Transfer rumours and paper review – Friday, August 8

Here’s the top transfer-related stories in Friday’s newspapers…Arsenal could scupper Manchester United’s hopes of landing defender Thomas Vermaelen, with manager Arsene Wenger keen to sell the 28-year-old to Barcelona instead. (The Telegraph)But United remain hopeful of concluding a deal for the Belgian, as part of an audacious double swoop that would also see Roma defender Mehdi Benatia, 27, move to Old Trafford. (Daily Star)Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen to make 19-year-old PSG star Adrien Rabiot his fifth summer signing. (Daily Star)Liverpool will make a decision on the future of unsettled defender Daniel Agger, 29, this week, with Arsenal and Barcelona among the clubs said to be interested. (The Telegraph) Manchester United are close to striking a deal for Juan Cuadrado, 26, after agreeing to meet Fiorentina’s £36m asking price. (Daily Express)Chelsea are preparing to use Petr Cech, 32, as bait as they look to land Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane, 21. (Daily Express) Liverpool’s hopes of signing Monaco striker Radamel Falcao appear to be over, with the 28-year-old set to link up with countryman James Rodriguez at Real Madrid. (The Times)And the Reds could now turn to PSG’s Edinson Cavani, 27, in their search for a striker. (Liverpool Echo)Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal could move for Ajax defender Daley Blind, 24, who he coached with the Netherlands. (Daily Mail)The Red Devils are also closing in on top transfer target Arturo Vidal, with the 27-year-old having reportedly agreed a £182,000-a-week contract. (The Independent)Arsenal could be offered the chance to sign Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira for a knock-down fee, with the Spanish club keen to avoid losing the 27-year-old on a free transfer next summer. (The Independent)Former Tottenham keeper Kasey Keller has warned Seattle Sounders defender DeAndre Yedlin, 21, reportedly a Spurs target, against a move to White Hart Lane. (London Evening Standard)Premier League new boys Leicester City have offered Argentinian legend Esteban Cambiasso a £5m contract. (Daily Mirror)And here are the latest talkSPORT.com transfer tales…Exclusive – Liverpool will finish higher than Man United this season, claims ex-Reds starJuventus make Manchester United hitman their top transfer targetManchester City set to offload midfield flop to RussiaInter Milan to hijack West Brom’s move for Parma winger?Former Chelsea striker eyes Premier League returnLiverpool youngster in loan move to BolognaMontpellier open to offers for Stoke City targetMan United target set to join Deportivo La Coruna on loanMonaco join Liverpool in race to sign Bayern star ShaqiriSullivan: West Ham have made offers for four strikersGhana forward has his heart set on joining LiverpoolExclusive – Man City taking a risk with Kompany’s six-year deal, warns MurphyLiverpool transfer blow! Argentina striker’s agent distances star from Anfield switchBlow for Liverpool defender: Barcelona make signing Vermaelen their priorityExclusive – Burnley boss Dyche bemoans transfer travails