Transfer news live: Liverpool complete Kerkez move, Arsenal agree to sign Norgaard, Man Utd close to Mbeumo deal

FootballSports
26 Jun 2025 • 10:24 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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The transfer window is now open again following the start of this summer’s Club World Cup with clubs able to accelerate deals ahead of the new season.

Arsenal have agreed a fee for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard in a surprising move after contract talks with Thomas Partey have stalled. The Gunners hope to be active in this transfer window with the club also agreeing to pay above the release fee for Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Arteta wanting to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko a priority - though talks have stalled somewhat.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m and are negotiating with Brentford about Bryan Mbeumo, having submitted an improved offer.

Florian Wirtz is now officially a Liverpool player after agreeing a record £116.5m deal for the German superstar and completing the medical last Friday, while Reds defender Jarell Quansah is set to go the other way in a £35m deal to join Bayern Leverkusen. Liverpool, who have already brought in Jeremie Frimpong, now turn attention to Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who looks set to complete his deal this week.

You can sign up to DAZN to watch every Club World Cup game for free, while all the latest updates, rumours and done deals will be covered in the blog below:

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Transfer news live

  • Arsenal agree fee with Brentford for captain Christian Norgaard
  • Gunners remain in talks to sign Benjamin Sesko
  • Arsenal working on new defender deal
  • Manchester United close in on Bryan Mbeumo after submitting improved bid
  • Liverpool complete £40m deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez
  • Reds size up move for Gyokeres as Arsenal hesitate

Arsenal working on new defender deal

15:23

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Mike Jones

Arsenal are looking at signing a new centre-back according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

20-year-old Cristhian Mosquera is entering his final 12 months of a contract at Valencia and Arsenal hope to sign him as cover for William Saliba and Gabriel.

He has made 90 appearances for the La Liga club in total, including 41 last season. That included playing 90 minutes in 37 of the club’s 38 league games.

Liverpool to make big bid for Guehi

15:18

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Mike Jones

With Jarell Quansah heading to Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool are set to launch a bid for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.

That’s according to The Telegraph, who say the Reds are in pole position to sign the England man, despite interest from Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle.

Spurs bid £70m for Guehi in January (£55m guaranteed) but couldn’t convince Palace to sell. However, the defender is now entering the final year of his contract, which may force the Eagles’s hand.

Manchester United make initial enqiury for Moise Kean

15:07

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Mike Jones

Man United have made initial enquiries for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Kean scored 25 goals last season in 44 games, a sharp upturn in fortunes after failing to score in 20 appearances for Juventus a season prior.

United’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres appears to have failed since Arsenal raised their interest in the Swede, and the club have moved on to other targets.

The Italian paper reports that the former Everton forward, 25, has a £45m release clause in his contract which expires on 15 July.

Juventus striker Kolo Muani responds to Chelsea transfer speculation

14:58

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Mike Jones

Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani is determined to stay in Turin once his loan spell ends after the Club World Cup.

The French striker has scored eight times in 16 Serie A games since temporarily leaving PSG in January and has now been linked with a move to Chelsea.

“I don’t know anything about Chelsea, I’m trying to focus on the Club World Cup. We’ll see what happens on the market at the end of the competition,” Kolo Muani said.

“If it were only up to me, I’d stay here as I’m really happy at Juventus.”

Neymar extends contract with Santos

14:50

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Mike Jones

Neymar’s fairytale to boyhood club Santos is not quite over yet after is was confirmed he has renewed his contract until the end of the year.

This was despite links to a return to Europe, with Neymar opting to stay put in Brazil.

Nico Williams tells Athletic Bilbao which club he intends to leave for

14:41

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Mike Jones

Spanish sensation Nico Williams has told Athletic Bilbao that he fully intends to leave the club to sign for Barcelona.

That’s according to The Athletic, who cite a £50m release clause in his contract.

Barca are also in advanced stages for the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Ze Lucas, who plays in defensive midfield.

Ronaldo signs extension at Al Nassr

14:31

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Mike Jones

Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a contract extension at Al Nassr until 2027.

