A fresh twist in the future of Alexander Isak as he attempts to force a move to Liverpool, with Newcastle opening talks to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani which could open the door to the Swede’s exit.
Liverpool have agreed to sell Darwin Nunez to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal for £46.3m which should open up funds to purchase Isak if they are willing to match Newcastle’s £150m valuation. They have already seen a £110m bid rejected and will hope the sale of Nunez, who will undergo a medical ahead of his move to the Saudi Pro League, takes them a step closer to signing Isak.
Arsenal are preparing to bolster their forward line further by signing Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. Palace want a fee in excess of £60m and the Gunners are on the verge of submitting an official offer having also rejected a swap deal which have seen them sign Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and send William Saliba the other way.
Elsewhere, Manchester United are on the verge of signing Benjamin Sesko who will undergo a medical after the club beat off competition from Newcastle for the Slovenian striker. Ruben Dias is close to agreeing a new contract with Manchester City while Nicolas Jackson is set to leave Chelsea this summer.
All the latest updates, rumours and done deals will be covered in the blog below:
Transfer news
- Liverpool handed boost for Alexander Isak move having agreed sale of Darwin Nunez
- Newcastle open Randal Kolo Muani talks amid Isak speculation
- Benjamin Sesko to undergo medical with Man Utd after £74m deal agreed
- Arsenal set to make bid for Palace star Eberechi Eze after Rodrygo swap deal rejected
- Join Miguel Delaney's Inside Football newsletter and go beyond the game with exclusive insights
Benjamin Sesko to undergo medical with Man Utd
17:15
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Mike Jones
Manchester United are working quickly with the new season approaching fast.
On Thursday 7 August they agreed a £74m deal with RB Leipzig to sign 22-year-old forward Benjamin Sesko.
It was expected that the striker would fly to Manchester on Thursday evening and will undergo a medical on Friday ahead of his move to Old Trafford.
Sesko has signed a five-year contract and as part of the deal United will play a friendly against Leipzig, which is still to be arranged.
Sesko scored 21 goals in all competitions for Leipzig last season and has 39 goals in 87 appearances since joining the Bundesliga team.
Meanwhile, United’s move for Sesko will take their summer spending over £190m having also signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Diego Leon.
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17:00
,
Mike Jones
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Newcastle to move on to new targets?
16:45
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Mike Jones
Newcastle will have to quickly move on to new striker targets after Benjamin Sesko elected to join Man Utd instead of them.
The Magpies have reportedly earmarked both Ollie Watkins and Nicolas Jackson as targets, though Chelsea are valuing their man at around £80m according to reports.
Watkins would be available for closer to £60m, while other names linked to Eddie Howe’s side include Yoane Wissa, who was the subject of a £30m bid earlier in the window.
Man Utd expecting Garnacho offers
16:30
,
Mike Jones
Manchester United are expecting formal offers for Alejandro Garnacho later in the window, reports Sky.
Garnacho is a known target for Chelsea, who reportedly value him at around £30m.
Ruben Amorim said over the weekend that "it's clear Garnacho wants a different thing with a different leadership”, and it is likely that the Blues attempt to sign both Garnacho and Xavi Simons before the end of the window.
Arsenal duo set for exit door?
16:15
,
Mike Jones
Jakub Kiwior and Fabio Vieira could be set to leave Arsenal this summer, with reports linking them both to moves away from the Emirates.
Kiwior is pushing to play more with Porto thought to be interested, though Arsenal rejected an offer from an unnamed club last month according to Fabrizio Romano.
And Vieira - who spent last season on loan at Porto – has been the subject of an approach from German side Stuttgart, who want to sign him on a permanent deal, according to David Ornstein.
It is though that both players could command fees in the region of £26m.
Newcastle target Kolo Muani
16:03
,
Mike Jones
Sky in Germany’s Florian Plettenberg says that Newcastle have added Randal Kolo Muani to their shortlist of trikers after their move for Benjamin Sesko fell through.
Kolo Muani is contracted to PSG until 2028 but the 26-year-old is highly rated and could be the perfect replacement should Alexander Isak leave.
Work will need to be done before this transfer even gets moving with Newcastle needing to consider a formal approach and the cost of the fee.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe unveils £50m revamp of Man United training ground Carrington
16:00
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Richard Jolly
Manchester United have completed the £50m revamp of their Carrington training ground which co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe claimed will give them world-class facilities to help them build a winning culture.
