Manchester United are ready to splash more than £60m on Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, ending a pursuit that begun last summer and bringing in further reinforcements to their midfield.
Liverpool have agreed a deal with Inter Milan to sell Curtis Jones who is set to become the third Englishman at the San Siro, after John Stones and Djed Spence’s arrivals for the Serie A favourites. That could release funds for Liverpool buy Bradley Barcola or perhaps even Yankuba Minteh after they saw a £50m bid for the Brighton winger rejected.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have agreed to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for around £51m. Mikel Arteta was eager to bolster his defence after the serious injury to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber’s return to fitness and a right-sided defender was highlighted as a priority for the Gunners as they bid to defend their Premier League title.
Finally, Tottenham are interested in Omar Marmoush as well as Savinho as they could make two signings from Manchester City. It could take their spending up towards £400m this summer, with £150m for the City pair floated.
Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals below
Read MoreTottenham plan double Man City raid in expensive attacking revamp
Manchester United table bid for Carlos Baleba as midfield rebuild continues
Liverpool and Inter Milan in talks over Curtis Jones deal
Arsenal close in on Ezri Konsa deal with Aston Villa to boost title defence
Transfer news - live updates
- Arsenal explore move for Yildiz after missing out on Vinicius Jr
- Tottenham want both Savinho and Marmoush in double Man City raid
- Manchester United closing in on cut-price deal for Carlos Baleba
- Arsenal agree £51m Ezri Konsa deal with Aston Villa to boost title defence
- Liverpool and Inter Milan in talks over Curtis Jones deal
- Liverpool move away from Mbaye but still want Barcola
- Reds also see bid for Brighton's Minteh rejected
Southampton reject Villa bid for defender
20:00 , Mike JonesAston Villa are now in need of defensive reinforcements and have turned to Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Villa are understood to have offered £18m for the defender who has two years left on his contract with Saints.
Southampton believe Villa’s offer is too low to their own valuation of Harwood-Bellis and rejected it.
Villa’s bid was higher than a £17m offer made from Benfica last week.
Manchester City target Brazilian winger as Savinho replacement
19:38 , Mike JonesManchester City are interested in Brazilian winger Allan as they look for a replacement for Savinho.
The Palmeiras player has a €100m release clause in his contract, though City could look to secure him for a lower fee.
Manchester City target Brazilian winger as Savinho replacement
Carrick delighted by Rashford's return
19:10 , Mike JonesMichael Carrick says he is delighted by how fit and sharp Marcus Rashford looks on his return to Manchester United.
Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona but returned to Old Trafford and should play a part in United’s campaigns this year.
"Marcus has come back fantastically well,” Carrick said.
“He’s enjoying his football, he looks fit, sharp and strong and ready to play. I’ve been delighted with him since he came back.
"He can play through the middle and has done. I wouldn’t say it’s his number one position, but he can do that, and we’ve got forwards that can give us flexibility right across that front line.
"We’ve used all of them in slightly different roles so I think for us to have that option is really good through the season."
Villa and Newcastle to miss out on Palhinha
18:46 , Mike JonesAston Villa and Newcastle were both interested in Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha.
But, they both look set to miss out as Bayern have made an agreement with Benfica over the sale of the midfielder.
The deal is said to be worth £17m.
Villa wanted Palhinha on a loan move while talks with Newcastle never quite progressed from opening enquiries.
Palhinha and his family also favoured a return to Lisbon which they will get by joining Benfica.
Tomori to Villa?
18:26 , Mike JonesEzri Konsa looks to be on the way to Arsenal after a £51m deal was agreed between them and Aston Villa.
That means Villa are in the market for another defender with Fikayo Tomori, of AC Milan, on their list of targets.
Charlton bring in Okonkwo
18:06 , Mike JonesCharlton Athletic have announced the signing of Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
Okonkwo will join the club on a season-long loan deal having been left out of the squad during Wrexham’s Championship clash with Cardiff on Monday.
He has one year left on his deal with Wrexham.
We're delighted to announce the signing of Nigeria international Arthur Okonkwo on a season-long loan from Wrexham 🤝#cafc
— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) August 20, 2026
Alonso wants Fernandez to stay
17:46 , Mike JonesXabi Alonso has refused to confirm whether Enzo Fernandez has told him he wants to stay at Chelsea this season.
Fernandez has been the subject of interest from Manchester City and there is an expectation that he will leave Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea imposed a deadline of Friday last week for bids around their £120m valuation though City did not budge.
Alonso is preparing for the new season with Fernandez in mind but things could still change as deadline day approaches.
