Transfer Talk: Abraham heads for Rome as Lukaku nears Chelsea return

Tammy Abraham is close to sealing a Chelsea exit after Roma agreed a £34million fee for the striker.

Sky Sports report the 23-year-old must now decide if he wants to join the Italian club, who are managed by former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

Abraham’s departure has appeared likely this summer, with Chelsea expecting Romelu Lukaku to fly to London today to seal his return to the club from Inter Milan.

The Guardian say the Belgian has completed the main part of his medical ahead of a £97.5m switch.

Chelsea hope they can register their new man in time for Saturday’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.

And Lukaku’s arrival pushes Abraham further down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, with Timo Werner also battling for a place up front.  

Along with Roma, the England striker is being monitored by fellow Serie A side Atalanta, while London rivals Arsenal have also been linked — though Chelsea would prefer not to sell to a direct rival.

Messi to snub United for PSG

Lionel Messi's move to Paris Saint-Germain is imminent, with the Argentine said to have agreed a two-year deal.

Paris has always looked the most likely destination for Messi, 34, since his Barcelona departure was confirmed, though The Sun had reported Manchester United were looking to hijack the deal and offer him a contract.

On Sunday, the Barca great emotionally announced he was leaving Barca after 21 years with the club. 

And he quickly received a formal two-year contract from PSG worth £25m per year after tax, according to Sky Sports, though two other offers were also thought to be on the table.

The Sun claim United were one one of the clubs to propose a move.

But their efforts to land the Argentine superstar look to be in vain, with widespread reports emerging that Messi has already agreed a deal with Les Parisiens.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner was widely expected to sign a new contract at the Camp Nou after agreeing a 50% pay cut — but the Catalan club's financial crisis means they are unable to offer him a deal of any kind.

In other news

Arsenal are still hoping to strike a deal to bring in Leicester star James Maddison.

The Gunners are thought to be keen on the creative maestro but the £60m price tag has proved a stumbling block and talks between the two clubs have been slow, according to Football.London.

Should a move be agreed, the report indicates Leicester are eyeing United midfielder Jesse Lingard as a replacement.

The 28-year-old revived his career with an exceptional loan spell at West Ham in the second half of last season, notching nine goals and five assists.

On the other side of North London, the Daily Mail say midfielder Tanguy Ndombele is considering his future at Tottenham after being left out of their friendly against the Gunners on Sunday.

The French midfielder has not played a minute of pre-season under Nuno Espirito Santo, with the new manager confirming his absence was not down to fitness.

After the 1-0 win, the Spurs boss said: "Tanguy is not with us today. He is not injured, but we consider it is not yet the moment for him to be part of the game."

Ndombele's wantaway team-mate Harry Kane looks set to be involved in Tottenham's Premier League opener against Manchester City, despite the striker seeking a move to the champions. 

Nuno has confirmed the 28-year-old England skipper is available to face City on Sunday.