Transfer news live: Man United hold Sesko talks, Liverpool’s Isak agreement, Eze keen on Arsenal

Transfer news, rumours and done deals

• Manchester United prioritising Benjamin Sesko
• Liverpool 'agree personal terms' with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
• Reds sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich
• Rangers close in on loan deal for Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore
• Manchester City reject £25m offer from Forest for James McAtee
• Arsenal refuse to play ball over Crystal Palace over Eberechi Eze price

Newcastle owners to block Isak move?

Pinch of salt time.

Give Me Sport are reporting that Newcastle’s owners, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) have apparently stopped Alexander Isak from leaving the club.

Isak has asked to ‘explore his options’ and has allegedly agreed personal terms with Liverpool over a move this summer.

He was said to be annoyed that Newcastle rebuffed Liverpool’s informal enquiries swiftly and wants to force a move.

Liverpool are thought to be preparing a bid which could total as much as £130m and that could test the resolve of PIF despite their stance that Isak is not going anywhere.

PSG close to agreement for Chevalier

Fabrizio Romano reports that PSG are close to reaching an agreement with Lille to sign goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier for €40m.

“Agreement done with the goalkeeper and deal at final stages between clubs,” reports Romano.

It is not known whether the signing will be made as a replacement for Gianluigi Donnraumma, who it is said could be on the way out from the Champions league winners.

Ramsdale undergoes Newcastle medical

Aaron Ramsdale has been in Newcastle undergoing a medical.

The 27-year-old is preparing to sign a season-long loan deal with an option for a permanent move next summer.

Southampton will reportedly receive a hefty £4m loan fee from the Magpies.

Ramsdale is expected to compete with Nick Pope for the No. 1 spot after Newcastle failed to get a move for James Trafford over the line and were gazumped by Man City.

(Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

United 'lead race' for Donnarumma and eye Pope

There are mixed reports on Manchester United’s hunt for a goalkeeper this morning.

Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport says United have moved into pole position to sign PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma after initial contact was made with the club.

But elsewhere it has been reported by TalkSport that United are considering moving for Newcastle’s Nick Pope, and that the club are reluctant to get dragged into a bidding war with Chelsea, City and others over Donnarumma.

Antony targeted by Saudi club

Man Utd winger Antony could be set for a move to Al Nassr, with reports suggesting that the Saudi club have made an offer to sign the Brazilian.

Al Nassr are close to completing a deal for Joao Felix but it is not thought that this would affect a move for Antony, with United said to be demanding around £30m.

Real Betis remain interested after a successful loan spell last season, but the Spanish club are said to be finding it difficult to raise the required funds.

(AP)

Chelsea book in medical for Hato

Chelsea have booked in a medical for Jorrel Hato who is set to fly to London to complete his move to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have agreed at £37m deal, plus add-ons, with Ajax over the transfer of the centre-back.

The Evening Standard says Hato will sign a seven-year contract to become Chelsea's fourth summer signing.

Hato is considered one of the best prospects in Europe, matching Chelsea's policy of signing young stars with bright futures.

(Getty Images)

The logic behind Liverpool’s decision to sell Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz was electric for Liverpool at his best, but the 28-year-old provided an opportunity for the Reds to refresh the squad with a deal for Alexander Isak still possible after Hugo Ekitike’s arrival.

Here’s Richard Jolly on why it makes sense for Liverpool to let the winger leave:

Liverpool sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich

Luis Diaz has left Liverpool to join Bayern Munich for £65.5m.

The 28-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the German champions and will replace Leroy Sane in Vincent Kompany’s squad.

Liverpool had rejected a first offer of £58.5m before accepting an improved bid after Bayern maintained their interest and the former Porto player wanted to go.

Chelsea readying opening offer for Simons?

Chelsea are reportedly preparing an opening bod for RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons, according to talkSPORT.

The German club are said to be willing to sanction a move for around €70m, with Chelsea hoping to agree a deal at a slightly lower sum.

Terms are already in place with the 22-year-old.

Arsenal have also considered a move for the Dutchman but have not made contact with Leipzig.

Luis Diaz leaves Liverpool and completes Bayern Munich move

Luis Diaz has completed his move from Liverpool to Bayern Munich.

The winger will join the German champions in a €75m move after three-and-a-half years at the Reds, where he won the Premier League title last season.

“Everybody at Liverpool FC thanks Luis for all of his contributions during his time at the club and wishes him the best for the future,” the club said.

Luis Diaz has completed a move to Bayern Munich from Liverpool (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

Rangers close in on Spurs' Moore

Rangers are closing in on a loan deal for Tottenham prodigy Mikey Moore.

The 17-year-old broke into Spurs’ first team last season and made some impressive contributions, particularly in their run to Europa League glory.

