Transfer news live: Newcastle offer Isak release clause after Liverpool bid, Eze to Arsenal, Palhinha medical

Transfer news, rumours and done deals

• Newcastle reject Liverpool's first bid for Alexander Isak
• Manchester United prioritising Benjamin Sesko in search for No.9
• United also exploring swap deal for Alejandro Garnacho
• Arsenal running out of time to trigger release clause for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze
• Spurs agree loan deal for Joao Palhinha, with option to buy for £27m

Liverpool transfer news: Alexander Isak, Rodrygo, Jean-Philippe Mateta and more

Arne Slot orchestrated a stunning debut campaign at Anfield, inheriting a stacked squad from Jurgen Klopp before taking English football by storm to seal a record-equalling 20th top-flight crown for the club.

The summer months of 2024 hardly shaped the season that followed for Liverpool, and Slot has already proven that he doesn’t require overwhelming transfer activity to be successful. Last summer, he saw just two arrivals come through the door in the form of Giorgi Mamardashvili (who was immediately loaned back toValencia) and Federico Chiesa, who played a total of just 104 minutes in the Premier League.

But with Trent Alexander-Arnold heading for the exit and a Premier League title to defend, Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards are expected to engage in a substantial recruitment drive over the coming months.

And the signs are extremely promising for Reds fans, with Jeremy Frimpong having signed from Bayer Leverkusen before Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike followed through the door.

Here’s everything you need to know about Liverpool’s summer transfer plans.

Liverpool transfer news: Isak, Rodrygo, Mateta and more

Man City verdict on 100+ charges could be months away with further delays in sight

Club executives and senior football figures believe that the Manchester City financial case could go until at least October before the initial outcome, as the controversy threatens to complicate another Premier League season. Some club leaders have even speculated that it might arrive in the campaign’s second international break, from 4-18 October, given previous patterns regarding similar cases.

An outcome was expected last season, given that the hearing concluded in early December. It has nevertheless rumbled on into the summer, and means another season faces potential upheaval and drastic change through possible points deductions. Manchester City stridently insist upon their innocence.

Garnacho keen on Chelsea

Alejandro Garnacho wants to join Chelsea this summer, with the Blues still keen on the winger after carrying out background checks.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea was Garnacho’s priority in January and he still wants the move this summer.

However, there could be a difference in each club’s valuation of the player, with Chelsea looking to pay around £30m and Utd valuing him closer to £40m.

(PA)

Frustration grows over Isak deal

The latest reports around the Alexander Isak transfer saga suggests that Newcastle are growing frustrated with a perceived lack of action from Liverpool.

It is said that the Reds are preparing a bid that could rise up to £130m, with Isak keen on the deal.

The Sweden striker missed Newcastle’s pre-season tour and is training alone using the facilities at his old club Real Sociedad.

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has been linked with a British record move to Liverpool (Owen Humphreys/PA) (PA Wire)

Sunderland sign Roefs

Sunderland have completed the signing of goalkeeper Robin Roefs from NEC Nijmegen.

The deal is for £9m plus £2.5m add-ins, with the Dutch goalkeeper signing a five-year deal.

Why Benjamin Sesko is now Man United’s top transfer target

United had narrowed down their search for a No 9 to the Slovenian and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins before deciding to prioritise a move for the 22-year-old.

Sesko is also of interest to Newcastle, who are looking for a centre-forward after missing out on a host of targets and with doubts about the future of Alexander Isak.

Liverpool remain interested in Guehi

Liverpool retain an interest in Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, though they do not agree with Palace’s valuation for the defender.

The England international is out of contract next summer but Palace currently value him at £40m.

(The FA via Getty Images)

Newcastle reject Liverpool's first Isak bid

Newcastle have rejected Liverpool’s first bid for Alexander Isak, according to David Ornstein.

Ornstein says that the approach was a firm one but it was turned down. It is not certain what amount was offered, but it is believed to be in excess of £100m.

Liverpool had reportedly been keen on doing a deal around the £120m mark, while Newcastle are said to be holding out for up to £150m according to some suggestions.

Ornstein adds that Newcastle have tried to tie Isak to an improved contract with a release clause included, though he is keen on moving

Premier League clubs interested in Luiz

Nottingham Forest and Everton are interested in former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, with the Brazilian keen on a return to the Premier League.

