Premier League transfer Deadline Day news live! Latest updates as summer window closes

The final deals completed on transfer deadline day:

• Brennan Johnson: Nottingham Forest to Tottenham - reportedly $60 million
• Ryan Gravenberch: Bayern Munich to Liverpool - reportedly $43 million
• Sofyan Amrabat: Fiorentina to Manchester United (loan) - reportedly $11 million loan fee, plus $22 million option to buy, plus $5 million more in add-ons
• Jean-Ricner Bellegarde: Strasbourg to Wolves - reportedly $16 million
• Rob Holding: Arsenal to Crystal Palace - reportedly $5 million
• Luis Sinisterra: Leeds United to Bournemouth (loan)
• Neal Maupay: Everton to Brentford (loan)
• Albert Sambi Lokonga: Arsenal to Luton Town (loan)

Still in the works/deal sheet extensions:

• Ibrahim Sangare: PSV to Nottingham Forest - reportedly $37 million
• Alex Iwobi: Everton to Fulham - reportedly $27 million
• Divock Origi: AC Milan to Nottingham Forest (loan)
• Andrew Omobamidele: Norwich to Nottingham Forest

With less than three hours remaining in the transfer window, here are the latest reports from around the Premier League:

• Liverpool remain on course to sign midfielder Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich, despite the Bundesliga champions failing to sign Joao Palhinha from Fulham on deadline day.
• Same goes for Tottenham with Brennan Johnson. Both deals are seemingly just awaiting formal announcements.
• On the flip side of Johnson’s $56-million move, Nottingham Forest remain very busy, with Ivorian international midfielder Ibrahim Sangare now linked with a $37-million move from PSV.

With less than four hours remaining in the transfer window, here are the latest reports from around the Premier League:

• Philippe Coutinho is close to joining Qatari side Al Duhail after being deemed surplus to requirements by Aston Villa boss Unai Emery. The 31-year-old Brazilian attacker, who left Liverpool and signed for Barcelona for $192 million in January 2017, scored six goals and assisted three more in 43 games for Aston Villa across parts of three different seasons (all competitions).
• After two mostly disappointing seasons at Leicester (9 goals in 53 Premier League appearances), Patson Daka is reportedly set to join Bournemouth on loan with an option to by. The 24-year-old Zambian international striker joined from Red Bull Salzburg for $33 million in the summer of 2021.
• Nottingham Forest aren’t done yet, as they frantically spend $63 million of incoming Brennan Johnson funds before the transfer window closes. Now, it’s Divock who is reportedly the subject of a late loan approach. Origi scored two goals in 27 league appearances for AC Milan last season.

As the reports continue to flood in, let’s take another quick look at the confirmed deals so far on deadline day:

• Jonny Evans: free agent to Manchester United - Jonny Evans has returned to Manchester United on what will presumably be a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency basis… and would you look at that, Manchester United find themselves in something of an emergency moment regarding their center backs already this season. Evans left Leicester when his contract this summer after making 13 Premier League appearances last season.
• Callum Hudson-Odoi: Chelsea to Nottingham Forest - Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is still only 22 years old (somehow), has finally completed a move away from Chelsea and joined Nottingham Forest for $6 million. At multiple points in 2020 and 2021, Chelsea reportedly rejected bids of more than $80 million from Bayern Munich for Hudson-Odoi.
• Nicolas Dominguez: Bologna to Nottingham Forest - 25-year-old Argentine international midfielder Nicolas Dominguez has officially signed for Forest for a fee believed to be in the region of $15 million, with midfielder Remo Freuler also going the other way.

With just under six hours remaining in the transfer window, here are the latest reports from around the Premier League:

• Joao Palhinha’s proposed transfer from Fulham to Bayern Munich is off despite the 28-year-old midfielder traveling to Munich on Friday. The deal broke down after Fulham were unable to secure a replacement for their Portuguese star before the German transfer window closed, according to a report from The Athletic. Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg reportedly rejected a move to Fulham earlier on deadline day.
  
• Leeds United would like to keep hold of Colombian international winger Luis Sinisterra, but the recently relegated Whites are facing competition from Premier League side Bournemouth, who would like to take the 24-year-old on loan, as well as “reports of interest from other clubs cropping,” according to local reports. Sinisterra scored five times in 19 appearances (13 starts) for Leeds in the PL last season.
  
• Arsenal could be set to let Rob Holding leave the club on deadline day, with the 27-year-old defender reportedly undergoing a medical in south London ahead of a $5-million transfer to Crystal Palace.

As the reports continue to flood in, let’s take a quick look at the confirmed deals so far on deadline day:

• Matheus Nunes: Wolves to Manchester City - The Portuguese international midfielder has joined City in a $67 million deal. Nunes is a silky two-way midfielder who can play in multiple positions and he gives Pep Guardiola extra solidity in midfield. This is another very savvy signing from Man City.
  
• Sergio Reguilon: Tottenham to Manchester United (loan) - Spanish left back Reguilon has joined United after they lost both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia to injury. He has been out of favor for a long time now at Spurs and this is a great opportunity for Reguilon to get his career back on track.
  
• Cole Palmer: Manchester City to Chelsea - One of the biggest shocks of the window was City academy graduate Palmer heading to Chelsea for $50 million. The winger will add quality to Mauricio Pochettino’s attacking options and we all know how good Poch is at developing young talent. Palmer is basically the northern English version of Riyad Mahrez and his ceiling is extremely high. If he gets regular minutes, watch him soar.
  
• Ansu Fati: Barcelona to Brighton (loan) - Again, another big shock but this underlines how far the Seagulls have come. Fati wants to rejuvenate his career after so many injuries and Brighton seems like the perfect place to do it.
  
• James McAtee: Manchester City to Sheffield United (loan) - Another City youngster heading out on loan and McAtee is heading back to the Blades for a second-straight season on loan. The England youth international excelled on loan at Bramall Lane last season and it works out for the best for his development that he’s heading back to Sheffield United to play regularly. This time in the Premier League.

It appears Daniel Levy and Tottenham have a busy final day of the summer window planned.

Ange Postecoglou has said many times in recent days that Spurs need to trim their squad and move players on and it appears they are also planning to bring in plenty of new faces too.

A report from ESPN says that Tottenham are focusing on signing three players on deadline day.

Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson is their main target and could cost up to $63 million, while Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher and Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth are also said to be interesting Postecoglou’s side.

Our partners in the UK at Sky Sports say that Tottenham have now agreed a transfer fee with Forest for Johnson and he’s heading to London to have a medical. This will be an intriguing move for Spurs and Johnson certainly fits the profile of player Ange wants to work with.

Okay, now it is starting to get spicy!

Per Fabrizio Romano, there is an agreement in place between Manchester United and Fiorentina for Sofyan Amrabat.

It is believed Amrabat will head to United on loan and the Morocco midfielder, 27, has been waiting for this move all summer long.

He shares agents with Erik ten Hag and the Dutch-born midfielder was a revelation for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup. His combative qualities in midfield are exactly what United need to balance things out and this will be a seriously good addition to Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup.

Okay, who predicted this deal at the start of the window, heck, even at the start of the week?

Oh, you did? Well, I suggest you go out and buy a lottery ticket right now. Go!

Anyway, Ansu Fati has completed his move to Brighton from Barcelona as the Spanish international forward arrives in the Premier League.

Fati is still believed to be one of the top young talents in Spanish football but some serious injuries have curtailed his progress at Barcelona in recent seasons. Still, at 20 years of age and on a loan deal, this is a punt worth taking for the Seagulls.

Adding Fati to this already stacked Brighton attack is going to be seriously entertaining as Roberto De Zerbi continues to go all-out for entertainment at the Amex.

Fati and Mitoma on the wings for Brighton? Oh my goodness.

There are plenty of developing deals around the Premier League and here is a look at some of the players who appear to be on the move in the final few hours of the window:

• Alex Iwobi: Everton to Fulham - Our partners in the UK at Sky Sports say Iwobi is heading to Craven Cottage in a deal worth over $30 million. Iwobi has been keen for the Toffees over the last 12 months, while Fulham are braced to lose influential midfielder Joao Palhinha so need to strengthen that area of the pitch.
  
• Ibrahim Sangare: PSV Eindhoven to Nottingham Forest - This would be an incredible move for Forest as Sangare has long been linked with a move to the Premier League. Per our partners in the UK at Sky Sports, Sangare is heading to England to have his medical after a $37 million transfer fee was agreed. It looks like Forest are going to soften the blow of losing Brennan Johnson by significantly upgrading their midfield.
  
• Joao Palhinha: Fulham to Bayern Munich - Speaking of Palhinha, per Fabrizio Romano he has flown to Munich and has had his medical as he aims to wrap up his move to Bayern. Palhinha was sensational last season in his debut PL campaign and is one of the best ball-winners around.
  
• Che Adams: Southampton to Wolves - According to The Telegraph appears Wolves are focusing on signing Scotland international Che Adams from Southampton on loan. Gary O’Neil lost Matheus Nunes and has some money to spend as Wolves try to strengthen their squad in the final hours of the window. They definitely need more firepower and Adams is a solid Premier League striker. However, our partners in the UK at Sky Sports believe the deal is close to collapsing. Watch this space...

Wow. Just wow.

A report from David Ornstein says that Liverpool turned down an offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad for Mohamed Salah.

Per another report from ESPN’s Mark Ogden, the offer for Salah was for up to $190 million.

Salah, 31, is said to be having his head turned by these offers from Saudi Arabia but per these reports Liverpool have rejected the bid and now consider the matter closed.

Per our partners in the UK at Sky Sports, Al-Ittihad are willing to pay Salah more than Cristiano Ronaldo and make him the highest-paid player in Saudi Arabia.

The Egyptian King will no doubt be the subject of more bids from Saudi Arabia in the coming days because the transfer window for Saudi Pro League clubs shuts later in September. Something to keep an eye on...

Good morning everyone, and Happy Deadline Day!

We will keep you updated all day long on the latest deals going on in the Premier League.

Remember: the summer transfer window shuts at 6pm ET for Premier League clubs.

We are expecting plenty of deals to happen between now and then, and maybe even slightly later as PL clubs scramble to sign players and get deal sheets in to request a short extension to complete transfers.

Buckle up, it’s about to get wild...

Dean Henderson is finally the no-question No. 1 at a Premier League club after becoming a serial winner on loan from Manchester United.

Henderson, 26, has been sold to Crystal Palace and signed a five-year deal with the Eagles, ironically unseating another oft-loaned former Man United player in Sam Johnstone.

Here’s what Palace chairman Steve Parish had to say about the move, which reportedly carries a $25 million price tag once add-ons are met:

“Dean is a fantastic addition to our squad and goalkeeping unit. We have been long-term admirers of Dean’s, following his ascension through the ranks at Manchester United and England, but also his impressive achievements whilst on loan at Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United.”

Manchester United is on the verge of getting cover at left back after injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

And it’s coming from a surprising place, as Spurs will apparently sanction a loan move for Sergio Reguilon.

The 26-year-old went on loan to Atletico Madrid last season, playing 12 times for Diego Simeone’s men.

That followed two seasons at Tottenham that included 52 Premier League appearances. Reguilon scored two goals with seven assists during that time.

Spurs will be thrilled to get his wages off the books though it’s an odd way to do it — helping a direct threat to their top-end plans.

Chelsea have finally been able to find a new home for Romelu Lukaku as he is heading back to Italy and has joined Roma on loan.

Lukaku spent last season on loan at Inter Milan and was not in the plans of Chelsea’s owners for this season.

The Belgian striker has been training on his own for most of this summer as Mauricio Pochettino could not use him at Chelsea due to his impending departure.

Lukaku will be linking up with Jose Mourinho once again. Also, the drone shots from his announcement video outside the Coliseum (see below) are a thing of beauty.

Matheus Nunes is set to complete his move to Manchester City but Wolves aren’t delighted with the way the Portuguese national team midfielder handled things.

Nunes reportedly refused to train over the last few days as the deal was being finalized and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil said he would have handled things differently if he was Nunes.

All of that aside, Nunes is heading to Manchester City and the silky two-way midfielder has got his dream move.

Fulham boss Marco Silva has revealed there is interest in signing Joao Palhinha late in the summer transfer window.

The Portuguese international has been linked with several huge teams and our partners at Sky Germany say Bayern Munich will pay up to $65 million for Palhinha and the player wants the move.

Palhinha was a revelation at Fulham in his debut Premier League campaign and the chance to play for Bayern and be in the Champions League is something the combative midfielder deserves.

That said, it will have to be a huge offer for Fulham to consider selling a player who is the heartbeat of their side and is hugely important to the entire balance of the team.

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is wanted by both Tottenham and Bayern Munich as the England international is set to leave the Blues.

Gallagher is extremely valuable to Chelsea as a homegrown player and if he’s sold this summer the entire transfer fee Chelsea get for him can be offset against the massive amounts of money they’ve spent.

The Guardian and The Telegraph are both reporting that Gallagher is weighing up his options.

Per the Guardian’s report, Tottenham will have to move on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg first if they’re going to sign Gallagher. In theory, having a galloping demon like Gallagher at the heart of Spurs’ midfield would be a huge bonus for Ange Postecoglou and slot in perfectly with the way he wants to play.

It is believed that Bayern wanted to loan Gallagher but Chelsea want to sell and both reports say that Chelsea want over $63 million for Gallagher, which seems quite steep considering everyone knows they want to offload him to balance the books.

But in reality, Gallagher is an England international who has a lot of experience under his belt at the age of 23.

Sofyan Amrabat has been linked with a move to the Premier League all summer long and it appears he could finally be heading to England.

Per a report from Fabrizio Romano, United are in talks with Fiorentina to sign the Moroccan midfielder.

The Italian club are said to be open to a loan deal for Amrabat. The player has been ‘waiting since June’ to sign for United so obviously he wants the move.

Is Amrabat the kind of player United should want? Yep. 100 percent. Erik ten Hag needs extra stability in central midfield and Amrabat alongside Casemiro is a duo to fear.

United clearly need to improve their balance in central midfield and Amrabat arriving would solve it.

It appears that Liverpool have made their move for Ryan Gravenberch as Jurgen Klopp aims to add extra defensive solidity to his midfield.

A report from The Athletic says that Liverpool are in talks with Bayern Munich over a permanent transfer for Gravenberch.

The Dutch midfielder is said to want the move and the versatile player will be very handy for Liverpool as they juggle the Premier League, Europa League and domestic cup competitions this season.

Gravenberch, 21, has long been linked with a move to the Premier League and on paper he seems like a very good replacement for Fabinho in the holding role. Like Fabinho, he can also play in defense and that will come in very handy.

Updating a previous story: Could Tottenham’s driver seat status for Barcelona’s Ansu Fati last all of a few hours?

Fabrizio Romano says that Brighton and Hove Albion could soon seal Fati’s signature for a loan campaign at the Amex Stadium.

The move would be a coup for the Seagulls, who get terrific depth in attack for their four competition season.

Romano also said that Tottenham had been in negotiations for Fati, but Spurs had been focused on Brennan Johnson. It looks like Brighton zeroed in on Fati alone.

Folarin Balogun is back in Ligue 1 following a reported $43 million transfer from Arsenal to AS Monaco, signing a five-year deal.

The 22-year-old USMNT striker scored 22 times and chipped in three assists across all competitions on loan to Reims last season, 21 of those coming in Ligue 1 play.

Arsenal, however, couldn’t find room to give him regular playing time with Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Jesus, and a flood of attacking talent under the eye of Mikel Arteta.

Balogun is part of next month’s 24-man roster for the USMNT versus Uzbekistan and Oman, and has a goal in his two caps since filing a one-time switch to the USMNT. Gregg Berhalter will be happy to see the talent getting regular playing time.

Multiple reports say that Chelsea has agreed a $57 million deal to bring Cole Palmer from Manchester City.

It would be a bit of a stunner as Palmer seemed to be following the Phil Foden plan under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, but the 21-year-old May birthday is ready to try his hand in a different shade of blue.

Palmer can play anywhere in the midfield and across an attack, and starred in England’s run to the EURO U21 title this summer. He’s scored twice in three appearances for City this season including the UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield.