Now he is set for a season in Glasgow, according to Fabrizio Romano, as Russell Martin plots Rangers’ ascent back to the top of Scottish football.

Mikey Moore celebrates scoring Tottenham’s third goal in a 3-0 win over Elfsborg (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire)

City reject £25m offer from Forest for McAtee

Manchester City have rejected a bid of £25m from Nottingham Forest for midfielder James McAtee.

Sky Sports reports that the 22-year-old is valued far higher by City, where he played regularly at the Etihad last season.

McAtee is expected to leave this City this summer as he goes in search of regular first-team football.

Everton plot shock move for Man City forward Jack Grealish

Everton are aiming to secure a loan deal for Jack Grealish, although any negotiation depends on whether Manchester City will accept a "deluxe" temporary agreement or push for a permanent sale.

The 29-year-old has been frozen out of Pep Guardiola's squad, having not been taken to the Club World Cup, and is free to look at other options.

Pep Guardiola has not closed the door on Jack Grealish at Manchester City (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire)

Leipzig using Ekitike fee as benchmark?

Reports from Germany suggest that RB Leipzig will use the fee Liverpool paid for Hugo Ekitike as a reference point for their valuation of Benjamin Sesko this summer.

Ekitike completed a £79m move to Liverpool earlier in the window, with Leipzig expected to demand a similar sort of fee for their Slovenian striker, who is a target of Newcastle and Man Utd.

Manchester United in talks over Sesko

Manchester United have opened talks with RB Leipzig over a move for 22-year-old Benjamin Sesko.

Leipzig have set an asking price of €75m (£64.6m) plus add-ons for Sesko which means it could be an expensive move for United.

They’d be taking a gamble on the youngster who only has experience of the Bundesliga and no doubt the club would want to negotiate that fee.

Leipzig are in a strong position with Sesko having four years to run on his contract and did not budge in negotiations with Arsenal earlier in the window.

(Getty Images)

Forest making progress in Ndoye deal

Nottingham Forest are “in advanced talks” with Italian side Bologna over the signing of winger Dan Ndoye, reports the Telegraph.

The deal to sign the Switzerland international would be for a club record fee, above the £30m Forest paid for Ibrahim Sangare.

Ndoye will sign a five-year contract if he completes his move.

Nuno Espirito Santo is also targeting Adama Traore, with talks starting with Fulham over a potential deal, while Jacob Ramsey and Ben Doak are two other options who have been discussed.

Liverpool 'agree personal terms' deal with Isak

The Sun is reporting that Liverpool have reached an agreement with Alexander Isak’s team over personal terms for a five-year deal.

The Newcastle striker wants to leave the club this summer and is pushing for an exit with the Premier League champions the most likely destination.

Isak currently earns around £130,000 per week and a move to Liverpool could see that rise to £300,000 pw.

Liverpool have yet to agree a fee with Newcastle but the North East club will demand at least £150m. The Reds believe they could do a deal for £120m instead.

Liverpool are long-time admirers of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak (Owen Humphreys/PA) (PA Wire)

Eze keen on Arsenal move

Arsenal are not willing to meet Crystal Palace’s demands for Eberechi Eze.

That’s according to The Athletic, which reports that Palace are holding out for more than £60m, as per Eze’s release clause.

Arsenal will only produce a bid if Palace lower their price and even then they are prioritising sales to raise funds for the purchase.

The Gunners are in no hurry having already strengthened their forward line with Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke.

For his part, Eze is said to be keen on the move and has told his agents, who are in contact with Arsenal, that he is tempted by the opportunity.

Arsenal are keen to secure a deal with the highly-rated winger (Getty Images)

Transfer news live

Hello and welcome along to live coverage of the latest transfer news, rumours and done deals.

Arsenal ramp up bid for Crystal Palace star

Arsenal are aiming to swiftly move to secure Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze once the deal for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres is complete.

The Independent understands the Swede is currently in London for his medical, allowing Arsenal to turn their attention to other targets.

Mikel Arteta‘s side are Eze's top choice, as has previously been reported by The Independent, and those close to the player are confident a deal will be done in the next few weeks.

What is really going on inside the confusing Alexander Isak transfer saga?

Newcastle United may be insistent that Alexander Isak is not for sale, and Eddie Howe may be cautiously asserting his confidence that the Swede will “be here at the start of the season”, but there is a lot more uncertainty within the club.

Many are worried. A feeling is growing that Isak’s head has been turned, with that accentuated by the club’s frustrations in the transfer market.

The 25-year-old is coming into his prime, and just qualifying for the Champions League is no longer enough.

Will Son still be a Spurs player at the start of the season?

Tottenham captain Son Heung-min's future at the club remains in doubt.

