Transfer news live: Man United prioritise Sesko, Arsenal’s Eze stance, Liverpool strike Isak deal

Football
30 Jul 2025 • 10:20 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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The summer transfer window quickly heading towards its conclusion and teams are attempting to strengthen their squads ahead of the new season.

Arsenal have completed the signings of forward Viktor Gyokeres and now have their sights on Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. Palace want a fee in excess of £60m but the Gunners are not willing to go that high and negotiations continue.

Liverpool have made plenty of signings this summer and have sold winger Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for £65m. They are interested in bringing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak to the club after he requested to “explore his options” and have reportedly agreed personal terms with the striker. Newcastle value him at £150m but Liverpool will hope to reduce that if they put in an official bid.

Elsewhere, Manchester United are still hopeful of securing a No.9 before the start of the season but may need to offload some players. Marcus Rashford has already completed a loan move to Barcelona while Jadon Sancho has seen a move to Juventus stall though he could be set to return to Borussia Dortmund instead.

All the latest updates, rumours and done deals will be covered in the blog below:

Transfer news, rumours and done deals

  • Manchester United prioritising Benjamin Sesko
  • Liverpool 'agree personal terms' with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
  • Reds sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich
  • Rangers close in on loan deal for Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore
  • Manchester City reject £25m offer from Forest for James McAtee
  • Arsenal refuse to play ball over Crystal Palace over Eberechi Eze price

When will Viktor Gyokeres make his Arsenal debut?

16:00

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Mike Jones

Viktor Gyokeres is a new Arsenal player.

The Gunners have been trying to strengthen their forward line for most of the summer transfer window with attempts to bring RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko to the Emirates falling apart before a deal for Gyokeres was spread out over weeks of negotiations.

Arsenal finally secured their striker in a £55m deal, which could rise to £65m with related add-ons, and Gyokeres passed a medical on Saturday 26 July before flying out to Singapore to meet up with the squad for their pre-season tour.

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Amorim outlines key aspect he's looking for in new signings

15:49

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Mike Jones

Ruben Amorim says that Manchester United will only players that want to join and excel at the club.

"That is the key point. They have to want to come here," said Amorim.

"Sometimes you have a player with a lot of potential, you have to be aware of that, but all the players that are coming, we need to know the player. We need to talk to the player, we have to explain the project.

“If during the market we can find someone that can help the team and have all that boxes with them, we are going to do it. If not, we cannot do it because it's an important time in our club.”

Chelsea target requested not to be in Ajax squad

15:39

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Mike Jones

Sky Sports have reported that Chelsea target Jorrel Hato requested not to be involved in one of Ajax’s pre-season friendlies.

The 19-year-old did not want to risk injury with a potential move to the Blues on the cards.

Chelsea value Hato at around £35m and are in talks with Ajax, but the Dutch club value their defender at closer to £50m.

Atlanta United agree deal for Alzate

15:28

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Mike Jones

Sky Sports News say that Atlanta United have agreed a deal with Hull for Steven Alzate.

The fee for the 26-year-old midfielder is £1.5m plus £370,000 in add-ons.

Alzate is set to fly to the US tomorrow for his medical.

Howe on Isak's future

15:19

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Mike Jones

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe spoke about the ongoing situation with Alexander Isak.

He said: "He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him.

"I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.

"We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year."

Manchester United prioritising Benjamin Sesko

15:19

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Mike Jones

As Manchester United look to sign a striker this summer it seems they have moved on to a former Arsenal target.

David Ornstein of The Athletic says the club have made RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko their priority having made informal contact with the Bundesliga side.

Sesko is also a target of Newcastle who are potentially planning for life after Alexander Isak.

Man Utd are said to be exploring the cost of deals for both Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins though Villa are adamant Watkins is not for sale.

It may cost United around £69-£78m to secure Sesko’s services.

Man City reject Forest bid for McAtee

15:09

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Mike Jones

Manchester City have rejected a bid of £25m from Nottingham Forest for midfielder James McAtee reports Sky Sports News.

McAtee’s representatives travelled to Germany for talks with Eintracht Frankfurt, while Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keen.

Crystal Palace and Everton are among the Premier League clubs also interested in the midfielder.

Sky Sports News has been reporting that City value McAtee beyond the £25m mark.

Borussia Dortmund interested in Sancho

15:00

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Mike Jones

Borussia Dortmund are interested in re-signing Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho.