He has six goals and two assists across 41 senior appearances for City. Chelsea’s young senior roster just keeps getting younger.

Call it a victory for Ange Postecoglou as Barcelona youngster Ansu Fati reportedly prefers a loan to Tottenham as his next stop.

Mundo Deportivo claims that Fati is opting for Tottenham despite reported interest from Liverpool as well as his father’s hopes to see him with Sevilla.

Fati is not yet 21 until Halloween and already has nine caps and two goals for Spain, and he’s an excellent ball mover with a nose for goal. He scored 10 times with five assists across 54 games, but those appearances total just 1,871 minutes.

Could he get more run for Spurs and who would he displace?

It’s a big, big day in the transfer rumor mill for Nottingham Forest, which has been active but not ‘last summer’s transfer tornado’ active this month and last.

The club has added Matt Turner from Arsenal, Anthony Elanga from Manchester United, Andrey Santos (loan) from Chelsea, and Gonzalo Montiel of Sevilla.

Here are some quick notes on the good ship Steve Cooper, as the Forest boss is linked with several new ingredients for his menu.

Three of the four players in question have Premier League ties, two of whom are currently on the books at ‘Big Six’ clubs in London.

Callum Hudson-Odoi: The former ‘next big thing’ is still just 22 — 23 in November — and Hudson-Odoi is a former youth international for Cooper at England. Sky Sports says that Chelsea and Forest have agreed terms on a permanent deal.

Nuno Tavares: This would be a loan move from Arsenal to the City Ground. The Daily Mail says it’d include a $15 million buy option. The 23-year-old fullback scored six times on loan to Marseille last season.

Michy Batshuayi: Once the ‘Batsman’ of Chelsea, Batshuayi turns 30 on October 2 and is coming off two-plus seasons in Turkey. He could pair with Taiwo Awoniyi in a fit better than Emmanuel Dennis, and Batshuayi did manage 36 goals and five assists between Besiktas and Fenerbahce since the end of his loan from Chelsea to Palace in 2021.

Odysseas Vlachodimos: USMNT goalkeepers Matt Turner and Ethan Horvath could have company at the City Ground, and oddly enough it’s the Benfica backstop ticketed as a possible Manchester United replacement for Dean Henderson if the latter left Old Trafford (He, of course, was being pursued by Forest). Vlachodimos is 33-times capped by Greece and has been with Benfica since 2018.

Matheus Nunes short, tempestuous transfer journey from Wolves to Man City looks set to be completed soon.

Multiple reports say Nunes is set to a seal a $60 million move to City after rejected bids and a reported training refusal from the player. Wolves boss Gary O’Neil said as recently as Tuesday that he expected Nunes to stay with the club this season.

The 25-year-old center midfielder is a box-to-box type with plenty of dribbling acumen and may get more of a chance to flaunt his attacking acumen for City than he did at the Molineux. He’s a ball-progressing machine who isn’t afraid to tackle.

Nunes is 11-times capped with a goal for Portugal. He arrived to Wolves from Sporting Lisbon for around $50 million last summer, scoring a goal and an assist in 43 appearances for the Premier League side.

Barely 12 months after moving from Brighton to Chelsea for $75 million, left back Marc Cucurella is reportedly the subject of a loan offer from Manchester United after Luke Shaw picked up an injury that will keep him out for two months (at least). According to the report from David Ornstein, Chelsea are open to letting Cucurella go.

There are, however, lots of details and clauses which must be agreed when it comes to a player of Cucurella’s cost (both in terms of transfer fee and wages). Not to mention, a potential loan-to-buy option in the deal. If a deal does get made, it will likely get done in the final hour(s) just before the transfer window closes.

Cucurella has been an unused substitute in both Premier League games under new manager Mauricio Pochettino. The 25-year-old Spaniard would presumably be signed to start ahead of incumbent Diogo Dalot.

Chelsea striker Romalu Lukaku is reportedly headed back to Italy, where he’ll spend the 2023-24 season on loan to Roma. The 30-year-old Belgian international will reunite with former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, who was in charge at Old Trafford when Lukaku was signed for $96 million in the summer of 2017. Lukaku played a season and a half under Mourinho before the latter was fired, scoring 28 Premier League goals in 66 appearances in two seasons at the club.

Chelsea signed Lukaku (for the second time) for a then-club-record fee of $135 million in the summer of 2021. He played one season for Chelsea (8 goals in 26 appearances) before going on loan to Inter Milan, where he scored 10 in 25 league appearances last season. Two years on from costing Chelsea well into nine figures, Lukaku will play his football for another club before returning next summer to receive his next assignment abroad.

Liverpool insist Mohamed Salah is not for sale but Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad are cracking on with a deal.

Per a report from CBS, Al-Ittihad are offering Salah a contract of around $162 million.

They are also offering Liverpool a transfer fee of around $110 million with plenty of add-ons also on top of that.

Salah, 31, is Liverpool’s main man and proved that once again at Newcastle with his superb assist to Darwin Nunez late on and seems totally committed to Liverpool.

So will this offer turn his head in the final days of the summer window?

The Egyptian forward is being offered the same sort of contract Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo have in Saudi Arabia. This is a big deal and even if Liverpool don’t wan’t to sell Salah, it will be very intriguing to see how this plays out in the final days of the window.

Tottenham are looking to bolster their firepower after a strong start to the season and Brennan Johnson appears to be their main target.

Per a report from Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are in talks with Nottingham Forest to sign Brennan Johnson but a deal for the Welsh forward remains difficult. The Daily Telegraph is also reporting that Brentford have made a club-record $50 million bid for Johnson.

Given the current market, it feels like it will take a lot more than $50 million to buy Johnson and with the Harry Kane money in their bank account, Spurs will be asked for a much larger fee.

Johnson would be a great fit for the way Spurs attacking under Ange Postecoglou and could play in any of the four forward positions.

The 22-year-old had a great debut campaign in the Premier League last season and his combination of pace, eye for a pass and clinical finishing could see him slot in nicely, even up top centrally, for Spurs.

According to multiple reports, Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah is set to play his last game for Liverpool on Sunday, away to Newcastle in a hugely important early-season clash of top-four hopefuls. Salah’s departure would be a massive blow to Liverpool, who only have until Friday to replace a player who has scored 138 Premier League goals (187 in all competitions) in six-plus seasons at the club. Salah has never scored fewer than 19 goals in a PL season for Liverpool.

It would appear that Romelu Lukaku is reuniting with Jose Mourinho as reports state Roma are in talks with Chelsea over signing the Belgian striker on loan.

Per reports from both the London Evening Standard and Fabrizio Romano, Lukaku ‘expects the move to happen’ but there is still some way to go over the finances of the deal. Chelsea are keen to get Lukaku’s wages off their books and a loan move makes sense.

This would be a good move for Lukaku and after he wanted a return to Inter Milan, at least he will be heading back to Italy. Playing for Mourinho was an issue at times for Lukaku but the way this Roma team is set up should play to his strengths.

This move makes a lot of sense for USMNT forward Folarin Balogun.

Multiple reports, including this one from Fabrizio Romano, say that Balogun is heading to Monaco.

After scoring 21 Ligue 1 goals on loan at Reims last season, it was clear Balogun was going to leave Arsenal this summer if he wasn’t going to be a regular.

Per the reports, Balogun is costing Monaco $43.1 million and Arsenal have a healthy sell-on clause in the deal.

Mohammed Kudus was one of the breakout stars of the 2022 World Cup despite Ghana finishing bottom of an incredibly difficult group (Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay), praised and coveted after scoring two goals and presenting a constant counter-attacking threat. The 23-year-old midfielder was equally stellar for Ajax after the World Cup and has started the new season just as brightly, with a hat trick against Ludogorets in Europa League qualifying on Thursday.

Jeremy Doku has completed his $70-million transfer from Ligue 1 side Rennes to Manchester City, signing a five-year contract with the four-time defending Premier League champions and recent treble winners. Doku will most directly replace Riyad Mahrez in the Man City squad, but he will also provide additional ball progression and chance creation in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, who is expected to be out until the new year.

As ever, Manchester City will continue to tinker and tweak their tactical setup (ever so slightly, or greatly) under Pep Guardiola’s watchful eye.

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad are reportedly in pursuit of Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah once again, after an initial approach was rebuffed by the Egyptian’s agent earlier this month. According to the report from David Ornstein, Liverpool have marked Salah as not for sale, and it is unknown whether or not Salah wants to make the move for his part in the deal.

Manchester City have reportedly had a bid for Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes rejected.

Per the report from The Daily Telegraph, Wolves have turned down an offer of $60 million for their Portuguese international midfielder.

Nunes has been admired by some of the Premier League big boys for some time and considering Wolves’ financial situation, Manchester City may be testing their nerve.

It is clear that Pep Guardiola wants to add more midfield depth to his squad as City have also been linked with Eberechi Eze.

Guardiola is a big fan of Nunes and the versatile midfielder can play centrally or out wide and he’s the type of player who would slot right in and do an extremely solid job for one of the Premier League’s leading teams.

USMNT forward Folarin Balogun looks set to leave Arsenal in the final days of the summer transfer window but he could be staying in London.

A report from the London Evening Standard says that Chelsea have asked Arsenal about Balogun and they have been quoted over $63 million to sign the USMNT striker.

Per the report, Chelsea have ‘sounded out’ Arsenal over the potential deal and the Blues are keen to bolster their attacking options after missing plenty of chances in their opening two games of the season.

Would this be a good move for Balogun? Hmm, probably not.

Mauricio Pochettino has Christopher Nkunku as his main forward but he’s out for the next few months through injury so come January, would Balogun be back on the bench at Chelsea and in the same situation he’s in at Arsenal? Probably.

Balogun, who has two years left on his contract, was brilliant on loan at Reims in France last season, scoring 22 goals in all competitions. He has to play regularly to keep developing at the age of 22 he has to find a Premier League club where he can be the main man.

Somewhere like Crystal Palace or Fulham would be a perfect fit for him to develop, play week in, week out and show off his clinical finishing. The only issue? Arsenal want a lot of money for him and only the likes of Chelsea could afford him in the Premier League as other top clubs don’t really have a need for a new forward.

Balogun may have options in Europe but the same issue will crop up as Arsenal are asking for a big transfer fee. It seems like Arsenal will sell Balogun in the end but where he ends up may not be the best thing for his immediate future.

Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is a name that continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League and two giants are reportedly tussling to sign him.

Gravenberch, 21, has not been a regular at Bayern Munich and despite the German giants being reluctant to let the versatile Dutch international leave, it seems like it is inevitable.

Per a report from our partners in Germany at Sky Sports, both Liverpool and Manchester United are favorites to sign Gravenberch to strengthen their midfield.

He is exactly the kind of player both teams need to add defensive solidity and balance to their midfielders and the fact he can play in defense and midfield is an added bonus.

Several reports say that New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is heading to Chelsea.

Per one of the reports from Fabrizio Romano, Petrovic, 23, will sign for Chelsea for up to $18 million.

The Serbian goalkeeper replaced Matt Turner as the Revs’ first-choice goalkeeper and has been superb for Bruce Arena’s side as he was named an MLS All-Star in 2023.

Per the report, Petrovic will compete with Robert Sanchez for the starting spot at Chelsea. That is a huge step up for him but the Serbian international seems ready for it and Chelsea need some depth in the goalkeeping department after Edouard Mendy was sold to Saudi Arabia and Kepa Arrizabalaga left for Real Madrid on loan.

Manchester City has its Riyad Mahrez replacement, according to reports, as Rennes youngster Jeremy Doku is coming to help in the treble defense.

Sky Sports says it’s a $71 million deal for the winger, who is 21 years old and scored seven times with four assists in all competitions for Stade Rennes last season, his third since making the move from Anderlecht.

Doku has goals in both of Rennes’ Ligue 1 outings to start this season. and also has 14 caps and two goals for Belgium.

Doku’s attacking numbers are out of this world. Amongst players in the top-five European leagues, he ranks in the 99th percentile or better in (all stats/90 minutes and from fbref.com):

• progressive carries
• successful take-ons
• touches in the attacking penalty area
• progressive passing received
• non-penalty goals
• expected assists
• non-penalty xG+xAG
• shot-creating actions

Note this one (assuming it happens), as City cooled its interest in a West Ham player (Lucas Paqueta) to snare a oft-reported West Ham target.

If Brighton’s transfer pipeline remains as strong as its been, the Seagulls have found their new Moises Caicedo (who was, after all, kinda the new Yves Bissouma).

Foot Mercato reports that Brighton’s agreed a fee with Lille for Carlos Baleba, the 19-year-old Cameroon import. Reports have said the fee could be $33 million for Baleba, who was also noted as a Liverpool target.

Baleba’s played 61 minutes over two Ligue 1 games for Lille this season after making 19 appearances last season. He’s a ball-carrying, hard-tackling, field-coverer.

There’s plenty of buzz in Manchester United circles this Monday as the club circles around its lukewarm start to the season.

Midfield options: A report from L’Equipe says United is looking into bringing Marco Verratti to town from Paris Saint-Germain, though the club would have to compete with Saudi sides and Bayern Munich.

The club is also still being linked with Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat on multiple fronts, with a Sky Sports report also throwing the Red Devils’ hat into the mix for Ryan Gravenberch.

Goalkeeper: There could still be some goalkeeping movement at Old Trafford, with Dean Henderson now potentially moving to Crystal Palace to take the place of disgruntled Vicente Guaita.

If that happens, Sky says Greek international Odysseas Vlachodimos of Benfica could come into the picture as competition and support to new signing Andre Onana. The 33-times capped Vlachodimos has been with Benfica since 2018.

Manchester United announced Monday that the club will not be bringing Mason Greenwood back into the team, and that it will be reviewing their options when it comes to the player’s future.

Greenwood had been suspended from the team while it conducted “an internal investigation into the allegations of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault against him.”

From manutd.com:

“Our process commenced in February 2023, following all charges against Mason being dropped. Throughout, we have taken into account the wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible. This has required us to proceed with sensitivity and care to obtain evidence not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case.

“Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged. That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.

“All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”

USMNT star Tyler Adams is back in the Premier League.

Bournemouth has signed the midfielder from Leeds United even before the 24-year-old kicks a ball following spring surgery on his hamstring.

Cherries CEO Neill Blake had this to say about Adams, who was linked with Chelsea amongst others over the summer.

“We’re thrilled to have brought Tyler to the club and he is a player we’ve admired for a long time. It’s been widely documented how much his talents have been recognised in this transfer window by other clubs, so to have him sign for AFC Bournemouth shows the ambition we have as a club.

“Tyler is an exciting player who possesses plenty of experience for someone that is just 24 years of age and we’re looking forward to working with him as he’s a player we know will be a great addition to our squad.”

Adams helps replace Jefferson Lerma and this transfer fills a real need for the Cherries.

There’s good news for West Ham fans, but also a setback of at least momentary nature for the transfer the club really wants to see over the line.

David Ornstein has both updates, saying that the Irons are conducting a medical for former Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos but that the club has seen a bid rejected for Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus.

West Ham would know that Ajax accepted a $50 million bid from Brighton for Kudus before the move broke down, but have still come in below that number.

As for Mavropanos, the center back has been very, very good for Stuttgart when healthy. The 25-year-old is excellent in all areas of the pitch and is a regular starter with 19 caps for Greece.

The Chelsea transfer rumor mill has an American feel this morning, with connections to a USMNT striker and an MLS star.

Folarin Balogun continues to be linked with Chelsea despite his status at Arsenal and that club’s reported $64 million asking price. Inter Milan is no longer in for his services, according to Sky Sports, who say that the Blues have registered interest while Monaco is trying to structure a deal to Arsenal’s liking.

And the London Evening Standard says Chelsea is ‘closing in’ on a $15 million deal for New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. The 23-year-old MLS All-Star has been called up twice by Serbia and would give the Blues a (slightly) older No. 2 goalkeeper compared to the youngsters left following Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan to Real Madrid.

Injuries to Reece James and Jurrien Timber have two more London clubs eyeing Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda, who is reportedly himself waiting to see if Barcelona moves for his services.

Fresneda is still 18 until late next month but the one-time Real Madrid academy player has plenty of experience despite his tender age, playing 22 times in La Liga last season.

