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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Miguel Delaney,Richard Jolly and Jamie Braidwood

Transfer news live: Hincapie to Arsenal update, Isak forces Liverpool move, Chelsea close in on Garnacho

The transfer window has entered its final week with the biggest story of the summer unresolved: Alexander Isak still wants to leave Newcastle United for Liverpool, with the striker now determined to make a fresh push for Anfield.

Newcastle are said to be braced for a fresh bid from Liverpool after Isak reiterated his desire to leave following discussions with the club’s hierarchy on Monday night. Meanwhile, Newcastle have had a bid for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen turned down and also want to sign Yoane Wissa, but neither are viewed as a direct replacement for Isak.

Arsenal’s business is not done just yet after signing Eberechi Eze and the Gunners are exploring a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s defender Piero Hincapie, although the German club are determined to keep the centre-back and are yet to receive an opening offer according to their sporting director Simon Rolfes.

Tottenham are in a late scramble for a new attacker as the deadline looms, but Chelsea look more likely to sign another amid talks with Barcelona for Fermin Lopez and Manchester United for Alejandro Garnacho. Any deal for Leipzig’s Xavi Simons is off, though, with the Netherlands international one of those on Tottenham’s radar.

Manchester United have been tipped to target Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, while Kobbie Mainoo will consider leaving if the club receive a suitable offer for the 20-year-old.

Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below

Transfer news live

  • Alexander Isak tells Newcastle he still wants to join Liverpool despite talks
  • Bayer Leverkusen chief offers Piero Hincapie update amid Arsenal interest
  • Morgan Rogers decision forces Tottenham to explore options in transfer scramble
  • Manchester United stance over Kobbie Mainoo future revealed
  • Chelsea consider move for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez
  • Chelsea negotiations for Xavi Simons are off

Chelsea negotiations for Xavi Simons are off

21:00 , Miguel Delaney

The Independent has been told that Chelsea’s move for Leipzig’s Xavi Simons is off.

A deal for the Netherlands international was always dependent on outgoings, and Chelsea have turned to other targets.

Fermin Lopez of Barcelona is an option, while Chelsea continue to work on a deal for Alejandro Garnacho.

Tottenham are interested in Simons and are aware that Chelsea are no longer pursuing the attacking midfielder - raising their hope that a deal might be done.

Xavi Simons had been a Chelsea target (PA Wire)

Morgan Rogers decision forces Tottenham to explore options in transfer scramble

20:00 , Miguel Delaney

Tottenham are trying to sign two attackers from a shortlist of five names as they seek to bolster their options in the final days of a frantic transfer window.

Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers remains the ideal signing, but the difficulty in doing that deal means the Spurs hierarchy are also looking at West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta, Leipzig's Xavi Simons, Atalanta's Ademola Lookman and Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche.

The window has so far proven hugely frustrating for the club in terms of attack, as moves for Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White and now Savinho and Nico Paz have failed or faltered.

Morgan Rogers decision forces Tottenham to explore options in transfer scramble

Man Utd consider fresh move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba

19:00 , Miguel Delaney

Manchester United are considering a fresh move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba after the club’s 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday.

The question is then how much he is really worth to United, and how much they’re willing to spend.

In order to complete his system, Ruben Amorim wants a physical, athletic runner who can carry the ball up the pitch, and a deep-lying playmaker. It has already been reported in my newsletter that he eventually wants that duo to be Baleba and Adam Wharton. The Brighton midfielder has come out well on top in the data for all of United’s requirements, but they don’t currently have anything close to either type of player.

Standing back, United now see Baleba as the potential £120m answer in the centre – although that was what £42.1m Manuel Ugarte was supposed to be, “that pin missing”.

Carlos Baleba moved to Brighton from Lille two years ago and is now a Manchester United target (PA Archive)

Alexander Isak included in latest Sweden squad

18:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has been called up to play for Sweden next month.

Isak, who has made clear his desire to leave the north-east club despite having three years remaining on his contract, is part of a 24-man group named by Sweden coach Jon Dahl Tomasson on Wednesday for World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo on September 5 and 8.

