It wasn't supposed to be this way for Real Madrid.
The world's most famous club are used to getting their way, but this summer has proved a frustrating one.
Real's main transfer target remains Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea but Louis van Gaal seems determined to hang onto his prized asset.
In return, United are chasing two of Real's marquee players. LVG wants to bring in Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale.
The Sunday People report that Bale is
the "surprise" signing the manager was talking about, on Saturday. It will cost United €90m, however, to get the Welshman.
Selling Angel Di Maria would go a long way to funding that Bale swoop. Paris Saint Germain manager Laurent Blanc has already admitted he would like to bring in the Argentinean but United are trying to squeeze as much money out of the transaction as possible.
L'Equipe say United are demanding €75m for Di Maria and believe other major European clubs - Bayern Munich and Juventus - will spark a bidding war.
One transfer that is
DONE is Manchester City's signing of talented Fulham striker Patrick Roberts.
The 18-year-old was on Liverpool's radar but Manuel Pellegrini's side have come up trumps again. City have payed Fulham £11m to take Roberts off their hands.
Chelsea are determined to get Everton defender John Stones before the start of the new season. The league champions have had a £20m bid rejected but are confident that they will secure the move before the close of the transfer window. An offer of £25m may very well do that. [
The Mirror]
Finally, Aston Villa will console themselves after the loss of Christian Benteke and Fabien Delph by buying Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson for £7m. [
Sunday Express]