There’s been some buzz online that Chelsea’s interest may not be as hot, but Football.London says the Blues are now looking into the West Ham target.

Fresneda reportedly wants Barcelona but can only wait so long to find out if Xavi lands Man City’s Joao Cancelo.

Tyler Adams may be returning to the Premier League this season after all.

Reports claim that Adams, 24, is undergoing a medical at Bournemouth after the Cherries had a transfer breakthrough with Leeds.

The fee is thought to be $29 million with additional bonuses.

Adams reportedly neared a move to Chelsea before the Blues made breakthroughs with Moises Caicedo and now Romeo Lavia to bolster their midfield.

The only questions with Adams are those of durability. He’s an exceptional reader of the game with a fierce competitive nature, but has played 14, 27, 24, and 24 league games in the last four full domestic seasons between RB Leipzig and Leeds. He has yet to make his season debut this season after hamstring surgery.

Bournemouth feels like a good place for him to get regular minutes and continue to grow in the PL.

Ryan Gravenberch may leave Bayern Munich one year after the Bavarians won a multi-team fight for his services.

The 21-year-old Ajax product made 33 appearances for Bayern last season but those entries only cover 937 minutes on the pitch, as Gravenberch went more than 45 minutes just twice in the Bundesliga and three times in cup competitions.

A TeamTalk report citing Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube show claims that Bayern does not want to sell the youngster, but that Gravenberch wants out. Liverpool and Manchester United are said to be interested after missing out on other targets.

Gravenberch’s advanced numbers are very good, especially for someone well away from his 22nd birthday. He’s a good passer who makes himself available in dangerous places on the pitch and reads the game well from a defensive standpoint.

He cost Bayern under $40 million and is likely eager for the move after missing out on the World Cup and subsequent Netherlands call-ups despite featuring in six World Cup qualifiers.

Chelsea is selling versatile left-sided player Lewis Hall to Newcastle United on loan for the 2023-24 season with a $36 million obligation to buy plus $9 million in add-ons, according to reports.

Hall, who turns 19 on Sept. 8, is most recognized as a left back but has played left mid and center mid for the Blues.

He made his debut for Chelsea in the 2021-22 FA Cup, assisting a goal from CB against Chesterfield FC, and made nine of his 11 appearances last season inside the Premier League.

Much has been made about Chelsea’s spending but they’ve sold a lot of players for solid fees this summer: Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Edouard Mendy have all gone for fees more than $15 million.

Liverpool has finally found its transfer for the middle of the park, adding Wataru Endo from Stuttgart for a reported $20 million.

Japan’s captain, 30, signs on a deal through the 2024-25 season. Endo has 50 caps and has been with Stuttgart since helping the club to promotion out of 2.Bundesliga in the 2019-20 season.

Endo has a ‘destroyer’ skillset and will break up plenty of danger while also chipping in a fair bit offensively. He’s very good in the air as well and fbref.com says his advanced stats profile is similar to Casemiro, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and new Dortmund signing Felix Nmecha.

He’s not Moises Caicedo or even Romeo Lavia in terms of profile but this could end up being just as important a signing for the Reds if Endo can bed right into the Premier League, because his resume says he could be a much more complete and mature package.

Chelsea has landed another big-money transfer, beating Liverpool to the signature of Southampton’s Romeo Lavia.

The price tag for Lavia, 19, is thought to be $74 million and the player has signed a seven-year deal. The Blues are spending big this summer and being aided by the longer-term contracts when it comes to combating UEFA’s Financial Fair Play policy.

“We are very pleased to welcome Romeo to Chelsea,” said Chelsea co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley. “He demonstrated his quality in the Premier League last season at Southampton, showing maturity despite his young age, and is a player we have monitored for some time. We believe he is ready to make an impact at Chelsea throughout the current campaign, and in the coming years.”

It’s another win for Chelsea over Liverpool in the market after the Blues landed Moises Caicedo from Brighton. This means Chelsea’s midfield buys since January add up to over $300 million, and could set up a midfield of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Laiva for years to come at Stamford Bridge.

Several reports have linked Fulham with a move for Arsenal and USMNT forward Folarin Balogun.

With Fulham captain and top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic set to move to Saudi Arabia, the Cottagers are trying to line up a replacement.

Per the London Evening Standard, Fulham are in talks with Arsenal about signing Balogun but want to lower the $67 million asking price.

Balogun was superb on loan at Reims last season, scoring 22 goals for the Ligue 1 outfit. That has led a host of clubs to be interested in the striker this summer but Arsenal have slapped a huge asking price on his head.

A move to Fulham would be perfect for Balogun. He would play regularly in the Premier League, alongside two of his USMNT teammates in Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson and he will get the chance to take the next step in his career.

If Fulham get close to $67 million for Mitrovic, spending it all on Balogun will be tough but given his development over the last few years the Arsenal academy product looks set to score at least 10-12 goals a season in the Premier League.

A report from the Netherlands says that Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat wants to join Liverpool over Manchester United.

The Fiorentina midfielder was a revelation at the 2022 World Cup as Morocco finished fourth in the tournament and the 26-year-old has been linked with huge clubs ever since.

Manchester United have most recently been linked with signing Amrabat but given Liverpool’s struggles in signing a new defensive midfielder (Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia both decided to join Chelsea instead) Amrabat would be a perfect signing in the holding midfield role for Jurgen Klopp.

Per the report, Amrabat has emerged as the ‘cheaper option’ for Liverpool and he now wants to complete the move to Anfield.

A report in Spain says that Barcelona youngster Ansu Fati has decided he will the Catalan giants this summer.

Per the report from AS, Fati has told manager Xavi that he will move on as he will not be a big part of their plans this season.

The talented attacker, who burst onto the scene before suffering a serious knee injury, has been linked with several Premier League clubs in the past, including the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Fati, 20, is an incredible talent and given Barcelona’s financial situation, he could be a bit of a bargain for a Premier League club.

A report states that Liverpool are ramping up their interest in Crystal Palace holding midfielder Cheick Doucoure.

Per a report from The Independent, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is keen to make his move for Doucoure after missing out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea.

It was clear from watching Liverpool’s opening game of the Premier League season that they badly need a holding midfielder to provide balance.

Doucoure has been excellent since arriving at Palace last summer from Ligue 1 side Lens.

Per the report, the 23-year-old holding midfielder would cost under $76 million. Doucoure is a true destructive midfielder and wins the ball back so well and is very good at moving it on quickly to talented attacking midfielders around him. That is exactly the kind of player Liverpool are looking for.

Liverpool have made a bid to sign Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo from Stuttgart.

According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, the Reds have made the Japan international their main target as they search for a holding midfielder.

This is a surprise move but given that they tried and failed to sign both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia for big money in the holding midfield role, Jurgen Klopp needs someone in the defensive midfield role.

Endo looks to be Liverpool’s man. The Japanese star was superb at the World Cup and per the report, he has told Stuttgart he wants the move.

At 30 years of age this is a totally different profile of player to Caicedo and Lavia but Liverpool need a holding player after losing Fabinho and Jordan Henderson unexpectedly this summer and Endo would be a great short-term solution.

Romeo Lavia finally looks to be joining Chelsea, as multiple reports state the Blues have agreed a $74 million deal with Southampton.

The transfer fee will be $67.5 million with a further $6.5 million in add-ons.

Lavia, 19, looked set to join Liverpool last week after the Reds had a bid accepted for both him and Moises Caicedo.

However it looks like both holding midfielders will be at Chelsea instead, as Caicedo completed his British record deal of $146 million on Sunday.

Lavia is one of the top young holding midfielders in the game and is already a full Belgian international and he and Caicedo alongside Enzo Fernandez could be Chelsea’s central midfield for at least the next five seasons.

It appears Fulham will reluctantly sell striker and captain Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal.

That’s right, Mitrovic will soon be nodding the ball down for Neymar and Ruben Neves to have a pop at goal.

After being reintegrated into the first team after having his head turned by a massive offer from Al Hilal during preseason, it appears Mitrovic won’t be staying at Fulham after all.

Marco Silva will be very disappointed with this turn of events but given the huge pay increase being offered to Mitro, it is clear he wants to move on. Fulham signed Raul Jimenez this summer and we are about to see if the Mexico star can replace Mitrovic’s goals and hold up play. It is a big ask as Mitrovic has been one of the best strikers in Fulham’s long history.

Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise could soon be moving across London, according to multiple reports.

Chelsea is activating the $44 million release clause in Olise’s contract, and an agreement on terms is not expected to be a problem between the Blues and their would-be new playmaker.

Olise, not 22 until December, is currently dealing with a leg injury but has impressed since moving from Reading in 2021 following a 7-goal, 12-assist season in the Championship.

He scored four times with eight assists in all comps during his first season at Palace, and he piled up 11 assists last season. That was level with Bukayo Saka for fourth in the Premier League.

Spanish goalkeeper David Raya has joined Arsenal from Brentford on loan, with the move widely expected to be made permanent in the future.

Arsenal released details about signing the Spanish international goalkeeper, as they say “as part of the agreement, there is an option to make the move permanent.”

Raya arriving as a very real, and somewhat unexpected, challenge to Aaron Ramsdale spot as the starting goalkeeper.

Ramsdale has been sensational in recent seasons but a few mistakes have crept in from time to time and Raya has shown his consistency for Brentford over the last two seasons and is very good with the ball at this feet.

Mikel Arteta loves to play out from the back and don’t be expected to see him start ahead of Ramsdale over the next few weeks as they battle it out to be the No. 1 at Arsenal.

Manchester United could add two A. Onanas this summer.

That’s a sentence!

The Red Devils replaced David De Gea with Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana and now have approached Everton about its influential midfielder Amadou Onana.

The 21-year-old Belgian international has been an absolute force for Sean Dyche’s men, racking up tackles, interceptions, and clearances while owning the air in the middle of the park.

The thought is that this Onana’s price range is between $65-75 million. That’s quite a bit more than United earned from Fenerbahce for the recently-completed transfer of Fred.

Amadou Onana has proven himself in the Premier League. Seeing the prices attached to other midfield stars means Everton’s ask is not unreasonable.

Chelsea has loaned Kepa Arrizabaga to Real Madrid for the 2023-24 season.

The fast-moving situation saw Kepa linked with Bayern Munich and a Thomas Tuchel reunion before Thibaut Courtois’ ACL injury led Real Madrid to link the keeper with another ex-Chelsea manager in Carlo Ancelotti.

Kepa captained Chelsea last season and won the Nations League with Spain. He returns to his home nation, where he made his name with Athletic Bilbao after rising through their academy to become a La Liga star.

Chelsea started new signing Robert Sanchez in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool and has been rumored to be pursuing former Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel of Nice.

Liverpool has agreed a $76 million fee for Southampton 19-year-old Romeo Lavia, according to Sky Sports, but the competition for his services isn’t over yet.

Chelsea’s massive purchase of Moises Caicedo has not ruled it out of Lavia, however, and Sky Sports says the Blues were close to a deal with Southampton as of last week.

The Belgian is an all-action midfielder from the Manchester City academy, and made two cup appearances for City in 2021-22 before making his Premier League entry for Saints to the tune of 29 games last season.

Liverpool has to seal this deal, as it would be an unwelcome look to agree two big fees and see the players choose Mauricio Pochettino’s rebuilding Chelsea project over Jurgen Klopp’s trophy-winning Reds.

James Ward-Prowse is a Hammer.

Ward-Prowse has left his boyhood club Southampton after 20 years with the club in the latest big-money sale from relegated Saints, who thanked him for his professionalism throughout the move.

He joins a UEFA Europa Conference League-winning side that will return Ward-Prowse to Europa League competition for the first time since 2016-17.

“When I think about my game, it is based on hard work, graft, and giving 100 per cent,” said Ward-Prowse, via whufc.com. “West Ham United has always been a Club that has epitomises that. You can feel that from the fans and you can see it in the players who are here and the lads that have come through the Academy too.

“I feel as though I will fit straight in and I can promise I will give my all for this football club in my time here.”

Brighton and Hove Albion played hardball and won.

The Seagulls are going to get a British record transfer fee for Moises Caicedo in a deal that will cost the Blues approximately $145 million, according to multiple reports. That fee includes $19 million in add-ons and a ‘significant’ sell-on fee, according to Sky Sports.

$145 million. We’ve typed it again so you know you read it right. Our own Joe Prince-Wright has more thoughts, here.

The move comes on the heels of Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, which featured a postgame press conference which saw Reds boss Jurgen Klopp grousing about how much Chelsea can spend on players.

Klopp, of course, saw his Reds reportedly agree a similar fee with Brighton for the same player only to see Caicedo wait for Chelsea to match it.

This is another big win for Mauricio Pochettino, who is going to get every chance to show what many wondered he would’ve done at Tottenham had Spurs spent more in the market.

For those thinking Kylian Mbappe might just find a year or two on the books at a Premier League club before signing with Real Madrid, probably not.

Mbappe, 24, had reportedly infuriated PSG by refusing to sign a new deal en route to leaving the club for free next summer.

Now he will reportedly extend his contract by a year to allow PSG to make some money on him next summer. That won’t make Real Madrid overjoyed, but likely doesn’t change their season or opinion very much.

PSG’s season is saved even if Neymar skips town and, yes, even after Lionel Messi left for Miami. Mbappe will also see a strong team as countrymen Ousmane Dembele and Lucas Hernandez have joined up along with Milan Skriniar, Marco Asensio, Goncalo Ramos, Kang-in Lee, and Manuel Ugarte.

Might this be PSG’s big year in the Champions League?

Friday brought news that Thomas Tuchel was seeking a reunion with Kepa Arrizabalaga at Real Madrid, but could the Spain goalkeeper be going to play for another ex-Chelsea boss?

Kepa prefers to a move back to Spain, it seems, as Real Madrid would prefer a replacement for Thibaut Courtois following an ACL tear — though Carlo Ancelotti had said the club was ready to go with Andriy Lunin between the sticks.

The reports are of a loan deal, as they were for the Bayern Munich deal. Why would Mauricio Pochettino be cool with a loan for a 28-year-old star goalkeeper if this is — as expected — going to be a multi-year project?

Strange days.

There’s another team in pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, according to Football Inside.

The 24-year-old has been widely-linked with Tottenham Hotspur and also mentioned as a Manchester United target.

The asking price for Tapsoba is reportedly $64 million, and Newcastle is said to be preparing a bid for that amount.

The 6-foot-2 Burkinabe center back is a hard-tackling reader of the game with tremendous ball progression acumen for his possession. He also averaged 1.12 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes with Leverkusen last season.

Tapsoba has 137 appearances for Leverkusen in his career and would be a great pair for Sven Botman and give Newcastle terrific depth with Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Dan Burn, and Paul Dummett all capable of operating centrally.

Spurs have an even more pressing need even with the addition of Micky van de Ven, while Manchester United will need a piece if Harry Maguire joins Eric Bailly in skipping town.

Aston Villa is moving quickly to make sure its full strength following an injury to Emiliano Buendia.

Unai Emery’s project could soon include Nicolo Zaniolo, as the Villans have made a loan bid for the Italian who had also been linked with a move to Newcastle United.

Zaniolo, 24, would cost about $4 million in loan fees plus his full salary. Villa would then have a $21 million option to buy. There are another $8 million or so in add-ons possible, according to The Birmingham Mail.

Zaniolo started with Inter Milan before moving to AS Roma where he made his name from 2018-2023, leaving for Galatasaray in January. He’s scored five times with an assist in 12 appearances.

Zaniolo has a reported $39 million release clause and Galatasaray is said to have rejected a $28 million bid for the player earlier this transfer window.

Jeremy Doku’s proposed move to Manchester City continues to progress, according to Fabrizio Romano, who says that the Belgian winger joins West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta as priorities for Pep Guardiola this month.

The 21-year-old Doku scored seven times with four assists in all competitions for Stade Rennes last season, his third since making the move from Anderlecht. He also has 14 caps and two goals for Belgium.