Isak has been training alone ever since missing Newcastle's pre-season tour to Singapore and South Korea.

(AP)

The Newcastle compromise needed to salvage desperate Alexander Isak situation

18:10 , Richard Jolly

About a quarter of an hour after the breathless conclusion to a crazy game, Yasir al-Rumayyan made his way into and up the Milburn Stand. The name is proof Newcastle United celebrate their goalscorers, just as the statue of Alan Shearer is.

But this summer has been dominated by a forward who, if he gets his way, won’t end up with a double century of Newcastle goals. The landscape of St James’ Park now includes the pitchside hoardings advertising the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Al-Rumayyan is its governor as well as Newcastle’s chairman. His various duties mean he is an infrequent sight at their games. He picked an August meeting with Liverpool to attend. “I don’t know why he is here,” said Eddie Howe, before quickly pivoting to say his presence was appreciated.

It was nevertheless an illustration that Howe has been sidelined in a saga. He will not determine Alexander Isak’s future.

The Newcastle compromise needed to salvage desperate Alexander Isak situation

Chelsea close in on Alejandro Garnacho

17:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Telegraph is reporting that Chelsea are closing in on an agreement with Manchester United for Alejandro Garnacho after a summer-long pursuit of the wantaway forward.

Alejandro Garnacho appears set to leave Manchester United (PA Wire)

Man Utd remain in talks over goalkeeper Senne Lammens

17:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Senne Lammens was not involved in Royal Antwerp’s squad at the weekend as Manchester United remain in talks over signing the 23-year-old goalkeeper.

But, according to the Telegraph, personal terms are yet to be agreed despite United feeling confident over a proposed £17m move.

Lammens has been on United’s radar for a while but is not viewed as a No 1 goalkeeper, with Andre Onana yet to start a game this season.

Goalkeeper Senne Lammens is a target for Manchester United (PA Archive)

Alan Shearer explains how Alexander Isak can still have a future at Newcastle

17:20 , Will Castle

Alan Shearer believes there is still a world where Alexander Isak can have a future at Newcastle United.

Isak has made his intention to leave the Magpies clear, insisting he has no desire to reintegrate into Eddie Howe’s team as he tries to force a move to Liverpool. Earlier in the transfer window Newcastle rejected a bid of £110m from the Premier League champions for their star forward and have set a valuation of £150m for the 25-year-old.

The Swede has since refused to train with the team and spoken of “broken promises” over a possible exit in an explosive social media statement. He hasn’t been involved in either of Newcastle’s first two Premier League fixtures of the season, with his saga becoming an overarching factor of Monday’s tense meeting with Liverpool at St. James’ Park. He will, however, be in contention for a first appearance in three months during the September international break after being called up to Sweden duty.

Alan Shearer explains how Alexander Isak can still have a future at Newcastle

Manchester United stance over Kobbie Mainoo future revealed

17:00 , Miguel Delaney

Manchester United could open the door to Kobbie Mainoo’s exit before Monday’s transfer deadline but strongly prefer a temporary move to a club abroad, reports Independent chief football writer Miguel Delaney.

Mainoo has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim, with Bruno Fernandes dropping into a deeper role and the manager still preferring just two in central midfield and a back three, despite another dispiriting draw at Fulham last Sunday.

The England international, who would entertain a move away, has not featured for United yet this season, but a move away to regain momentum in his career during a World Cup season could develop in the coming days. Read more below:

Man United stance over Kobbie Mainoo future revealed

Chelsea consider move for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez

16:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Chelsea are considering the possibility of signing Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein there hasn’t been contact between the clubs yet but the Blues have touched based with Lopez’s camp.

Chelsea are exploring attacking options amid expected exits for the remaining days of the window.

Fermin’s Barcelona contract runs through to 2029. He made 46 appearances in 2024/25 scoring eight goals and creating 10 assists.