The Saudi Pro League club posted a video of the 40-year-old on social media with the caption: "The story continues with Al Nassr's historic leader".

Everton plan to derail Kenny Tete’s new contract with Fulham

14:30

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Miguel Delaney

Everton are looking to derail Kenny Tete's contract renegotiation with Fulham, after offering a three-year contract.

The respected Dutch right-back’s current deal runs out at the end of June, meaning he could move on a free transfer, but the Craven Cottage hierarchy have been confident of a new agreement.

Everton are currently attempting to change that, as they proactively push for Tete. The 29-year-old has a three-year offer from Everton on the table improved terms.

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Copenhagen closing in on former Dortmund wonderkid

14:17

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Mike Jones

Copenhagen are reportedly closing in a deal to sign Youssoufa Moukoko on a permanent transfer.

Moukoko became the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history at the age of 16 years and 28 days in 2020/21, having lit up German youth football.

However, he never reached the heights expected of him in Dortmund and after an underwhelming loan spell at Nice, is expected to move on permanently, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Lewis-Skelly signs extension

14:10

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Mike Jones

Myles Lewis-Skelly has agreed a new long-term contract with Arsenal

Sky Sports News understands it is a five-year contract, taking Lewis-Skelly up to the summer of 2030.

In total, he made 39 appearances for the club, scoring his first goal in Arsenal's 5-1 win over Manchester City in February and earning a first call-up to the England squad in March.

Kepa completes Arsenal medical

14:09

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Mike Jones

Kepa Arrizabalaga has completed a medical with Arsenal.

His signing is expected to be announced in the next 24 to 48 hours.

The goalkeeper is believed to be in London putting the final touches to a £5m switch from Chelsea.

Leeds close to contract extension for Dan James

14:08

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Mike Jones

Daniel James is closing in on a contract extension at Leeds United, according to The Athletic.

The 27-year-old is about to enter the final year of his current deal but the club are keen to tie him down beyond next summer.

James contributed 12 goals and nine assists in 36 Championship games to help Leeds gain promotion back to the Premier League last season.

Alvaro Morata says 'yes' to Como

14:00

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Mike Jones

Alvaro Morato looks set to become the next big name to join Cesc Fabregas’ project at Como.

The ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid striker has told Galatasaray, where he is currently on loan, of his intention to leave, with Fabrizio Romano saying official talks on exit terms will be held with the Turkish giants and parent club AC Milan.

Morata has already said yes to a move to Como, meaning it’s up to the clubs to sort a transfer.

United to accept lower price for Garnacho?

13:50

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Mike Jones

Manchester United are ready to accept a lower price for Alejandro Garnacho in order to move him on and raise funds for transfer this summer.

The Daily Star are reporting that United, who initially valued Garnacho at £70m, would accept offers as low at £45m for the winger.

The Argentine is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford after a falling out with manager Ruben Amorim.

He recently posted a photo of himself on Instagram wearing an Aston Villa shirt with Marcus Rashford’s name on the back.

The biggest Club World Cup question is still unanswered – does anyone care?

13:41

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Richard Jolly

There is the £1bn broadcasting deal, the £97m prize for the winners, the guarantee of a minimum of over £30m in revenue for the Premier League participants. There is the possibility of the kind of windfall that could bring domestic dominance for a club from outside Europe. There is the potential reward of cracking America, as everyone looks to build their brand.

In a sense, though, the Club World Cup depends upon a different kind of investment. Whatever the big financial figures, it needs buy-in: not from Fifa’s partners but from the part of the footballing family who are rarely consulted, the fans.

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Man Utd to offer over £60m for Mbeumo

13:34

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Mike Jones

Manchester United are keen to dispel the tag that they overspend on players which is making their recent transfer negotiations difficult.

They need new players to improve the team and at the same time are trying to keep fees as low as possible. Other clubs know this and maintain their high valuations to coax out more cash from Old Trafford.

Such is the case with Brentford and Bryan Mbeumo.

