Transfer News LATEST: John Stones, Petr Cech, Raheem Sterling and more

Thanks for following today's transfer news - it's been a busy day with both player and managerial confirmations.

We'll be back to do it all again tomorrow. Join us bright and early. Good night!

SAMI MOKBEL IN LJUBLJANA: Roy Hodgson insists Raheem Sterling's ongoing contract dispute will not be a factor in his team selection for England's clash against Slovenia.

The Liverpool forward endured a tough afternoon during last weekend's dour draw against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, as he was booed throughout the encounter by home supporters.

Sterling is in the midst of a long-running contract saga at Anfield, with Manchester City leading the race to land the 20-year-old this summer.

LAURIE WHITWELL: Nigel Pearson is interested in signing James Chester for the second time in their careers.

The Hull City defender, who starred in Wales’s 1-0 victory over Belgium, is attracting much attention after his club’s relegation to the Championship.

Newcastle, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa are believed to be looking at making a bid but Pearson will hope his past with the 25-year-old presents a compelling case.

RORY KEANE: Standard Liege midfielder Mehdi Carcela has joined Portuguese champions Benfica on a four-year deal.

The Morocco international has been with the Belgian club for two spells since 2008 on either side of a two-season stint with Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.

'I know that Benfica are one of the biggest clubs, known in the four corners of the world,' said the 25-year-old.

Manchester United are lining up a summer move for Everton starlet John Stones as Louis van Gaal looks to bolster his defensive options.

Stones has established himself as one English football's finest talents having become a mainstay in the Toffees’ first-team over the past two seasons.

And Van Gaal has earmarked the England international as a potential cornerstone for a United defence that has failed to replace Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand since their departures last summer

Stoke midfield player Charlie Adam says his team-mate Asmir Begovic has a big decision to make regarding his future at the club.

Goalkeeper Begovic has been strongly liked with a move away from the Britannia Stadium. 

Adam says 'the club aren’t going to be stupid and they aren’t going to let his contract run down. That’s not going to happen, definitely not, because they have a value there.

'He obviously wants to play at the highest level in the Champions League and he's got a big decision to make.' 

If you missed it on Friday, Memphis Depay was unveiled as a Manchester United player.

'This is a dream come true for me; to play for the biggest club in the world and also to have the chance to work with someone who I believe is the best manager in the world, Louis van Gaal,' Depay said. 'I have great belief in my ability and I work hard to strive to achieve my dreams.'

Sportsmail's Nick Godden has provided a round up of what's in Europe's newspapers today and Manchester United are linked with Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

NICK GODDEN: Manchester United will only sell David de Gea to Real Madrid if they can tie up a deal for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak, according to reports in Spain.

Spanish daily newspaper AS is claiming that United have earmarked the Slovenian keeper to replace De Gea this summer and that contact with Oblak has already been made.

They report that United will sell the Spain international to Real but not before agreeing a deal to sign Oblak but claim Atletico are 'asking for a lot of money'.

One transfer that does seem set to happen is David de Gea leaving Manchester United for Real Madrid.

United have been linked with an array of goalkeepers providing De Gea does depart. Hugo Lloris of Tottenham and Petr Cech at Chelsea have been mentioned.

But United have a respected goalkeeper in their ranks in Victor Valdes, who was the regular stopper for Barcelona for many years.

Sportsmail's Mike Keegan reports than instead of signing a new first choice goalkeeper, Louis van Gaal may elect to promote Valdes and bring in backup for him.

Arsenal might be favourites to land Petr Cech but they appear to be out of the running to sign Jackson Martinez from Porto.

The Colombia striker has chosen to join AC Milan, who have activated the 28-year-old's £25.5million release clause.

Martinez has scored 92 goals in 132 games for Porto.

Manchester City are one of the more serious bidders for Raheem Sterling, with the club having an offer of around £25million rejected by Liverpool.

Another target for Manuel Pellegrini's side is Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. 

Reports in Italy suggested City had offered £58million for the France international.

Sportsmail's Chris Wheeler says those reports are wide of the mark but the club will make a formal offer.

Macclesfield are trying to raise £50million to sign Raheem Sterling from Liverpool. Yes, you read that correctly.

It is obviously the latest tongue-in-cheek joke from the club, who have also previously pretended to bid to host the 2026 World Cup.

Ravel Morrison is homesick in Italy and wants to leave Lazio before ever playing for the club, report Sportsmail's Chris Wheeler and Mike Keegan.

Queens Park Rangers are said to be keen on taking Morrison home as Chris Ramsey looks to earn promotion back to the Premier League at Loftus Road at the first time of asking.

There are two pieces of good news for Arsenal supporters from Sportsmail's Sami Mokbel.

The first is that the club are hopeful of completing the signing of Petr Cech from Chelsea, for around £11million, by the end of the week.

The second part is that Theo Walcott is expected to sign a new long-term deal at The Emirates. 

Hello! Thanks for joining Sportsmail's live transfer news blog. We will bring you the latest news, as soon as we get it, regarding any potential moves in the world of football on Saturday.

Clubs are busy reshaping their squads ahead of the transfer window officially opening on July 1 and today promises to be another busy 24 hours in football.