Juventus are believed to need to offload a midfielder before making any signings, with other Premier League clubs also believed to be interested.

Newcastle reject Liverpool’s Alexander Isak bid

A major bombshell dropped ahead of the weekend with one of the biggest transfer saga’s of the summer taking a twist.

Newcastle were keen to offer new terms with a 2026 release clause, the report adds, while Isak’s team-mates encouraged the Swedish striker to stay, but his mind has seemingly been made up.

Dortmund want Buonanotte

Borussia Dortmund are keen on Brighton forward Facundo Buonanotte, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The clubs are in active talks over the Argentine, with the Seagulls yet to make a decision.

He was signed for around £5m, though it is unknown what sort of fee Brighton would demand.

The logic behind Liverpool’s decision to sell Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz gave up a shirt worn by some of Liverpool’s previous greats two years ago. He swapped from the No 23, donned by a young Robbie Fowler and then Jamie Carragher, for the more iconic No 7. He offered to personally reimburse fans who had bought the old shirt.

The probability now is that he won’t be making a similar offer. Diaz is giving up the number made prestigious by Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish and Luis Suarez, trading the red shirt of Liverpool for the red of Bayern Munich. He had first asked to leave in 2024. He is getting his wish a year later.

Liverpool new signings get squad numbers

Along with their new kit reveal, Liverpool have unveiled the shirt numbers for each of their new signings, with Florian Wirtz given the number seven.

New ‘keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is given the number 25, with striker Hugo Ekitike taking 22.

Full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong take 6 and 30 respectively.

Liverpool unveil new home shirt after champions switch from Nike to adidas

Liverpool have unveiled their first adidas shirts as part of a new multi-year kit deal with the German athletic apparel giants.

The Premier League champions replaced a previous deal with manufacturer Nike, penning terms with adidas in March this year.

The Reds previously wore adidas kits between 1985 to 1996, and then again between 2006 and 2012, the partnership has seen the team win three top-flight domestic league titles and three FA Cup wins.

Italian sides interested in O'Riley

Juventus, Atalanta, Napoli and Roma have all showed interest in signing Brighton midfielder Matt O’Riley this summer, according to Sky.

However, the 24-year-old has four years left on his deal and it is believed that he has impressed Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler in pre-season.

Leicester accept Wrexham's Coady bid

Wrexham have agreed a deal worth £2m to sign Conor Coady.

The defender is due in Wales today for a medical and to finalise the paperwork on his contract.

The Welsh club are also closing in on the signing of Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore, reports Sky.

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.

Everton eye Tyler Dibling as David Moyes targets six more signings

The Merseyside club have reportedly had a £27m bid for the teenager rejected by the relegated club.

Moyes wants six more signings as he looks to bolster Everton’s slender squad by the end of the transfer window.

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.”

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim was happy with Rasmus Hojlund’s performance in the 4-1 win over Bournemouth (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Archive)

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.

Ollie Watkins has emerged as a potential striker signing for United (Getty Images)

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.

(Getty Images)

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.

Underwhelming Viktor Gyokeres debut shows why Arsenal need him so much

A debut defeat and an outing that was underwhelming but left the sense he was underused may matter little.

When it comes to competitive games, Viktor Gyokeres’s Arsenal bow will come at Old Trafford against Manchester United on 17 August.

But as he donned their No 14 shirt for the first time in a game, Arsenal at least showed the need for Gyokeres, the forward who scored 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP.

Spurs agree loan deal for Palhinha

Tottenham have agreed a loan deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to Sky.

The deal will be a loan with an option to buy, with the purchase option set at £27m.

Palhinha joined Bayern Munich from Fulham last summer for a fee worth up to £47.4m, and he has three years remaining on his deal, though Spurs could well decide to purchase him if the loan goes well.

Joao Palhinha endured a tricky first season at Bayern Munich (Getty)

Wrexham make bid for Coady

Wrexham have made a £2m bid for Leicester centre-back Conor Coady.

It’s understood the 32-year-old would be open to exploring a move to the Championship club, if a deal can be agreed.

Coady has one year left on his Leicester contract.

Coady played for Wolves, Everton and Leicester in the Premier League but could be about to sign for Wrexham (PA Archive)

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)

Mikey Moore joins Rangers

Mikey Moore has joined Rangers on loan from Tottenham as he goes in search of first team game time.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank was happy to let him leave and he is not in the new manager’s immediate plans but there is no option or obligation clauses included in the deal as Moore will be a key player for Spurs in the future.