Doku’s attacking numbers are out of this world. Amongst players in the top-five European leagues, he ranks in the 99th percentile or better in (all stats/90 minutes and from fbref.com):

• progressive carries
• successful take-ons
• touches in the attacking penalty area
• progressive passing received
• non-penalty goals
• expected assists
• non-penalty xG+xAG
• shot-creating actions

His passing numbers are lower than expected — perhaps his job was finishing and risky final ball movements — but otherwise he looks near to the picture of a Pep Guardiola player.

Could Chelsea’s signing of Robert Sanchez have been with a view to making the Brighton star their No. 1 keeper, or because the Blues would have to do so?

A report out of Germany claims that Kepa Arrizabalaga wants a reunion with Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich, and that the move would be a loan with an option to buy.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino had said earlier this week that Kepa was ahead in the race to wear the No. 1 shirt but that Sanchez was in the discussion. Still, a loan without an obligation to buy would seem a weird one for Chelsea to sanction unless Pochettino doesn’t rate Kepa at all. Kepa is 28 years old and just into his prime.

USMNT keeper Gabriel ‘Gaga’ Slonina has already left on loan for KAS Eupen. The Blues still have longtime Fulham man Marcus Bettinelli on the books as well as youngsters Eddie Beach and Lucas Bergstrom.

Tyler Adams will not be heading to Chelsea according to our partners in the UK at Sky Sports.

Apparently the deal has broken down and Adams will not be heading to west London, as the Blues had reportedly paid the $25.5 million relegation release clause.

Adams, 24, will probably land at another Premier League team where he will be a regular and the fact this move to Chelsea broke down will probably work out better for his career long-term. It was unlikely he would be a guaranteed starter at Chelsea, as they continue to chase the likes of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in central midfield too.

Okay, so this is actually happening now. According to multiple reports Harry Kane is ready and waiting to fly to Munich to complete his move to Bayern.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Kane is on his way.

Yesterday it seemed like Kane would stay at Spurs as the two clubs had agreed a $110 million transfer fee.

However, Kane is going to go through with this and leave his boyhood club that he’s been at since the age of 11.

Kane was Bayern’s top transfer target all summer and Tottenham have finally allowed him to leave. This is a sad way for his time at Spurs to end but Kane will go to the German giants and win plenty of trophies and will help them massively in their quest to win the Champions League once again.

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool have agreed with Brighton for Moises Caicedo.

But reports are starting to emerge that Caicedo, 21, prefers a move to Chelsea and will not sign for Liverpool.

In a dramatic turn of events it looked Caicedo would not be heading to Chelsea and instead Liverpool.

But Fabrizio Romano has reported that Caicedo has told Liverpool he wants to sign for Chelsea and he gave the Blues his word earlier in the summer.

Well, well, well the transfer saga of the summer has taken another big twist as Harry Kane has reportedly decided he will stay at Tottenham this season.

On the day Spurs agreed a transfer fee of over $110 million with Bayern Munich to sell Kane, according to our partners in the UK at Sky Sports the England captain has decided he will play for Tottenham this season.

With just one year left on his contract Kane, 30, always seemed like he wanted to run his contract down and assess his options and that is what it looks like he will do.

Spurs want to get some money for him this summer if he isn’t going to sign a new deal but they can’t force him to leave for Bayern and they can’t force him to sign a new contract either. Kane has all of the power here as he knows Spurs can’t afford to not play him and he will still score 25-30 Premier League goals this season.

It looks like this saga will rumble on and on and on.

Yeah, this is getting very confusing but it is clear both Chelsea and Liverpool want to strengthen in central midfield and the both really want to sign Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo.

Per multiple reports, including this one from David Ornstein, Chelsea have bid $61.3 million for Southampton’s 19-year-old midfield sensation Romeo Lavia but Saints want closer to $65 million.

Per a report from The Daily Telegraph, Liverpool have outbid Chelsea for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo (Brighton want over $125 million for the Ecuador international). However, per the report Caicedo would prefer a move to Chelsea over Liverpool.

Liverpool have been working on signing Lavia for a long time and Chelsea the same with Caicedo and now it appears the brilliant defensive midfield products could be heading to the opposite clubs.

Chelsea host Liverpool this Sunday and perhaps both Caicedo and Lavia will be in attendance in the stands: but wearing which tracksuit?

Chelsea have reportedly activated the $25.5 million relegation release clause in Tyler Adams’ contract and the USMNT midfielder is heading to Stamford Bridge.

Adams, 24, excelled for Leeds last season but suffered a serious hamstring injury in the second half of the campaign and was a huge loss for the Yorkshire club as they were eventually relegated from the Premier League.

But Adams will still be in the Premier League as the holding midfielder has agreed to join Chelsea.

This is a really good move for Adams as he will work under Mauricio Pochettino and is perfect for the high-pressing tactics the Argentine coach loves to implement. That system needs a ball-winning midfielder and Adams is exceptional at doing just that.

He will have plenty of competition for minutes at Chelsea with Enzo Fernandez a guaranteed starter and the likes of Conor Gallagher around and potentially Romeo Lavia arriving too, but Adams always seems to impress managers and he is the kind of player every single team needs.

Multiple reports state that Bayern Munich have agreed a deal with Tottenham Hotspur to sign Harry Kane.

A report from David Ornstein, plus our partners at Sky in Germany, say that Bayern have agreed to pay Tottenham over $110 million for Kane.

Kane, 30, is out of contract at Tottenham next summer and can start talks with any non-European team from January 1, 2024 about signing as a free agent from July 1, 2024.

But it appears Bayern Munich are determined to get Kane now and the German giants have pushed all summer long to sign the England captain.

Now that a deal has reportedly been agreed between the clubs, all eyes turn to Kane.

Does he want to move to Germany? Is he okay with putting his pursuit of becoming the Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer on hold for a few seasons?

With Tottenham unwilling to sell Kane to a direct Premier League rival this summer, a move abroad is his only option unless he wants to stay at Spurs this season and leave on a free next summer.

That could be Kane’s plan but previous reports suggested that Tottenham’s ownership have told chairman Daniel Levy that Kane has to be sold this summer unless a new contract can be agreed.

If Kane wants this move to Bayern then he will head there for a few years, score tons of goals, win a few trophies and he can then head back to another Premier League team at the age of 32 and still have plenty of time to set the all-time Premier League goalscoring record.

Right now, it’s probably best for Harry Kane to move to Bayern Munich and leave the club he’s been at since the age of 11.

USMNT starter Matt Turner wants to play, so he’s leaving Arsenal.

Turner backed up Aaron Ramsdale last season and will have seen the writing on the wall, if not heard those words directly, as Arsenal pursues David Raya from Brentford.

So Turner’s going to Nottingham Forest, which ironically will send fellow USMNT keeper Ethan Horvath looking for a new home (again), and Turner will hope to show Steve Cooper that he doesn’t need Dean Henderson or any other true No. 1 for this Premier League season.

Read all about the move, here.

The Hatters of Luton Town have a new cog in their bid to win Premier League safety in its first top-flight season.

It’s long-time Everton and Chelsea man Ross Barkley, who arrives at a new Premier League home after a pitstop in Nice.

Barkley called his move to the club and the club’s run up the English football pyramid “great motivation.”

“I’m still relatively young and over the last couple of years I’ve not played as much as I’d have liked. But I’ve reserved a lot of energy and looked after myself, so it’s great to be here now as I’ve got a lot to show but I’m ready and feeling motivated.”

Barkley, 29, saw his star quality rocket up during his time at Everton but his move to Chelsea never found him at the same level of production. He went two seasons not doing much at all before a 3-goal, 5-assist campaign. Barkley would later score three goals on a season-long loan to Aston Villa.

The 33-times capped England international scored four goals with two assists in under 1,000 minutes for Nice last season in Ligue 1. There’s enough of a flash there to say he could be a productive piece given regular minutes.

Could Lucas Paqueta be the next domino to fall in the transfer window? Or could it be that his domino triggered West Ham’s reported breakthrough with Southampton for James Ward-Prowse?

Premier League champions Manchester City are said to be speaking with West Ham about a $77 million move for Paqueta, the Brazilian international who has teased with the Irons after showcasing his star power with Lyon and the Brazil national team.

The move would represent an $11 million profit for West Ham. Paqueta turns 26 later this month and had five goals and seven assists between the Premier League and Europa Conference League, the latter of which was won by the Irons. He had posted double-digit goals seasons in consecutive campaigns for Lyon prior to that, and had been used in a more defensive role with AC Milan from 2018-20.

The move would give Pep Guardiola a more like-for-like replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, and come close to completing City’s refilling of the tank after Gundogan joined Riyad Mahrez in exiting the club this summer. A wing would be sure to follow.

David Moyes is getting two of his prime targets as West Ham United begins its bid to succeed in both the Europa League and the Premier League.

Reports from our friends at Sky Sports say that West Ham has agreed deals in principle to sign Manchester United center back Harry Maguire and Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

Maguire’s move will be a deal for under $40 million and it’s certainly a positive step for West Ham and a fresh start for the England center back who’s been scapegoated by the fans at Old Trafford. Whether that’s fair or not is up to the beholder.

Details on the Ward-Prowse deal are scarce for now but the Irons reportedly had a $40 million bid rejected by Saints last week. The free kick ace’s arrival could have something to do with rumors of Manchester City going in for Lucas Paqueta.

Tottenham Hotspur announced the signings of Micky van de Ven and Alejo Veliz on Tuesday.

Both transfers had been previously reported and Tottenham announced the additions before a 4-2 friendly loss to La Liga champions Barcelona in Spain.

Wolfsburg center back Van de Ven will wear No. 37 as Ange Postecoglou bids to revamp Spurs’ back line, while teenage center forward Veliz dons No. 36.

The Veliz deal was initially reported as under $17 million.
He scored 11 times last season and turns 20 next month. Learning under Harry Kane, if there, would be a nice apprenticeship.

Van de Ven’s move was said to be close to a $55 million transfer from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, giving Spurs a very good, 22-year-old left-sided center back once a medical is completed in the coming days.

Okay, now we are getting into very interesting territory with the Harry Kane to Bayern Munich situation.

According to our partners in the UK at Sky Sports, Bayern Munich will offer Tottenham $120 million for Harry Kane over the next 24 hours.

The new offer for Kane, 30, will be a huge test for Daniel Levy as Spurs face the real risk of losing their all-time leading goalscorer and talisman for nothing next summer.

Given the constant dialogue between Bayern and Spurs, plus the noises coming from Kane’s camp, there is obviously interest in moving to Bayern from Kane’s perspective.

Can we see this happening? A bid of this size would actually be an incredible sum of money for Spurs to turn down and they would not be selling Kane to a direct Premier League rival.

The England captain could go and be the main man and win a few trophies at Bayern for a few years, then head back to the Premier League at the age of 32 and have a couple more goal-filled seasons to become the Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer. When you think about it, this is a pretty good deal for Spurs and Kane.

Chelsea could be forced into adding another striker as Christopher Nkunku has undergone knee surgery.

Per a statement on their website, Chelsea confirmed that Nkunku has had knee surgery and will be out for an ‘extended period’ but they did not put a timeline on his return.

It is believed he could be missing for up to four months.

That news is a massive blow for the Blues as Nkunku was their big summer arrival up front and looked incredibly sharp in preseason for Mauricio Pochettino’s team.

What does this mean for them in the final weeks of the summer window? Well, Nicolas Jackson. Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling are still around but with reports suggesting Dusan Vlahovic may arrive as part of a swap deal with Juventus for Romelu Lukaku, perhaps that move for the Serbian striker becomes a little more desperate in the next few days.

Bayern Munich are still in talks over signing Harry Kane from Tottenham but the player and his camp have reportedly set a deadline for any deal to happen.

Per the latest report from David Ornstein, Kane is leaning towards staying at Spurs. And according to Fabrizio Romano, Kane has told Bayern and Spurs that he wants any deal sorted out this week as he will not think about leaving Spurs once the new Premier League season kicks off this weekend.

Kane, 30, has just a year left on his contract and all signs point to him leaving on a free transfer next summer as he will get to decide his next destination. Of course, Spurs are also keen on Kane signing a new contract which is still a possibility.

But this is a big risk for Daniel Levy to take as Kane can agree to sign a contract for Bayern Munich, or any other non-English club for that matter, on January 1 2024 as a free agent with him then leaving Tottenham for nothing next summer.

Tino Livramento has signed for Newcastle as one of the top young prospects in England is now a Magpie.

Livramento, 20, has joined Newcastle from Southampton on a deal which could be worth over $50 million including add-ons.

The England U21 international had an incredible debut Premier League season in 2021-22 before suffering a serious knee injury in April 2022 which kept him out of action for over a year. He returned for the final two games of last season and is now back in the Premier League.

Livramento will provide real competition to Kieran Trippier down the right and is also capable of playing as a winger and at left back.

USMNT striker Folarin Balogun is still an Arsenal player right now but it seems very likely he will be leaving north London soon.

After being linked with Inter Milan for most of the summer, Ligue 1 club AS Monaco have now made a bid for Balogun.

However, according to David Ornstein it has been turned down.

Balogun, 22, needs to play regularly and he isn’t going to get that at Arsenal. His 22 goals on loan at Stade de Reims last season catapulted his status as a clinical finisher and clubs across Europe want to sign him. But Arsenal want a big transfer fee and that is causing a problem.

What will Arsenal do if they can’t get the transfer fee they want for him? Another loan deal seems unlikely but so too does Balogun getting ahead of Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and others in Arsenal’s attacking unit.

Given Arsenal’s big spending this summer, Balogun is one of their key assets they hope to sell to recoup plenty of cash. That is leaving the USMNT forward in a frustrating position.

Chelsea are set to open talks for USMNT captain Tyler Adams, according to a report.

Per Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are interested in signing Adams from recently-relegated Leeds as he has a clause in his contract which makes him available for $28 million.

Adams was superb for Leeds last season and his injury in early 2023 was a huge blow for the Yorkshire club as their form spiralled out of control without him and they were eventually relegated.

Currently recovering from that serious hamstring issue he suffered, Adams would be a very good fit for Mauricio Pochettino’s system and he is a very versatile player. His main role would be as a holding midfielder and given Chelsea’s issues with getting a deal for Moises Caicedo over the line, Adams would be a good alternative in that area of that pitch and a much cheaper option.

The only issue for Adams is whether or not he would be a regular for Chelsea. This is one of those moves which could make his career or stall it for a few seasons and as we saw with Christian Pulisic’s move to Chelsea, heading to such an unstable club which changes managers so often is a very risky move. However, this seems like a risk worth taking for Adams.

Bayern Munich called it their ‘final offer’ for Harry Kane and it appears it has been rejected by Tottenham.

Per several reports, including from our partners at Sky Germany and David Ornstein, Spurs have turned down Bayern’s offer as it fell way short of their valuation of the England skipper. Per Sky Germany, Bayern insist they are still in talks to sign Kane.

Kane, 30, has less than a year left on his contract at Tottenham and can leave on a free next summer. Bayern have offered close to $95 million for Kane but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is digging his heels in and hoping Kane will sign a new contract.

This is a very risky move from Levy as Kane can agree a free transfer to a non-European club from January 1 and he can also just let his contract run down and sign for one of Spurs’ rivals next summer on a free. Kane scored four goals for Spurs in their friendly win against Shakhtar Donetsk at the weekend and looks as sharp as ever heading into the new season as all of this speculation does not seem to have impacted him.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said recently that he wanted this Kane situation sorted out as soon as possible. Well, that doesn’t look like it will happen and the best Spurs can hope for now is that Ange leads Spurs (with Kane leading the way, obviously) to a superb start to the season and that convinces Kane to sign a new contract.

Chelsea are working on solutions for Romelu Lukaku and it appears a deal with Juventus which includes Dusan Vlahovic heading to Stamford Bridge is a possibility.

Per a report from Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea and Juve have talks lined up as the two clubs try and work out a deal.

Juventus want $44 million and Lukaku to let Vlahovic leave, while Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has to make the final decision on Vlahovic as he already has Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson as new arrivals in attack.

However, Vlahovic is a different type of attacker and surely he is the type of targetman Chelsea need to help bring Jackson, Nkunku, Raheem Sterling and others into the game?

With Lukaku’s move to Inter Milan off, he is now running out of options but Juve is a good one if this works out.

