In a change from usual, let's start with a team other than Man United, and not mention 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named' because there is no relevant news.
Much more interesting anyway, is that Arsenal's defensive woes have lead them to an ex-Man United player to solve all of their problems. Jonny Evans is that man. Seriously, West Brom centre-back Jonny Evans is being linked with a 'shock' £16 million move to the Gunners according to the Mail. Evans was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford just a year ago - but impressed last season, making 45 appearances for club and country after his £6 million move. While it's probably not true, just the idea of Evans to Arsenal was amusing enough to start the day's news off. Nothing like a smile to being the morning eh?
In other Arsenal news, their search for a striker is also not going very well. The Gunners need a defender and a striker, so we all now that they'll end up with yet another impressive attacking midfielder, like Riyad Mahrez. Speaking of Mahrez, Arsene Wenger has refused to give up the fight on the Leicester star. Wenger was spotted at Leicester's 4-0 loss to PSG, and the Arsenal manager is also being linked with Mauro Icardi and Alexandre Lacazette - neither of which will ultimately happen.
Moving on to things that have been rumoured for a while, but might happen - Liverpool are renewing their interest in German left-back Jonas Hector. The Koln defender is valued at £22 million, which is probably why Liverpool's interest in him cooled after looking at him pre-Euros. (Mirror). The Mirror also adds that Benteke is almost definitely leaving - with Hull mentioned as a possible destination (not happening, see reasons why Steve Bruce left), Jon Flanagan has joined Burnley on loan - and Lucas is about to leave for Galatasary.
Liverpool will be competing with Arsenal for the services of Real Madrid striker Jese - but Zinedine Zidane says it's much more likely the Spaniard will move to PSG. Par for the course then:
ZIDANE: "Jesé está negociando su salida con el PSG" pic.twitter.com/uizIQ9npGq
— Tiempo de Juego (@tjcope) July 30, 2016
Zidane is also in demand, except this time it's Premier League new boys Middlesbrough looking at his son Enzo for a loan deal. That would be extremely interesting.
After convincing themselves that Romelu Lukaku and John Stones are worth more than the ridiculous sums of money being offered for the pair - Everton are holding out for a total of £125 million for the duo. Kind of puts the other amounts for players into perspective doesn't it?
Man City's pursuit of Leroy Sane is reaching ridiculous levels now. The talented German has apparently told friends he's off. (Sun) £45 million is the bargain price.
Which brings us to my personal favourite news of the say. David Moyes is planning a raid on his old team Man United for - you guessed it - Marouane Fellaini and Adnan Januzaj. That's just amazing. It's almost certainly the Sunday People deciding that it's so obvious that it has to be true - but it is so obvious. We can only hope.
Speaking of United, there is more concrete news about some departures. Januzaj is desparate to leave (Star), Borthwick Jackson is a loan target of West Ham because Aaron Cresswell is out injured for a few months (Mail).
At the same time, there is one in rumoured in today's papers at Old Trafford. The Sunday Times has that Mourinho wants to bolster his defense with a move for Jose Fonte, Leonardo Bonucci, or Ezequiel Garay. Bonucci is unlikely to leave Juventus, Garay is always linked with United because his agent is Jorge Mendes, and Fonte? United aren't Liverpool. United's defense does need some extra bodies - but Mourinho might be looking a bit more before adding someone.
That's all for today folks.
