The end of the transfer window is almost here with just a couple of days left for deals to be done - and the Alexander Isak saga still rumbling.
The wantaway Newcastle forward has spent much of the summer angling for a move to Liverpool to no avail, but could there be a late twist? Newcastle have secured one striker signing in Nick Woltemade and remain interested in Yoanne Wissa of Brentford, a double deal that may yet mean they are able to be persuaded to part with Isak if Liverpool come in with a fresh bid that now seems likely. The Reds have tabled a £35m bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi as their summer spending spree continues.
Elsewhere, a potentially pivotal summer at Arsenal may not be finished just yet - Piero Hincapie may bolster Mikel Arteta’s defensive resources before the window closes. Chelsea are also still hoping to be busy, with Facundo Buonanotte perhaps following fellow Argentine Alejandro Garnacho to the club. Xavi Simons has headed elsewhere, though, with his move to Tottenham sealed on Friday night, but Manchester United are likely to hold on to Kobbie Mainoo with the midfielder told to fight for his place.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below:
Transfer news live
- Deadline day looms on Monday 1 September
- Liverpool rumoured to bid again for Alexander Isak in potential British transfer record
- Nick Woltemade becomes Newcastle's record signing
- Arsenal are nearing deal for Piero Hincapie
- Chelsea sales continue with Jackson and Nkunku moves
- But Jackson loan deal reportedly cancelled after Delap injured
- Liverpool submit £35m bid for Palace's Guehi to shore up leaky defence
Manchester United agree Napoli loan deal for Rasmus Hojlund
04:00 , Flo CliffordNapoli and Manchester United have agreed a deal for Rasmus Hojlund to join the Serie A champions on loan with a conditional obligation to buy him next summer.
It is up to the Dane, who had said earlier this summer that he wanted to stay at Old Trafford, if he agrees to move to Napoli.
But United have accepted a package that includes a €6m loan fee and a €44m clause to complete a permanent move for the striker.
It could bring an end to Hojlund’s United career, just two years after he joined from Atalanta for £64m, which had the potential to go up to £72m including add-ons.
Forest sign Juventus defender Savona
04:00 , Flo CliffordNottingham Forest have completed the £11.25m signing of Juventus defender Nicolo Savona, with the 22-year-old joining on a five-year deal.
He had been with Juve since the age of eight, making his debut for the side in August 2024 and playing 40 times for the club, and was called up to the Italy squad last November.
RB Leipzig in for Harvey Elliott?
03:00 , Flo CliffordThe Times reports that after the blockbuster signing of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons by Spurs, the German club are in the hunt for a repalcement - and that could come in the form of Liverpool’s super-sub Harvey Elliott.
They have yet to submit a formal bid for the 22-year-old but are understood to have contacted Liverpool.
Kobbie Mainoo set to fight for Manchester United place as club reject loan request
02:00 , Flo CliffordManchester United want Kobbie Mainoo to stay and fight for his place after rejecting the homegrown midfielder’s request to leave on loan.
The 20-year-old academy graduate has made 73 first-team appearances and scored seven goals for the Red Devils, including in the 2024 FA Cup final win against rivals Manchester City.
Kobbie Mainoo set to fight for Manchester United place as club reject loan request
The staggering numbers behind MLS’ record-breaking transfer window
01:00 , Flo CliffordMajor League Soccer clubs paid around $336m on players this summer to smash its transfer spending record.
Son Heung-min’s move from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur to LAFC's was the league’s headline deal as the total outlay was nearly double the previous MLS record of $188m set in 2024, and represents a 75% year-on-year increase in spending.
MLS teams broke the league's individual transfer fee record three times in 2025, most recently by LAFC's reported $26.5m deal for South Korea captain Son, followed by Atlanta United's acquisition of Emmanuel Latte Lath for $22m and FC Cincinnati's move for Kevin Denkey at $16.3m.
Sancho could remain at Man Utd
00:00 , Flo CliffordJadon Sancho may not secure a move away from Old Trafford this summer.
A number of clubs are in talks with his representatives over a loan deal and he has ruled out a few options.
Roma have been pushing hard to sign him but Sancho wanted to explore other possibilities.
There is also interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia and their windows close on the September 11 and September 10 respectively.