West Ham United looks to have finally secured Declan Rice’s replacement and it is Mexico star Edson Alvarez.

According to multiple reports, including this one from Fabrizio Romano, West Ham have agreed a $44 million fee with Ajax for Alvarez.

The holding midfielder will be a direct replacement for Rice and this is a huge step for the El Tri star. He has impressed at Ajax over the last few seasons but was ready to move on and after being linked with a move to the Premier League on many occasions, it looks like he will now land at West Ham.

This is a good move for him but he also has absolutely massive shoes to fill as Rice was one of the best players in West Ham’s history. Still, Alvarez is a ready-made replacement as he wins the ball back and then starts attacks and he is extremely good at reading the game and shielding his defense.

USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner is closing in on a move to Nottingham Forest from Arsenal.

According to several reports, including the one below from Fabrizio Romano, Turner will undergo his medical at Forest and join on a permanent deal. Turner was part of Arsenal’s squad on Sunday as they won the Community Shield at Wembley on penalty kicks against Manchester City.

However, Turner is unlikely to get ahead of Aaron Ramsdale to become Arsenal’s starting goalkeeper and per the same report, David Raya is their new target to be Ramsdale’s back-up.

Turner will do battle with Wayne Hennessey and fellow USMNT goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, while Dean Henderson is also expected to join from Manchester United. Given all of those goalkeeping options, it seems likely Turner will be the No. 1 at Forest and that is why he’s agreed to this move.

To become a regular for a Premier League club was the next step for Turner after he played in cup competitions for Arsenal last season.

Tottenham may have one for the future.

Alejo Veliz, 19, is rumored to be making the move from Rosario Central to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and initial reports of a loan back to the Argentine club may be inaccurate.

A $16.5 million deal is said to be happening, and Veliz is ready to go.

He scored 11 times last season and turns 20 next month. Learning under Harry Kane, if there, would be a nice apprenticeship.

It took a very short time viewing any of Aston Villa’s preseason performances at the Premier League Summer Series to notice Jaden Philogene-Bidace.

Count Jurgen Klopp as one who’s done that, as Liverpool is said to be speaking with the forward’s representatives ahead of a possible transfer bid. Philogene is in the last year of his contract with Villa.

The 21-year-old has spent the last year-and-a-half on loan away from Villa, and he scored four times last season for Cardiff City in the Championship.

Philogene is an extremely versatile player who likes to function at left wing but can operate in any attacking position and Klopp has targeted players like that — Cody Gakpo comes to mind — in recent history.

Perhaps even a purchase and a loan back to Villa?

Brighton and Hove Albion are about to strike another big blow in their quest to win in the Premier League and Europa League.

David Ornstein reports that the Seagulls and Ajax have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Mohammed Kudus in what will be a club record deal for Brighton. The price tag? About $44 million.

Kudus just turned 23 on Aug. 2 and is coming off a 19-goal, 7-assist season across all competitions with Ajax. He also scored a brace for Ghana against South Korea as part of 250 minutes for the Black Stars at the World Cup.

Kudus had also been linked with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United amongst others, and that first name is most interesting due to its transfer history with Brighton.

The Seagulls are, of course, holding out for over $110 million from Chelsea for Moises Caicedo. The Blues, in turn, refused to be swayed to see Levi Colwill to Brighton after his terrific loan stint last season.

Brighton just sold Robert Sanchez to Chelsea and lost manager Graham Potter to the same location early last season. Chelsea also signed Brighton star Marc Cucurella while selling Billy Gilmour to the Blues the previous season, and bought Tariq Lamptey from the Londoners in 2019.

Chelsea has placed a bid for Michael Olise, the Crystal Palace star linked with both the Blues and Manchester City.

The Blues have reportedly lodged a $33 million bid for Olise, according to RMC Sport in France. Palace has been said to want about $63 million for the 21-year-old, who has a reported $44 million release clause.

The Manchester Evening News says City has ‘stepped up’ their interest in Olise now that Riyad Mahrez has gone to Saudi Arabia. City would be prepared to trigger his release clause.

The playmaker was part of Chelsea’s academy for six years and Man City’s for two before finding a home at Reading, where he made his senior debut.

Olise has four goals and 16 assists in 63 Premier League appearances covering 3,890 minutes.

Folarin Balogun’s made some big decisions this year. A number of factors might be aiding his next big choice, and those include a London club who doesn’t hold his contract and one of Arsenal’s Premier League rivals.

Balogun is famously being considered for a move to Inter Milan, who have so far waffled on meeting Arsenal’s $44 million asking price.

West Ham is said to be on the verge of selling Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta, and the Irons’ breakthrough on their ask probably has plenty to do with the $91 million Atalanta’s received from Manchester United for Rasmus Hojlund, who was unveiled at Old Trafford earlier Saturday.

Scamacca was also wanted by Inter Milan, and Sky Italia says that Balogun is the preferred player of two remaining high-interest targets for the Nerazzurri.

Inter has reportedly offered a package of around $33 million that includes $5.5 million in bonuses as well as a high percentage of a future resale for Balogun.

Inter’s other option is said to be 25-year-old Udinese striker Beto, who has scored 11 and 10 goals in two Serie A seasons.

Crystal Palace has added an exciting young attacker to the fold in Flamengo playmaker Matheus Franca.

The 19-year-old joins on a five-year deal, with reports saying the fee is around $33 million. He’s scored nine times in 54 senior appearances despite his tender age, and his advanced statistics are absolutely electric.

Here’s Palace chairman Steve Parish, via cpfc.co.uk:

“Matheus is a young and exciting player whose impressive early progress we have followed with keen interest, and we are delighted to welcome him to the club. Palace have a long history of attacking players with skill, pace, and tenacity, and I am sure Matheus will be another popular addition to the nucleus of this young and entertaining squad, packed full of international talent and potential, that we are building here in south London.”

Franca, 19, would’ve been able to get plenty of insight on London from current teammates David Luiz and Filipe Luis.

The Flamengo attacking midfielder has been billed as one of the club’s best ever prospects, a club that has sent Vinicius Junior, Lucas Paqueta, Adriano, and Julio Cesar through its ranks.

Manchester City has made it official with perhaps the best young center back in the world.

Josko Gvardiol has joined fellow Croatian national teamer Mateo Kovacic in becoming a Man City summer signing, as City looks to defend its treble (?!) this season.

It’s a reported $98 million purchase from RB Leipzig. City director of football Txiki Begiristain listed his attributes.

“Josko has so many qualities – everything you want in a centre-half,” Begiristain said. “He is fast, competitive, combative, strong in the air, impressive in possession of the ball, with strong self-belief and a good character. He is left-footed, too, which offers us good options at the back.”

Gvardiol will wear No. 24 for City.

Rasmus Hojlund has seen his “dream come true” after signing for Manchester United.

The reported $92 million striker was paraded onto the pitch at Old Trafford on Saturday as United announced the long-expected and quite expensive deal for the 20-year-old.

“It is no secret that I have been a fan of this great club since I was a small boy, and I dreamed of walking out at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player,” Hojlund said.

He’s signed for United through the 2027-28 season, with an option for another season, and will try to build on a nine-goal Serie A season for Atalanta. Hojlund also has six goals in six caps for Denmark at his tender age.

A complete center forward, Hojlund will now have the chance to grow under Erik ten Hag with more than a little pressure on his position as United tries to win the Premier League.

AC Milan finally turned the rumors into news, announcing the signing of 20-year-old Yunus Musah from Valencia.

Musah reportedly comes with a near- $20 million fee and Milan says his contract runs through the 2027-28 season.

[ MORE: Chelsea adds USWNT prospect Fishel ]

Musah’s played all over the pitch but mainly in the midfield, with most of those appearances coming centrally where he also plays for the national team. He’s going to wear No. 80, which is both odd and very Serie A.

Musah has 27 USMNT caps and two assists. He played all but 15 of the USMNT’s 360 minutes at the 2022 World Cup.

Crystal Palace’s slow summer in the transfer market could become a bit faster, and soon.

Roy Hodgson’s men are reportedly trying to go back to a Chelsea loan well that has served them, uh, well, and also looking to Bayer Leverkusen for a loan with an obligation to buy.

We’ll get to the Chelsea loan in a minute, but let’s start with the player who would eventually become a full-time Eagle: Odilon Kossounou.

The 22-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen already had 17 caps for the Ivory Coast and has impressed in the Bundesliga since making a $26 million move from Club Brugge in 2021.

Kossounou is a center back but has played some right back (for club) and defensive midfield (for country). His fee would breach $30 million.

As for the loan, Chelsea’s been a good spot for Palace hunting over the years. Conor Gallagher has starred for the Blues, who also

The next move could be for Lewis Hall, who broke through for the Blues last season and is reportedly on the verge of a new contract.

The 18-year-old left back played nine Premier League matches last season as well as a pair of cup appearances. He played plenty in the Premier League Summer Series but is not slated to start at Chelsea, where Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell live well.

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be nearing a breakthrough in their search for defensive help, as Micky van de Ven may be arriving from Wolfsburg.

Van de Ven, 22, is close to a $55 million move from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, giving Spurs a very good left-sided center back once a medical is completed in the coming days.

A good passer and excellent ball carrier, Van de Ven gives Ange Postecoglou another cog in his defensive machine following the addition of goalkeeper Gugliemo Vicario.

Spurs have also added attackers James Maddison and Manor Solomon this summer, while Lucas Moura and Harry Winks have left the club and the big fish — club legend Harry Kane — is still swimming in the North London pond for the moment.

Josko Gvardiol is undergoing a physical and could be announced as a new Manchester City player very soon.

This isn’t a rumor, but words from the mouth of Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola.

The Man City boss will add one of the world’s best top young defenders — if not the best — to a crop that produced a Premier League joint-best 33 goals conceded last season.

Josko Gvardiol is, you might’ve wondered, pretty much the Croatian translation of Josep Guardola.

“Regarding Gvardiol – what a beautiful surname he has – he’s doing a medical test. Everybody knows he’s here, and hopefully we can finish the deal in the next hours, the next days.”

Some have speculated that Gvardiol, who can also play left back, would mark the end for Aymeric Laporte’s solid tenure at Man City. The side may be more fierce than last season despite the exists of Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan.

Is today the day Harry Kane learns it’s his choice whether to leave Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich?

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg says Bayern has submitted an offer for Kane that can reach $110 million with bonuses and that it is expecting an answer within hours.

Other reports claim that Bayern has set a deadline of Midnight for Daniel Levy to respond to the bid.

If Spurs accept — and at $110 million it would be difficult to say no — Kane, 30, would then have to decide whether he’s prepared to leave Tottenham this summer.

The answer could well dictate whether the Premier League goals record could be broken by Kane. The striker is 47 goals behind Alan Shearer and would be 2-3 seasons from breaking it given health should he stay at Spurs. Just a few seasons away from the Premier League could seriously hamper his chances of chasing down the king.

Chelsea’s sending big words out regarding reported Axel Disasi, the center back arriving Friday with a reported $50 million price tag.

The Blues call the 25-year-old Disasi “a formidable presence in the air, an intelligent reader of the game, and a defender capable of being used a right-back when required.”

That’s an interesting note given young Malo Gusto is currently the only senior right back behind Reece James on the Chelsea squad. The terrific James missed 22 Premier League games last season and a dozen the previous campaign.

Disasi, 6-foot-3, broke into the French team late last year and has four caps to his name, and he’s played some right back in the NT set up. He chewed up minutes for Monaco last season, scoring thrice and picking up three assists.

Chelsea have reportedly agreed a fee with Brighton for Spanish goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Per Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have agreed a package worth up to $31.6 million for Sanchez. Per the same report, talks between the clubs over a move for Moises Caicedo continue. Brighton want over $125 million for their star midfielder but perhaps Chelsea could now get a slightly lower price seeing as they’ve taken Brighton’s second-choice goalkeeper off their hands?

Sanchez is a very good goalkeeper and excelled under Graham Potter before falling out of favor under Roberto De Zerbi. Perhaps the Spanish international goalkeeper will be the No. 1 at Chelsea but if he isn’t, he will push fellow Spanish international Kepa all the way. This is a very good move for the Blues and also means young American goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina will be heading out on loan somewhere.

According to a report from The Athletic, Manchester City are one giant step closer to acquiring perhaps the best center back prospect in the world, 21-year-old Josko Gvardiola, from RB Leipzig. $98.6 million is the reported fee.

Gvardiol shone brightly at the 2022 World Cup, as Croatia made a run to another semifinal in Qatar, while also helping Leipzig to the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League, where they were very rudely bounced by Man City, 8-1 in the round of 16.

So far, Brentford’s $51 million asking price for star goalkeeper David Raya has scared off suitors but Arsenal’s apparently ready to dip deeper into its pockets.

The Gunners were tipped by David Ornstein to go back in for Raya over the weekend and now Fabrizio Romano says that the Premier League runners-up have agreed to contract terms with the 27-year-old.

Now Arsenal will have to find a price agreement for the Spaniard, whose numbers at Brentford show a keeper very well suited for Mikel Arteta’s system.

This could eventually find Aaron Ramsdale in the backup’s role and Matt Turner on his way out for playing time. The USMNT man has been linked with Nottingham Forest if the Tricky Trees cannot land Dean Henderson from Manchester United

Chelsea’s announced the transfer of Lesley Ugochukwu from Rennes.

Ugochukwu is said to carry a price tag of nearly $30 million, and the 19-year-old signed a seven-year deal with the Blues. He has earned praise from Chelsea’s hierarchy and could be a part of Wednesday’s friendly against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago.

“We’re delighted Lesley is joining Chelsea,” said Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said. “He is an impressive young player who has already made his mark in Ligue 1. He has a huge amount of potential and we know he is going to continue to develop and improve. We are pleased that he has joined us in the U.S and that he will be able to integrate with the squad quickly.”

Now we wait to see whether previous reporting Ugochukwu may join Chelsea’s new sister club Strasbourg on loan for this upcoming season comes true, as he’ll first get a chance to shine in front of new boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Earlier this week, Pochettino did not seem to indicate any expectations of a starring role for the $30M man, but he later walked back that snipe.

“Today is going to be his first training session with us,” Pochettino told reporters Tuesday. “He is a young, talented player. We don’t know if he will have the possibility to play tomorrow as we need to assess him. We will assess him for the transfer window to see if he will be with us because he is young. He has the possibility to be on loan or stay with us.”

Our friends at Sky Sports say that Bayern Munich is prepared to spend as much as $110 million to bring Harry Kane to Germany, and that both Bayern and Spurs are confident they will reach an agreement for the English striker (video here).

Sky’s Kaveh Solhekol cites reports in Germany and London saying Bayern is ready to give the 30-year-old Kane a five-year contract that would make him the highest earner on the club’s payroll. The deal would smash Bayern’s transfer record.

He also reports that Kane has a personal transfer deadline of Opening Day, meaning he’ll stay at Tottenham and see out the final year of his contract should Spurs not accept an offer prior to the 9am ET kickoff at Brentford on Sunday, August 13.

If Tottenham doesn’t reach an agreement before then, it would be betting on Ange Postecoglou’s project to come good quickly and show Kane a reason to stay with the club. Otherwise, it would have no control over Kane’s future and the megastar could haunt them domestically with Manchester United or another club come this time next season (2024-25).

It is nearly done. Rasmus Hojlund is closing in on his move to Manchester United.

Per Fabrizio Romano, United have got their new forward.

Hojlund, 20, is set to sign for United in a deal worth over $92 million as the Danish forward will have a lot of pressure on his shoulders to deliver right away at Old Trafford.

Per the report, Hojlund is on his way to England and will start his medical today and he will sign a five-year contract with the option of an extra year.

USMNT captain Tyler Adams is reportedly interesting Chelsea as the central midfielder appears to be moving on from Leeds this summer.

Adams, 24, reportedly has a relegation release clause in his contract and that makes him a very attractive proposition as the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa have previously been linked with the holding midfielder who could cost as little as $25 million up front, while there will also be add-ons.

Per a report from The Times, Chelsea are also lining up a bid for Adams as they struggle to sign their top midfield target Moises Caicedo. They are also looking at Ajax and Mexico midfielder Edson Alvarez and Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga.