The redevelopment was paid for by Ratcliffe as part of the $300m capital injection he provided when he took a minority stake in the club and United’s squad have moved into the remodelled training centre after their return from their pre-season tour of the United States.
Arne Slot's response when asked about Isak
15:50
,
Mike Jones
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was asked whether the club where pursuing a move for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.
He responded: “As you know, and I think every manager works like this, you never talk about players that are not yours. I can talk about Hugo, who we have signed and who has done really well until now.
“We are very happy with the squad and have every reason to be happy because we won the league last season. OK, players left but we brought players in as well and youngsters are doing good.
“At this moment of time, Darwin might leave, indeed, but things are not signed so we need to wait a few days until that is completely done but there is indeed a chance he is going to leave.”
Masuaku to join Sunderland?
15:41
,
Mike Jones
Arthur Masuaku is close to a Premier League return and will join Sunderland on a two-year deal, reports Fabrizio Romano.
He previously spent six years at West Ham until leaving in 2022, and made 128 appearances during his time at the London Stadium.
Newcastle to return to Wissa?
15:32
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Mike Jones
Sky Sports News reports that Newcastle will make another move for Yoane Wissa once Brentford secure a replacement for the forward.
The Magpies had a £25m bid rejected earlier in the window and are preparing to lose Alexander Isak.
The Bees have earmarked Bournemouth's Dango Ouattara as a replacement for Bryan Mbeumo who left for Man Utd.
Wissa wants to leave and join Newcastle and is ready to travel as soon as he is given the green light.
Why are Newcastle considering move for Aghehowa?
15:24
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Mike Jones
Newcastle’s pursuit of a striker in this window has hit plenty of stumbling blocks, the latest of which has been Benjamin Sesko choosing Manchester United over them.
They’ve now switched their focus to Samu Aghehowa according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The club are yet to make a formal approach for the 21-year-old who plays for Porto and scored 27 goals across 45 appearances in his debut season.
There’s no guarantee this move will happen but Newcastle want to have options in case Alexander Isak leaves for Liverpool.
The Reds are still considering upping their first offer of £110m and a sale of Darwin Nunez to Saudi Arabia (not yet completed) will help matters on that front.
The winners and losers from Benjamin Sesko’s transfer to Manchester United
15:15
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Mike Jones
Benjamin Sesko is set to become Manchester United’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window and will complete the club’s desire to reshape their forward line after a lacklustre year in front of goal last season.
The pressure to perform well is high after Ruben Amorim’s side finished 15th in the Premier League and lost out to Tottenham in the Europa League final meaning they face a full season without European competition.
Villa sign new striker
15:02
,
Mike Jones
Aston Villa have signed Nice striker Evann Guessand.
The transfer will cost an initial £23.5m potentially rising to almost £28m with add ons.
The 24-year-old has signed a contract until 2030.
Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Evann Guessand. pic.twitter.com/egClSn4Sym
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 8, 2025
Garnacho value revealed
14:54
,
Mike Jones
Manchester United want £50m to sell Alejandro Garnacho to this summer.
The Blues want to sign Garnacho - and RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons - before the window closes.
United and Chelsea have a good relationship and have been in contact about the winger throughout the summer but will the London side be willing to match United’s price?
The Old Trafford hierarchy can wait and see with Garnacho as the Argentine is on a lower wage contract than other players they wish to move on.
Reis joins Girona
14:42
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Mike Jones
Manchester City defender Vitor Reis has completed a loan move to Girona.
He’ll be there for the whole season.
Vitor Reis has completed a season-long loan move to Girona, subject to international clearance.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 8, 2025
Best of luck, Vitor!
Barcelona strip Marc-Andre ter Stegen of captaincy over medical dispute
14:30
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Mike Jones
Barcelona have stripped goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen of the club captaincy as the rift between the club and it’s No 1 deepens.
Barca wanted Ter Stegen to sign a consent form permitting the club to sign him off as a long-term injury in order for the keeper to be excluded from their salary registration. The club signed 24-year-old goalkeeper Joan Garcia from local rivals Espanyol last month, with the club likely expecting to sell Ter Stegen, 33, to make space in their wage bill for Garcia and Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford.
