko will move from Salzburg to Leipzig in 2023.
– United have also reached out to Real Betis on Guido Rodriguez's status according to AS, while the Red Devils are still considering Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, reports The Telegraph.
– Tottenham have reached an agreement with Udinese for winger Destiny Udogie for more than €20m, claims Fabrizio Romano. Udogie, however, will still on loan at Udinese this season.
– Monaco are keen on signing Manchester United defender Eric Bailly on loan, claims L'Equipe. The Ligue 1 club want the Ivorian, who is under contract until 2024, with an option to buy.
– Fiorentina will rival Villarreal for the signature of Tottenham's Giovani Lo Celso, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. The Argentina international spent time on loan with Villarreal last season.
– Valencia will revive its interest in Tottenham's Bryan Gil following Goncalo Guades' move to Wolves, claims Diario AS.
– The Telegraph claims Milan have re-opened talks with Chelsea's Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech who has been transfer listed.
Chelsea are in the market to bolster their defence following the exits of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Thomas Tuchel's side have already added Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli for £35million.
The Blues are eager to add another centre-back to their ranks before the closure of the transfer window.
TOP STORY – BLUES TO MAKE WORLD-RECORD BID FOR FOFANA
Chelsea are preparing to make a world-record offer for Leicester City's French defender Wesley Fofana, reports Football London.
The Blues' bid would be the highest fee paid for a defender, having had a previous offer declined by the Foxes.
It is believed Chelsea's previous bid was £70m with Leicester insisting he is not for sale. Harry Maguire, sold by Leicester to Manchester United, holds the record for a defender at £80m.
ROUND-UP
– Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, having reached an agreement with the Italian club for an initial £15m fee, according to The Guardian. France international Rabiot is in the final year of his contract with Juventus.
– 90min reports that United target Benjamin Sesko is close to agreeing to a deal with German club RB Leipzig. The report claims that 19-year-old Slovenian forward Sesko will move from Salzburg to Leipzig in 2023.
– United have also reached out to Real Betis on Guido Rodriguez's status according to AS, while the Red Devils are still considering Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, reports The Telegraph.
– Tottenham have reached an agreement with Udinese for winger Destiny Udogie for more than €20m, claims Fabrizio Romano. Udogie, however, will still on loan at Udinese this season.
– Monaco are keen on signing Manchester United defender Eric Bailly on loan, claims L'Equipe. The Ligue 1 club want the Ivorian, who is under contract until 2024, with an option to buy.
– Fiorentina will rival Villarreal for the signature of Tottenham's Giovani Lo Celso, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. The Argentina international spent time on loan with Villarreal last season.
– Valencia will revive its interest in Tottenham's Bryan Gil following Goncalo Guades' move to Wolves, claims Diario AS.
– The Telegraph claims Milan have re-opened talks with Chelsea's Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech who has been transfer listed.
After the best goalscoring season of his career, Valencia's Goncalo Guedes has reportedly earned a move to the Premier League, with Wolves said to be finalising a transfer worth up to £35million.
After arriving at the Spanish side back in 2017 from Paris Saint-Germain, the 25-year-old forward has established himself as a regular in Portugal's international side, collecting 32 senior caps and scoring the only goal in their 1-0 Nations League final win against the Netherlands in 2019.
Having never previously scored more than five league goals in a season, Guedes racked up 11, as well as six assists, in Valencia's last LaLiga campaign, and helped his side through to the final of the Copa del Rey.
TOP STORY – WOLVES CLOSE IN ON GUEDES
Wolves have no shortage of talent, boasting arguably the strongest Portuguese contingent in the Premier League, including manager Bruno Lage, and four starters from their opening fixture against Leeds United – Pedro Neto, Daniel Podence, Ruben Neves and Jose Sa, with Joao Moutinho and Nelson Semedo among the others in their ranks.
According to the Daily Mail, all signs point to Guedes being added to that list, while at the same time a starting position may be opening up as Morgan Gibbs-White's name continues to be included in heavy transfer speculation, with Nottingham Forest keen to sign him for a similar price Wolves will fork out in this reported deal.