He has just 12 months left on his contract and is reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Arabia and the MLS.

No potential exit will happen while Spurs are on their tour of Asia so a move for the 33-year-old would happen towards the back end of the window.

After playing Arsenal in Hong Kong on 31 July, Tottenham travel to Seoul to face Newcastle United three days later and they will want to draw on Son’s popularity as the most successful South Korean footballer.

(Action Images via Reuters)

Fulham inquire over Zinchenko

Fulham have made an approach for Arsenal full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Arsenal are reportedly open to offers in the region of £15m.

The player joined Arsenal from Man City in a £30m deal in 2022, scoring three times in 91 appearances since.

Villa want Yilmaz

Aston Villa are also understood to have increased their offer for Baris Alper Yilmaz.

Galatasaray want €40m (£34.5m) for the Turkish international and Villa’s second bid is said to be lower than that.

The 25-year-old Turkish international has also been linked with the likes of Sunderland.

Wissa may not train with Brentford

The Evening Standard report that Yoane Wissa is reportedly “angry and disappointed” with Brentford’s approach to his future amid continued interest from Newcastle.

The forward left the Bees’ pre-season training camp in Portugal last week amid speculation around his future but is expeted to return to the squad tomorrow.

Brentford have rejected a £25m from Newcastle though Wissa is under the impression he would be able to leave the club this summer.

the forward has allegedly threatened not to play for Brentford again if he is not allowed to leave. Wissa wants to play Champions League football and at 28 may not get the opportunity should he remain with the Bees.

Brentford, for their part, have already sold Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard while their former manager, Thomas Frank, has moved to Tottenham.

It is easy to see why they are reluctant to sell Wissa.

Luke Shaw makes honest admission about ‘stragglers’ in Man United squad

Luke Shaw has said there are “no stragglers” remaining in the Manchester United squad as a result of Ruben Amorim’s tough approach.

"He's extremely tough on the group. He leaves no stone unturned and I think there are no stragglers in this group anymore. I think everyone has to put the team first. He's made that very clear,” Shaw said while on United’s pre-season tour.

"I think he's picking players on how he feels will be best for the team and that's his choice. As players, we're fully behind him and fully behind on his ideas and what he wants to implement in this team. We feel like a real team, especially this pre-season.”

Ajax and Chelsea near breakthrough over Hato

Chelsea are now closing in on a deal to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax.

An agreement is “yet to be reached but getting nearer”, with a compromise expected to take the fee closer to the €40m mark.

“Personal terms in place” for the 19-year-old, reports The Athletic.

And Fabrizio Romano reports that the deal is “very close” with Ajax after progress in talks yesterday.

Diaz sends message to Liverpool fans

Luis Diaz has posted his farewell to Liverpool fans on social media after his move to Bayern Munich was made official.

“Three years and a half that I’ll treasure forever,” he said.

“I arrived with all the dreams in the world, and I am leaving proud of everything we achieved together.”

Amorim outlines key aspect he's looking for in new signings

Ruben Amorim says that Manchester United will only players that want to join and excel at the club.

"That is the key point. They have to want to come here," said Amorim.

"Sometimes you have a player with a lot of potential, you have to be aware of that, but all the players that are coming, we need to know the player. We need to talk to the player, we have to explain the project.

“If during the market we can find someone that can help the team and have all that boxes with them, we are going to do it. If not, we cannot do it because it's an important time in our club.”

Atlanta United agree deal for Alzate

Sky Sports News say that Atlanta United have agreed a deal with Hull for Steven Alzate.

The fee for the 26-year-old midfielder is £1.5m plus £370,000 in add-ons.

Alzate is set to fly to the US tomorrow for his medical.

Howe on Isak's future

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe spoke about the ongoing situation with Alexander Isak.

He said: "He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him.

"I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.

"We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year."

Manchester United prioritising Benjamin Sesko

As Manchester United look to sign a striker this summer it seems they have moved on to a former Arsenal target.

David Ornstein of The Athletic says the club have made RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko their priority having made informal contact with the Bundesliga side.

Sesko is also a target of Newcastle who are potentially planning for life after Alexander Isak.

Man Utd are said to be exploring the cost of deals for both Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins though Villa are adamant Watkins is not for sale.

It may cost United around £69-£78m to secure Sesko’s services.

Borussia Dortmund interested in Sancho

Borussia Dortmund are interested in re-signing Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho.

The German side are one of a number of clubs, including Juventus, that are keen on the 25-year-old.

Sky Sports say that internal discussions are taking place at the club to decide if they want to bring Sancho back.

Sancho left Dortmund in 2021 and signed for United for £73m but spent the second half of the 2023/24 season back on loan with the Bundesliga club.

