The World Cup is almost upon us but that doesn’t halt the transfer rumour mill. Antoine Griezmann has elected not to reveal his future plans before the jamboree in Russia gets underway but there is plenty going on elsewhere.

Griezmann to stay silent

Atletico Madrid striker Griezmann says he already knows where he’ll play his football next season, but he isn’t going to disrupt France’s World Cup preparations by revealing it. Griezmann had previously said he would confirm his plans before Les Bleus, 7.00 to triumph in Russia, begin their World Cup campaign against Australia on Saturday in Kazan. His release clause is set to fall to €100m on July 1, with La Liga champions Barcelona heavily linked to the forward. Griezmann confirmed he has “made up his mind” before telling a press conference he was “really very sorry” that he would not disclose his future plans at this time.

Blues may offer Grealish incentive

Chelsea are set to tempt Aston Villa’s resolve over midfielder Jack Grealish by offering to buy the player for around £30m before loaning him back to the Midlands side for their Championship campaign next season. Grealish has been the subject of intense speculation since Villa were denied in last month’s Wembley Playoff Final by Fulham. Aston Villa want £40m for their prized asset but, with the club under financial pressure, Chelsea may sense the chance to get a better price and steal a march on the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham, who have also been linked with Grealish.

Gerrard’s Rangers rebuild gathering pace

Steven Gerrard’s rebuilding of Rangers is continuing at a pace with two more signings for the Ibrox club. The former England captain announced the arrival of Brighton defender Connor Goldson on a four-year deal, just 24 hours on from capturing Nikola Katic from Slaven Belupo. The 21-year-old Croatian international suggested he’d have “run to Scotland” to play for his new manager, while Goldson declared Gerrard was a “massive influence” in his switch to Glasgow. Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield, Jamie Murphy and Ovie Ejaria have all arrived at Ibrox this summer and the Light Blues are now 8.00 with Bethard to win the Scottish Premiership title next season.

Veratti ‘offered’ to Red Devils

Reports suggest that Paris St-Germain have offered Manchester United the chance to sign midfielder Marco Verratti. The Italian international is said to have given agent Mino Raiola the go-ahead to broker a move away from the French capital this summer. New PSG boss Thomas Tuchel apparently told Veratti, 25, he needed to get in shape since taking over from Unai Emery. Now the player could become the latest recruit for Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, as he seeks to close the gap on neighbours Man City next season. United are 7.50 to be Premier League kingpins next season.

Barca reject Alcacer attracting interest

Fenerbahce and Southampton are amongst the clubs leading the way in the race to sign striker Paco Alcacer from Barcelona. The 24-year-old Spain international is surplus to retirements at the Nou Camp and former Barcelona forward Mark Hughes is keen on bringing him to England’s Premier League at Southampton. The Saints are willing to pay €20m to sign the former Valencia forward but their hopes could be dashed as the Turkish giants enter the race.