The chain of deals that could be done if Liverpool agree Alexander Isak move
23:00 , Flo CliffordIf Liverpool do now come back in for Alexander Isak, it could set off a potential chain of striker moves around the Premier League and Europe. This will obviously hinge on Newcastle’s asking price being met, but with Yoane Wissa still seemingly a target for the Tyneside club, one would expect the wantaway Brentford forward to be eyeing a move should Isak goes.
That would leave Keith Andrews in need of a replacement, with Borussia Dortmund’s Max Beier heavily connected with a move to west London. Aston Villa are also said to be interested, though.
Alan Shearer’s problem with Alexander Isak and why it goes beyond Newcastle loyalties
22:00 , Flo CliffordWhen Alan Shearer left Blackburn Rovers in 1995 to secure a world-record transfer to his boyhood club, he did not have to go on strike. “I did sign a new contract the year before I left, but I knew the relationship I had with Blackburn that if I ever wanted to leave, then that was the scenario.”
He had the word of Rovers owner Jack Walker and hence when the opportunity to move to Newcastle – or Manchester United – arose, Shearer was allowed to make the jump.
Three decades on, such an amicable exit involving the Magpies and a record transfer fee has not occurred.
Alan Shearer’s problem with Alexander Isak and why it goes beyond Newcastle loyalties
Glasner wants more signings
21:00 , Flo CliffordCrystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is confident the club will bring in new players before Monday's deadline.
He said: "We wanted to bring the players in at the beginning of pre-season, to be in a good position of negotiating and to integrate the players.
"Now having to integrate four or five players delays being successful. This is the missed opportunities to bring in the players early enough.
"Usually when you are busy at the end, you missed something at the beginning. Everywhere is the same.
"I'm still confident we'll get the right players in."
Spurs working on two deals
20:30 , Flo CliffordTottenham are working on two deals as the transfer window deadline looms closer.
18-year-old defender Luka Vuskovic is expected to complete a loan move to Hamburg while Spurs are also in talks with Galatasaray over Yves Bissouma.
The 28-year-old is out of contract at Spurs next summer and is not in Thomas Frank's plans.
Discussions are being held with Galatasaray over a loan with an obligation to buy.
Chelsea submit bid for Fermin Lopez
20:00 , Flo CliffordChelsea are having a busy final weekend of the transfer window, having submitted a bid worth nearly £37m for Barcelona star Fermin Lopez, Sky Sports News reports.
Attacking reinforcements, bizarrely, are still needed at Stamford Bridge after Liam Delap’s injury meant Nicolas Jackson was recalled from a planned loan move.
Malacia heading out on loan?
19:30 , Flo CliffordTyrell Malacia could be on his way out of Manchester United.
The 25-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan with PSV Eindhoven, has been linked with moves to Lille, Besiktas and Porto in this window.
However, Dutch publication Voetbal International, says Elche are closing in on a loan move for Malacia instead.
Crystal Palace keen on Reiss Nelson
19:00 , Flo CliffordSky 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.
Alejandro Garnacho signs for Chelsea for £40m to escape Man United ‘bomb squad’
18:45 , Flo CliffordChelsea have signed Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho for £40m.
United also have a 10 per cent sell-on clause for the Argentina winger, who was part of Ruben Amorim’s “bomb squad” of players who were not training with the first-team squad and were omitted from their pre-season tour of the United States.
Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho dates back to the January transfer window, when he was also wanted by Napoli.
Alejandro Garnacho finally set for Man United exit as Chelsea agree £40m fee
Enciso back at Brighton
18:30 , Flo CliffordBrighton manager Fabian Hurzeler says Julio Enciso has returned to the club to continue his rehabilitation.
Enciso was expected to join French club Strasbourg for around £20m, with a deal close to being finalised last week.
Asked to clear up Enciso's situation, Hurzeler said: "It is not a big injury, so he is back in rehab training.
"It is very important that the players now are our plans for the future.
"We have an open conversation with Julio and then we will see what happens in the next days."
Cody Gakpo extends Liverpool contract
17:44 , Flo CliffordDutch forward Cody Gakpo has penned a new long-term contract with Liverpool, two and a half years after joining the club.