Sage on Esse rumours
17:25 , Mike JonesCrystal Palace manager Pierre Sage believes that Romain Esse will leave the club before the end of the window.
Club Brugge were interested in the winger but that door has closed and Sage has had his say on what could happen next.
"To be honest, I think he [Romain Esse] will leave because we will have not too much time to give to him and it's the best thing for him to find another solution,” he said.
"Sometimes, it's just about honesty. If the player - for the moment - needs minutes to become the player he will be, it's better for him and for us.
"That's why he is not with the team for the moment."
Barcelona halt pursuit of Alvarez?
17:05 , Mike JonesCould this open the door for Arsenal?
Barcelona have reportedly halted their pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez who is also a target for the Premier League champions.
Barca had previously put in a bid of €100m (£85m) which was rejected by their LaLiga rivals.
Arsenal do have funds available but Atletico are reluctanct to sell Alvaraz and the amount needed to placate them may be too much for the Gunners to stomach.
One to keep an eye on as the window heads towards deadline day.
Crystal Palace boss gives update on Adam Wharton’s future amid Man City links
16:45 , Harry Latham-CoylePierre Sage is confident Crystal Palace can retain Adam Wharton but played down rumours of a Wilfried Zaha return in his first press conference in charge of the Conference League champions.
The former Lens manager, who in June was appointed to succeed Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park, also provided his assessment of Palace’s transfer window wishlist, including prioritising a replacement for Maxence Lacroix, who has departed for Chelsea.
Manchester City are the latest club rumoured to be seeking Wharton’s signature, and while Sage does not doubt the midfielder’s potential to attract a considerable fee, he believes the 22-year-old has not hit his ceiling in south London.
Crystal Palace boss gives update on Adam Wharton’s future amid Man City links
Liverpool make offer to sign Minteh
16:45 , Mike JonesLiverpool have made an offer for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh as they look to bolster their attacking options.
The report comes from The Athletic’s David Ornstein who says that a bid of £50m was made by the Reds and subsequently turned down by Brighton.
Minteh is one of Liverpool’s options to boost attacking prowess in the wide areas following the departure of Mo Salah.
The 22-year-old is currently injured but would be a savvy signing should Liverpool get their interest over the line before the window closes.
Man Utd target Barcelona star to upgrade at left-back
16:30 , Jack RathbornManchester United look poised to add Carlos Baleba to their squad.
And their focus could soon turn to a new left-back.
Alejandro Balde’s camp have been approached, with the Barcelona star content at the Nou Camp, yet United could offer a starring role under Michael Carrick, reports Fabrizio Romano.
Crystal Palace linked to French midfielder after Wharton speculation
16:15 , Jack RathbornCrystal Palace have made a move for Kevin Danois of Auxerre, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The Eagles could pay more than £25m for the 22-year-old midfielder.
A France Under-21 international, Pierre Sage could acquire the player boost his central midfield options, despite links between Man City and Adam Wharton.
Man City move for Savinho replacement
16:00 , Jack RathbornAllan Elias is on the radar of Man City, reports The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The Palmeiras winger would come in as a replacement for the Tottenham-bound Savinho.
The Brazilian giants are hopeful of retaining the player, though City could pay the €100m release clause.
The same club sold Estevao Willian to Chelsea in a move worth up to €57m in 2024.
West Ham to sign Man City super talent on loan?
15:45 , Jack RathbornWest Ham have struck a deal for highly-rated talent Divine Mukasa from Man City, reports Fabrizio Romano.
It will be a loan deal for the former Hammers academy product.
The Championship club will not have an option to buy, with a medical to follow in the coming hours.
The attacking midfielder spent time with Leicester on loan last term, scoring twice in 15 appearances.
Why Liverpool should lament the loss of another local as Curtis Jones joins Inter
15:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere won’t be a real homegrown presence at Liverpool this season with Jones following in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps in leaving for a move abroad, Richard Jolly writes – and there’s a sense things could have turned out differently.
Why Liverpool should lament the loss of another local as Curtis Jones joins Inter
Why Carlos Baleba could be the missing piece in Manchester United’s new midfield
15:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleAs reported earlier, Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton. Lawrence Ostlere explains how the midfielder will fit in with Michael Carrick’s side – and why he could be just what they need...