Flipping an unproven talent like Gibbs-White into an established international performer like Guedes would likely be seen as a win by the club, but if they do wish to retain their English midfielder, the Daily Mail is also reporting they should be able to collect £12m from Everton in exchange for centre-back Conor Coady.
ROUND-UP
– The Guardian is reporting Leicester City and Southampton are interested in Callum Hudson-Odoi after the 21-year-old informed Chelsea he would like to leave on loan, and the Daily Mail claim Borussia Dortmund are also a potential landing spot.
– The Mail is also reporting that Chelsea's Timo Werner is close to a permanent deal to return to RB Leipzig, with the fee said to be around £30m.
– According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle United have decided to make a run at in-demand 19-year-old striker and Manchester United target Benjamin Sesko from Salzburg.
– Feyenoord have accepted a £12.6m bid from Bournemouth for 25-year-old Argentine defender Marcos Senesi, per The Sun.
– The Athletic is reporting United have made a £6.8m bid for 33-year-old Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic, who has previously spent six seasons in the Premier League between Stoke City and West Ham.
Valencia coach Gennaro Gattuso has revealed Goncalo Guedes is set for a move to the Premier League after being left out of Los Che's squad for a friendly win over Atalanta on Saturday.
Guedes was absent as Gattuso's men wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a 2-1 victory over the Serie A club ahead of their LaLiga opener against Girona on August 14.
The 25-year-old, who has 32 senior caps for Portugal, has been linked with a move to England on several occasions in the past, with Bruno Lage's Wolves mentioned by the Spanish press as potential suitors during the current transfer window.
When asked about the attacker after Valencia's win, Gattuso said an offer from an unnamed Premier League side had proven too good to turn down, as he professed his hope the funds would be reinvested should Guedes depart.
"This afternoon [Valencia sporting director] Miguel Corona called me and explained the situation to me," Gattuso said.
"An English club has formalised an offer of a lot of money. I don't know the exact figure, but at this moment we have to accept.
"We are going to do anything to improve to the team. The club knows very well what we need to complete the team. I expect signings, but I'm not talking about positions. I expect two, three players."
Guedes top-scored with 13 goals in all competitions for Valencia last season as well as topping the club's charts for assists (six) and dribbles completed (72), while only Carlos Soler (62) created more chances than the 25-year-old's 50.
Samu Castillejo has become Gennaro Gattuso's first signing as Valencia head coach after completing his move from Milan.
The forward, who made just five appearances for the Rossoneri last season, has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the Mestalla.
Castillejo is Los Che's first arrival since the appointment of Gattuso, who is only the third Italian to manage the club after Claudio Ranieri and Cesare Prandelli.
The pair reunite having worked together during Castillejo's first season at Milan in 2018-19.
The Spaniard featured regularly during his first three campaigns at San Siro; racking up 108 appearances across all competitions and scoring 10 goals.
However, the 27-year-old struggled for playing time last term under Stefano Pioli. Indeed, he started just once for the Rossoneri, with his final appearance coming as a substitute in a 1-0 defeat by Napoli last December.
He will be hoping to reignite his career upon returning to LaLiga, in which Valencia finished ninth last season.
Castillejo played 125 times across spells with Malaga and Villarreal in the Spanish top flight between 2014 and 2018, scoring 10 goals.
Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed as head coach of Valencia on a deal until June 2024.
The Milan great replaces Jose Bordalas, who was dismissed just one season into a two-year contract after a campaign in which Valencia finished ninth and lost the Copa del Rey final to Real Betis.
A short statement from Valencia read: "Valencia CF have reached an agreement with Gennaro Gattuso who will become the first-team coach of Valencia CF for the next two seasons until 30th of June 2024.
"Gennaro Gattuso (9th of January 1978, Italy) joins the Club following an extensive career both as a player and as a coach. After hanging up the boots, he started his coaching career in 2012 coaching teams like AC Milan and SSC Napoli, with whom he won the Coppa Italia in 2020."
Gattuso spent 18 months in charge of the Rossoneri after being appointed in November 2017, narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification by a solitary point during his one full season in charge.
