Real Madrid name Ronaldo's replacement, Barcelona set to sign World Cup star and other La Liga News: 2nd August, 2018

Hello and welcome to another La Liga roundup. As always, Real Madrid and Barcelona made headlines for several reasons the past 24 hours while clubs like Atletico Madrid and Sevilla went about their business without much of a fuss.

With just under a month left for the window to slam firmly shut, it is time for the big clubs to loosen the purse strings and get some deals done. On that note, here is a look at all that happened in the world of La Liga in the past day:

Real Betis and Newcastle to battle for Lyon striker

Newcastle United are leading the race to sign young Lyon striker Myziane Maolida. According to reports, the Magpies have opened talks with the 19-year-old, but Betis remain interested and are willing to shell out €8m for his services. The Premier League transfer window shuts next week and as a result, Newcastle are under pressure to conduct their business quickly.

Sevilla swoop for Barcelona striker

Sevilla have made an improved bid for Barcelona striker Munir El Haddadi according to Sport and the Catalans are considering the offer, despite earlier stating that Haddadi would remain at the club. Munir impressed during loan spells at Alaves and Valencia, forcing himself to be considered in Valverde's plans for the season, but it now looks like he could be offloaded along with Aleix Vidal who is also a part of the deal.

Atletico Madrid keen on Michy Batshuayi

Atletico Madrid have set their sights on Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi and are considering a loan move for the attacker, according to Marca. Atletico remain interested in Olivier Giroud as well, but Batshuayi is said to be their primary target after failing to lure Nikola Kalinic to the club.

Barcelona

Barcelona plot move for Simon Mignolet

Barcelona are closing in on landing the services of Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Reports in Daily Mail have suggested the club are looking to seal £12.5 move for the Belgian who has struggled at Liverpool the past couple of seasons. The arrival of Brazilian keeper Alisson has seen Mignolet drop down the pecking order and he now remains their third-choice keeper. Mignolet is likely to serve as ter Stegen's deputy with Jasper Cillessen on the way out.

Barca join race for Arturo Vidal

Just when it looked like Inter had secured the services of Bayern midfielder Arturo Vidal, Barcelona have entered the chase and look set to usurp the Italian giants, according to Mundo Deportivo. Bayern Munich are holding out for €30 million but Barca might not be willing to shell out that much on a 31-year-old. However, with the departure of Paulinho, the Catalans need an experienced figure in the centre of the midfield and have identified Vidal as the perfect candidate to fill the void.

Yerry Mina close to United switch

According to reports in Metro, United chief negotiator Matt Judge has landed in Spain to finalise a move for Barcelona defender Yerry Mina. After unsuccessfully pursuing the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Harry Maguire, Jose Mourinho turned his attention to Mina and is close to sealing a £35 million move for the Colombian centre-back. Mina was close to signing for Everton earlier this week, but it looks like he will be a part of United in the upcoming season.

Barcelona close to signing Moussa Wague

According to Sport, the Catalan giants are close to completing a deal for Senegal international Moussa Wague. The player has reportedly arrived in Spain for his medical with a deal between the two clubs already worked out. Wague will train with the first team but is likely to feature heavily for the 'B' team.

Real Madrid

Russia v Croatia: Quarter Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Mateo Kovacic snubs Manchester United move

In a shocking new development, it has emerged that Real Madrid outcast Mateo Kovacic snubbed a move to Manchester United because he "does not like Jose Mourinho's tactics." The Red Devils were willing to part with as much as £54m for the Croatian, but according to Marca, Kovacic has no intentions of playing under Mourinho. This comes as a huge blow to the English club after they failed in their pursuit of Willian and Harry Maguire.

Jose Mourinho wanted both Gareth Bale and Toni Kroos

Marca are at it yet again, this time claiming Jose Mourinho's top targets were Gareth Bale and Toni Kroos. However, enquiries for both players were rebuffed leaving Jose with nothing but a sinking feeling. Manchester United were informed that both players were not for sale and as a result had to turn their attention elsewhere.

Luka Modric to decide future

Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Luka Modric is set to hold talks with Madrid officials in the coming weeks in the wake of interest from Inter. The Italian club are looking to rope in Modric as part of their squad overhaul and expressed their interest in signing him. It was also reported that the player was keen on a fresh challenge in a new country.

Asensio to be Cristiano Ronaldo replacement

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Julen Lopetegui has decided that he is unwilling to spend a ludicrous amount of money on a new signing and will instead use Marco Asensio in the front three of his attack. Real Madrid were initially linked with the likes of Neymar, Mbappe and even Hazard, but it looks like Lopetegui is happy with his current crop of players. Asensio is fast becoming one of the stars of La Liga and is ready to take the responsibility of filling the void left by the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Edited by Amar Anand