The Bees value the forward at £65m at a minimum with United offering over £60m but not quite at their valuation threshold.

Brentford are holding out for their own price though and interest in Mbeumo comes from different quarters meaning it will be tricky for United to persuade them down.

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Muniz to stay at Fulham?

13:26

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Mike Jones

Fulham say they have no intention of selling key striker Rodrigo Muniz this summer.

Leeds are among the interested parties in the forward but the Cottagers are reluctant to sell as he remains an important part of Marco Silva’s plans.

Muniz, 24, has a year left on his deal plus an option to extend for another year.

Oseni set for medical

13:17

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Mike Jones

St Mirren striker Owen Oseni will undergo a medical with Plymouth Argyle on Thursday.

A £60,000 fee has been agreed by the clubs for the 22-year-old. Oseni joined St Mirren last summer from Gateshead for £120,000.

‘It will be months until I reach my level’: Rodri admits he faces long road back to his best

13:11

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Mike Jones

Manchester City linchpin Rodri admits it could be some time before he gets back to his best.

The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder missed most of the 2024-25 season after suffering a serious knee injury last September.

He returned to action only last month with a seven-minute run-out in City’s penultimate Premier League game against Bournemouth.

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Norwich sign Jakov Medic from Ajax

13:00

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Mike Jones

Norwich have announced the signing of Jakov Medic from Ajax.

He joins for a reported fee of £2.5m on a three-year deal which includes the option for a further year.

Cristiano Ronaldo set to sign new deal with Al-Nassr

12:50

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Mike Jones

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to complete his U-turn on his future and sign new deal at Al-Nassr, according to Fabrizio Romano.

It looked like Ronaldo would be on his way out of Saudi Arabia when he wrote on Instagram that “this chapter is over” after the final game of the season.

However, Al-Nassr are now on the verge of keeping his services for one or two more years, with there a concrete possibility of him staying until June 2027 if Ronaldo wants to.

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Juventus rival Fenerbahce in race for Jadon Sancho

12:37

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Mike Jones

We reported earlier today that Fenerbahce had registered an interest for Jadon Sancho - but according to Sky Italy, talks are booked in with Juventus to discuss a move.

The Old Lady want to beat Serie A rivals Napoli to his signature.

Fire-sale at Lyon?

12:28

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Mike Jones

French giants Lyon were last night relegated to Ligue 2 after failing to convince authorities they have resolved their financial difficulties.

In a dire financial state, it will be expected that their top talents - the likes of Malick Fofana, Ernest Nuamah and Georges Mikautadze - will all be available on the cheap.

Should your club be sniffing for a bargain?

Liverpool complete £40m deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez

12:27

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Richard Jolly

Liverpool have signed Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for £40m as Arne Slot has taken his summer spending to £170m.

The left-back agreed a five-year contract at Anfield and passed a medical before becoming Liverpool’s third signing of the month.

The 21-year-old, who has been shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, could prove the long-term replacement for Andy Robertson.

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Burnley closing in on Loum Tchaouna

12:19

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Mike Jones

Burnley made their first signing of the summer earlier today, and they look like they’re pushing for another.

According to Sky Italy, they’ve agreed a deal worth around £12m with Lazio to sign winger Loum Tchaouna.

The Italian club have reportedly negotiated a 10 per cent sell-on clause in the agreement.

Burnley are expected to sort the final details of the 21-year-old's personal terms once he has finished representing France at the U21 Euros, with it anticipated a deal will get over the line quickly once the tournament has finished.

Ederson lambasts ‘fake news’ around possible Man City exit

12:11

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Mike Jones

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has dismissed speculation he could leave the club as “fake news”.

The Brazilian has one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium and has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

The 31-year-old has spent the past eight years at City and helped the club win 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

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Kyle Walker-Peters leaves Southampton

12:00

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Mike Jones

Kyle Walker-Peters has left Southampton following the expiry of his contract.

The right-back will be available on a free and has been touted with a return to Tottenham.