Fermin Lopez is a Chelsea target (Getty Images)

Crystal Palace agree deal for Yeremy Pino

16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Crystal Palace appear to have identified their Eberechi Eze replacement. Reports from a number of outlets, including the BBC, suggest that a deal worth up to £26m with Villarreal for Yeremy Pino. The 22-year-old could have a medical in the coming days.

Fabio Silva poised to leave Wolves

15:55 , Press Association

Fabio Silva is poised to complete a move from Wolves to Borussia Dortmund, the PA news agency understands.

An agreement has been reached on a transfer fee between the clubs for the 23-year-old Portuguese, and it is understood Wolves have given the player permission to travel to Germany in order to undergo a medical.

Silva began his career with Porto but joined Wolves in September 2020.

He has since had spells on loan at Belgian side Anderlecht, PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Rangers and Spanish side Las Palmas.

He won his first senior cap for Portugal last November in a Nations League match against Croatia.

Fabio Silva is set to depart Wolves (PA Wire)

Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes: I’ve had no contact with Alexander Isak

15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bruno Guimaraes says he has had no contact with his Newcastle team-mate Alexander Isak throughout the stand-off between the Swede and the club.

Isak is training alone at Newcastle, having indicated his desire to leave the club despite having three years left on his contract.

The club have rejected one offer of £110m for Isak from Liverpool and are believed to want a British record £150m.

In the meantime, Newcastle are working to recruit new attacking players but it is understood an improved second bid of £55million for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has been rejected.

Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes: I’ve had no contact with Alexander Isak

Manuel Akanji emerges as option for Crystal Palace to replace Marc Guehi

15:28 , Richard Jolly

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji.

The Switzerland international was left out of City’s matchday squad ahead of Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham and will be allowed to depart the Etihad before the transfer deadline. Turkish club Galatasaray have also expressed an interest in the 30-year-old.

Crystal Palace have yet to submit a bid but are aware that captain Marc Guehi could yet depart Selhurst Park, with the England international heavily linked with Liverpool.

Manuel Akanji emerges as option for Crystal Palace to replace Marc Guehi

Wolves boss provides Jorgen Strand Larsen update after Newcastle bids rejected

15:11 , Jamie Braidwood

If Newcastle have a real dilemma over Alexander Isak’s behaviour and intent in the closing days of the transfer window, then Wolves are experiencing a better situation, despite fielding bids for Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira maintains Jorgen Strand Larsen will “never force a move” but conceded “every player has a price”.

“Until now, Strand Larsen is our player. Also I understand football, every player has a price,” said the Portuguese boss. Read more of the manager’s views on his in-demand player below.

Wolves boss provides update on Jorgen Strand Larsen after Newcastle bids rejected

Crystal Palace keen on Reiss Nelson

14:59 , Flo Clifford

Sky Sports News reports that Crystal Palace are in talks with Arsenal over forward Reiss Nelson, who spent last season on loan at Fulham and has not worked his way back into Mikel Arteta’s side.

He did not feature in the Gunners’ squad for either of their opening two games of this season and is into the last two years of his contract.

Alexander Isak bids to force through Liverpool move

14:38 , Jamie Braidwood

Alexander Isak has told Newcastle he still wants to leave after face-to-face talks.

The Telegraph reported the Swedish striker is adamant he wants to leave, with his desire to join Liverpool.

That’s despite the intervention of chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, though Newcastle have not received a bid that is close to their valuation of the player after the champions’ saw an offer knocked back earlier this summer.

A Public Investment Fund delegation and co-owner Jamie Reuben met with the player at his home on Monday, but no progress has been made over a path back to playing for Eddie Howe’s side.

Those talks have not softened Isak’s stance, either. He still wants to join Liverpool.

(PA Wire)

Chelsea negotiations for Xavi Simons are off

14:26 , Miguel Delaney

The Independent has been told that Chelsea’s move for Leipzig’s Xavi Simons is off.

A deal for the Netherlands international was always dependent on outgoings, and Chelsea have turned to other targets.

