Real Madrid to swoop for Premier League midfielder, Barcelona find Pogba alternative, other La Liga News: 9th August, 2018

The world of football transfers has its fair share of ups and downs - surprising purchases, last-minute bumper deals and astounding figures, it has it all. With under a month left for the window to shut, each team seems to be itching to close in on deals to give their squads the right shape.

While you enjoy your cup of coffee in the office, or wherever you are following us from, we bring you a condensed update on the latest highs and lows from the business of football, on its most hectic day of player shopping.

From Barcelona's pursuit of a star midfielder to a superstar leaving Los Blancos, there is no dearth of action and excitement today:

Diego Godin snubs Manchester United?

According to Sky, Manchester United attempted to trigger Diego Godin's release clause but were told that the Uruguayan international has signed a new contract with the club, thereby ending United's hopes. Mourinho was willing to hand Godin an £8m a year deal. The Red Devils also had bids for Harry Maguire and Toby Alderweireld rejected in the past and it looks like Mourinho will have to remain content with the squad he has at his disposal.

Cardiff complete Victor Camarasa loan move

Newly promoted side Cardiff have completed a season-long loan move for Real Betis midfielder Victor Camarasa. Camarasa is Cardiff's fifth signing this summer, after the arrivals of Josh Murphy, Bobby Reid, Alex Smithies and Greg Cunningham.

Sevilla keeper Sergio Rico on the move

Sevilla keeper Sergio Rico has flown to England to complete his medical ahead of a loan move to Fulham. Rico is expected to be Fulham's No. 1 despite the signing of Fabri from Besiktas earlier in the summer.

Barcelona

France v Argentina: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Messi pushes for Pogba move

According to reports in Calciomercato via Don Balon, Lionel Messi has picked up the phone many times to make sure Barcelona complete the swoop for Manchester United star midfielder Paul Pogba. It was believed that Pogba's agent Mino Raiola was pushing for a move, but Manchester United are averse to letting him leave, having failed to secure his replacement.

Barcelona's new No. 7

Former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has been handed Barcelona's No. 7 shirt, which was previously worn by Arda Turan. It was believed that Barcelona had reserved the No. 7 shirt for Antoine Griezmann, but with the Frenchman signing a new deal with Atletico, they have handed it to Coutinho.

Pogba replacement found?

Barcelona have opened negotiations with Ajax for the transfer of midfielder Frenkie de Jong. Having grown frustrated in their chase of Paul Pogba, they have turned their attention to de Jong who they feel is a relatively decent alternative to the Frenchman. It is being reported that if Ajax fail to qualify for the Champions League, de Jong will move to Barcelona, with a deal being agreed in principle.

Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes have Everton medicals

Everton are set to complete a double swoop for Barcelona stars Andre Gomes and Yerry Mina. Mina is expected to join on a permanent basis while Gomes' is expected to be a season-long loan.

Real Madrid

Poland v Colombia: Group H - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Madrid fail in Lewandowski pursuit

Robert Lewandowski is all set to remain in Bayern this summer. The Polish striker was looking for a move away, but after a meeting with manager Niko Kovac, has accepted that he will stay at the club. “It’s true I had a meeting with Robert last week and we had a good conversation. He knows what and how I think about him, and the whole club knows of his qualities. He is definitely among the top three strikers in the world," Kovac said.

“We will certainly not give him up. That’s what I told him. Robert accepted that and it was something I really enjoyed.”

Chelsea confirm Kovacic loan

The Blues have completed the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic on a season-long loan deal. Kovacic made 17 La Liga appearances for Madrid last season, but demanded a move in order to gain regular game time.

"I am really happy and excited to be here at Chelsea. It is an amazing feeling. I will try to do my best for this club," Kovacic said. "It is a new league for me, the beginning is always tough but I am sure the coach and my new team-mates will help me and I am looking forward to a great season."

Thibaut Courtois completes Madrid switch

Real Madrid unveiled new signing Thibaut Courtois earlier today after the keeper completed his medical. Courtois has signed a six-year deal with the Spanish club, signing for a fee in the region of £35m. Courtois expressed his delight upon completing the move, stating, "Today I am realising a dream. This is the best club in the world. Since childhood, I dreamed that this moment could happen. Today I'm one of you. I'm a more Madrid. Hala Madrid."

Perez comments on Modric

Madrid president Florentino Perez, during the unveiling of keeper Thibaut Courtois, was asked to comment on the future of Croatian midfielder Luka Modric and had this to say: "We believe in this team." Cryptic indeed. Modric has regularly been linked with a move to Inter although a concrete offer has not yet been made.

Real Madrid to make sensational swoop for Christian Eriksen

According to reports, Real Madrid are set to make a stunning bid for Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen. Having lost the likes of Kovacic and Ronaldo and considering Modric could be on the way out, Florentino Perez has set his sights on Eriksen. Madrid are also interested in Lazio midfielder Milinkovic-Savic but might be put off by his extravagant price tag.