€100 million-rated midfielder prefers to join FC Barcelona over Real Madrid, Man Utd want Kovacic and more: Transfer round-up, June 26, 2018

Hello people! Welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. With the focus now shifting to the World Cup, top clubs have begun their work on the transfer front.

And as always, there are stories which will have huge repercussions on the transfer market. After scorching through papers and sources from all over Europe, we have managed to find transfer stories that made headlines on June 26, 2018:

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Premier League

On Manchester United's radar

Manchester United want Matteo Kovacic

Real Madrid midfielder Matteo Kovacic recently revealed that he is open to leaving the Spanish side this summer in search of regular game time. The Sun claims that his admission has alerted Manchester United who now are looking to make a move for the Croatian international.

Kovacic recently told Marca, "I understand the situation, but because of that I believe the best thing for me would be to go to another club where I'd have the opportunity to play regularly as a starter. I think I can have this opportunity and it's one I want right now."

Jose Mourinho is in the market for a creative midfielder and has already been linked with a number of players playing in that position. Kovacic is reportedly valued at around £44 million by Real Madrid and is also on the radar of Juventus and AS Roma.

Danny Ings to leave Liverpool

The Telegraph understands that Danny Ings has decided to leave Liverpool this summer in search of regular starts under his belt. It is reported that Liverpool had offered a new deal to the striker which was rejected by the 26-year-old in order for a fresh start.

Ings had a horrific time with injuries since his move to Anfield and spent two of the three seasons at the club on the recuperating table. Jurgen Klopp was said to be keen on having Ings in his first-team squad. Meanwhile, it is reported that Ings has a number of offers on the table from Premier League and beyond.

Serie A

Inter Milan's latest signing

Radja Nainggolan signs for Inter Milan

The Belgian midfielder has today completed a move to Inter Milan. Radja Nainggolan has signed for the Nerazzurri on a five-year deal. The deal has valued Nainggolan at £33 million.

Inter have paid AS Roma £21 million and have included Davide Santon and Nicolo Zaniolo in the deal. AS Roma have signed PSG's Javier Pastore as Nainggolan's replacement.

Chelsea reach Maurizio Sarri agreement

According to the Express, Chelsea and Napoli have agreed upon a £4.5 million release clause fee for Maurizio Sarri. It is believed that the Italian will take charge at Stamford Bridge in the next 48 hours.

Sarri will sign a two year deal with the Blues along with an option to extend it by a year. The 59-year-old will earn £5.3 million per year at the club. Antonio Conte's exit is expected to be completed before the end of the week.

Bundesliga

On his way to the Premier League

Erik Durm to join Huddersfield Town

Borussia Dortmund left-back Erik Durm is on his way to sign up for David Wagner's Huddersfield Town. Kicker reveals that the transfer will be completed by the end of the week.

The two clubs have reportedly agreed upon all the details of the deal. Durm was set to leave Dortmund for Stuttgart last summer but the move broke down at the last minute due to problems in his medical.

Borussia Dortmund sign Liverpool's scout

Bild reports that Borussia Dortmund have successfully lured Liverpool's scout Sebastian Frank to the club. Frank worked with Jurgen Klopp for 19 months and is the son of Klopp's mentor Wolfgang Frank. The renowned scout worked for Leicester City between 2014-16 before deciding to join the Reds.

La Liga

SMS prefers Barcelona over Real Madrid

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic prefers a move to FC Barcelona over Real Madrid

The Lazio midfielder is currently one of the hottest properties in world football and is on the radar of every top European club. Understandably, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are vying for the Serbian. But according to Don Balon, Milinkovic-Savic has a preference between the two sides.

It is reported that the 23-year-old wants to join FC Barcelona over Real Madrid when the situation arises. There is also a possibility that he may join Juventus this summer with Massimiliano Allegri keen on signing the commanding midfielder. He is valued at €100 million by Lazio.

Mikel Merino closing in on a move to Real Sociedad

Marca has reported that Mikel Merino has agreed to join Real Sociedad in the coming days. The Newcastle United midfielder will be the first signing of the summer at the Anoeta. He will sign a five-year deal at the club and will cost around €12 million for Sociedad.

Merino was their top target of the summer and Sociedad have beaten the likes of Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis to the signing of the 21-year-old.

Rest of the world

Will Paul Pogba move back to his homeland?

PSG offer Marco Verratti plus cash for Paul Pogba

According to the Sun, PSG want to sign Paul Pogba this summer and have prepared a gigantic offer to take the flashy midfielder on board. It is reported that the Parisians have offered Marco Verratti plus cash in return for Paul Pogba. Last season's problems between Jose Mourinho and Pogba may make the Red Devils convince to accept PSG's offer.

Lazio in talks with Gremio for the sale of Luan

The Mirror has stated that Lazio have initiated talks with Gremio over the transfer of Brazilian forward Luan. The 25-year-old was previously linked with Liverpool but a move never materialized. Lazio have reportedly offered €15 million for the forward but Gremio are holding onto for a fee of around €25 million.