He told Liverpool’s official website: “It feels amazing to extend the contract here at this beautiful club. I’m very grateful and hopefully I can give back many more beautiful moments.
“I feel at home, my family feels at home and that’s also a big decision always. They feel good. I’m very happy at the club, a good group, good teammates, so the life around the football itself is very good and I enjoy every moment of it. I’m very grateful that I can extend.”
😍🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/7kVsuqiNIb
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 30, 2025
Liverpool make £35m bid for Marc Guehi
17:39 , Flo CliffordLiverpool have made a £35m bid for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
The Premier League champions entered into talks for the England centre-back weeks ago and have now had a formal offer in their attempts to bring him to Anfield.
Guehi is in the last year of his contract with the FA Cup winners and Palace risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.
However, Palace manager Oliver Glasner said this week that Guehi “has to” stay and that it is “almost impossible” to find a replacement of the same calibre.
West Ham reject Onana
17:22 , Flo CliffordThe Daily Mail reports that West Ham, whose keeper Mads Hermansen has endured something of a torrid time so far this season, turned down another shot-stopper in Andre Onana.
The United keeper has found his place in the starting XI at risk recently and was dropped for today’s win over Burnley, and West Ham are believed to have not considered him an improvement over what they currently have.
Chelsea pull out of Jackson loan move
16:46 , Flo CliffordNews just in: Sky Sports reports that Chelsea are pulling out of Nicolas Jackson’s loan move to Bayern Munich as a result of Liam Delap’s hamstring injury sustained in their 2-0 win over Fulham this afternoon.
The move was only made certain this morning - a record loan deal of £13m - but the decision has been made to cancel it with Delap feared to be out for several weeks.
Wolves set to lose Jorgen Strand Larsen?
16:20 , Flo CliffordWolves’ star man Jorgen Strand Larsen was left out of their squad entirely as they host Everton this afternoon.
Wolves have already rejected two bids by Newcastle for the Norway international but it looks as though he may be on his way out.
Boss Vitor Pereira told Sky Sports: |He got a kick in the game against Bournemouth. He tried to play the last game [against West Ham in the League Cup] and scored two goals, but felt worse.
“Now is difficult for him. He tried to train, but it's not possible to play him today.”
Chelsea in hunt for another striker?
15:51 , Flo CliffordChelsea boss Enzo Maresca has suggested the Blues could be open to another attacking signing after Liam Delap was ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring injury.
The summer signing pulled up in the early stages of their 2-0 win over Fulham at Stamford Bridge earlier today.
“The injury doesn't look good. He was full speed, hamstring. It requires weeks,” Maresca said afterwards.
“In terms of another striker, we just finished the game. Now we will see if we take any decisions.”
It doesn’t help matters that Chelsea dispatched Nicolas Jackson on loan to Bayern Munich and Christopher Nkunku permanently to AC Milan only a few hours before.
RB Leipzig in for Harvey Elliott?
15:06 , Flo CliffordThe Times reports that after the blockbuster signing of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons by Spurs, the German club are in the hunt for a repalcement - and that could come in the form of Liverpool’s super-sub Harvey Elliott.
They have yet to submit a formal bid for the 22-year-old but are understood to have contacted Liverpool.
When could Eberechi Eze make his Arsenal debut?
14:40 , Flo CliffordArsenal fans won’t need to wait longer to see Eberechi Eze in action. His move from Crystal Palace was not finalised in time to meet the Premier League’s deadline for last weekend’s match against Leeds United but he has trained with the team and is in line to feature against Liverpool on Sunday 31 August.
Eze has completed a £67.5m high-profile move from Palace to Arsenal and supporters had to wait before getting to see him in action. With the midfielder’s official registration with the Premier League having gone through and Bukayo Saka out of this weekend’s match through injury the scope is there for Eze to play a starring role at Anfield.
Arsenal acted quickly to secure Eze after news of Kai Havertz’s knee injury, although The Independent reported that the England international was a top target for Mikel Arteta’s side all summer.
Crystal Palace target Manuel Akanji
14:18 , Flo CliffordAC Milan have rivals for the hand of Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, with Sky Sports reporting that Crystal Palace are in the running to sign the 30-year-old.
We noted earlier that AC Milan admitted the deal may be a no-go, with Akanji reportedly keen to stay in England - could Crystal Palace be the right fit?