Fermin Lopez of Barcelona is an option, while Chelsea continue to work on a deal for Alejandro Garnacho.

Tottenham are interested in Simons and are aware that Chelsea are no longer pursuing the attacking midfielder.

ALEMANIA BUNDESLIGA (AP)

Bayer Leverkusen chief offers Piero Hincapie update

14:24 , Jamie Braidwood

Bayer Leverkusen are yet to receive an opening bid from Arsenal for their centre-back Piero Hincapie, with the German club’s sporting director Simon Rolfes confirming they want to keep the defender this summer.

Rolfes told RTL: “We still haven’t received an official offer from any club, so he’s our player. That’s the status quo. He knows that we value him highly and would like to see him continue with us.”

Hincapie reportedly has a release clause of £52m and Arsenal are exploring whether a move for the left-sided defender would be possible. It may depend on whether Jakub Kiwior joins Porto on loan.

Piero Hincapie (Getty Images)

Why Tottenham are hesitant to target Morgan Rogers

14:15 , Miguel Delaney

Tottenham would love to sign Morgan Rogers but some figures in the hierarchy are wary of getting into another pursuit that would end up as high-profile and without success, having previously missed out on Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White.

Villa are so far resistant to even countenancing the idea of a sale, and some sources maintain that Tottenham would not go high enough in terms of an offer to make the club reconsider.

There has been a lingering question from sources in the market over Spurs having to "learn" to do big deals again.

(Getty Images)

Why a Tottenham move for Kobbie Mainoo is unlikely

14:00 , Miguel Delaney

Tottenham are trying to sign two attacking midfielders from a shortlist of five names as they seek to bolster their options in the final days of a frantic transfer window.

Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers remains the ideal signing, but the difficulty in doing that deal means the Spurs hierarchy are also looking at West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta, Leipzig's Xavi Simons, Atalanta's Ademola Lookman and Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche.

Elsewhere, Man United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo might have also been considered but, if he is to leave, there is a preference for him to move on loan abroad.

The window has so far proven hugely frustrating for the club in terms of attack, as moves for Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White and now Savinho and Nico Paz have failed or faltered.

(Manchester United via Getty Images)

The Newcastle compromise needed to salvage desperate Alexander Isak situation

13:46 , Richard Jolly

About a quarter of an hour after the breathless conclusion to a crazy game, Yasir al-Rumayyan made his way into and up the Milburn Stand. The name is proof Newcastle United celebrate their goalscorers, just as the statue of Alan Shearer is.

But this summer has been dominated by a forward who, if he gets his way, won’t end up with a double century of Newcastle goals. The landscape of St James’ Park now includes the pitchside hoardings advertising the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Al-Rumayyan is its governor as well as Newcastle’s chairman. His various duties mean he is an infrequent sight at their games. He picked an August meeting with Liverpool to attend. “I don’t know why he is here,” said Eddie Howe, before quickly pivoting to say his presence was appreciated.

It was nevertheless an illustration that Howe has been sidelined in a saga. He will not determine Alexander Isak’s future. He was unaware whether directors Jamie Reuben and Jacobo Solis had met the sulking striker on Monday. He was concentrating on those players still actually at his disposal. “Naturally, I want players that are committed to Newcastle,” he said, having received a sweat-soaked illustration that the rest are.

The Newcastle compromise needed to salvage desperate Alexander Isak situation

Yeremy Pino travelling to London for Palace medical

13:30 , Will Castle

Yeremy Pino is flying to London ahead of his proposed switch to Crystal Palace, according to The Athletic.

The Villarreal winger will undergo his medical on Thursday before signing a five-year contract.

The clubs have agreed a fee of £25.8m for the 22-year-old Spain international.

(AP)

Chelsea's Aaron Anselmino makes loan move to Borussia Dortmund

13:17 , Will Castle

Chelsea defender Aaron Anselmino has joined Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old joined the Blues from Boca Juniors last August, then headed back to the Argentinian club on loan, making 18 appearances.