Do Liverpool's need defensive reinforcements?
14:21
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Mike Jones
Here’s what Arne Slot had to say: "They [Andy Robertson, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo] can definitely play there as well and you forget Joe Gomez, who unfortunately has a minor injury at the moment, but will be back with the team soon.
"I'm really happy with the players we have and we still have numerous players who can play in that position."
Burnley want to finalise Broja deal
14:11
,
Mike Jones
Burnley remain in talks with the representatives of Chelsea striker Armando Broja over the terms of his contract.
A deal between the clubs is fully agreed and Broja has completed his medical.
Burnley are optimistic a deal can be finalised this week and he will be in place for the start of the new season.
Newcastle consider Porto’s Aghehowa after missing out on Sesko
14:08
,
Jack Rathborn
Newcastle United appear to have another striker target, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein reporting that a bid is being considered for Porto’s Samu Aghehowa.
The 21-year-old is rated highly by Newcastle and was strongly linked with Chelsea last summer.
Should Newcastle secure the Spanish forward, it could revive Liverpool’s hopes of signing Alexander Isak, with the player currently not training with his teammates.
Zabarnyi closing in on PSG move
13:59
,
Mike Jones
PSG and Bournemouth are in advanced talks over a deal for defender Illia Zabarnyi.
Bournemouth rejected PSG’s second offer which totalled €63m (£55m) in July but were anticipating another offer to follow, which is now being discussed.
Talks are currently around add-ons with a fixed fee of €63m agreed.
Spurs are also interested in the defender but have not made any formal bids.
The complicated character of ‘Mr Marinakis’ poses one Nottingham Forest question
13:50
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Will Castle
Rarely do footballers cite their club’s owner as the key reason behind a major career decision. The script often mentions managers, teammates, fans or wider ambition – but not the typically silent powerbroker, their overarching employer.
Like church and state, shareholders and players often don’t cross streams, which is why their praises aren’t usually sung by the names on the back of the shirts they sell. Yet when Morgan Gibbs-White addressed the world after penning a shock contract extension at Nottingham Forest, the imposing influence of ownership was present for everyone to see.
Forest’s star man didn’t simply pledge his future to the club. He pledged it to Evangelos Marinakis.
West Ham's statement on Antonio
13:36
,
Mike Jones
West Ham’s club statement about Michail Antonio reads: "Michail will always be a much-loved and respected member of the West Ham United family.
“As has been the case since December, the club will continue to support and assist him in his ongoing rehabilitation, offering him access to training, facilities and medical care if needed.
"Dialogue continues over his future involvement with the club in an alternative capacity - including one that would enable others to benefit from his experience and leadership qualities.
"Everyone at West Ham United would like to sincerely thank Michail for his outstanding, dedicated service in a Claret and Blue shirt over the last ten years."
Interest growing in Antonio
13:26
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Mike Jones
Sky Sports News report that interest is growing in former West Ham striker Michail Antonio.
Antonio is now a free agent after the club decided not to offer him a new deal and clubs in the Premier League, Championship and abroad have made initial contact with the striker's representatives to explore the conditions of a deal says the report.
Antonio has returned to fitness following his horrific car crash in December - playing for Jamaica in June and West Ham's academy side.
Dubravka on joining Burnley
13:14
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Mike Jones
"I'm delighted to be here," said Martin Dubravka of his move to Turf Moor. "It's a really exciting time to be joining this Club, ahead of our return to the Premier League.
"I've only heard really positive things about the club, the culture and the environment we work in, so I'm excited about getting going with the season kicking off next weekend.
"Burnley had a fantastic campaign last season, built on a superb defensive record, and I can't wait to come in and add my experience and quality to what looks an exciting squad of players.
"I'm really looking forward to playing for the club in front of our passionate fans."
Brighton chief talks Baleba
13:05
,
Mike Jones
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber insists there has been no contact over a move for Carlos Baleba.
Manchester United are said to be interested in the midfielder and have used informal connections to see if a transfer would be possible.
But, when addressing Baleba’s future at a fan forum, Barber said: “We have got some great talent. There is always going to be interest in our players.
“Manchester United have not been in touch with me. From that point of view, speculation is speculation.
