Arsenal close in on Carvalho - Transfer Rumours for Mon 5 Aug

Arsenal set to miss out on this miefielder but have other options

Arsenal have been eyeing up many central midfielders this summer but a new one has surfaced. This and other stories in Monday's transfer rumour round-up.

Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal is ready to swing the axe at Old Trafford and a host of his current squad are being linked with moves.

The Dutchman has revealed that he will inform those players who don't feature in his plans on United's return from their pre-season tour of the United States.

Van Gaal's declaration has resulted in several clubs contacting United in the hope of picking up a bargain, with the Daily Mail claiming West Ham will swoop for Wilfried Zaha.

The 21-year-old has had a torrid time since joining United from Crystal Palace 12 months ago and Van Gaal is the second manager to tell the winger he does not feature in his plans.

The Hammers are happy to take Zaha on either a permanent deal or on loan, depending on United's asking price.

Meanwhile, reports from Italy are suggesting Napoli will take Marouane Fellaini on loan for the season, while Juventus are eager to sign Javier Hernandez.

Away from Manchester United and The Telegraph are reporting that Tottenham are close to tying up a 17million deal for Villarreal defender Mateo Musacchio.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is eager to further bolster his defence, having already brought in Ben Davies from Swansea and Sporting Lisbon's Eric Dier.

Musacchio, 23, is set to be the next defender to arrive and has been offered a five-year deal by Tottenham.

Spurs have also not given up on trying to sign Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, according to The Sun.

Saints claimed last week that the Frenchman is not for sale but Tottenham are hoping to tempt them into selling by offering winger Nacer Chadli as part of the deal.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has moved to dismiss speculation that he wants to bring Mario Balotelli back to the Premier League.

The Italy international has been strongly linked with Arsenal this summer and recent reports suggested the Reds were ready to rival the Gunners for the AC Milan striker.

However, Rodgers, who has already signed two strikers this summer, has denied having any interest in the maverick former Manchester City man.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are said to be closing in on a deal for Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho having given up on Real Madrid's Sami Khedira.

The Express claims the Gunners will seal a 24millon deal for the Portugal international, despite late interest from Chelsea.

Carvalho has also been linked with Manchester United in the past and Sporting are hoping they will return for the 22-year-old as they look to drive up the price.