Transfer news live: Liverpool make Wirtz breakthrough, Man Utd’s swap deal, De Bruyne chooses club

FootballSports
11 Jun 2025 • 11:19 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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The transfer window has officially, briefly, shut after the first mini opening ahead of the summer’s Club World Cup. The window closed last night at 7pm BST but that won’t stop clubs negotiating deals over the coming days, ahead of its reopening on 16 June – Club World Cup teams can register players for the knockout stages from then onwards.

So far this summer there has been plenty of activity in the Premier League with Matheus Cunha, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jeremie Frimpong, Liam Delap, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki among the biggest names to switch clubs.

Arsenal want to get in on the action and hope to bring in Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Arteta has sanctioned talks with RB Leipzig over striker Benjamin Sesko in their ongoing pursuit for a No 9.

Chelsea have been rebuffed in their efforts to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, and have walked away from a potential deal for AC Milan and France No 1 Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup.

Manchester United have already secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m, and are negotiating with Brentford over Bryan Mbeumo with Viktor Gyokeres also on the list of wanted strikers.

Manchester City have captured Ait-Nouri from Wolves, while also agreeing a fee to sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and signing Lyon’s Cherki.

And Liverpool have finally made a breakthrough in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.

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

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Transfer news

  • First mini transfer window now closed ahead of Club World Cup
  • Liverpool finally make £127m Florian Wirtz breakthrough
  • Man City capture Milan's Tijjani Reijnders for £46m – just in time
  • Kevin De Bruyne chooses to join Italian champions Napoli
  • Arsenal weigh high asking price in pursuit of Benjamin Sesko
  • Man United consider swap deal for Napoli's Victor Osimhen
  • Utd also dealt blow in pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres

Jobe Bellingham on joining Dortmund

16:20

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Mike Jones

He told the club's official website: "I'm very happy to be a Borussia Dortmund player now and to fight for titles together with this great club.

"I want to play my part in celebrating success with these great fans here and will work on myself and with the team every day.

"And I'm very happy that I'll be wearing the black and yellow jersey at the Fifa Club World Cup."

Man Utd dealt Gyokeres blow

16:17

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Mike Jones

Manchester United will not be able to purchase Viktor Gyokeres for £59m (€70m) after claims from Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas.

Previous rumours had seemingly revealed that Gyokeres had a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with the club that he would be allowed to leave this summer for a price lower than his £85m (€100m) release clause.

But, Varandas has squashed those rumours and with it probably Manchester United’s interest in signing the forward.

“I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m plus €10m because I never promised that,” Varandas said.

“To this day Sporting has not had an offer for Gyokeres — neither today nor last season.”

Manchester City complete signing of Rayan Cherki in final moments before transfer deadline

16:08

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Richard Jolly

Rayan Cherki has become Manchester City’s third signing in two days after finalising a €37m move from Lyon.

The midfielder has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium, after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical, and joins Rayan Ait-Nouri and Marcus Bettinelli in the new-look City squad.

All three will be available to make their debuts at the Club World Cup, where City face Wydad AC, Al Ain and Juventus in Group G.

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De Jong on new Barcelona contract

15:54

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Mike Jones

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong believes he will sign a new contract with the club with his current deal is set to expire next summer.

“I think I will sign a new contract, but you can never say that with a hundred per cent certainty. If everything goes well, then it will happen,” De Jong told Dutch outlet Voetbalzone.

“They want it and I want it, so normally you can work it out.”

Jorginho joins Flamengo before Club World Cup

15:41

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Mike Jones

Italy midfielder Jorginho has joined Brazilian side Flamengo ahead of this month's Club World Cup, following a mutual termination of his contract with Arsenal, both clubs said.

Jorginho, whose Arsenal deal was set to expire at the end of the month, has joined Flamengo on a contract until July 2028.

The 33-year-old Brazil-born Italy international moved to North London from Chelsea in January 2023, making 78 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal.

Arsenal finished second to champions Liverpool in the Premier League in the recently-concluded season.

"We can confirm that we have reached a mutual agreement with Jorginho to end his contract with immediate effect to become a free agent," Arsenal said in a statement late on Friday.