Would a move to Chelsea be a good idea for Adams? Probably.

Mauricio Pochettino loves to have a midfield enforcer and Chelsea are currently light on numbers in central midfield and if Adams is their only major addition in that area, he should get plenty of minutes. However, Chelsea do have a large squad and there is the risk of him not playing regularly if he does join the Blues. Adams is also still recovering from a serious hamstring injury so won’t be ready for a little while. Whatever happens, it is pretty clear Adams won’t be at Leeds beyond the summer window and given his performances last season, he deserves to be in the Premier League.

West Ham United may miss out on Harry Maguire but find a cheaper, just as strong alternative in Jonathan Tah.

The 27-year-old Bayer Leverkusen center back with 16 caps for Germany is said to have a release clause of just under $20 million.

Tah has piled up more than 300 appearances for Leverkusen since arriving from Hamburger SV in 2015.

Football Reference favorably compares Tah with Premier League center backs Nathan Collins, Marc Guehi, and former Irons back Issa Diop.

A trio of mid-afternoon updates for you this final day in July.

• Davinson Sanchez could stay in the Premier League after all. The Tottenham Hotspur defender had been ticketed for a sale to Spartak Moscow but didn’t fancy the move. Also linked were Galatasaray, but it seems Nottingham Forest has jumped into the picture with the opportunity to stay in England.
• Another North London player could make a move within the Premier League if Albert Sambi Lokonga is ready to make another loan away from Arsenal. A report out of Belgium says the 23-year-old could follow-up his season at Palace with a move to play for Vincent Kompany at Burnley.
• Everton’s looking to Portugal to help solve its center forward issues following a slow summer for the Goodison Park set. The Toffees missed out on El Bilal Toure but may be close to adding $20 million teenager Youssef Chermiti from Sporting Lisbon. Wolves and Bournemouth have also been mentioned as suitors for the prolific Portuguese youth international who has three goals and two assists in 22 senior appearances for Sporting.

Crystal Palace has a ‘done deal’ with Flamengo for teenage star Matheus Franca, pending a medical according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Eagles will pay $22 million for Franca and could pay $11 million in add-ons. The attacking midfielder and winger won’t be 20 until April and already has nine goals in 54 appearances for Flamengo.

Franca is a Brazil youth international who had also been linked with Chelsea — strongly at that — and Real Madrid. He’s a committed player in all areas of the pitch and perhaps the lure of an easier route to playing time got him to Selhurst Park instead of Stamford Bridge.

It seems that Chelsea and Brighton have been chatting away during the Premier League Summer Series in the USA.

That is because Chelsea are reportedly in talks to sign Brighton and Spain goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Per a report from The Guardian, Chelsea are discussing terms with Brighton about signing Sanchez.

The Spaniard fell out of favor last season after Roberto De Zerbi arrived with Jason Steele becoming Brighton’s No. 1.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Sanchez, 25, is said to want the move to Chelsea and a formal bid has been sent.

It is also reported that Chelsea and Brighton remain in talks over a deal for Moises Caicedo, with the Seagulls holding out for close to $130 million for the Ecuadorian midfielder.

With Kepa the starter at Chelsea, Sanchez will push him all the way and it would be easy to see either of the Spanish internationals being the starter for the Blues. Samchez is very good with the ball at his feet and has proven himself in the Premier League over the last few seasons.

Numerous reports state that Bayern Munich officials have flown to London to meet with Tottenham over a possible deal for Harry Kane.

Per our partners in the UK at Sky Sports, Bayern officials are ready to offer a ‘club record bid’ for Kane, 30, as they seek to sign the England captain. That would mean a transfer fee of close to $100 million for Kane.

Sky in Germany say that Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen and technical director Eric Neppe have flown to London for talks. Per the report, with Sadio Mane set to leave Bayern for Saudi Arabia the German giants now have even more funds to spend on Kane.

Kane has just one year left on his Tottenham contract and has shown no signs of signing a new deal at his boyhood club.

The all-time leading goalscorer for England and Tottenham can leave on a free transfer next summer and per previous reports, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is under pressure to sell Kane this summer rather than lose him for nothing.

Liverpool continue to rebuild their midfield and Romeo Lavia appears to be their next target.

Lavia, 19, is set to leave recently-relegated Southampton this summer but the Saints are holding out for close to $65 million for the Belgian international.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool will submit a new bid of $57.8 million as they have been locked in negotiations with Southampton.

After already adding midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer, plus losing plenty of veterans including captain Jordan Henderson in that area too, Liverpool’s midfield will have a totally different look to it this season.

Lavia is exceptional in winning the ball back, holding it and using it wisely and his positional sense should see him slot straight in to one of the holding roles at Liverpool.

USMNT defender Auston Trusty could well be on the move in the Premier League as Sheffield United want to sign him from Arsenal.

Trusty, 24, has been at Arsenal over the last few seasons after joining from the Colorado Rapids. He excelled on loan at Birmingham City in the Championship last season (he won the Blues’ player of the season) and now reports from The Daily Telegraph and our partners in the UK at Sky Sports says that the Blades want to sign him.

Per Sky Sports, Sheffield United are willing to pay $6.4 million for Trusty. There are also reports suggesting a season-long loan could be likely.

Whatever the deal turns out to be, this is a very good move for Trusty. He was excellent in the Championship and he deserves this chance to play in the Premier League. New boys Sheffield United need defensive reinforcements and Trusty has a chance to be a regular in the Steel City.

Center back is an area where the USMNT need more options too and Trusty playing week in, week out in the Premier League will only boost his chances of being a big part of Gregg Berhalter’s plans over the next few years ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Linked with Newcastle amongst a host of teams, Axel Disasi looks to be moving to Chelsea.

The 6-foot-3 defender was listed as a possible $30 million buy for the Magpies but Sky Sports says that Chelsea’s agreed to stump up nearly $50 million for Disasi following the long-term injury suffered by Wesley Fofana earlier this summer.

Disasi, 25, broke into the French team late last year and has four caps to his name, and he’s played some right back in the NT set up. He chewed up minutes for Monaco last season, scoring thrice and picking up three assists.

He’s an excellent ball carrier and progressor whose advanced stats show a distinguished reading of the game, and this could be a huge coup for the Blues and a minor setback for the Magpies.

David Ornstein is reporting that Arsenal wants competition for Aaron Ramsdale beyond current backup Matt Turner.

USMNT backstop Turner is being linked with a move away from Arsenal, who is said to be considering a bid for Brentford’s David Raya. Bayern Munich’s been linked with Raya, but Ornstein says only for a loan not the $50 million wanted by Brentford.

Raya’s advanced stats are well clear of Ramsdale, particularly when it comes to ball possession and cross collection.

Ornstein says Nottingham Forest has been eyeing Turner, though the Tricky Trees have a different figure in mind than the Gunners would expect for the 29-year-old American. Turner played seven times for Arsenal last season, keeping four clean sheets but never playing in the Premier League.

Forest currently have fellow USMNT keeper Ethan Horvath and Welsh veteran Wayne Hennessey on the books and have been pursuing a reunion with Man United’s Dean Henderson. Horvath has been linked with multiple clubs in the Championship following a starring role in Luton Town’s promotion.

Red Bull Salzburg defender Oumar Solet is excited by the prospect of Premier League football amid reported attention from Newcastle United and Everton.

Solet, 23, is towering center back who represented France at the youth international levels but is also eligible to play for the Central African Republic.

“For sure the Premier League excites me a lot,” Solet told The Daily Mail. “‘I feel it’s a league that I can perform in really well and it can bring me to the top. It’s probably the best league in the would. I feel if I have the chance it’s going to help make me become the top player I want to be.”

Solet signed from Lyon in 2018 but made only four appearances for the club before moving to Salzburg in 2020. He’s gone on to play 80 times for the Austrian side, scoring twice with four assists.

He was the league’s top-rated player by FotMob and its third-best rated player by SofaScore last season, passing at a league-best 88.46% and in the top 35 for tackles (no small feat playing for a club that often has the ball). His 66 interceptions ranked fifth in Austria, and his 86 clearances were 20th (Sofascore).

Chelsea are reportedly set to sign Rennes midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu.

According to the London Evening Standard, 19-year-old Ugochukwu will join Chelsea for $30 million. He was not in the Rennes squad to play in a friendly against West Ham on Saturday as reportedly the deal was being finalized between Chelsea and Rennes.

Per the report, Ugochukwu may join Chelsea’s new sister club Strasbourg on loan for this upcoming season but it has yet to be decided. Ugochukwu is a French U19 international and Rennes have a fantastic record of developing young talent in recent years.

As the Blues continue to bolster their squad with young, exciting talent, Ugochukwu looks like being the next addition and it is clear Chelsea are focused on buying young talent for Mauricio Pochettino to develop.

That said, Moises Caicedo remains Chelsea’s main target in midfield but Brighton recently turned down a huge offer and want over $120 million for their Ecuadorian midfielder.

USMNT captain Tyler Adams reportedly has a relegation release clause in his Leeds United contract which means he can leave for just over $25.6 million, plus add ons, following Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League.

Per The Athletic, Adams has been attracting interest from both West Ham United and Aston Villa.

Adams, 24, was superb for Leeds last season but his untimely injury in February coincided with Leeds plummeting into the relegation zone and not being able to get out of it.

The holding midfielder knows he has to move back to the Premier League, or another European top-flight, if he wants to continue his development.

Adams would be a perfect fit for West Ham, who have plenty of cash and need a new holding midfielder after selling Declan Rice. Adams would have huge shoes to fill for the Hammers but a move to east London is probably better for his career than Aston Villa.

Unai Emery’s side already possess a whole host of talented holding midfielders and Adams may struggle to beat the likes of Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara for a starting spot in central midfield.

Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Liverpool are pushing to sign new players in midfield this summer.

With Jordan Henderson leaving for Saudi Arabia and Fabinho set to follow him to the Saudi Pro League, Klopp has basically got an entirely new midfield after Naby Keita, Alex Oxalde-Chamberlain and James Milner all left at the end of their contracts this summer.

Liverpool have added Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai already this summer and here’s what Jurgen Klopp said in Singapore to reporters when asked about other new additions in midfield:

“We know we have to do something there, that’s absolutely clear. We are working on solutions, but I think everybody can imagine that,” Klopp said.

Who is the player Liverpool are trying to sign? Romeo Lavia, 19, is their main target and talks are ongoing with Southampton over a deal for the Belgian international. He would be the perfect replacement for Fabinho and Lavia is a rising star in the game. If Liverpool can pick him up for around $60 million, that is a very good deal.

Klopp also admitted that is a possibility for Trent Alexander-Arnold to play as a central midfielder in the No. 6 role and is trying things out with the England international. It seemed like Klopp is still keen for TAA to start at right back and play in a more hybrid role.

According to multiple reports Manchester United are very close to agreeing a transfer fee with Atalanta for Rasmus Hojlund.

Per Fabrizio Romano and CBS Sports, United believe they will agree the transfer fee with Atalanta for the Danish striker early next week.

Atalanta have basically already signed Hojlund’s replacement with El Bilal Toure arriving from Almeria.

Hojlund, 20, is in the UK with Atalanta but was not named in their squad to play in a friendly at Bournemouth on Saturday. That was reportedly due to Atalanta not wanting any injuries to scupper the deal with Manchester United.

The end game for this particular deal seems very near and United are going all-in on a talented young striker Erik ten Hag can develop as they hope Hojlund can lead their forward line next season and help them get to the next stage, which is challenging for the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles.

The Athletic says that Yunus Musah is closing in on a move from Valencia to AC Milan.

Long-rumored, the move is ‘close’ Friday with Milan ready to splash around $21 million on the USMNT midfielder.

Musah has an Italian passport, according to the report, and only wanted a move to Milan despite interest from West Ham and Fulham. He’d join fellow USMNT star Christian Pulisic at the San Siro.

So far, the $50 million-plus price tag Brentford slapped on star goalkeeper David Raya has kept clubs from taking the Spaniard away from London.

That’s still true now that Bayern Munich is speaking with the Bees, but progress may have been made when it comes to the 27-year-old’s future.

Brentford has purchased a would-be replacement in Freiburg’s Mark Flekken and ex-Lazio star Thomas Strakosha is also on the books.

Raya could replace Yann Sommer at Bayern and Thomas Tuchel will be quite familiar with the player.

Sky Sports says that Brentford’s prepared to keep three keepers this season if their valuation isn’t met, but the Bees could balk soon given that Tottenham and Manchester United looked elsewhere rather than meet their asking price.

Manchester United have reportedly increased their bid to Atalanta for striker Rasmus Hojlund.

The end game seems near. Or, well, nearer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, United have held more talks with Atalanta and have offered over $66 million for Hojlund, 20.

Per the report, Hojlund is adamant that he wants to sign for Manchester United.

The striker is highly-rated and many believe he has all of the attributes to become one of the best target forwards in Europe in the years ahead.

With Manchester United seemingly unable to sign Harry Kane this summer, signing Hojlund to bolster their forward options (Anthony Martial is their only proper No. 9) is smart and Erik ten Hag has an extremely good record with developing young talents.

Newcastle United could add another Italian international to its ranks in the wake of Sandro Tonali’s arrival from AC Milan.

This time it’s 24-year-old Nicolo Zaniolo who is being linked with the Magpies, fresh off his return to the Italy set-up.

Zaniolo started with Inter Milan before moving to AS Roma where he made his name from 2018-2023, leaving for Galatasaray in January. He’s scored five times with an assist in 12 appearances.

Zaniolo has a reported $39 million release clause and Galatasaray is said to have rejected a $28 million bid for the player earlier this transfer window.

Arsenal is said to be drawing near to a move for Brazilian midfielder Bitello, according to 90min.com’s Graeme Bailey.

The report says that Arsenal reps watched the player go 90 minutes against Bahia this week and that ongoing talks could see a deal sealed this week, comparing the move to the Gunners’ move for Gabriel Martinelli.

The 23-year-old has seven goals and four assists in 36 appearances for Gremio this season and will cost the Gunners around $11 million plus a sell-on clause.

Bitello’s advanced numbers are wild (FBref.com). When compared to attacking midfielders and wingers he shows audacious defensive and passing numbers. Compared to all midfielders he’d an absurd dribbler and scorer.

Liverpool are going to go bid on Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia as they are reportedly ready to up their bid after having an offer rejected.

Per the Guardian, Southampton rejected a $45 million bid (plus add-ons) from Liverpool for Romeo Lavia.

Fabrizio Romano now says Liverpool are set to offer a total package of $58 million for Lavia as the Belgian international seems very unlikely to be at second-tier Southampton this season.

Lavia, 19, excelled in his debut season in the Premier League and the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with a move for him. The holding midfielder only joined Saints from Manchester City last summer but his ability to win the ball back and use it wisely was clear for all to see.

Liverpool need additions in holding midfield as both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are expected to depart for Saudi Arabia. Lavia would be a perfect fit for the way Jurgen Klopp wants to play and at such a young age he has already proven he can be a superstar in the Premier League.

Manchester United are reportedly ready to enter the battle with Chelsea and Arsenal for Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus.

Per The Daily Mirror, the Red Devils are lining up Kudus as an alternative to Rasmus Hojlund as they continue to talk with Atalanta over signing the Danish striker but talks remain difficult as they negotiate the fee.

Per the report, Randal Kolo Muani is also an option but Kudus seems to be someone United could sign as both Chelsea and Arsenal have expressed interest in the Ghanian forward. Kudus can play in a variety of positions and that could suit Erik ten Hag who loves flexible, fluid forwards.

During preseason he has even played Jadon Sancho up top as Anthony Martial works his way back to full fitness and Marcus Rashford is also being used in attacking areas.

After adding Mason Mount to bolster midfield, it is clear where else United need to strengthen this summer and adding another striker is key if they want to go from a top four team to genuine title contenders.

Manchester United have reportedly submitted a $66.3 million bid for Rasmus Hojlund as they continue to chase the Danish striker.

Per Fabrizio Romano, United have offered an initial $55.3 million to Atalanta for Hojlund plus another $10 million in add-ons.

However, it is believed Atalanta want over $77 million for Hojlund and are set to reject the bid.