“We will always try and make sure we sell our best players at the right time, not just for the player but also for us.”
Inter Milan want Sancho?
12:56
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Mike Jones
Inter Milan are considering a move for Jadon Sancho according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Serie A club are looking at reinforcing their frontline and currently are prioritising a move for Ademola Lookman.
If they do not land the Nigerian, then their attentions will turn to Sancho.
The report says that Crisitian Chivu is a fan of Sancho and has him on his shortlist of potential targets.
'Anything can happen' says Maresca
12:49
,
Mike Jones
Enzo Maresca has hinted at a possible exit for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Blues’ friendly against Bayer Leverkusen on Friday, Maresca said: "Nico is okay.
“When the transfer window is open, unfortunately, or fortunately, anything can happen so this also involves Nico's situation at the moment.
"Two new strikers arrived in the USA, Joao [Pedro] and Liam [Delap], so we'll see what happens."
Rio Ngumoha: Get to know Liverpool’s teenage sensation ready to star in Premier League
12:41
,
Mike Jones
It is 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 exciting prospect this season comes in the form of a developing teenage striker.
Yet that is the building hype concerning 16-year-old forward Rio Ngumoha and the quality his possesses at such a young age. Then again, hype is one thing but performing on the pitch is another and in this arena Ngumoha is showing why football fans are getting excited about his future.
Burnley sign Martin Dubravka
12:34
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Mike Jones
Burnley have signed Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
The Clarets moved for an experienced goalkeeper to replace James Trafford after their former number one returned to Man City earlier in the window.
Dubravka is an experience head and signs on a one-year deal.
Rodrygo on the move?
12:26
,
Mike Jones
Rumours continue to persist around the future of Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, who has been a reported target of Liverpool and Arsenal.
However, with both clubs looking elsewhere for reinforcements, the Brazilian has more recently been linked to clubs including Mn City, Spurs and PSG.
However, it is still seen most likely that the Brazilian ends the window at the Bernabeu.
Arne Slot on Darwin Nunez
12:17
,
Mike Jones
Arne Slot has been speaking to the media ahead of this weekend’s Community Shield.
Of Darwin Nunez’s possible exit he said: "As you know, we never talk about players that are not yours. I can talk about Hugo [Ekitike], who signed recently and has done really well up to now.
"We are very happy with last season's squad that won the league. Okay, players left but we brought players in as well and youngsters are doing good.
"Darwin may leave, but nothing is signed yet. We need to wait a few days before things are done and indeed there is a chance he may leave."
Bournemouth interested in Adli
12:09
,
Mike Jones
Bournemouth are interested in Bayer Leverkusen winger Amine Adli.
Cherris boss Andoni Iraola has been very keen to add a winger to his squad and the 25-year-old fits the bill.
Adli has three years left on his deal at Leverkusen.
Thomas Frank issues Tottenham transfer market update after James Maddison ACL injury
12:00
,
Mike Jones
Thomas Frank has suggested Tottenham will hunt for a replacement for James Maddison after the influential midfielder ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in pre-season.
The England international is expected to miss the majority of this season after appearing in visible pain during his brief substitute appearance in a friendly against Newcastle in Seoul.
Spurs later confirmed the severity of the injury and that Maddison would require surgery.
Chelsea confirm Levi Colwill injury
11:51
,
Mike Jones
Chelsea have confirmed defender Levi Colwill has undergone successful surgery after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
A statement from the club read: "Medical assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action.
"Levi will now begin his recovery and be supported by the club's medical department at Cobham during his rehabilitation phase."
Fulham have Kevin bid rejected
11:43
,
Mike Jones
Shakhtar Donetsk have rejected a bid from Fulham for Kevin.
The Cottagers offered just shy of £35m for the Brazilian but the Ukrainian outfit are holding out for more.
Other clubs are interested, including Napoli.
Chelsea set to step up Simons & Garnacho efforts
11:35
,
Mike Jones
Chelsea are to step up attempts to sign Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons as the Blues look to bring in additional attacking reinforcements.
Garnacho is thought to be available for about £50m, though Chelsea are understood to be reluctant to pay such an amount, with the club likely to make an official approach soon.
As for Simons, Chelsea are in talks with Leipzig over a move, with the 22-year-old understood to have agreed personal terms with the Blues. He would be available for around €70m.