Would Tuchel remain if England lose the World Cup?

15:30

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Mike Jones

"If you ask me today, yes,” the Three Lions boss replied when asked that question.

He added: "Because I feel I am in the right place. I enjoy where I am at the moment, I love the new challenge, I wanted the new environment.

“I feel the support of the people in the federation, I love the group of players, I want to push them and it just feels right.”

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Tuchel could extend England tenure

15:22

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Mike Jones

Thomas Tuchel is contracted with the FA until the end of the World Cup in 2026 and could seek to extend that past the tournament.

Speaking to TalkSport, Tuchel said: “I will always be tempted to stay because I love the group and I love the opportunity.

“It's an honour to be English head coach. I know what is coming after (the World Cup) - a huge tournament in England - I will always be tempted.

“I can tell you that even after the disappointing result yesterday."

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Billing to return to Bournemouth

15:11

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Mike Jones

Napoli are expected to reject the buy option in Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing's loan.

Antonio Conte's side are set to sign Yunus Musah as a replacement after verbally agreeing a deal worth around £21m (€25m) with AC Milan.

Billing joined Napoli on loan in January with an option to buy for £9m, but will return to the Cherries for their pre-season.

He has two years left on his contract with the Premier League club.

Man United set Alejandro Garnacho price as Chelsea and Aston Villa join five-club race for winger

15:00

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Mike Jones

Manchester United have set a price of £70m for Alejandro Garnacho as they court interest from a series of clubs.

All of Aston Villa, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen are monitoring the 20-year-old's situation.

United are open to selling Garnacho as they seek to escalate an extreme overhaul of the squad this summer.

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Newcastle and Burnley disagree on Trafford value

14:50

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Ella Witcher

Newcastle are interested in signing Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, but an official deal is not close due to differing views on the goalie’s value.

The Daily Mail have reported that the Clarets have offered an initial asking price of £40 million, a value too high for the Magpies.

The 22-year-old keeper said he would be willing to join the North-East side side last summer, and with Nick Pope entering the final year of his contract, Eddie Howe is on the hunt for a new stopper.

It is hoped that a compromise will eventually be reached, but the transfer could take a long time to be finalised.

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Dortmund in for Sancho

14:42

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Mike Jones

Borussia Dortmund have asked to be kept in the loop regarding the future of Jadon Sancho.

Sancho has returned to Manchester United following his loan spell with Chelsea. The Blues decided not to take up their obligation to sign him permanently instead paying United £5m as a fee for refusing that option.

As such Sancho is back at Old Trafford for the time being but looks set to leave before the end of the window with Germany one of the more realistic options.

Sky Sports News’ Mark McAdam said: "Borussia Dortmund have asked to be kept in the loop with regards to Jadon Sancho.

“He had a very successful time at Dortmund before making the move to Man United, he also had a loan spell where he got to the Champions League final.

“We get the feeling his days at Old Trafford are coming to an end."

Man City close to agreement for Sverre Nypan

14:20

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Ella Witcher

City are close to reaching an agreement for the signing of Rosenborg’s Sverre Nypan, according to David Ornstein.

Numerous clubs have shown an interest in the 18-year-old midfielder, but he is now on course to join the Etihad.

Nypan is expected to go out on a season-long loan to continue his development, but his signing is set to be a record fee for a player in the Norwegian League.

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'Joining Chelsea is a dream'

14:11

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Mike Jones

Mamadou Sarr gave his thoughts on his switch from Strasbourg to Stamford Bridge.

“It’s simple. The dream is to win the Premier League and the Champions League with Chelsea,” declared the 19-year-old.

“I feel really good, it’s like a dream for me. Since I was young I dreamed of playing for a club like this. Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I am very happy.

“For me, Chelsea is the best club in London, one of the best clubs in England. Chelsea have a good project in place for young players. The supporters, the club, it’s history and the stadium are all fantastic. It’s an iconic club with a full history.”

Jobe Bellingham follows Jude’s footsteps in record move to Borussia Dortmund

14:00

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Mike Jones

Jobe Bellingham has completed his big-money move to Borussia Dortmund from AFC Sunderland in time to feature at the Club World Cup.

