🤑 Transfer gossip: Mendy finds new club as Liverpool face winger fight | OneFootball

Welcome to Wednesday’s round-up of all the latest news and rumours as we kickstart the week with a closer look at the world of transfers.

Transfer story of the day 📰

In a surprise announcement, Lorient have announced the signing of Benjamin Mendy.

The defender hadn’t played for Manchester City for almost two years following allegations of rape, attempted rate and sexual assault and left this summer upon the expiration of his contract.

After a jury failed to reach a verdict on two claims from two women, Mendy was found not guilty last week following a retrial.

But he has now found a new club back in his homeland, with Lorient signing the 29-year-old on a two-year deal.

Fresh rumours 🥖

The Athletic claim that Saudi side Al Hilal want Liverpool winger Luis Díaz, who they value at €50m, but the Reds intend to rebuff any approach and there is no indication that he would be open to the move.

Tottenham are on the verge of the £3m signing of teenage Blackburn Rovers centre-back Ashley Phillips, per the Evening Standard, who also claim that despite that move, they remain interested in Bundesliga duo Edmond Tapsoba and Micky van de Ven.

Il Tempo claim that Roma have pulled out of a move for Daichi Kamada, who remains a free agent after his Eintracht Frankfurt exit.

Fulham have submitted a £15m offer to Ajax for defender Calvin Bassey but could face competition from Brighton who previously showed an interest in the 23-year-old.

Lucas Tousart could be in line for a surprise switch across Berlin following Hertha’s relegation, with Foot Mercato claiming he is wanted by Union Berlin.

Latest updates 🆕

Oriol Romeu has joined Barcelona, returning on a three-year deal to the club where he began his career.

Leeds United have acquired Wales international Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.

Multiple reports state that Allan Saint-Maximin has played his last game for Newcastle as he nears a move to the Saudi Professional League, with Harvey Barnes arrival from Leicester set to be accelerated as a result.

Bayern Munich have no plans to allow Marcel Sabitzer to depart on loan this season, according to reports in Germany which also suggest that Emre Can is close to agreeing a new Borussia Dortmund contract.

Sky Sports suggest that Chelsea have made their Conor Gallagher asking price known to interested suitors (West Ham and Tottenham among them) and are seeking a fee of £40m.

Arsenal are in no rush to make a decision on the future of Folarin Balogun amid strong links to Inter, with Mikel Arteta reportedly eager to get a look at him in pre-season.

From the horse’s mouth 🐴

João Félix has made no secret of where he wants to end up this summer having been placed up for transfer by Atlético de Madrid.

“I’d love to play for Barça,” he told Fabrizio Romano. “Barcelona has always been my first choice, and I’d love to join Barça.

“It was always my dream since I was a kid. If it happens, it will be a dream come true for me.”

What you missed yesterday ⏪

Kim-min Jae finalised his long-awaited move from Napoli to Bayern Munich after a successful Scudetto-winning campaign.

Jonny Evans signed a short-term deal to make a shock return to Manchester United, where he will take part in pre-season.

Key Lens man Seko Fofana left for Al-Nassr after their transfer ban was lifted this week.

Hector Bellerín rejoined Real Betis, while Sheffield United signed Bénie Traoré.

Total spend this window 🤑 €2.1bn