Details of Jarell Quansah's buy-back clause revealed

11:51

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Mike Jones

Liverpool will have a buy-back clause in their £35m sale of Jarell Quansah, but they’ll have to spend a pretty penny to sanction it.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the clause will be worth over £50m and will not be available until 2027.

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Brighton star Valentin Barco's future remains unclear

11:39

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Mike Jones

Brighton youngster Valentin Barco is wanted again by Strasbourg after a fine loan spell in France.

The Argentine left-back shone for Le Racing and now returns to the Seagulls, handing them a dilemma over his future.

After a failed loan at Sevilla, Barco shone in France, but Fabian Hurzeler may look to integrate the former Boca Juniors star in his Premier League squad this term.

Atletico Madrid target Senegal midfielder

11:30

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Mike Jones

Atletico Madrid are targeting Strasbourg's Habib Diarra.

RMC reports that the 21-year-old will be allowed to leave the Ligue 1 club this summer.

The Senegal international will cost in the region of £21.3m (€25m), but that fee could rise with Strasbourg valuing Diarra highly.

Newcastle have Elanga alternatives

11:21

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Mike Jones

Newcastle United have two other names on their list if they are unsuccessful in their pursuit of Anthony Elanga.

The Magpies had a bid of £45m knocked back by Nottingham Forest but haven’t given up in their pursuit of a deal.

Teamtalk report that Eddie Howe’s side could turn to PSV’s Johan Bakayoko or Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi if Elanga’s price tag becomes too expensive.

Former Wales boss Rob Page joins Liverpool

11:12

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Richard Jolly

Liverpool have appointed former Wales manager Rob Page as the head coach of their Under-21s.

Page, who has managed Wales in two of the four major tournaments in their history, has returned to coaching to replace Barry Lewtas, who stepped down earlier this month.

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Crystal Palace to sign Argentine goalkeeper on free transfer from PSV

11:03

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Mike Jones

FA Cup winners Crystal Palace will welcome Argentina goalkeeper Walter Benitez next week.

When his contract with Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven expires, the 32-year-old will compete with Dean Henderson to be the Eagles’ No 1.

Benitez has given up a Champions League campaign with PSV to play in the Premier League.

Wilfred Ndidi on the radar of a couple of clubs

10:55

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Mike Jones

Wilfred Ndidi feels a tricky player to figure out, now up to eight years with Leicester and having already played a season in the Championship but surely a useful option for one of the bottom-half Premier League clubs.

The midfielder is a target for two such sides, Talksport say that Manchester United and Everton could both make a move for the Nigerian with a £9m relegation clause in his contract mentioned.

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Kepa Arrizabalaga set for Arsenal move

10:48

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Mike Jones

Arsenal look set to have a new back-up to David Raya next season with Kepa Arrizabalaga near to a switch across London from Chelsea.

Arrizabalaga spent last season down at Bournemouth and would be a top signing for the Gunners as they challenge for the title.

Real Madrid set hefty price for Rodrygo

10:39

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Mike Jones

Rodrygo has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid this summer, with Arsenal among those interested in the Brazilian.

Yet any interested parties will have to pay a hefty price.

Spanish radio station Cadena SER suggest the club will demand somewhere near £80m for him.

Derby close in on USA international striker

10:29

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Mike Jones

Derby County are in talks to sign USA international Patrick Agyemang.

The 24-year-old striker is currently with MLS side Charlotte FC.

The player is keen to join the Rams, reports Fabrizio Romano, and has five goals in nine caps for the USMNT.

Bradley Barcola on Arsenal's radar?

10:18

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Mike Jones

We reported earlier how Arsenal are seeking alternatives to Benjamin Sesko, and whispers from Paris suggest Bradley Barcola may be among them.

L’Equipe believe that the Paris Saint-Germain forward is a target for the London club.

Paul Pogba set for Monaco move

10:09

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Mike Jones

Paul Pogba may just have a new club - the Frenchman has not played since September 2023 after serving a suspension following a failed drugs test.

It is widely reported that he has agreed a deal in principle to move to Monaco to resume his career.