The Bundesliga club have confirmed the 19-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year deal after they agreed a deal with the Black Cats which it is understood could eventually amount to almost £32m.

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Arsenal confirm Marquinhos permanent departure

13:52

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Mike Jones

Arsenal winger Marquinhos has joined Brazilian side Cruzeiro on a permanent deal.

The 22-year-old was already at the Brazilian club on loan but now leaves for good, returning to his homeland.

Gittens named in Dortmund's Club World Cup squad

13:41

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Mike Jones

Jamie Gittens has been named in Borussia Dortmund's Club World Cup.

Chelsea had been desperately trying to sign the winger before yesterday’s deadline and will now focus on getting a deal done later this summer.

Should the Blues manage to sign Gittens before the end of the tournament in the USA he would still not be able to play for them.

That is because a player cannot be registered for two different clubs in the tournament.

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Reijnders on signing for Man City

13:30

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Mike Jones

Manchester City's new signing Tijjani Reijnders spoke about what it means to play for the club and how it feels to play in the Premier League.

“Everybody knows it’s the biggest competition in the world,” he told Man City's official website.

“If you see last season how many clubs are playing against each other for the top places, the level is incredibly high. It’s a boy’s dream to play in the Premier League.

“Playing in the Premier League and at that intensity, I want to feel the energy.

“I think you have to think even quicker here, especially when you play for Man City the spaces are even smaller. So that’s where I want to develop more and I’m looking forward to it.”

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Lee Carsley ‘delighted’ for Liam Delap

13:21

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Mike Jones

England Under-21s boss Lee Carsley insists he is not disappointed in Liam Delap’s decision to go to the Club World Cup with Chelsea rather than the European Under-21 Championship.

“I’m definitely not disappointed. I’m delighted for Liam and his family.

“It’s a brilliant thing for an English centre-forward to play in the Premier League at such a prestigious club like Chelsea.

“Hopefully, he’ll do really well there and push for the senior team. We’ll move on. We’ve moved on quite quickly.

“We’ve always known that two or three of the players could move to clubs that were playing in the Club World Cup.”

Norwich reject bid for Sainz

13:12

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Mike Jones

Norwich City rejected Porto’s opening bid of £12.7m for winger Borja Sainz.

It’s understood the Portuguese club wanted to sign the 24-year-old before yesterday’s Club World Cup deadline but did not meet Norwich’s valuation.

Porto are expected to pursue a deal again this summer, with Napoli also in talks with Norwich over a possible move for the forward.

Promoted Premier League sides show interest in Athletico star

13:08

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Ella Witcher

Sunderland and Leeds have enquired about Athletico Madrid defender Reinildo Mandava according to The Mirror.

The 31-year-old is set to leave the Spanish side following the Club World Cup.

The left-back has also had interest from Crystal Palace Nottingham Forest, but recently declined a formal offer to join the Premier League due to insufficient financial terms.

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Club World Cup, Saudi money, PSR and No 9s: The factors driving the summer transfer market

13:00

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Mike Jones

Over the three days around the Champions League final in Munich, in hotels like the £900-a-night Rosewood, a number of intense meetings were taking place.

Security was tight, agents and club representatives were trying to find secluded corners. They were so close to the transfer window that a certain discretion was needed. At least one big deal was struck.

For some in football, the regular season’s games have stopped so the real business begins. A strand of modern fans might feel the same.

They are likely to be very engaged over the next few months, because there is going to be a lot of activity.

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Villa thinking hard about PSR breaches

12:45

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Mike Jones

Aston Villa are nearing the threshold of PSR and will have to be savvy with their summer transfer business according to Football Finance expert Kevin Maguire.

"I think of the 20 Premier League clubs, Villa are the ones who we're most concerned about," he said.

"Last season, when they did qualify for the Champions League, for every £100 of revenue that Aston Villa brought in, they spent £91 on wages. Those players will have had contract step-ups for qualifying for the Champions League.

"And remember, Villa have done very well in that competition. So that will be a plus. And they have sold some players as well, in both the last summer market and the January one.

"But I think there is still a perception that Villa will have to box clever. And of all of the clubs under pressure to sell players by June 30, I guess they're the ones who are the club that gives the most attention because their spending in the last couple of years before getting into Europe was so extensive."