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.

Southampton reject Everton offer for Dibling

Southampton have rejected an offer from Everton for midfielder Tyler Dibling.

Sky Sports News says the offer was around £27m with the Saints previously claiming they value the 19-year-old at £100m.

That’s a crazy price.

However, it is understood that an offer in the region £40m could be considered for the teenager.

(REUTERS)

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)

West Ham make Hermansen approach

West Ham have made a formal approach to Leicester for goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.

Hermansen made 27 appearances for the Foxes in the Premier League last season, keeping one clean sheet as they suffered relegation to the Championship.

Hermansen’s Leicester contract runs until 2028.

The Hammers need a new goalkeeper after Lukas Fabianksi left the club at the start of the summer when his contract expired.

Wolves agree deal for Wolfe

Wolves and AZ Alkmaar have agreed a deal worth £12.1m for left-back David Moller Wolfe.

Wolves will pay an initial fee of £10m, plus a further £2.1m in add-ons according to Sky Sports News.

The Norway international will travel to England soon for a medical.

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)

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.

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)

Eze's release clause breakdown

Eberechi Eze’s release clause is set to expire tonight according to The Sun meaning Arsenal have little time to put in a bid if they want to trigger it.

The clause certainly runs out before the start of the new season after which time any club would have to negotiate a fair price with Crystal Palace.

The release clause is for £67.5m which includes bonuses. £60m will be paid before a further £7.5m in add ons.

Palace want £35m paid up front and the rest in installments and are not willing to accept a price lower than the release clause.

One to keep an eye on throughout the day.

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.

Amorim believes Sesko could be 'dynamite' addition

The Sun are reporting that Ruben Amorim believes Benjamin Sesko would be a ‘dynamite’ addition to Manchester United’s attack.

The same article says that Amorim believes he can improve Sesko in a similar way he did for Viktor Gyokeres during his time with Sporting and that Sesko would provide competition to bring the best out of Rasmus Hojlund.

United are in talks with RB Leipzig over Sesko but are yet to put in a formal offer. They will know by now that Sesko will cost them aroudn £70m which could potential be too high a price for such a young star.

Liverpool plot £120m bid for Isak

We know that Newcastle are reluctant to sell Alexander Isak and have valued him at £150m. That price seems too high for anyone to pay but what can Liverpool offer to tempt the North East side to sell?

That will be the question at Anfield if they are serious in wanting Isak’s services this season.

A possible plan comes from DaveOCKOP.com who claims Liverpool will pay £60m up front and a further £60m in installments before add ons are included.

Those add ons could rise to £20m which would be a total sum of £140m for Newcastle.

This is all speculation as Liverpool have yet to put in a bid but Newcastle’s eyebrows would be raised at the possibility of such a windfall.

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.

(Getty)

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.

Spurs in advanced talks with Bayern Munich over Joao Palhinha

Tottenham are in advanced talks with Bayern Munich over the loan signing of Joao Palhinha says Sky Sports News.

Spurs have apparently also negotiated an option to buy in the deal. Should the deal go through Palhinha would return to the Premier League just one year after he joined Bayern from Fulham for a fee worth up to £47.4m.

The 30-year-old midfielder made 25 appearances across all competitions for Bayern last season, including 17 outings in the Bundesliga.

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.

Alexander Isak’s Newcastle future is in doubt amid intense speculation of the Sweden striker joining Liverpool (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)

Arsenal know Eze release clause deadline

This rumour feels very similar to Arsenal’s failed pursuit of Benjamin Sesko.

The Gunners have a price in mind and will not go past it. What that price is cannot be said but it seems to be lower than the £60m release clause Crystal Palace are waiting to be triggered.

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.

Eze’s release clause expires before the start of the season on August 16, though it is believed Palace will keep their price the same after the expiry deadline passes.

Arsenal only have a couple of weeks to trigger Eberechi Eze's release clause (Adam Davy/PA Wire)

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

Sticking with United, the club 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.

United's PSR pressures are well known, meaning they are investigating deals where players go both ways. The club 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.

Manchester United in talks over Sesko

We start at Old Trafford where 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.

United are also interested in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins but have been told he is not for sale.

Benjamin Sesko is a Slovenia international (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Archive)

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