He later took over Napoli, who he led to Coppa Italia glory in the 2019-20 season but Gattuso departed a year later after again missing out on Champions League qualification.
The 44-year-old was appointed Fiorentina boss in May last year only for the two parties to rescind that agreement a month later.
Gattuso has also had spells in charge of Sion, Palermo, OFI Crete and Pisa prior to re-joining Milan – initially with their Primavera side.
As a player, Gattuso won two Serie A titles and two Champions League medals during a glittering 13-year stay with Milan, while he was also a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006.
Valencia have cleared the way for Gennaro Gattuso's arrival by announcing the exit of head coach Jose Bordalas.
Former Milan and Napoli boss Gattuso is widely expected to be installed as the new boss at Mestalla.
That could be soon confirmed after Bordalas departed following just one season, having arrived at Valencia on a two-year deal in May 2021.
In a statement, the club said: "Valencia CF announce the conclusion of Jose Bordalas' tenure as first team coach.
"The club would like to thank him for his work, effort and dedication during his time in charge of Valencia CF, in which the team qualified for the Copa del Rey final, and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavours."
The departure had become inevitable as reports emerged of the strong interest in appointing Gattuso.
The 58-year-old Bordalas was chosen by Valencia owner Peter Lim as the successor to Javi Gracia, who became the 11th coach to leave the LaLiga side in nine years.
Bordalas guided Valencia to a ninth-placed finish in the league, and they suffered penalty shoot-out heartbreak in the Copa del Rey final against Real Betis in April.
Bordalas revealed his job frustrations before a clash with Athletic Bilbao in early May, suggesting Valencia must bring in top-level talent as opposed to selling their best players.
News of his exit comes amid a turbulent time for the two-time Champions League runners-up.
Valencia this week confirmed the exit of president Anil Murthy, stating the club must "regain the trust of the fans".
The 49-year-old had been embroiled in controversy since April when a man purported to be Murthy suggested to someone else in audio leaked by Superdeporte that he had threatened to "kill" Carlos Soler's reputation in the press if the midfielder did not sign a new contract.
Valencia did not deny Murthy was the person depicted but claimed the reports were part of a smear campaign against the club, insisting the recordings were "taken out of context from a private conversation and recorded illegitimately without the permission of the president".
The club also reported death threats against Murthy to authorities earlier this month.
Valencia have confirmed the exit of president Anil Murthy following a turbulent few weeks at Mestalla, stating the club must "regain the trust of the fans".
The 49-year-old has been embroiled in controversy since April when a man purported to be Murthy suggested to someone else in audio leaked by Superdeporte that he had threatened to "kill" Carlos Soler's reputation in the press if he did not sign a new contract.
Valencia did not deny Murthy was the person depicted but claimed the reports were part of a smear campaign against the club, insisting the recordings were "taken out of context from a private conversation and recorded illegitimately without the permission of the president of Valencia, Anil Murthy."
The club also reported death threats against Murthy to authorities earlier this month.
Valencia have now issued a further statement, however, confirming Murthy's immediate departure and distancing themselves from his remarks.
"The board would like to clarify that the content of the leaked conversations between Anil Murthy and various third parties are the personal views of Anil Murthy and not of Valencia CF," the club said in a statement.
"Valencia CF disassociates itself from his views. The board values the importance of a close relationship between the club, the community, fans, government authorities, media and other stakeholders.
"The board hold the view that a change in leadership is required, in order to regain the trust of the fans and the community and put Valencia in a position for success.
"Effective immediately, Anil Murthy will cease to be both president and an employee of Valencia.
"The board is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Bai as acting director general on an interim basis. Mr. Bai has been with the club since 2018 and is currently the director of the academy.
"The board will immediately commence a search process to appoint a new president for Valencia, and an announcement will be made in due course."
Jose Bordalas' side finished ninth in LaLiga this term and lost the Copa del Rey final on penalties to Real Betis.
Valencia have reported death threats made to president Anil Murthy to the police.
Murthy, members of his family and employees at the LaLiga club have also been targeted by fans.
Valencia revealed back in October 2019 that the club had informed police of death threats made to Murthy.