Kilmarnock sign Brandon

12:32

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Mike Jones

Kilmarnock have signed Jamie Brandon on a two-year deal.

The 27-year-old defender is new manager Stuart Kettlewell’s first addition this summer.

The club have also announced Fraser Murray is leaving the club when his contract expires to join Wigan Athletic.

Sporting boss responds to Gyokeres strike threat

12:22

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Ella Witcher

Sporting Lisbon boss Rui Borges has offered no response over the future of Viktor Gyokeres amid strike claims.

The Swedish forward has supposedly been left “furious” over Sporting increasing the asking price for his signature.

There are now claims that the 27-year-old could go on strike from the club in attempt to force a move away.

When asked about Gyokeres, Borges responded saying, “I’m on vacation. I’m not here to talk about that.”

Source: The Mirror

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Kostoulas to have Brighton medical

12:20

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Mike Jones

Olympiacos forward Charalampos Kostoulas is due to undergo a medical with Brighton on Wednesday.

The Premier League club are closing in on the signing of the 18-year-old.

Sky Sports News reports that Brighton had submitted a bid of £34m. The Greek champions are also asking for a sizeable sell-on clause.

Kendry Paez set fot Strasbourg loan after arriving at Chelsea move

12:02

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Jack Rathborn

Kendry Paez is set for a loan move to Strasbourg after his permanent deal to Chelsea kicked in.

The Ecuadorian midfielder is not in the Blues’ squad for the Club World Cup, meaning he will now finalise a loan deal to further his development and the transition to European football, having emerged at Independiente del Valle.

The 18-year-old joins Enzo Maresca’s side this summer in a €20m (£17.27m) deal, but Strasbourg will be the initial beneficiaries as he begins the next phase of his career.

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11:40

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Mike Jones

West Ham still to make decision on Antonio

West Ham United are still to make a decision on Michail Antonio’s future after a serious road traffic accident in December required the striker to undergo surgery.

A club statement release on Monday read: "As a long-serving, highly-respected player, and a much-loved member of the West Ham family, the club’s absolute priority at this time is to support Michail personally in his journey to resume playing at the highest level."

Antonio’s contract runs out on June 30th and the club added: “There will be no formal decision and announcement on his future until such time that it is considered right and appropriate.

“However, as his current contract is also due to expire on 30 June, for the purposes of the Premier League Retained List procedure at the end of the 2024/25 season, Michail will be listed as a free transfer.”

Real Betis hope to extend Antony's stay

11:36

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Ella Witcher

Real Betis are in talks with Manchester Utd to bring Antony back on loan for the 2025/26 season, this time with a £35 million option to buy, according to the Daily Mail.

The move comes after the 25-year-old’s rejuvenation in la Liga this season.

The Brazilian enjoyed a productive loan spell, delivering 14 goal contributions in 26 appearances.

United originally invested £86 million in Antony from Ajax in 2022, but he failed to meet expectations.

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Bournemouth move for Kerkez replacement

11:32

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Lawrence Ostlere

Liverpool are moving closer to signing Milos Kerkez, after Bournemouth agreed a deal to sign French left-back Adrien Truffert from Rennes as his replacement.

The 23-year-old Truffert has been a regular starter for Rennes since breaking through as a 17-year-old, and has one senior international cap for France.

Kerkez is meanwhile expected to move to Anfield for £45m, where he will compete with Andy Robertson for a starting berth.

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De Bruyne heading to Napoli?

11:20

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Mike Jones

Sky Sports’ Italian correspondents say that former Manchester City captain, Kevin De Bruyne, will be in Italy on Thursday to finalise his free transfer to Napoli.

The 33-year-old will undergo a medical and sign for the Serie A champions.

De Bruyne was vocal about his desire to remain at the top level of European football and will battle for the Italian and Champions League titles next season.

The Belgium captain scored the winner in a 4-3 victory over Wales on Monday proving his abilities have not waned too much with age and he will bring a wealth of winning experience to the Italian side.

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Donnarumma not moving this summer

11:14

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Lawrence Ostlere

Gianluigi Donnarumma looks set to stay at PSG next season, despite reported interest from Manchester United and Inter Milan.

