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

Transfer news, rumours and done deals

• Manchester United prioritising Benjamin Sesko
• United exploring swap deals for Garnacho
• Liverpool 'agree personal terms' with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
• Newcastle owners to block Isak move?
• Arsenal refuse to play ball over Crystal Palace over Eberechi Eze price

Ruben Amorim hints at possible Rasmus Hojlund exit amid Benjamin Sesko transfer rumours

Striker Rasmus Hojlund impressed Ruben Amorim with a timely goal in a 4-1 win over Bournemouth but the Manchester United head coach did not offer the 22-year-old any reassurance over his future.

Hojlund has struggled since his £72m move from Atalanta two years ago but on the day reports claimed United had made their first move for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, the Denmark international responded with the opener in Chicago.

Patrick Dorgu and Amad Diallo extended their lead before 19-year-old academy graduate Ethan Williams scored his first senior goal two minutes after coming on as a 70th-minute substitute.

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."

Eddie Howe revealed there are “no contract talks” taking place regarding Alexander Isak (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)

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.

James Trafford completes return to Manchester City after snubbing Newcastle

Trafford joins on a five-year deal after rejecting Newcastle to return to his former club, with City possessing the option to extend it for a further season.

City, who sold the 22-year-old to Burnley two years ago, activated the matching rights clause they put in that deal when Newcastle agreed a fee with the promoted club.

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.

(TT News Agency)

Napoli considering Sterling and Grealish?

Sky Sports 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.

Napoli are interested in Raheem Sterling (Getty Images)

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.

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."

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.

(Getty Images)

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 (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Wire)

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.

Amorim 'really happy' with Hojlund

Of under pressure forward Rasmus Hojlund, Ruben Amorim said: "The important thing is that people focus on the goals and we suffer a lot because of the lack of goals. But I think not just the goals, but the way he (Hojlund) connects the play.

"Every time we have to kick the ball, we are kicking the ball when we are more pressed. The ability for him to hold the defender and to connect in the support is helping us a lot to play better. And we are playing better because he is playing better.

"I am really happy with Rasmus. I don't know what is going to happen until the end of the market. The important thing is that the strikers that are here are working really well, are improving, are helping the team and that is the most important thing.”

(Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima)

Man Utd told Ollie Watkins is 'not for sale' after initial approach

Manchester United have been firmly rebuffed by Aston Villa after an informal inquiry over a possible move for Ollie Watkins.

United made the inquiry on Thursday evening but were told that Watkins ‘is not for sale’.

Watkins is just one of a few strikers United have looked at along with others including Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.

With a valuation of around £60m, Watkins is one of the cheaper options United are exploring and has proven Premier League quality.

If they do pursue a deal then it will be difficult to convince Villa to part ways with their man.

Sunderland sign Xhaka

Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Granit Xhaka on a three-year deal.

The Swiss midfielder joins from Bayer Leverkusen, where he helped the club to an invincible domestic double in 2023-24.

Leverkusen, who signed Xhaka for about £21m two years ago, will receive £13m up front plus a potential £4m in add-ons from Sunderland.

GRANIT XHAKA (AP)

Rodrygo to Liverpool?

Could this really happen? It’s quite possible now.

Foot Mercato in France are reporting that Liverpool have opened talks with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.

The 24-year-old winger is out of favour under Xabi Alonso and could seek a move this summer.

L’Equipe also detailed how Rodrygo would “without a doubt” replace Luis Diaz, should the Colombian international leave this summer and now he has agreed a deal to make the switch to Bayern Munich.

Alexander Isak is seemingly next on Liverpool’s target list but should Newcastle remain firm in their £150m valuation, the Reds could target Rodrygo instead.

Premier League clubs battle for centre-back

Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle are all said to be keen on Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni.

The 18-year-old Italian made 17 appearances last season for the Serie A side, who are understood to value him at €35m(£30m).

Leoni is attracting attention from within Italy, with clubs including Inter Milan reportedly monitoring his situation according to Corriere dello Sport.

Manchester United make offer for Hjulmand

Manchester United have reportedly tabled an offer for Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand.

According to Calciomercato, United have submitted a bid worth €40m (£35m) for the Sporting captain would would reunite with former boss Ruben Amorim should he make the move to Old Trafford.

United have decided to send Toby Collyer out on loan which means there is space in midfield for Hjulmand to slot into.

Sporting wanted any move for Hjulmand to meet his €80m release clause but will apparently settle for a figure closer to €50m.

(Getty)

Man Utd exploring swap deals with Chelsea and Aston Villa for Garnacho

Manchester United have spoken to both Chelsea and Aston Villa about Alejandro Garnacho, as well as the possibility of players such as Nicolas Jackson and Ollie Watkins going the other way.

The Old Trafford hierarchy are trying to find innovative solutions to multiple transfer issues this summer, as Ruben Amorim wants to continue his overhaul of the squad while moving players on.

United's PSR pressures are nevertheless well known, meaning they are investigating deals where players go both ways. The club also want an athletic number-six and a goalkeeper, with the potential order of signings dependent on opportunities and sales.

Chelsea's interest in Garnacho is long-standing, but there is one main obstacle as regards any potential trade. While the Stamford Bridge hierarchy value Jackson at £80m, they don't want to pay more than £30m for Garnacho.

City re-sign Trafford from Burnley

Trafford joins on a five-year deal after rejecting Newcastle to return to his former club, with City possessing the option to extend it for a further season.

City, who sold the 22-year-old to Burnley two years ago, activated the matching rights clause they put in that deal when Newcastle agreed a fee with the promoted club.

And Trafford, a long-term target for Eddie Howe, decided against going to St James’ Park in favour of a move to the former Premier League champions - the latest blow in what has been a frustrating transfer window for the Magpies, having already lost out in their pursuits of Hugo Ekitike, Bryan Mbeumo, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

When will Viktor Gyokeres make his Arsenal debut?

The Gunners have been trying to strengthen their forward line for most of the summer transfer window with attempts to bring RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko to the Emirates falling apart before a deal for Gyokeres was spread out over weeks of negotiations.

Arsenal finally secured their striker in a £55m deal, which could rise to £65m with related add-ons, and Gyokeres passed a medical on Saturday 26 July before flying out to Singapore to meet up with the squad for their pre-season tour.

Everton agree deal to sign Aznou

Everton have agreed a deal worth £8m to sign Bayern Munich left-back Adam Aznou.

The 19-year-old will join the Toffees on their USA tour once the move is finalised, reports Ben Jacobs.

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)

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