Newcastle make offer for Milan defender
11:26
,
Mike Jones
Newcastle have made an offer of €30m for AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, according to Sky in Germany.
Sources in Italy say the first bid for the 23-year-old has been rejected though, and it is not known whether the Magpies will return for the defender.
Barcelona facing Rashford registration problem
11:18
,
Mike Jones
Barcelona face a race against time to make room for Marcus Rashford in their La Liga squad according to reports in Spain.
The Catalan club face a familiar problem to last season, when they struggled to register Dani Olmo. LaLiga's wage cap requires clubs to reduce their outgoings if they want to add any new arrivals to their squad.
Speaking last week, Rashford said he was relaxed about the situation and expected it to be sorted ahead of the opening match on 16 August.
James Maddison to undergo surgery on ACL
11:10
,
Mike Jones
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in pre-season and will undergo surgery, the club has confirmed.
Maddison, a 75th-minute substitute, only played for nine minutes in Spurs’ pre-season game against Newcastle in Seoul before he was seen in visible discomfort.
The 28-year-old was surrounded by teammates and looked upset, with medical staff taking him off the pitch on a stretcher. New manager Thomas Frank said after the game that the injury was “brutal” and its severity has now been confirmed.
Grealish wages 'stumbling block' for Everton
11:01
,
Mike Jones
Everton are really interested in bringing Jack Grealish in this summer and David Moyes believes he will bring a lot of impetus into the Toffees attack.
The club are in talks with Manchester City over a straight loan and no option to buy but the big stumbling block is Grealish’s wages.
Everton are trying to get them down and if a deal falls apart it will possibly be for this reason.
Everton open talks over Grealish
10:54
,
Mike Jones
Everton have opened talks with Manchester City over a potential move to sign Jack Grealish, reports David Ornstein.
The initial approach is “based on [a] season-long loan”, with Ornstein labelling it a “complicated” deal.
Grealish made just seven Premier League starts during the 2024/25 campaign and though his contract runs through to 2027 it is likely that he will move this summer.
Dortmund still want Sancho deal
10:48
,
Mike Jones
Borussia Dortmund are still pushing to do a deal for Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho, according to Sky Sports News.
Though there has been no formal contact with Man Utd, Dortmund are believed to have “been getting information on the conditions” of a deal, with Utd preferring a permanent deal.
Sky’s information adds that his valuation is likely to be less than the £25m obligation price Chelsea had, with Juventus and Saudi Pro-League clubs having also shown their interest.
Hojlund priced at £30m
10:41
,
Mike Jones
Manchester United are prepared to sell Rasmus Hojlund for £30m this summer says The Times.
The 22-year-old Dane is prepared to fight for his place though and when asked if a move away from Old Trafford was on the cards he replied: “Nothing so far.
"I think the most important (thing) for me is just to keep working hard and stay focused and then obviously we’ll see what happens.
"I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens."
AC Milan are the latest club who are said to be interested in the striker, though they would prefer an initial loan with an obligation to buy.
Farewell, Darwin Nunez, Liverpool’s magnificently ridiculous footballer
10:33
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Richard Jolly
In one respect, Darwin Nunez replaced Sadio Mane, in another Roberto Firmino. When he left the Anfield pitch, probably for the last time in a Liverpool shirt, he was replaced by Lewis Koumas. He was given a standing ovation by many, along with a final blast of the chant of “Nunez”, as he came off in Monday’s pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao’s second team.
It was a fond farewell, but also an anticlimactic one for the man who, when he joined, arrived with the expectation that comes with being Liverpool’s record signing. He had the deceptive debut, when he scored and Manchester City’s striking newcomer Erling Haaland did not, in the Community Shield; since then the Uruguayan delivered another 39 goals in competitive games, the Norwegian 124. The comparison was long since abandoned.
Liverpool agree Nunez sale
10:24
,
Mike Jones
Liverpool have reached an agreement with Al Hilal for the sale of Darwin Nunez, reports Sky Sports News.
It is understood that the Saudi Pro League club are set to pay a fixed fee of £46.2m plus add-ons that could take the deal to over £56m.
Sky in Italy are reporting that Al Hilal have accepted Nunez's wage demands, though it is underst