He made his Chelsea debut as a late substitute against Benfica en route to their triumph at the Club World Cup.

Fulham set for overhaul on the wings?

13:02 , Will Castle

Fulham are advancing in talks for both Shakhtar Donetsk winger Kevin and Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Negotiations are underway to get both right and left wingers before the window closes.

A £21.5m package has been discussed with Milan for Nigerian winger Chukwueze, while a fee of over £34.5m has been discussed with Shakhtar for Brazil starlet Kevin.

How Rio Ngumoha bucks one of the Premier League’s worst transfer trends

12:47 , Will Castle

Liverpool are already reaping the rewards from putting their chips on 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha. “What a moment, enjoy it,” Reds manager Arne Slot told the debutant, basking in his 100th-minute winner at Newcastle. He’ll hope there are many more moments to come.

It would have been quite the statement to say that, amid a £269m outlay to bring in players with the quality of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool’s most exhilarating prospect coming out of pre-season was a burgeoning teenage winger. But like the hype surrounding the former Chelsea product, expectations were already rising. A player already drawing comparisons to Neymar off the back of his academy exploits, his delightful solo goal inside two minutes of his Anfield bow against Athletic Bilbao only added fuel to the fire.

Such was the ability on show that Liverpool chose to take a risk and buck a Premier League trend of recent years. Instead of spending big on more “proven” players to fill the void left by Luis Diaz, Liverpool chose not to escalate their interest in the likes of Lyon’s highly rated Malick Fofana and Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola in favour of backing the talent already at their disposal. A pathway has been provided into the first team for Ngumoha.

How Rio Ngumoha bucks one of the Premier League’s worst trends

Manchester United stance over Kobbie Mainoo future revealed

12:31 , Miguel Delaney

Manchester United could open the door to Kobbie Mainoo’s exit before Monday’s transfer deadline but strongly prefer a temporary move to a club abroad, reports Independent chief football writer Miguel Delaney.

Mainoo has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim, with Bruno Fernandes dropping into a deeper role and the manager still preferring just two in central midfield and a back three, despite another dispiriting draw at Fulham last Sunday.

The England international, who would entertain a move away, has not featured for United yet this season, but a move away to regain momentum in his career during a World Cup season could develop in the coming days. Read more below:

Man United stance over Kobbie Mainoo future revealed

Could Chelsea target Xavi Simons instead head to Tottenham?

12:16 , Miguel Delaney

Leipzig’s Xavi Simons had been viewed as a certainty for Chelsea, but they have been intent on moving players out first, and are also pursuing Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho.

That may now leave an opening for Spurs, although they have yet to push on that potential deal as proactively as others. Atalanta's Ademola Lookman and Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche have also been discussed.

(Getty Images)

Could Tottenham go for West Ham's Lucas Paqueta?

12:01 , Miguel Delaney

Tottenham would be interested in signing West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta if Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is unavailable.

A move for Paqueta presents difficulties, however, since West Ham's troubled start to the season means it is a bad time to push to sign one of their key players.

Manager Graham Potter is instead far more concerned with bringing recruits in, as his side face up to the reality of a relegation battle.

(Getty Images)

Chelsea target Fermin Lopez and Alejandro Garnacho

11:46 , Jamie Braidwood

News of Chelsea’s interest in Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez emerged yesterday while their pursuit of Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has run all summer.

But any further signings Chelsea make depend on outgoings, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku both heading towards the exit door and subject to interest other clubs.

Chelsea have not made a bid for Lopez at this stage.

Alexander Isak included in latest Sweden squad

11:33 , Jamie Braidwood

Newcastle's wantaway striker Alexander Isak has been called up to play for Sweden next month.

Isak, who has made clear his desire to leave the north-east club despite having three years remaining on his contract, is part of a 24-man group named by Sweden coach Jon Dahl Tomasson on Wednesday for World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo on September 5 and 8.

Isak has been training alone ever since missing Newcastle's pre-season tour to Singapore and South Korea.

