Latest football news, transfer rumours and updates:

Hello again everyone and welcome to my latest blog post where I have the latest football news, transfer rumours and updates across Europe.

Today, there is a lot of news transfer-related as many clubs have been reported to be "close" to completing deals with other teams to sign players.

Latest football news, transfer rumours and updates:

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has extended his contract by an extra three years.

Contract extension: Bayern Munich goalkeeper Neuer has signed a new contract deal

The German number one keeper signed his new contract last Friday, with the club's chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge announcing the contract extension at a general meeting. 

"I find it astonishing and fantastic", said Rummenigge, who praised Neuer for the timing of his decision, just days after Bayern were knocked out of the Champions League after losing 4-0 at home against Real Madrid.


"This is a sign of his wonderful character that he has said "I want Bayern Munich forever."
I would like to thank Manuel Neuer for that from the bottom of my heart."

Meanwhile, Shinji Kagawa's agent has confirmed that the Japanese midfielder will NOT leave Manchester United in the summer, despite rumours that he could move back to Borussia Dortmund or even sign for Napoli amid rumoured interest.

Kagawa two to three years ago was a great attacking midfielder, arguably one of the best upcoming talents in Europe - him, Gotze and Gundogan in Dortmund's midfield was superb but as soon as his arrival in Manchester he has not looked as sharp or as slick on the ball, because he does not get his chance. 

Based on his talent, it's no surprise to see teams tracking his progress in-case he reveals that he wants to leave. 

Benched: Kagawa has only started and finished 11 matches this season for United - surely he should feature more next season?

Swansea have announced that Garry Monk will continue on as their new permanent manager, on a three-year contract deal.

Garry Monk will take full charge of Swansea from next season, as their official new manager

He said: "It's the proudest moment of my career. I'm honoured the club thinks so highly of me to give me this chance. It's the opportunity of a lifetime - and one I fully intend to take.

I have had a taste of the job for the last three months and it's something I've really enjoyed."

Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes that Romelu Lukaku's future will be finalised only after the World Cup.

The Toffees are desperate to hang onto the Belgian striker, but it is thought that Chelsea will not let him leave easily.

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing midfielder Dani Parejo from Valencia, but will have to fight Champions League finalists' Atletico Madrid for the Spaniard's services.

Stats: Parejo has improved in the past few seasons, and is being watched by Liverpool and Atletico

Swansea striker Wilfried Bony has stated that he is "happy" at The Swans, despite rumours circulating in the past few days that he wants to play Champions League football and could be on the move to Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

Money well spent: Bony was signed from Vitesse for £8.5million pounds

Clinical: Bony (left) has been a revelation for Swansea this season since his move in July

The Ivorian signed for Swansea last summer and has scored 15 goals in 33 appearances this season.

FACT: Only Giroud, Aguero, Rooney, Touré, Suarez and Sturridge have scored more goals this season than Bony. Joint 7th most goals in the league with Jay Rodriguez.

The FA have confirmed that they are thinking about the idea of creating a new tier within the Football League to accommodate Premier League B teams, which is part of their four-point plan to boost English football in the future. 

The plan also calls for a BAN on non-EU players outside of the EPL and a reduction in the amount of people not born or brought up in England in Premier League squads.

This controversial but potentially interesting idea has been specifically designed to allow clubs from the top two English leagues (EPL and nPower Championship) to loan players out to a lower division club to enable greater opportunities for 18 to 21-year-old English footballers.