Donnarumma, who began his career at AC Milan, has solidified his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world at Paris Saint-Germain, helping them to their first Champions League crown with a string of memorable saves in each round.

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Why Frank is exactly the right manager for Tottenham

10:50

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Miguel Delaney

It is the kind of story that has got around the Premier League, and explains why so many wealthy clubs have considered Thomas Frank. Earlier this season, the Brentford coach was having a chat with Fabian Hurzeler, and enthusing about Brighton’s style of play.

“I’d love to play like this,” Frank said, before smiling. “I’d need another £100m, though.”

Read more:

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Spurs on verge of announcing Frank

10:36

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Lawrence Ostlere

Tottenham are on the verge of appointing Thomas Frank as their new manager but will need to overcome one more obstacle to get a deal over the line.

Brentford boss Frank was quickly made Spurs’ top target following the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou on Friday, with the club opting to cut ties with the Aussie despite Europa League success, leading the club to a first trophy in 17 years.

There is a growing confidence that the Dane will be the man to replace Postecoglou after positive discussions took place over the weekend.

Nearly all details have been agreed over the move to North London, but the matter of compensation is yet to be finalised, with Brentford holding out for £10m to let Frank out of his contract two years before its expiry in 2027.

Son speaks out on his future

10:20

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Lawrence Ostlere

The Europa League winning captain of Tottenham Hotspur has provided an update on his future.

"I still have one more year left on the contract,” he said.

"Rather than saying anything at this moment, I think we should all wait and see what happens.

“But no matter where I end up, I will always do the best I can. It will never change."

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Leroy Sane opts for Bayern exit with Galatasaray deal

11:03

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Jack Rathborn

Leroy Sane looks poised to join Galatasaray as a free agent, reports The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The former Bayern and Man City star will pen a three-year contract, worth up to €15m per year.

Sane opted for Gala over Fenerbahce in Turkey, while Al Hilal were also keen, with Bayern eager to extend the 29-year-old’s terms, but the German winger has now opted for a fresh start it seems.

Bellingham follows Jude’s footsteps in record move to Dortmund

10:07

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Lawrence Ostlere

Jobe Bellingham has completed his big-money move to Borussia Dortmund from AFC Sunderland in time to feature at the Club World Cup.

The Bundesliga club have confirmed the 19-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year deal after they agreed a deal with the Black Cats which it is understood could eventually amount to almost £32m.

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Man United se Garnacho price as Chelsea and Villa join race

09:49

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Lawrence Ostlere

Manchester United have set a price of £70m for Alejandro Garnacho as they court interest from a series of clubs.

All of Aston Villa, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen are monitoring the 20-year-old's situation.

United are open to selling Garnacho as they seek to escalate an extreme overhaul of the squad this summer.

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Sane set for Galatasaray switch

09:35

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Lawrence Ostlere

Victor Osimhen may want to leave Galatasaray after a year on loan, but it sounds as if Leroy Sane wants to join.

The Bayern Munich winger is available after his contract ends this month, having rejected an offer from the German champions, and the Turkish club have been at the forefront of the race for his signature.

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Breaking: Man City announce Reijnders transfer

09:02

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By senior football correspondent Richard Jolly

Tijjani Reijnders has joined Manchester City for an initial €55m to give Pep Guardiola four signings this week.

The Netherlands international has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium and joins Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli and Rayan Cherki in the new faces in Guardiola’s squad. All four were signed in time for the Club World Cup and could make their City debuts in the United States.

Full story:

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Man United consider Osimhen swap deal

08:50

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Lawrence Ostlere

News from Italy, where a report in Gazetto dello Sport claims Manchester United are seriously considering a move for Victor Osimhen, with a plan to offer Joshua Zirkzee in a swap deal.

Zirkzee has become something of a cult hero at Old Trafford thanks to his committed style around the pitch, but he is yet to have a major impact in front of goal.

United’s primary striker target still appears to be Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, but they are exploring other options.

Napoli striker Osimhen spent the season on loan at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals in 41 appearances.

Victor Osimhen wants a move this summer (Getty Images)