Erik ten Hag has been speaking about United’s search for a striker during their preseason tour of the USA and said he is keen to add a new forward as soon as possible and that they are making progress when it comes to making the right addition to their forward line.

United improved defensively last season but at times they struggled to break down opponents as they were the lowest scorers in the top six and the third-lowest in the top 10.

Hojlund, 20, is set to become one of the top young forwards in Europe and now that United have made their move and they are only $15 million below Atalanta’s asking price, you have to think a deal will be done in the coming days to get this over the line.

There’s another American-born player in the Premier League after Luca Koleosho completed a switch from Espanyol to Burnley this week.

Koleosho, who turns 19 in September, has made five La Liga appearances for the Catalan side and picked up his first goal in a 3-3 draw against Almeria to close out the 2022-23 season.

“It feels amazing to be here,” Koleosho said on the Burnley web site.” As soon as I got the call from the coach, I knew i wanted to come here. We spoke about the way they would help me improve and get better as a player and I was just excited by it, I can’t wait to get started now.”

He has represented the United States at the U-15 level, Italy at U-19, and has also been called into Canada’s senior camp. Koleosho is also eligible to represent Nigeria.

The deal is rumored to cost $4 million.

burnleyfootballclub.com

Manchester United’s midfield could soon include another World Cup star as the club’s reportedly agreed terms with Morocco star Sofyan Amrabat.

Italian reporter Nicolo Schira says the 26-year-old will sign a deal through the 2027-28 season should United find common ground on a fee with Fiorentina.

Amrabat has also been linked with Liverpool and Barcelona amongst others, but Schira says Man Utd will hope to seal the deal with an approximate bid of $27 million.

La Viola is reported to want closer to $45 million for the park-controlling mid, an excellent passer and reader of the game. This could take some doing.

Sky Sports in Germany reports that Bayern Munich is ‘increasingly confident’ it will acquire Harry Kane this summer.

Kane has said he’s willing to speak to teams that agree a fee with Tottenham Hotspur, and the Bavarians want to meet with the North Londoners this week.

Bayern CEO Jan Christian Dreesen and technical director Marco Neppe are hopeful of meeting with Spurs leader Daniel Levy this week to express their intent to land Kane.

Spurs should have every intention of settling this issue yesterday, assuming that reports of Kane’s unwillingness to sign a new Tottenham deal are true. Tottenham without Kane and a suitable answer at center forward would almost certainly be a tough start for manager Ange Postecoglou. Even if Richarlison, Heung-min Son, and Dejan Kulusevski start on song, Kane has been an almost-irreplaceable complete CF.

Liverpool are reportedly in talks with Southampton to sign Romeo Lavia as Jurgen Klopp aims to bolster his midfield.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are locked in talks with new Southampton sporting director Jason Wilcox.

Per the report, Southampton want close to $65 million for Lavia. The Belgian international was sensational last season in his first season as a Premier League player and Liverpool have spoken to his agents in recent weeks about a move.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for the Manchester City academy product but with Liverpool now losing Jordan Henderson and Fabinho on top of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner already moving on this summer, Jurgen Klopp need some reinforcements in midfield.

Lavia is a very good holding midfield who wins the ball back often and then uses it so well when he does have it. He is the perfect long-term replacement for Fabinho. Manchester City have a buy-back clause for Lavia for $54 million next summer so recently-relegated Southampton are keen to sell this summer to have a greater profit.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has given an update on their striker search ahead of their friendly against Wrexham in San Diego.

Speaking about potential new signings, Erik ten Hag confirmed they are making progress in signing a new forward with Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund expected to be their top target.

“We make progress, yeah,” Ten Hag said. “But you know how it works - when we have him, we will tell you directly. “The only thing I can say is we do everything that’s in our power to get that done. If it was up to me, yeah, as soon as possible. The earlier the better because we have to integrate him in the team, the way of play. In an ideal situation, he was already here but you do not always get ideal situations as a manager and you have to deal with the situation.”

After 12 seasons (spread across two stints) at Crystal Palace, Wilfried Zaha has officially left the club after his contract expired on June 30. Turkish giants Galatasaray announced that the 30-year-old Ivorian international winger had signed on a three-year contract.

Zaha scored 90 goals and assisted 76 more in 458 appearances (all competitions) for Crystal Palace.

Could Harry Kane end up leaving Tottenham this summer for a direct Premier League rival? For a long time it has seemed very unlikely this would happen but there may be a change in the situation.

A report from The Guardian states that Tottenham’s owner, Joe Lewis, wants Harry Kane to be sold this summer if he isn’t going to sign a new contract.

Per the report, that has given United renewed belief that they could sign Kane after previously pulling out of any deal due to the difficulties of negotiating with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.

With Bayern Munich already having multiple bids rejected and Levy insisting Kane isn’t for sale despite having just one year left on his contract, there has to be some kind of big decision coming up.

Manchester United are also focusing on signing Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund but if Kane, who turns 30 this week, is available this summer for $127 million, it feels like United have to do this deal to lock down the player who is surely going to become the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer. Kane scoring 20-plus goals a season at United for the next three to four years would make a huge difference and they badly need a new No. 9.

Now it is all about whether or not Levy will be allowed to keep Kane and risk losing him for nothing or is forced to sell him to the highest bidder this summer. Of course, Kane could also refuse to move and just leave on a free (to United, or anyone else) next summer. Kane holds all of the power here.

Multiple reports state that Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal have made an incredible world-record bid of $332 million for Kylian Mbappe.

Per reports from our partners in the UK at Sky Sports, plus Fabrizio Romano and CBS, Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal have offered a huge package to PSG for Mbappe and the French champs have agreed for Mbappe to speak with Al-Hilal.

Per the report from Romano, Al-Hilal have yet to speak with Mbappe directly but the reports all state they would offer Mbappe a package of $776 million for one season, then he would be free to leave for Real Madrid in 2024 if he wants to.

All in all, this means Saudi Arabia are prepared to pay both PSG and Mbappe a combined total of $1.1 billion for one year of action. One year.

If he wants to head to Saudi Arabia for one season, he will make incredible amounts of cash doing so.

This may be a very good option for him if the deal to sign for Real Madrid is basically already done.

He can go to Saudi Arabia, play regularly, get paid a lot of money and he can point to the fact that PSG didn’t want him around anymore and that he wasn’t going to sign a new contract.

If Mbappe doesn’t fancy a year (at least) in Saudi Arabia, our partners in the UK at Sky Sports are also reporting that PSG expect a host of European teams to make bids for him soon, with Premier League teams Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham all apparently set to make an offer.

This is all absolutely bonkers.

Newcastle United have made their second major signing of the summer, with Harvey Barnes joining Sandro Tonali as Eddie Howe’s newest recruits. Barnes scored 35 goals and tallied 25 assists in 146 Premier League appearances for Leicester from 2017 to 2023.

Chelsea are looking at bolstering their attacking options and Mohammed Kudus has emerged as a target for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

According to a report from The Athletic, Chelsea have reached out to Ajax about signing Kudus. Per the report, Chelsea are close to agreeing personal terms with Kudus and he is one of several options they are considering to bolster an attack which has been totally transformed this summer.

The Ghanian attacking midfielder has been a star for Ajax in recent years and was superb at the 2022 World Cup.

Kudus, 22, has been linked with a host of clubs this summer as his time at Ajax appears to be coming to a close.

Would he be a good fit at Chelsea? Absolutely. Kudus alongside Nkunku, Jackson and Sterling would be a feared attacking quartet and he would be perfect for a Pochettino system.

Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have reportedly ‘held talks with an intermediary’ about the possibility of signing Harry Kane.

A report from our partners in the UK at Sky Sports say that the Saudi Pro League side are interested in signing Kane and have reached out about his interest in heading to the Middle East.

Kane, 29, is out of contract at Tottenham next summer and both Bayern Munich and PSG have shown interest in signing him but Spurs aren’t keen on selling and want their all-time leading goalscorer to sign a new deal.

The likelihood of that seems slim right now but so does Kane heading to Saudi Arabia. He is much more likely to see out his contract at Tottenham and then become a free agent next summer as he closes in on becoming the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Chelsea are chasing the signing of Montpellier striker Elye Wahi but there is now interest from elsewhere which could scupper the move.

According to L’Equipe in France, Atletico Madrid will do battle with Chelsea for the 20-year-old and the Spanish club have reached out to Montpellier about signing Wahi.

A report from Foot Mercato in France also says that Wahi does not want to join Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg on loan as part of his move to the Blues. That could open the door for a move to Atletico Madrid instead.

Wahi scored 19 goals last season for Montpellier and has scored 29 goals in 66 Ligue 1 appearances over the last two years. The France U21 international would fit Chelsea’s recruitment policy of signing young, hungry players but is he going to start ahead of Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling in attack?

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has given an update on their search for a new striker and admitted Financial Fair Play (FFP) compliance is making things complicated.

Currently on their preseason tour of the USA, United’s manager confirmed that the search for a new striker is ongoing and they focused on getting the right player in.

“We do a lot across Man Utd, with a lot of people we do everything in our power to get the right man in. I am aware about finance and about FFP, but across United we do everything to get our targets in,” Erik ten Hag said.

We know United want to sign Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, 20, from Atalanta but that transfer fee is rising all of the time and could be well over $100 million.

Harry Kane is a long-term target and he could arrive on a free transfer next summer and given the issues with FFP, perhaps United are going to wait until things are more settled with their ownership situation and their finances as they could, potentially, battle for both Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe on free transfers next summer.

Well now, this is all getting out of hand as Kylian Mbappe was left out of PSG’s preseason tour to Japan and South Korea as he refuses to sign a new contract with the French giants.

Per our partners in the UK at Sky Sports, Mbappe has told PSG he is willing to sit on the bench for an entire year rather than be sold to a club he doesn’t want to join this summer. Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal have been linked with a move for Mbappe but it is clear he wants to join Real Madrid.

Mbappe has one year left on his mega-contract at PSG and then he will become a free agent. His plan has always been to join Real Madrid and it appears he is waiting to become a free agent to join them.

That is something PSG aren’t happy about at all and Mbappe holds all of the power in this situation. What a mess for PSG but the likes of Real Madrid and even Premier League giants like Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and dare I say even Manchester City, will be looking on with huge intrigue to see how this situation develops.

Tottenham’s new manager Angle Postecoglou has admitted he is ‘not relaxed’ about Harry Kane’s contract situation and wants everything sorted ASAP.

The Australia coach sat down with journalists on Spurs’ preseason tour and discussed many thing, including Kane’s future.

With Bayern Munich and others circling and Kane having just one year left on his current Tottenham contract, tension is rising about whether or not the superstar striker will push to leave this summer, sign a new deal or just leave on a free transfer next summer.

Via Football.London, here is what Postecoglou said about Kane:

“Fair to say I am not relaxed about it! It’s not something you go: ‘Ah, well, you know if it does or doesn’t happen!’ I mean it’s a very important part of this football club, not just the team, but the football club,” Postecoglou said.

“He is such a massive figure, and as I have said already, whilst my focus isn’t on it on a daily basis because I’ve got other things I need to do, I know that every time I am talking to you guys, or whenever Harry is going to talk, that’s the first question you are going to get.

“So, you’ve got to deal with it, and I think, for everyone concerned, we don’t want to be doing it for too long. I don’t think that is good for anyone. I don’t think it is good for Harry, I don’t think it is good for the club, because as laser focused as we want to be, you end up sort of repeating yourself along the way.

“But the flip side of that is I don’t want to put a deadline on it, because that adds even more pressure. You want these things to happen for the right reasons. The reality of it is he’s still a contracted player at our football club, so that’s the way I see him.

“It’s not like his contract is ending on the 12th [of August] and he’s got to make a decision, he’s got another year. So from that part, I am not relaxed but I am not putting pressure on him or anyone else at the football club, saying ‘well we need to do this’. But I don’t think deep down any of us want it to go on for too long.”

There is a lot go unpack but the main thing is this: Tottenham want this sorted ASAP. Harry Kane also probably wants this sorted ASAP and now it is over to chairman Daniel Levy to try and figure out the best path forward for all involved.

It is pretty clear Tottenham won’t sell Kane to a direct Premier League rival this summer and if they don’t want to accept offers from Bayern Munich or other European teams, then Kane is probably going to stick around and then leave on a free.

The big unknown here is how Tottenham start this season. If Kane scores 15 goals in the first few months and Spurs are flying towards the top of the table, that changes everything. That is probably why the pressure is on Ange and Kane’s teammates to deliver something special early in the season and then, and only then, will Kane think about signing a new long-term deal.

Manchester United continue to chase Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund but Atalanta are not going to let him leave cheaply.

Hojlund, 20, has been linked continuously with a move to Manchester United and now Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini has said that Hojlund won’t be leaving unless United pay anywhere from $89-111 million.

That is a lot of cash for a young striker who has had one decent season in Serie A. We know the ‘Manchester United tax’ is always in the running when they sign a player but this could take things to a whole new level.

Per a report from Fabrizio Romano, PSG are now showing serious interest in Hojlund and are speaking to his camp. Apparently, United have already agreed terms with Hojlund and are now just discussing the transfer fee with Atalanta.

We know that Erik ten Hag desperately wants to sign a central striker with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial sharing that responsibility right now and if one, or both, of those players is out with a lengthy injury then United are in big trouble.

At this point, maybe Manchester United should just wait until next summer and go all-in on signing Harry Kane on a free transfer? That seems like the play. Hojlund is very, very good and may turn out to be the next great number nine in Europe. But is he worth this kind of cash right now? That is for United to decide.

Riyad Mahrez is set to be the next big name to join the Saudi Pro League as the Manchester City and Algerian winger is joining Al Ahli.

Per Fabrizio Romano, Mahrez has completed medical tests and will be announced as a new Al Ahli player soon.

Premier League fans will be intrigued that Mahrez is joining Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino at the Riyad-based club, while Allan Saint-Maximin is expected to join them soon too.

Mahrez, 32, was a brilliant signing for Manchester City from Leicester City in the summer of 2016. He won four Premier League titles, three League Cups, two FA Cups and of course the UEFA Champions League. Mahrez won it all at City and his shimmying runs will now be heading to Saudi Arabia.

The Harry Kane saga has taken another intriguing twist as he will reportedly not sign a new contract at Tottenham.

Per a report from The Times, Kane does not want to sign a new deal at Spurs and is open to leaving them this summer if they accept a bid for him.

The report also says that Kane, 29, is very relaxed about his situation and he will not force through a move to leave this summer. That is because he is out of contract next summer and he can start talking to non-English clubs in January 1 about signing on a free transfer.

Previous reports said that Daniel Levy has offered Kane a huge pay increase as Tottenham want him to sign a new deal. But should Spurs now cash in this summer? Or risk losing Kane for nothing?

Of course, if you have Harry Kane in your team then you’re much more likely to finish in the top four and get the money that guarantees from being a Champions League team. Is that a gamble worth taking for Levy? Probably. Being a top four team and the best offer Bayern Munich have given Spurs so far is basically the same.

If I were Daniel Levy I would wait this out and see how Kane is feeling in November or December time and go from there. Spurs need Kane more than he needs them but perhaps a strong start to this season will give Kane some food for thought and some of the clubs chasing him may move on to other targets.

Could Neymar join Lionel Messi in making a Paris Saint-Germain exit this summer?

Football.London says that Les Parisiens are interested in selling Neymar this summer as they revitalize their Ligue 1 outfit for the short- and long-term.

“Chelsea and one other Premier League club” are interested in a move for the 31-year-old, according to Football.London, who says that Todd Boehly tried to land Neymar during his first year in charge of the club.

Who could the other club be? It’s difficult to picture it as anyone other than Manchester United. Maybe Man City. But Arsenal, Liverpool, and Spurs aren’t in the market for that kind of player. Newcastle might be a good fit given their project, but they already have a Financial Fair Play headache before considering a massive buy of a player of Neymar’s profile.

Neymar has said he’d like to stay in Paris this season, but rumors have persisted including an audacious salary offer from Saudi Arabia that would accompany a relatively-mild transfer fee.