(AP)

Man Utd remain in talks over goalkeeper Senne Lammens

11:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Senne Lammens was not involved in Royal Antwerp’s squad at the weekend as Manchester United remain in talks over signing the 23-year-old goalkeeper.

But, according to the Telegraph, personal terms are yet to be agreed despite United feeling confident over a proposed £17m move.

Lammens has been on United’s radar for a while but is not viewed as a No 1 goalkeeper, with Andre Onana yet to start a game this season.

Morgan Rogers decision forces Tottenham to explore options in transfer scramble

11:18 , Miguel Delaney

Tottenham are trying to sign two attackers from a shortlist of five names as they seek to bolster their options in the final days of a frantic transfer window.

Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers remains the ideal signing, but the difficulty in doing that deal means the Spurs hierarchy are also looking at West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta, Leipzig's Xavi Simons, Atalanta's Ademola Lookman and Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche.

More here:

Morgan Rogers decision forces Tottenham to explore options in transfer scramble

Latest on Newcastle's search for a striker

11:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Jorgen Stand Larsen is “keen” to join Newcastle, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, but will not push for a move away from Wolves before the deadline.

Wolves rejected a bid of £55m from Newcastle for the striker, the second approach Newcastle have made for the Norwegian international.

Newcastle are desperate to sign a striker, while Larsen is not viewed as a replacement for Alexander Isak.

Kobbie Mainoo set to attract plenty of interest

10:46 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester United are “expecting” offers for Kobbie Mainoo, according to Sky Sports, with the 20-year-old midfielder looking likely to leave the club before the deadline.

Mainoo has been an unused substitute in United’s first two games of the season and has reportedly fallen out of favour with head coach Ruben Amorim.

United are said to be open to allowing Mainoo to leave if the club receives the right offer - with Mainoo also open to a move after failing to agree a new contract with his boyhood club.

(Manchester United via Getty Imag)

Arsenal latest on Piero Hincapie transfer

10:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Arsenal remain interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

The Ecuador centre-back, who can play on the left side of defence, has a release clause worth £52m and wants to join the Gunners. Personal terms have reportedly been agreed.

A deal is dependent on outgoings but Arsenal remain in talks with Porto over a deal for Jakub Kiwior, who will be allowed to leave.

(REUTERS)

Chelsea outgoings continue as Anselmino heads on loan

10:13 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea have announced that Argentine centre-back Aaron Anselmino has joined Borussia Dortmund on loan for the season.

It comes after midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka joined the German club yesterday in a permanent deal worth £24m.

Latest in the Alexander Isak transfer saga

09:44 , Jamie Braidwood
  • Alexander Isak still wants to leave Newcastle despite talks with club owners
  • Newcastle are yet to receive a second bid from Liverpool for the striker after opening £110m offer
  • Newcastle pushing to sign Wolves striker Strand Larsen - but as Callum Wilson replacement
  • Eddie Howe wants ‘clarity’ over situation with under a week to go before deadline
(AP)

Kobbie Mainoo facing up to Man Utd exit

09:24 , Jamie Braidwood

Kobbie Mainoo would consider a move away from Manchester United in the final week of the window if the club receive a suitable offer, according to talkSPORT.

Mainoo is yet to feature for United this season and Ruben Amorim said that he is directly competing with Bruno Fernandes for a place in the side.

Several Premier League clubs are rumoured to be interested in the England international, including Spurs, Chelsea and Brighton.

Man Utd hopeful over Antony deal with Real Betis

09:05 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester United have received their first offer for Antony, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Real Betis, where the Brazilian flourished on loan last term, have submitted a loan offer.

Independent journalist Peter Hall adds that United will reject a straight loan offer and instead insist on an option or obligation to buy.

(REUTERS)

Wolves reject improved bid for Newcastle target Jorgen Strand Larsen

08:46 , Jamie Braidwood

Wolves have turned down an improved bid from Newcastle for their striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Newcastle’s £55m bid, an increase on their opening £50m offer for the Norway international, has been similarly dismissed.