Forest sign Juventus defender Savona
13:38 , Flo CliffordNottingham Forest have completed the £11.25m signing of Juventus defender Nicolo Savona, with the 22-year-old joining on a five-year deal.
He had been with Juve since the age of eight, making his debut for the side in August 2024 and playing 40 times for the club, and was called up to the Italy squad last November.
Woltemade 'fits the profile' of Newcastle target - Howe
13:14 , Flo CliffordNewcastle boss Eddie Howe has given new club-record signing Nick Woltemade the stamp of approval, saying the 6’6” German “fits the profile” of the striker the club had in mind.
He said: “We’re delighted to get Nick’s signing over the line so quickly. He fits the profile for exactly what we have been looking to add to our attacking options.
“He’s strong in a lot of areas - he has great technical ability and has proven himself to be a real threat in one of Europe’s top leagues - but he’s also still at an age where he has plenty of room to develop and grow here.
“Nick is a great character too and we’re really pleased to welcome him to the group.”
Arsenal agree personal terms with Hincapie
12:40 , Flo CliffordArsenal and Bayer Leverkusen remain in talks over Piero Hincapie.
Fabrizio Romano claims the Gunners’ preference is a loan with obligation to buy at the end of the season.
He also says that personal terms between the player and Arsenal have been agreed and all that remains is to finalise the structure of a deal.
Rangers complete Miovski signing from Girona
12:21 , Flo CliffordRangers have completed the signing of Bojan Miovski from Girona, with the 26-year-old arriving on a four-year contract.
A former Aberdeen striker, Miovski brings with him knowledge of the SPL, and beleaguered manager Russell Martin will hope he can provide a much-needed boost to the squad.
Miovski told the club’s website: “This is a massive club with an incredible history and I am honoured to have the opportunity to be part of it.
“The moment I heard of the interest, I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
Man Utd remain in talks over goalkeeper Senne Lammens
11:50 , Flo CliffordSenne 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.
Vincent Kompany laments Premier League’s wealth as Newcastle pip Bayern to Nick Woltemade
11:30 , Flo CliffordBayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has attributed the Premier League’s superior financial might as key to the Bundesliga’s recent exodus of top stars, with Nick Woltemade on the verge of a move to Newcastle.
When asked what has triggered this flurry of departures from the Bundesliga, former Burnley boss Kompany answered: “Money?
"The truth is I remember going with Burnley to the Premier League. All of a sudden you have TV money coming in and it's £100m for promoted teams.
“So you go from a budget of £20-25m to £120m or £130m which in the Bundesliga you would compete with the top six, top eight.”
Kompany laments Premier League wealth as Bayern miss out on Woltemade
Newcastle complete club record signing of Nick Woltemade
11:15 , Flo CliffordNewcastle have finally put pen to paper on a deal for Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, and it’s huge: a club record signing for £69m, the club has confirmed - £6m more than they paid for Alexander Isak three years ago.
The 23-year-old Germany international becomes the Magpies’ fifth addition of the window and will wear the number 27.
His move could clear the way for Isak to leave the club after a summer of agitation Tyneside.
Brentford see bid for Maximilian Beier rebuffed
10:59 , Flo CliffordBorussia Dortmund have turned down a club-record bid from Brentford for Maximilian Beier, according to The Athletic.
The official proposal for the 22-year-old striker is worth in the region of £45m and Brentford are not expected to send an improved offer.
Nkunku departs Chelsea for AC Milan
10:45 , Flo CliffordChelsea have been busy this morning... news from AC Milan, who are “delighted” to announce the permanent signing of Christopher Nkunku.
The French forward has signed a contract until 2030 and will wear the number 18 shirt.
Sky Sports reports the deal could be worth more than £36m.
He joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig two years ago for £52m.
Nick Woltemade arrives on Tyneside as Newcastle consider Alexander Isak exit
10:35 , Flo CliffordNewcastle boss Eddie Howe has insisted the club will not make any more “poor” decisions as Nick Woltemade’s impending arrival potentially opens the door to Alexander Isak’s departure.