Why Carlos Baleba could be the missing piece in Manchester United’s new midfield
Tottenham closing in on double deal for Manchester City pair
14:50 , Miguel DelaneyTottenham’s pursuit of Savinho and Omar Marmoush is nearing an end. Spurs are close to sealing a deal worth £153m, including add-ons, for the Manchester City pair.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta responds to Myles Lewis-Skelly transfer talk
14:30 , Flo CliffordMikel Arteta says he is “100 per cent” certain Arsenal’s homegrown player Myles Lewis-Skelly will be staying at the club this summer.
Lewis-Skelly has been rumoured to be of interest to rival clubs, including Manchester United, having played a key role for the Gunners in central midfield at the back end of last season’s title-winning campaign.
Asked how sure he was that the 19-year-old would remain an Arsenal player beyond the transfer deadline, the manager said: “100 per cent.”
Winger Ethan Nwaneri has also been linked with a move away, but Arteta stressed the club need to nurture their academy products. “They bring something else,” he said. “We need to look after them in a special way and protect them.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta responds to Myles Lewis-Skelly transfer talk
Copa Independent
14:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Premier League is back – and so is Copa Independent! Our flagship football podcast has a new look for the new season as Lawrence Ostlere,Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly gather to preview the campaign ahead. Can anyone stop Arsenal? Who will go down? And what trends should you be looking out for? Available wherever you get your podcasts, or here.
Manchester clubs vie for Roma star
13:50 , Flo CliffordBoth Manchester City and Manchester United have their eye on France midfielder Manu Kone, with Enzo Maresca’s side now throwing their hat into the ring, according to the Mail.
The Roma star was linked to United earlier in the summer, with the Serie A side reportedly placing a price tag of around £51m on him.
A move for the 25-year-old would help supplement City’s evolving midfield, especially after the departure of Rodri.
Amorim to raid Man City for Dias?
13:36 , Jack RathbornAC Milan have highlighted Ruben Dias as a possible signing, with the Man City defender’s contract expiring in 2029.
The 29-year-old could remain part of Enzo Maresca’s plans this term, though a new deal is likely to be required to secure his long-term future.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that agent Jorge Mendes could facilitate a move and become the latest Portuguese investment under Ruben Amorim.
After big signings in Diego Moreira and Goncalo Ramos, Dias could become another significant purchase as Milan look to rebuild under Amorim.
Chelsea to lock down Joao Pedro
13:20 , Flo CliffordSky Sports reports Joao Pedro is on the verge of signing a new six-year contract with Chelsea, which would extend his stint at Stamford Bridge until at least 2032, with the option to extend for another year.
That news comes after Pedro pinched the No 9 shirt off Liam Delap, who we reported earlier could be about to return to Ipswich after an underwhelming spell with the Blues.
Barcelona list three strikers as alternatives to Alvarez
13:05 , Jack RathbornBarcelona are monitoring Lautaro Martinez, reports Marca.
The Argentina striker has shone for Inter Milan in recent seasons and could now prove to be an alternative to his compatriot after Barcelona failed to make progress in negotiations with Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez.
Deco is reportedly checking on the price of Martinez, while Villarreal forwards Georges Mikautadze, available for his buy-out clause at €78m, or Ayoze Perez are seen as alternatives.
Premier League 2026/27 kits: Every home and away shirt ranked and rated
12:55 , Jack RathbornThe start of the new Premier League season brings with it fresh threads across the top flight, and as ever there is an assortment of offerings.
Some are magnificent pieces of design, sartorial artworks which will be admired for years to come. Others are deeply misguided creations which should not have seen the light of day.
Here, we run the rule over this season’s home and away editions. From worst to best, here are the Premier League 2026/27 kits, ranked and rated:
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Premier League 2026/27 kits: Every home and away shirt ranked and rated
Arsenal explore move for Kenan Yildiz after missing out on Vinicius Jr
12:25 , Miguel DelaneyArsenal are looking into whether a deal for Juventus' Kenan Yildiz is possible in this window, as Mikel Arteta seeks to complete his transfer plans for an assault on both the Champions League and Premier League for the new season.
The Basque has long identified the left side attack as a priority position to upgrade, with Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr having been the ideal target. The Brazilian's decision to stay at the Bernabeu caused Arsenal to reconsider the situation, and some thought has been given to waiting until either January or next summer when other deals could become possible.
Arsenal explore move for Kenan Yildiz after missing out on Vinicius Jr
Man City make Adam Wharton enquiry
12:14 , Jack RathbornMan City have registered an interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, reports The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The 22-year-old could serve as a replacement for Rodri, as well as an alternative to Enzo Fernandez, with Chelsea imposing a deadline and a lofty £120m valuation on the Argentine star.