With Jose Bordalas' side 11th in LaLiga and losing to Real Betis on penalties in the Copa del Rey final, supporters are alleged to have crossed the line again.
A club statement said: "Valencia CF, through the club's legal services, are compiling all death threats, insults and other actions against president Anil Murthy, his relatives and club employees.
"This Wednesday morning, these actions have been reported to the police, and in the coming days an update of the complaint will be carried out, including reporting demonstrations of hatred and threats of acts of violence carried out on social networks.
"This type of behaviour is not acceptable in society, it does not represent any of the values of Valencia CF and may lead to legal consequences."
The club earlier this month called on their supporters to respect Bordalas as they condemned "the harassment" of the coach and his players.
Bordalas was appointed as Valencia before the start of the 2021-22 campaign, just two days after departing Getafe following a successful five-season spell.
The 58-year-old was chosen by Valencia owner Peter Lim as the successor to Javi Gracia, who became the 11th coach to leave the club in the past nine years.
Valencia have called on their supporters to respect manager Jose Bordalas as they condemned "the harassment" against the coach and his side this season.
Bordalas was appointed as Valencia manager before the start of the 2021-22 campaign, just two days after departing Getafe following a successful five-season spell.
The 58-year-old was chosen by Valencia owner Peter Lim as the successor to Javi Gracia, who became the 11th coach to leave the LaLiga side in the past nine years.
Bordalas has guided Valencia to 10th in the league and suffered penalty shoot-out heartbreak in the Copa del Rey final against Real Betis in April.
Valencia finished 13th in the league last season, but supporters have voiced their disgruntlement at the club, directing questions towards to Lim, who has sold top players to reduce high debts and made no signings to strengthen the squad.
Bordalas revealed his frustrations before a clash with Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, suggesting that Valencia must bring in top-level talent as opposed to selling their best players.
Los Che supporters responded by barracking their team and Bordalas, singing chants against the manager, and Valencia have urged for the fans to back their coach and squad.
"Valencia CF condemn the campaign of harassment and disruption that both coach Jose Bordalas and the team have been receiving throughout this season," a statement from the club said on Monday.
"This trend, fed by some media outlets and which has the sole purpose of harming the coach and the team, has led to very serious insults from various opposing sets of fans towards our coach.
"In addition, it also intends to create a negative environment in an attempt to try to affect refereeing decisions.
"Valencia CF request the utmost respect for both our coach and our squad."
Valencia have denied reports that Carlos Soler is set to join LaLiga rivals Barcelona.
It was claimed in the Spanish media on Monday that Soler, who is under contract until June 2023, will make the move to Barca for a fee of €20million.
Valencia reacted by tweeting "don't lie" and revealed they are in talks with the midfielder over a new deal.
A club statement said: "In response to a story published this Monday in Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Valencia CF deny the existence of any agreement – or any ongoing negotiation – with FC Barcelona for the transfer of Carlos Soler.
"The club are currently in an open negotiation process with the player and his agents to extend his contract with Valencia CF."
Soler has scored 12 goals and provided five assists for Valencia this season. Seven of the 25-year-old's strikes have come from the penalty spot.
Talk of Soler moving to Camp Nou comes amid speculation over the future of Frenkie de Jong, who has been linked with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
Having helped his boyhood club to their first major trophy in 17 years by netting in a penalty shoot-out victory over Valencia in the Copa del Rey final, it is fair to say Real Betis captain Joaquin was in a celebratory mood.
Few neutrals would have denied the club, who have been relegated twice since their last Copa win in 2005, or Joaquin, a genuine Betis legend who has made the most appearances of any outfield player in LaLiga history (595), their moment of glory.
Unless, of course, they could have foreseen the way in which Joaquin chose to celebrate the triumph, in all his glory.
Having cemented his reputation as one of football's greatest practical jokers by posing stark naked with the Copa he won with former club Valencia in 2008, the 40-year-old decided to grace Betis' social media accounts with a recreation of that photo.
A Copa success might well be the most fitting end to Joaquin's career. He seems intent on making the memory last in more ways than one.
Those of a nervous disposition will probably be hoping it is the last trophy of his career, anyway.
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