(Getty)

Bayern to unveil Diaz on Thursday

Luis Diaz is expected to be unveiled as a Bayern Munich player at a news conference on Thursday reports Sky Sports.

The Liverpool forward completed a medical after flying in from Japan on Tuesday.

The plan is for him to be in the squad for Saturday's friendly against Lyon, when he could make his Bayern debut.

Bayern agreed a deal with Liverpool worth around £65.5m for the winger.

Why Man United could be in pole position for Sesko

Fabrizio Romano has pointed to a key reason why Manchester United could be in pole position to sign Benjamin Sekso, and it is down to their head of scouting, Christopher Vivell.

Vivell is a former part of the Red Bull Group and knows Sesko, who plays for RB Leipzig.

United have made no official contact with Leipzig yet, but there is interest.

Chelsea agree deal to sell Felix

Saudi side Al Nassr have agreed a deal worth £43.7m for Chelsea forward Joao Felix.

The 25-year-old is keen on the move and has been given permission to travel to Riyadh for his medical.

The deal means Chelsea will recoup the £45m they paid Atletico Madrid last summer.

Napoli considering Sterling and Grealish?

Sky reports that Napoli are looking at Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish as alternative wing targets, though Bologna's Dan Ndoye remains their priority.

Napoli have already seen a loan with an obligation to buy offer rejected for the Switzerland international, and face competition from Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham preparing bid for Palhinha

Journalist Sebastien Vidal says Tottenham are believed to be preparing bid of around £45m for Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha.

The Portuguese was a semi-regular feature for the Bundesliga champions in 2024-25 but was hampered by an injury that kept him out for two months in the middle of the campaign.

Thomas Frank is said to be keen on bringing the 30-year-old defensive midfielder back to the Premier League - he previously spent two years at Fulham - with an offer expected soon.

Marseille swoop for Leeds target Paixao

Marseille have agreed a deal to sign Leeds target Igor Paixao from Feyenoord for £28m plus add-ons.

Sky Sports News says Leeds upped their offer for a second time on Sunday but Marseille matched the bid and the 25-year-old chose to join the French club as they will be playing in the Champions League next season.

Nunez targeted by Milan and Juve

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly being monitored by AC Milan and Juventus.

Nunez had previously been a target for Napoli, though the Serie A champions chose to sign Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese instead.

Both Milan and Juve are looking for a striker and have shown interest in the 26-year-old, though there have been no contact offers or bids from either club.

Saudi Arabia is still a possible destination too, with Al Hilal among his admirers.

Nunez has three years left on his deal at Liverpool, and it is believed the Reds would want around £70m to secure his sale.

Villa & Newcastle to fight for Calvert-Lewin?

Reports in the UK suggest that Aston Villa, Newcastle and AC Milan are there clubs considering a move for former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The 28-year-old is a free agent after his Everton contract expired, and it is suggested he could be a cost-effective option for both Villa and the Magpies, with both covering only his wages.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin will leave Everton this summer (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Wire)

Ugarte says United players believe in Amorim

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte says the players have faith in Ruben Amorim to turn around the club after a terrible 2024/25 season.

"We have to improve things," Ugarte told reporters on their pre-season tour of the United States.

"We are all very motivated, because we believe in the coach, we believe in what he wants and that is very important.

"Last year we made some changes, we changed our coach, we changed our formation.

"You have to have responsibilities when you play for United. Sometimes the connections take time to get to know each other. I already know the league, the rivals, which is important."

Fulham still interested in Nelson

Fulham have made just the one signing this summer having become the last Premier League team to strengthen their squad with the signing of a new goalkeeper.

But, they remain interested in re-signing attacking midfielder Reiss Nelson on loan.

“Talks between the clubs are over a loan deal with a permanent element attached,” reports Sky Sports.

Gibbs-White signs new Forest contract

Morgan Gibbs-White has signed a new three-year contract with Nottingham Forest.

Forest accused Tottenham of making an illegal approach for the midfielder with a £60m bid earlier this month.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis said: "Morgan is a special player – not just in terms of talent, but character and mentality. He represents everything we want this football club to be: he is a winner, talented, ambitious, fearless, and proud.

"There was significant interest from various clubs, but we were determined to build our future with Morgan at the heart of it. I promised our fans we would not only compete, but grow stronger and stronger every season. Today is another big step in that journey."

Newcastle’s handling of Alexander Isak transfer saga slammed by club legend Alan Shearer

The former Newcastle striker says the club made themselves look “ridiculous” on Thursday for claiming that Isak was injured amid reports he wants to explore a move away from the club.

Newcastle released a statement on Thursday morning to say the Swede would miss the club’s pre-season tour of Asia due to a minor thigh problem.

Alan Shearer has criticised Newcastle’s handling of Alexander Isak’s transfer situation (PA Wire)