Wolves do not want to sell and are open to offer Strand Larsen a new contract if he stays. He scored twice in their 3-2 win over West Ham on Tuesday night.

(PA Wire)

Manuel Akanji emerges as option for Crystal Palace to replace Marc Guehi

08:43 , Richard Jolly

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji.

The Switzerland international was left out of City’s matchday squad ahead of Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham and will be allowed to depart the Etihad before the transfer deadline. Turkish club Galatasaray have also expressed an interest in the 30-year-old.

Crystal Palace have yet to submit a bid but are aware that captain Marc Guehi could yet depart Selhurst Park, with the England international heavily linked with Liverpool.

Manuel Akanji emerges as option for Crystal Palace to replace Marc Guehi

Celtic crash out of Champions League qualifying as transfer gamble backfires

08:21 , Jamie Braidwood

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers struggled to mask his frustration over the club's Champions League play-off preparations after a shoot-out defeat against Kairat Almaty consigned them to the Europa League.

A failure to invest in attacking options came back to haunt Celtic during a goalless 210 minutes against the team from Kazakhstan and Rodgers hinted the club had manufactured their own stress.

Celtic crash out of Champions League qualifying as transfer gamble backfires

Jarrod Bowen clashes with fan after West Ham knocked out of Carabao Cup by Wolves

08:16 , Jamie Braidwood

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen was involved in a heated clash with a frustrated fan after his side were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Wolves on Tuesday evening.

The Hammers lost 3-2 in the second round clash at Molineux having led 2-1 with eight minutes to go, as Jorgen Strand Larsen stepped off the bench to fire in twice in a late three-minute spell.

It compounded West Ham to their third defeat of the campaign in all competitions, following a 5-1 home defeat by Chelsea and a 3-0 loss at Sunderland on the opening day.

Jarrod Bowen clashes with fan after West Ham knocked out of Carabao Cup

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe issues update on Alexander Isak saga

07:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has called for clarity over Alexander Isak’s future.

Newcastle’s hierarchy met with Isak on Monday and while head coach Howe insisted he was not party to what was said during those discussions, he admitted a decision over the Sweden international – the subject of a rejected £110m bid from the Reds – was needed sooner rather than later.

Howe said: “I’ve not been party to talks on this for a long time now. I’ve been preparing the team and giving all my energy to the players that want to play for Newcastle. I think that is where my energy is best put at the moment.

“We want clarity, we want to move forward, we want the narrative to change because we’re in the start of the season now.”

Chelsea consider move for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez

07:18 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea are considering the possibility of signing Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein there hasn’t been contact between the clubs yet but the Blues have touched based with Lopez’s camp.

Chelsea are exploring attacking options amid expected exits for the remaining days of the window.

Fermin’s Barcelona contract runs through to 2029. He made 46 appearances in 2024/25 scoring eight goals and creating 10 assists.

(REUTERS)

Man Utd consider fresh move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba

07:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester United are considering a fresh move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba after the club’s 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday, according to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney.

The question is then how much he is really worth to United, and how much they’re willing to spend.

In order to complete his system, Ruben Amorim wants a physical, athletic runner who can carry the ball up the pitch, and a deep-lying playmaker. It has already been reported in this newsletter that he eventually wants that duo to be Baleba and Adam Wharton. The Brighton midfielder has come out well on top in the data for all of United’s requirements, but they don’t currently have anything close to either type of player.

Standing back, United now see Baleba as the potential £120m answer in the centre – although that was what £42.1m Manuel Ugarte was supposed to be, “that pin missing”.

(PA Archive)

Piero Hincapie gives green light to Arsenal move

07:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Piero Hincapie has agreed personal terms with Arsenal and wants to move to the Gunners before next week’s deadline, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Romano adds that Arsenal will approach Leverkusen with a loan offer with obligation to buy - and says that Porto are leading contenders to sign Jakub Kiwior.

That would create the space Arsenal need to sign Hincapie and add another left-sided defender to the squad.

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