Football transfer gossip: Manchester City and Liverpool to battle for Bayern's Alcantara

Liverpool and Manchester City have kicked off the 2020-21 season hostilities early as Pep Guardiola's side have entered the bidding for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara. They have reportedly offered more than Liverpool, and that will miff Jurgen Klopp.

Manchester United have not given up hope of signing Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund despite the deadline set by the Bundesliga club having come and gone. United have apparently put all other transfer moves on hold until they get their man. That could come back to hurt them...

That news means French playmaker Paul Pogba will be tapping his feet as he says United will open contract talks after their Europa League mission.

Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette has been offered a way out of the London club, with Juventus interested in his services.

Relegated Watford are not letting Ismaila Sarr go chaply and are demanding more than 40 million pounds for the Senegal winger. Liverpool are reportedly among those interested in the player.

Arsenal's Uruguayan Lucas Torreira could also be on his way, with Roma ready to offer a swap deal, with Amadou Diawara going the other way.

In a worrying sign after the coronavirus pinch, La Liga side Valencia have put all but one of their players up for sale.

Big moves from Benfica. The Portuguese club are on the brink of signing former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen. And rumours are rife the ex-Paris St-Germain striker Edinson Cavani could also be on his way there.

Everton could be set to dump England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as manager Carlo Ancelotti allegedly thinks he is unreliable.