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Quartet of clubs in the mix for Omari Hutchinson

10:00

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Mike Jones

Omari Hutchinson flashed at times in a tough campaign for Ipswich last season, and may yet be staying in the top flight.

The Daily Mail mention West Ham, Fulham, Everton and Brentford as potential destinations.

Hutchinson will also have caught the eye in England U21s run to the European Championship final this summer.

Fenerbahce emerge as Jadon Sancho suitors

09:48

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Mike Jones

What’s new with Jadon Sancho?

Like Marcus Rashford he’s on his way out of Manchester United this summer and Talksport say that Fenerbahce have registered their interest in the England international.

Linking up with Jose Mourinho could give him the fresh start he needs to get his career back on track.

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The Chelsea-Man United swap deal that explains the transfer window’s latest trend

09:37

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Mike Jones

Swap deals are becoming more and more common as Premier League clubs seek to navigate profit and sustainability rules, balance the books and find value in a market that is eye-wateringly expensive.

Amid reports that Chelsea and Manchester United are considering trading Christopher Nkunku and Alejandro Garnacho, Will Castle explores this transfer trend:

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Chelsea close in on Jamie Gittens

09:28

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Mike Jones

Bayern Munich had made a late attempt to hijack Chelsea’s move for Jamie Gittens but it seems as if the Borussia Dortmund winger is nearing a return to a club where he spent a short stint as a youngster.

The Athletic say a seven-year deal is in place and could be done “imminently” for the Englishman, who will turn 21 shortly before the start of the Premier League season.

Tottenham near deal for Japan defender

09:17

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Mike Jones

Tottenham are set to bolster their defensive options with the signature of Japan international Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale.

The 20-year-old is highly rated and could yet develop into a first-teamer for Thomas Frank.

PSG have £55m bid for Zabarnyi rejected

09:09

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Mike Jones

PSG have reportedly had a £55m bid rejected for Bournemouth’s Illya Zabarnyi.

The Champions League winners are keen to bolster their backline and have supposedly agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old Ukrainian but the Cherries don’t want to sell.

The English side have already lost one of their key defensive options after Dean Huijsen departed for Real Madrid in a deal worth £50m, while left-back Milos Kerkez is on the verge of joining Liverpool for £40m.

Man United submit fresh £60m transfer bid for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo

09:00

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Mike Jones

One Manchester United forward out; one in? A new and improved offer has been submitted for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.

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Newcastle ready to up Alexander Isak's wages to ward off interest

08:54

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Mike Jones

Newcastle may have had their bid ofr Anthony Elanga rejected but they have more pressing concerns.

Those being to make sure Alexander Isak remains at the club.

Interest is flourishing for the Premier League striker with Liverpool in pole position to wrestle him away from St. James’ Park.

The Times believe that Newcastle are ready to up Isak’s wages to make him the best-paid player ever at the club to ensure their rivals don’t manage to persuade him to move away.

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Nottingham Forest reject big bid for Anthony Elanga

08:48

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Mike Jones

Newcastle have tabled a £45m offer for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga.

Forest immediately rejected and have no intention of selling, report The Athletic.

Eddie Howe is keen to boost his wide options, with Chelsea’s Noni Madueke also linked.

Viktor Gyokeres 'tells Sporting he wants to leave'

08:41

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Mike Jones

News from Portugal claims that Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly told Sporting that he has no desire to play for the club again.

The striker has informed president Frederico Varandas that he wants a new challenge, Lisbon outlet A Bola believe.

That could be a boost for Arsenal, who have submitted a bid for the forward, as well as Liverpool and Manchester United who have both been rumoured to be interested in the Sporting star.

Marcus Rashford hints at Barcelona transfer after comments about Lamine Yamal

08:33

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Mike Jones

Speaking of those Barcelona links, here’s Marcus Rashford suggesting a move to Barcelona would appeal, as Richard Jolly reports...

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Barcelona eye Marcus Rashford loan

08:26

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Mike Jones

Marcus Rashford’s future is almost certain to lie away from Manchester United, with Barcelona among those strongly linked this summer.