The 23-year-old Germany international was on Tyneside on Friday with a view to completing a club record £65million switch from VfB Stuttgart as sources in Merseyside indicated Liverpool were ready to make an improved offer for Isak after their initial £110m bid was rejected out of hand.
Head coach Howe hinted for the first time that he might reluctantly be open to allowing the Sweden international to go despite his preference to retain his services, because of both the impact a sale would have on Newcastle’s profitability and sustainability calculations and the player’s conduct in recent weeks.
Nick Woltemade arrives on Tyneside as Newcastle consider Alexander Isak exit
AC Milan make proposal for Manuel Akanji
10:25 , Flo CliffordSky Sports reports that AC Milan are willing to pay nearly £13m (€15m) for Manuel Akanji, with an agreement on the cards - although it also reports that Milan sporting director Igli Tare believes the player himself isn’t fully sold on a move.
Another Premier League club pushing for Gianluigi Donnarumma?
10:15 , Flo CliffordExiled PSG stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been linked with Manchester City this summer, but according to Sky Sports, at least one other Premier League club is in talks about signing him in the next 72 hours.
Donnarumma’s representatives are working hard to make sure he has a new club before the window closes.
Manchester United agree Napoli loan deal for Rasmus Hojlund
10:05 , Flo CliffordNapoli and Manchester United have agreed a deal for Rasmus Hojlund to join the Serie A champions on loan with a conditional obligation to buy him next summer.
It is up to the Dane, who had said earlier this summer that he wanted to stay at Old Trafford, if he agrees to move to Napoli.
But United have accepted a package that includes a €6m loan fee and a €44m clause to complete a permanent move for the striker.
It could bring an end to Hojlund’s United career, just two years after he joined from Atalanta for £64m, which had the potential to go up to £72m including add-ons.
Liverpool expected to make £130m offer for Alexander Isak
09:55 , Flo CliffordThe Telegraph reports that Liverpool are in line to make a British record offer for wantaway Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who is running out of time to secure the move to Anfield he so desires.
The offer is believed to be for £130m, with add-ons and bonuses taking it into British transfer record territory.
Tottenham sign Netherlands international Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig
09:48 , Flo CliffordTottenham have pulled off the major signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig in a welcome boost for new boss Thomas Frank.
Spurs have tracked a high-quality attacking addition all summer and after recent failed pursuits of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, the capture of 22-year-old Simons represents a significant coup for the north London club.
Versatile attacker Simons has joined Tottenham in a deal worth an initial £51.8m with further add-ons included.
Tottenham called and he answered 📞 pic.twitter.com/2OVw8ALgWx
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 29, 2025
Alejandro Garnacho arrives at Chelsea ahead of £40m move
09:37 , Flo CliffordAlejandro Garnacho was at Chelsea's training ground on Friday in advance of his £40million move from Manchester United, head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed.
A deal was agreed on Thursday between the parties after the 21-year-old was made surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
"I know he is around here," said Maresca. "I don't know exactly where."
Real Betis move for Antony stalls
09:30 , Flo CliffordThere’s confusion over the immediate future of Man United forward Antony, who looked to have secured a permanent move to Real Betis - where he has impressed on loan - after the Red Devils said they had accepted an offer.
But the news in this morning is that the Spanish club say they have withdrawn it, announcing in a statement: “Betis has retired its offer. Betis cannot afford a transfer fee, nor the amounts the player is supposed to receive.”
BBC Sport reports that: ‘There are unverified suggestions one of the stumbling blocks relates to a payment to Antony around his outstanding wages on a United contract that runs to 2027.’
Whether there will be a breakthrough remains to be seen, with Antony reportedly keen for the move and United keen to offload the nearly-£82m winger.
Nicolas Jackson set for Bayern loan move
09:22 , Flo CliffordBig news first up: Chelsea’s somewhat erratic striker Nicolas Jackson is set for a record loan deal to Bayern Munich.
The 24-year-old was pushed down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge by the signings of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap this summer, and is heading to Germany for an initial upfront loan fee of £13m, with an additional £56.2m purchase option and a sell-on clause.
That is an option to buy rather than an obligation.
Deadline day nears
09:18 , Flo CliffordGood morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the summer transfer window.
It’s the final weekend, so it really is last chance saloon for a host of clubs and players to get the moves they want. Let’s get into it...