He scored 15 times with 13 assists in around 2,100 minutes for PSG last season as injuries continued to take their toll on the oft-fouled Brazilian. There are very few players on Earth with the ball progression numbers of Brazil’s joint-leading scorer (Pele, 77 goals).

Neymar’s league appearance numbers have been marred by injuries and suspensions during his time at PSG. Beginning in 2017-18, when he arrived from Barcelona, Neymar has played 20, 17, 15, 18, 22, and 20 Ligue 1 matches for PSG.

The Premier League is just as physical, if not more so, than Ligue 1, but it would be magical to see Neymar test himself against PL opposition.

Manchester City’s expected sale of Riyad Mahrez to Al-Ahli means a replacement’s expected at the Etihad Stadium, and this one makes a bit too much sense.

Raphinha, 26, could cost City about as much as it’s getting for Mahrez, and the ex-Leeds star happens to play for Pep Guardiola’s cash-strapped former club Barcelona.

The Brazilian’s two seasons in the Premier League at Leeds produced 17 goals and 12 assists in 65 appearances, and he followed it up with a 10-goal, 12-assists season at Barcelona. He also has five goals and four assists in 16 caps for Brazil.

Raphinha plays more on the right than the left and is upper echelon in almost every metric relative to his position. Aside from pass completion, his production has been equal or superior to Mahrez. And Raphinha’s defensive and pressing numbers far exceed the Algerian (though it should be noted City’s possession numbers provide fewer opportunities to defend).

Newcastle United have reportedly agreed a $49-million transfer fee with Leicester City for winger Harvey Barnes. The 25-year-old, who bagged 13 goals for the recently relegated Foxes, is the fourth high-profile player to leave Leicester this summer, following James Maddison ($50 million, to Tottenham), Youri Tielemans (free transfer, to Aston Villa) and Caglar Soyuncu (free transfer, to Atletico Madrid) out the door.

On a related note, Eddie Howe revealed on Wednesday that winger Allan Saint-Maximin, who reportedly has interest from Saudi Arabia, could be moved on as Newcastle work to balance the books with regard to Financial Fair Play.

After five seasons (and 10 major trophies) at Manchester City, Riyad Mahrez is headed for the exit door after all parties agreed to all terms on a transfer to Saudi side Al Ahli.

According to a report from NBC Sports’ Premier League insider David Ornstein, Al Ahli will pay $33.6 million upfront, with another $5.6 million available in add-ons, for the 32-year-old Algerian winger. Mahrez played his typically important role as Man City won the Premier League (5 goals, 10 assists), the FA Cup (5 goals, 1 assist) and the UEFA Champions League (3 goals, 2 assists).

Pep Guardiola’s summer has been more about exit talk than transfer additions, as Ilkay Gundogan’s left Manchester and Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, and Kyle Walker have been in the transfer rumor mill.

City added Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea and is expected to do more business in the summer. But if we’ve learned anything from Man City’s transfer business, it’s that they are really only dragged into the rumor mill for the same player repeatedly if there’s significant fire underneath the smoke.

Which is why a lot of folks are assuming that Josko Gvardiol is going to end up in sky blue by the fall, and Fabrizio Romano reported Tuesday that the move is simply down to how payments are structured... and surely that’s not going to get in the way for this club.

But how about another center back?

City is looking at Abdoulaye Ndiaye, according to The Daily Mail. The 21-year-old Senegalese defender has been in the Olympique Lyon system since 2020 but is yet to feature for the first team, so there is a big “for the future” asterisk attached to Ndiaye.

He went on loan to Bastia in Ligue 2 last season, scoring a goal and chipping in two assists. Ndiaye could learn the City system alongside Gvardiol behind Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, John Stones, and perhaps even Aymeric Laporte while getting valuable minutes elsewhere.

Bayern Munich is considering a sale of star midfielder Leon Goretzka this summer, with a fee of more than $56 million attached to the player.

Goretzka, 28, is available because Thomas Tuchel is looking for a player more like Declan Rice, having been denied the Englishman’s services when he signed for Arsenal earlier this month.

Sky Sports in Germany says that, ironically, West Ham is ready to use some of its Rice money to woo Goretzka to London, while Manchester United also has interest in the German international. The report also notes the Irons’ interest in Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, Gladbach’s Denis Zakaria, Ajax’s Edson Alvarez, and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.

The same report says that Goretzka would prefer to stay in Munich, having settled there following a 2018 transfer from Schalke.

Goretzka is a complete midfielder and at his best combined with Joshua Kimmich to be one of the most controlling engine rooms in the world. Goals, assists, ball carrying and progression, interceptions, and tackles... he does it all. If Goretzka is willing to leave Bayern, either Man Utd or West Ham would be improved by his services.

Tottenham Hotspur could play the long game when it comes to finding a successor to Harry Kane, should the Spurs legend leave North London this summer.

Football Transfers says that Spurs are looking at suspended Brentford striker Ivan Toney despite the player being unavailable until January 16 thanks to a long suspension for betting on football.

Toney, 27, scored 21 times with five assists across all competitions last season with 20 of those goals coming in the Premier League. He was a goal machine for Brentford and Peterborough in lower divisions, and earned his first England cap before beginning his suspension.

However, there’s an illogical line in the report as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is said to want to hold onto Kane until January, which would sink the Tottenham man’s value; Kane would be into the final six months of his contract and eligible to negotiate a deal with anyone. It would seem far more likely that both deals would occur in August, with Spurs keeping Toney on the shelf and under their watch until his suspension ends five months later.

Wolves and Brighton are looking to improve their center back situations following significant offseason losses.

Wolves have sold Nathan Collins to Brentford and Brighton looks unlikely to get former Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill back in the folds despite strong efforts.

Both clubs are looking abroad, according to reports, with Wolves targeting a Borussia Monchengladbach standout and Brighton focused on a Brazilian star from Fiorentina.

Nico Elvedi, 26, could go to Wolves for under $10 million, a pretty low figure for a player with 47 caps for Switzerland who’s been a feature player for Gladbach for years. Wolves have also sold Conor Coady and are trying to fend off interest in Max Kilman, and Elvedi would be a huge salve to an open wound.

For Brighton, the target is 25-year-old Igor. He’s starred in two competitions for Fiorentina, and Fulham’s reportedly already failed with a $9 million bid for his services. Brighton would be in better shape for a move, which the report says could reach $20 million plus, because the Seagulls can offer European football to a player who starred in La Viola‘s Europa Conference League run last season.

Moises Caicedo is still at Brighton but it appears that Chelsea are about to up their bid for the Ecuadorian midfielder.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea plan to increase their offer for Caicedo to over $91 million.

Chelsea play against Brighton in Philadelphia this weekend as they kick off the first-ever Premier League Summer Series.

Caicedo, 21, was excellent for Brighton last season and it looked like he would be heading to Arsenal but instead they signed Declan Rice.

The destructive central midfielder would be perfect for the way Mauricio Pochettino loves to play and alongside Enzo Fernandez, that duo would win the ball back so often and then drive this new-look Chelsea forward.

Caicedo has previously talked about Chelsea being a huge club and how he can’t say no to them as it is believed he agreed personal terms with the Blues a while ago.

West Ham are looking to spend the Declan Rice cash to upgrade their team and David Moyes is reportedly looking at two Manchester United players, while a bid for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha has been rejected.

Per a report from The Metro in the UK, United are willing to sell McTominay as they aim to bring in a new central midfielder. The report goes on to say that United preferred to sell on Fred and Donny van de Beek but aren’t getting many offers for the duo and McTominay, 26, is attracting more interest and West Ham want him to replace Declan Rice.

Another report from our partners in the UK at Sky Sports says that Harry Maguire is wanted on loan or a permanent deal by West Ham. After announcing he has been stripped of the United captaincy by Erik ten Hag, it appears Maguire’s days at Old Trafford are numbered. Maguire, 30, would be a great addition for the Hammers and he would play every single week in the Premier League and Europa League. This is one of those kind of moves that makes sense for everyone and it should happen right now.

And another bit of information regarding West Ham per our partners in the UK at Sky Sports is that Fulham have turned down a bid of $58.7 million from the Hammers for Joao Palhinha.

Again, Palhinha is seen as a direct replacement for Rice and the Portuguese midfielder was a revelation last season as his first campaign in the Premier League saw him dominant games in midfield as he is a ball-winning machine who reads the game so well and then uses the ball wisely when he gets it. There probably isn’t a better direct replacement for Rice in the Premier League but it is believed that Fulham want over $104 million for Palhinha. He’s a great player but it’s tough to see West Ham using all of their Rice cash on one player.

Tottenham are currently in Australia on their preseason travels and new manager Ange Postecoglou has spent most of his first few weeks in charge of Spurs talking about the future of Harry Kane.

Today was no different.

Asked about the discussions he held with Kane last week before Tottenham left for their preseason tour, and about comments from Bayern Munich’s hierarchy about how they expect Kane to sign for them this summer, here was Postecoglou’s response.

Postecoglou seems very, very relaxed about this situation and he should be. This is totally out of his hands.

Now it is all down to Harry Kane and Daniel Levy and there are three options: 1) Kane will sign a new deal at Tottenham. 2) he doesn’t and leaves on a free transfer next summer. 3) Levy decides to cash in this summer and sell Kane, probably to a team in Europe as he surely won’t strengthen a top four rival.

Kane knows he is in the power position here but you have to admire the way Postecoglou is handling all of this. If Kane is still around for most of August and Spurs start the season well, you have to think it will play a big part in whether or not Kane commits to the Spurs project for at least another few years.

Chelsea have signed Brazilian teenager Angelo Gabriel, 18, from Santos as the Blues continue to try and stockpile some of the best young talents on the planet.

Angelo has already made 128 senior appearances for one of Brazil’s biggest clubs as he made his record-breaking debut at the age of 15.

The right winger, who is left-footed, is a Brazil U20 international and it will be intriguing to see if he can break into the Chelsea first team under Mauricio Pochettino.

We all know Poch is brilliant at developing young talent and Angelo could be the next in line to benefit from his expertise. Chelsea have a lot of brilliant young players on their books and even though there has been a huge clearout of experience pros this summer, there is a very clear plan about Chelsea’s recruitment policy.

Andre Onana is set to become a new Manchester United player imminently, according to a report.

A report from BBC say that Onana is ‘on the brink’ of joining United from Inter Milan for $65 million and the Premier League giants hope he will arrive in time to join them on their preseason tour of the USA.

Onana, 27, will arrive as United’s new first-choice goalkeeper after David de Gea left at the end of his contract this summer.

The Cameroonian goalkeeper previously worked with Erik ten Hag at Ajax and was superb in Inter’s run to the UEFA Champions League final last summer. Per the report, United have agreed a five-year contract with Onana but talks with Inter are continuing over the structure of the $65 million transfer fee.

Multiple reports claim Malik Tillman will leave Bayern Munich this summer on a permanent basis following a terrific loan stint with Rangers in Scotland.

Tillman, 21, is reportedly wanted by Eintracht Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Brentford, and Brighton in what could be a $20 million deal. Other reports cite a figure half of that, with Bayern said to have renegotiated Tillman’s deal to remove a buyout clause in the $7-8 million range.

Scotland’s The Daily Record claims that Stuttgart is set to beat out the other suitors with manager Sebastien Hoeness — nephew of Bayern head honcho Uli Hoeness — in the driver’s seat.

Tillman scored 10 times with four assists during his loan stint in Glasgow after posing a goal in seven senior appearances for Bayern. That goal came in a blowout of lower division side Bremer SV.

Where will USMNT star Folarin Balogun end up this summer? Might an introduction to the Champions League be in the stars, whether he stays at Arsenal or not?

Fabrizio Romano reports that Inter Milan wants Balogun on a permanent deal and that the 22-year-old is open to that, though the fee asked by Arsenal could be prohibitive.

Balogun scored 21 times with two assists on loan to Reims last season in Ligue 1. He’s also been loaned to Middlesbrough, where he scored three times with three assists in the Championship. That’s in addition to his 10 Arsenal appearances with two goals and an assist.

He joined the USMNT this summer and scored in one of his two CONCACAF Nations League appearances for the nation. The New York-born, London-raised center forward is one of the keys to Gregg Berhalter’s program and playing time and development are key to his next club.

Newcastle United may smash its transfer record to bring in one of the most exciting playmakers in the world.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 22, helped Napoli to its surprise scudetto last season, pitching in 14 goals and 17 assists across all competitions in a tremendous first season following a $16 million move from Dinamo Batumi in his home of Georgia.

Kvaratskhelia is being linked with a $107 million bid from Newcastle worth more than five times his Summer 2022 purchase price, and the left wing would join fellow Serie A import Sandro Tonali for the Magpies’ return to the UEFA Champions League.

The 22-times capped Georgian (10 goals, six assists) is a similar profile to Magpies-linked Rayan Cherki, who is being pursued by Chelsea as well. Kvaratskhelia’s numbers in Serie A and the Champions League mimic those put up by Vinicius Junior, Bukayo Saka, and Kingsley Coman. (NM)

The race for Harry Kane continues to intensify as PSG are reportedly interested in signing him.

Kane, 29, has one year left on his contract at Tottenham and it is believed he wants to sign for Manchester United but Spurs won’t sell him to a direct Premier League rival this summer.

According to a report from The Independent, PSG have been encouraged by the fact that Bayern Munich have held talks with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy in recent days about signing Harry Kane this summer. Per the report, PSG have admired Kane for many years but previously thought a move to Europe was unlikely but are buoyed by his interest in joining Bayern.

Speaking about Bayern, their manager Thomas Tuchel was asked specifically about Kane and although he didn’t answer directly he said the following.

And here is what Uli Hoeness, a director at Bayern, has said about Harry Kane. Hmm, this is now getting pretty complicated...

What should we make of all this?

Kane is unlikely to leave Spurs this summer but there is a chance Daniel Levy will cash in as it seems increasingly likely Kane will run out his contract and join a Premier League rival on a free transfer next summer.

Is Kane keen on joining Bayern or PSG? It appears he is open to moving abroad for a few years and although he wants to become the all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, he could still do that after a few seasons at either Bayern or PSG. This is going to be an intriguing storyline to follow as the summer transfer window comes to a close and Kane speaks with Tottenham in-depth about his future plans and whether or not he wants to sign a new contract.

It appears that Romelu Lukaku will not be heading back to Inter Milan from Chelsea after all.

Lukaku, 30, spent last season on loan at Inter and it was believed he would join the Italian giants on a permanent deal this summer.

However, according to our partners at Sky in Italy, Inter have contacted Lukaku to tell him they will no longer be pursuing him.

It has been widely reported that both Juventus and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal want to sign the Belgian striker. It doesn’t seem like he has a future at Chelsea as both he and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were given a later return date for preseason as the Blues try to move both of them on.

Juventus now seems like the most likely option for Lukaku as the Turin side seem likely to move on Dusan Vlahovic this summer with PSG reportedly keen and Chelsea have been linked with a move for the Serbian striker.

Per a report from Fabrizio Romano, Lukaku is expected back at Chelsea on Monday but is up for sale for $45 million. He also says that Vlahovic is not a target for Chelsea.

Fabinho looks set to be the next star player heading to Saudi Arabia, as he was left out of Liverpool’s squad for their preseason tour of Germany.

A report from The Times says that a $52.3 million bid has come in from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad and Fabinho and Liverpool decided it was best for him not to travel.

Al-Ittihad have already signed Karim Benzema from Real Madrid, free agent N’Golo Kante and Celtic’s Jota this summer and Fabinho, 29, looks set to be the next top-class player heading to Saudi Arabia.

Where does this leave Liverpool? Captain Jordan Henderson had been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia to play for his former teammate and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard who is the new manager of Al-Ettifaq. But Henderson has gone on Liverpool’s preseason tour and that suggests he could remain at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp is overhauling his midfield this summer and with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister arriving, you would expect another midfielder to arrive if Fabinho does depart. According to our partners in the UK at Sky Sports, Liverpool have four options to replace Fabinho if he does move on: Romeo Lavia, Kalvin Phillips, Ryan Gravenberch and Sofyan Amrabat.

Liverpool have been linked with a $62.3 million move for Southampton youngster Lavia and on paper he would be a great signing and is a great replacement for Fabinho.