But Ornstein details how Crystal Palace have no intention to sell before the deadline.
Liverpool and Arsenal quiet on blockbuster Barcola move?
12:00 , Jack RathbornThe talk swirling around Bradley Barcola has gone quiet this week, since Paris Saint-Germain left the France superstar out of their squad last weekend for the French Super Cup against Lens.
Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with a move for Barcola, but PSG’s valuation, which has been reported to be in the region of £130m, has stalled any progress.
Barcola could be left out again this weekend as PSG begin their Ligue 1 title defence against Rennes on Sunday.
It’s seen Liverpool, who have moved to replace Mohamed Salah this summer, to assess other options, including another PSG talent: Ibrahim Mbaye.
Delap back to Ipswich?
11:45 , Miguel DelaneyLiam Delap could return to Ipswich, The Independent understands.
The Chelsea striker had his No 9 shirt pinched by Joao Pedro after a squad number announcement on Wednesday.
And after one underwhelming season at Stamford Bridge, the English striker could return to Portman Road on loan to regain his confidence in front of goal after just two goals in all competitions last season. Nottingham Forest are also believed to be in for the forward.
Curtis Jones set to continue English movement to Inter Milan
11:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleCurtis Jones is reported to have arrived in Milan for a medical ahead of his move to Inter – where he will find a couple of familiar faces. The Liverpool midfielder would be the third England international to join the Serie A club this summer, following Djed Spence and John Stones to Lombardy.
Liverpool and Inter Milan in talks over Curtis Jones deal
Chelsea striker heading to Atletico Madrid?
11:20 , Miguel DelaneyAtletico Madrid are looking at Nicolas Jackson, The Independent understands.
After suggestions that Jackson could join Aston Villa, as a potential replacement for Ollie Watkins, who has been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia.
But Jackson, who has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and failed to do enough to convince Bayern Munich to convert a loan into a permanent deal, may now head back to La Liga, having starred for Villarreal before signing for Chelsea in 2023 for £32m.
Newcastle and Hull battle for US starlet
11:10 , Jack RathbornNewcastle and Hull face stiff competition from RB Leipzig for New York Red Bulls forward Julian Hall, reports Ben Jacobs.
The 18-year-old is in demand, too, with Atletico Madrid making an approach.
Hall has nine goals and four assists in 19 starts and became the second-youngest player in MLS history at 15 years and 190 days of age.
Axel Disasi heading for Palace
10:56 , Miguel DelaneyAxel Disasi is heading to Crystal Palace, the Independent understands, after a paid loan was agreed with Chelsea.
The French centre-back, who thrived on loan at West Ham last season, will now head to Palace to replace Maxence Lacroix, who bolstered Xabi Alonso’s Blues this summer in a £52m deal.
Disasi joined Chelsea from Monaco in 2023 for £38.5m and has also spent time on loan at Aston Villa since falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge.
What are Premier League’s new SCR rules and how will they affect clubs?
10:50 , Harry Latham-CoylePremier League clubs will be bound by new financial rules this season. But what is SCR? And what has happened to PSR? Get your head around the initialisation with Jamie Braidwood’s handy explainer.
What are Premier League’s new SCR rules and how will they affect clubs?
Copa Independent
10:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Premier League is back – and so is Copa Independent! Our flagship football podcast has a new look for the new season as Lawrence Ostlere, Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly gather to preview the campaign ahead. Can anyone stop Arsenal? Who will go down? And what trends should you be looking out for? Available wherever you get your podcasts, or here.
Hull accelerate talks for Real Betis winger
10:15 , Jack RathbornHull City are hoping to boost their survival hopes a deal progressing nicely for Real Betis winger Pablo Garcia.
The 20-year-old is a target for the Tigers, reports Sport in Spain.
The Under-21 international broke through last season for the Seville-based club and has three goals in five caps for that age bracket.
Liam Delap training separately to Chelsea squad
10:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleCould Liam Delap leave Chelsea? There is a bit of a striking logjam at the club for Xabi Alonso to sort out, and it appears last year’s signing is among a group of players training away from the first-team squad. He has also lost the No 9 shirt – ominous....
Everton track Como starlet
09:45 , Jack RathbornEverton are tracking Como winger Assane Diao, reports Teamtalk.
The Senegal star might cost in the region of £50-60m.
The 20-year-old arrived in Italy from Real Betis last year and scored twice in 17 Serie A appearances under Cesc Fabregas.
Diao featured in the 5-0 win over Iraq for Senegal at the World Cup this summer.
