Transfer news live: Rashford nears Barcelona switch, Liverpool’s Ekitike offer, Arsenal latest

Transfer news live

• Marcus Rashford nears switch to Barcelona
• Liverpool submit offer for Hugo Ekitike
• Arsenal continue Viktor Gyokeres chase
• Juventus in for Jadon Sancho

The problem with Chelsea’s transfer masterplan

It could be deemed the most successful transfer policy in the global game. Cole Palmer, the flagship coup of Chelsea’s recruitment in the new era, scored twice in the Club World Cup final and was named player of the tournament.

The other goal in the demolition of Paris Saint-Germain went to Joao Pedro: 11 days into his Chelsea career, the Brazilian had already scored twice in the semi-final. The Golden Glove was awarded to the much-maligned Robert Sanchez, the unlikely scourge of PSG’s feared forward line. Of 15 players used in the final, three were academy graduates and the other 12 all bought under the new regime.

Now Chelsea have a rare lull in the football, they can get back to their actual business: transfer business. After proof of the mastery of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, they have another chance to demonstrate it. Or, putting sarcasm aside, after the evidence that Chelsea’s outlay on players – now around £1.4bn under their current owners – has brought some quality and some return on the pitch, the Club World Cup winners have more trading to do.

Evan Ferguson set to move to Roma

Brighton striker Evan Ferguson looks bound for Roma, the 20-year-old hoping to inject fresh energy into his career with a switch to the Italian capital after a tricky time at West Ham in the back half of last season. Fabrizio Romano believes an agreement has been reached that includes an option to buy at the end of a season-long loan.

Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson could be on the move (PA Wire)

Man City star tops Everton’s ambitious £150m summer transfer plans

Manchester City’s James McAtee heads a list of ambitious summer plans for Everton, who can spend up to £150m under the new Friedkin ownership.

David Moyes wants a right-back, a number-six, a number-eight and a right-winger, having already secured Mark Travers as goalkeeper on a £4m deal from Bournemouth.

Other options for Everton are Juventus' Douglas Luiz, Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche and Freiburg's Merlin Rohl in midfield, Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo on the right, and Panathinaikos' Georgios Vagiannidis for right-back.

(Getty Images)

Man United finally agree Bryan Mbeumo deal after Brentford’s Cunha wish

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Bryan Mbeumo after agreeing a £71m deal with Brentford for the forward.

United have committed to pay £65m, with the possibility of a further £6m in add-ons, as Mbeumo is set to become Ruben Amorim’s biggest buy at Old Trafford.

The forward, who scored 20 Premier League goals last season, was also a target for Newcastle and Tottenham but made it clear his preference was to go to Old Trafford. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue and he may be able to join United in time for their pre-season tour of the United States.

Bryan Mbeumo looks set to join Manchester United (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

Manchester United and Newcastle eye Randal Kolo Muani

Manchester United and Newcastle also fancy a French striker, it seems - Footmercato believe Randal Kolo Muani is on the radar of the Premier League pair after a successful stint at Juventus.

Liverpool submit Hugo Ekitike offer

Liverpool are hot in pursuit of a new striker - and may just be closing in on their man. Sky Sports report that an offer of £69m plus add-ons has been sent to Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike.

Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt (Getty Images)

Could Jadon Sancho follow Marcus Rashford out of Manchester United?

Also perhaps on the move of the Manchester United exiles is Jadon Sancho - reports in Italy suggest that a deal is near between the Old Trafford club and Juventus, with a figure of just north of £20m mentioned.

Jadon Sancho looks set to leave Manchester United (Getty)

Marcus Rashford nears Barcelona switch

We begin with Marcus Rashford, who is close to another loan move away from Manchester United - Barcelona look set to pay the whole of the England international’s considerable salary to take him to La Liga for the entire campaign. Will this be another productive fresh start for Rashford?

Marcus Rashford ended last season on loan at Aston Villa (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Wire)

Transfer news live

A very good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the summer transfer window. We’ll have all of the latest rumours, done deals and general speculative behaviour throughout the day.