Why Carlos Baleba could be the missing piece in Manchester United’s new midfield
09:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleAs reported earlier, Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton. Lawrence Ostlere explains how the midfielder will fit in with Michael Carrick’s side – and why he could be just what they need...
Why Carlos Baleba could be the missing piece in Manchester United’s new midfield
Barcelona put move for Julian Alvarez on hold?
09:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt had been presumed that Julian Alvarez was bound for Barcelona after Atletico Madrid exiled the striker from their squad – but reports in Spain suggest the Catalan club are pursuing other targets. ESPN suggests that frustration has grown over Atletico’s unwillingness to sell, which could force the champions to look elsewhere.
Serie A giants line up for United striker
08:55 , Jack RathbornAs Manchester United's look to bolster their squad with Carlos Baleba’s prospective arrival, there could be exits, starting with Joshua Zirkzee.
The Netherlands forward, 25, could return to Italy, where he shone for Bologna.
And Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus and Napoli retain an interest. United would look to recoup the £36.5m they paid Bologna in 2024.
Sunderland to break club record for Sporting star?
08:40 , Jack RathbornSunderland are looking into a mega move for Sporting Lisbon winger Geny Catamo, reports Teamtalk.
The Black Cats would need to trigger the Mozambique star’s €60m (£51m) release clause.
Catamo scored seven goals last term, adding three assists and would bring another threat to Regis Le Bris’ side.
Kane on Barcelona's radar with Bayern future unclear
08:31 , Jack RathbornBarcelona are looking into Harry Kane's situation amid contract talks with Bayern Munich.
The Mail reports that the England striker, 33, is on Barcelona’s radar with just one year left on his contract at the Allianz Arena.
Kane has also been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League's Al-Hilal, though he has maintained he is content with life in the Bundesliga.
The England forward is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or with the bookmakers after a staggering 50-goal campaign for the Bavarian giants.
Villa target Chelsea defender as Konsa replacement
08:21 , Jack RathbornWith Ezri Konsa set for Arsenal, Aston Villa are looking to fill the gap and their familiar relationship with Chelsea could prove handy.
Tosin Adarabioyo is on their radar, reports Sky Sports, while Benfica are also keen on the English defender, add The Sun.
Chelsea could move a second play to Villa Park, though it would need to be a permanent deal, given Alejandro Garnacho has joined on an initial loan deal from the club.
Manchester United table bid for Carlos Baleba as midfield rebuild continues
08:14 , Jack RathbornManchester United have made a £60m bid for Carlos Baleba as they look to make the Brighton player their third midfield signing of the summer.
They are yet to agree a deal, with Brighton thought to want a higher price for the Cameroon international, but talks are progressing.
Manchester United table bid for Carlos Baleba as midfield rebuild continues
Liverpool and Inter Milan in talks over Curtis Jones deal
08:14 , Jack RathbornLiverpool have entered into negotiations with Inter Milan about selling Curtis Jones to the Italian champions.
The two clubs are yet to agree a deal but dialogue is ongoing as Inter have resumed their attempts to buy the midfielder.
The Times reports that Inter have now submitted a €30m (£26.7m) plus €5m in add-ons for the 25-year-old midfielder, who has one year left on his contract.
Liverpool would probably agree to a sum of around €35m (£30m) – the amount Inter recently paid Tottenham for Djed Spence – to let Jones move to San Siro.
Liverpool and Inter Milan in talks over Curtis Jones deal
Arsenal agree Ezri Konsa deal with Aston Villa to boost title defence
08:13 , Jack RathbornArsenal have agreed to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for around £50m.
Mikel Arteta was eager to bolster his defence after the serious injury to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber’s return to fitness.
There was an awareness that one more injury in this area of the pitch could leave the champions short.
Konsa, who featured for England during the World Cup this summer, is expected to undergo a medical in north London today.
The 28-year-old would likely compete with Cristhian Mosquera to deputise for Saliba alongside Gabriel Magalhaes and could make his debut against Aston Villa next week.
Arsenal agree Ezri Konsa deal with Aston Villa to boost title defence
Tottenham plan double Man City raid in expensive attacking revamp
08:13 , Jack RathbornTottenham are interested in Omar Marmoush as well as Savinho as they could make two signings from Manchester City.
Savinho is a long-term target for Spurs, who considered a £50m move for the Brazilian winger last summer.
But they are also keen on Marmoush as Roberto De Zerbi looks to strengthen his forward line and continue his expensive revamp of a squad who only just avoided relegation last season.
Tottenham plan double Man City raid in expensive attacking revamp