The German side are one of a number of clubs, including Juventus, that are keen on the 25-year-old.

Sky Sports say that internal discussions are taking place at the club to decide if they want to bring Sancho back.

Sancho left Dortmund in 2021 and signed for United for £73m but spent the second half of the 2023/24 season back on loan with the Bundesliga club.

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Bayern to unveil Diaz on Thursday

14:48

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Mike Jones

Luis Diaz is expected to be unveiled as a Bayern Munich player at a news conference on Thursday reports Sky Sports.

The Liverpool forward completed a medical after flying in from Japan on Tuesday.

The plan is for him to be in the squad for Saturday's friendly against Lyon, when he could make his Bayern debut.

Bayern agreed a deal with Liverpool worth around £65.5m for the winger.

Why Man United could be in pole position for Sesko

14:39

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Mike Jones

Fabrizio Romano has pointed to a key reason why Manchester United could be in pole position to sign Benjamin Sekso, and it is down to their head of scouting, Christopher Vivell.

Vivell is a former part of the Red Bull Group and knows Sesko, who plays for RB Leipzig.

United have made no official contact with Leipzig yet, but there is interest.

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Chelsea agree deal to sell Felix

14:30

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Mike Jones

Saudi side Al Nassr have agreed a deal worth £43.7m for Chelsea forward Joao Felix.

The 25-year-old is keen on the move and has been given permission to travel to Riyadh for his medical.

The deal means Chelsea will recoup the £45m they paid Atletico Madrid last summer.

Napoli considering Sterling and Grealish?

14:19

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Mike Jones

Sky reports that Napoli are looking at Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish as alternative wing targets, though Bologna's Dan Ndoye remains their priority.

Napoli have already seen a loan with an obligation to buy offer rejected for the Switzerland international, and face competition from Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham preparing bid for Palhinha

14:08

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Mike Jones

Journalist Sebastien Vidal says Tottenham are believed to be preparing bid of around £45m for Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha.

The Portuguese was a semi-regular feature for the Bundesliga champions in 2024-25 but was hampered by an injury that kept him out for two months in the middle of the campaign.

Thomas Frank is said to be keen on bringing the 30-year-old defensive midfielder back to the Premier League - he previously spent two years at Fulham - with an offer expected soon.

Ruben Amorim opens door for exiled Manchester United ‘bomb squad’ to return

14:00

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Mike Jones

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim insists the club will not sell unwanted players on the cheap and he is prepared to welcome them back into the fold if necessary.

Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia were left out of the tour of the United States – Marcus Rashford subsequently went on loan to Barcelona – and the so-called “bomb squad” have been training at the club’s Carrington complex.

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Marseille swoop for Leeds target Paixao

13:53

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Mike Jones

Marseille have agreed a deal to sign Leeds target Igor Paixao from Feyenoord for £28m plus add-ons.

Sky Sports News says Leeds upped their offer for a second time on Sunday but Marseille matched the bid and the 25-year-old chose to join the French club as they will be playing in the Champions League next season.

Nunez targeted by Milan and Juve

13:44

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Mike Jones

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly being monitored by AC Milan and Juventus.

Nunez had previously been a target for Napoli, though the Serie A champions chose to sign Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese instead.

Both Milan and Juve are looking for a striker and have shown interest in the 26-year-old, though there have been no contact offers or bids from either club.

Saudi Arabia is still a possible destination too, with Al Hilal among his admirers.

Nunez has three years left on his deal at Liverpool, and it is believed the Reds would want around £70m to secure his sale.

Villa & Newcastle to fight for Calvert-Lewin?

13:35

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Mike Jones

Reports in the UK suggest that Aston Villa, Newcastle and AC Milan are there clubs considering a move for former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The 28-year-old is a free agent after his Everton contract expired, and it is suggested he could be a cost-effective option for both Villa and the Magpies, with both covering only his wages.

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Ugarte says United players believe in Amorim

13:23

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Mike Jones

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte says the players have faith in Ruben Amorim to turn around the club after a terrible 2024/25 season.

"We have to improve things," Ugarte told reporters on their pre-season tour of the United States.

"We are all very motivated, because we believe in the coach, we believe in what he wants and that is very important.

"Last year we made some changes, we changed our coach, we changed our formation.

"You have to have responsibilities when you play for United. Sometimes the connections take time to get to know each other. I already know the league, the rivals, which is important."

Fulham still interested in Nelson

13:14

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Mike Jones

Fulham have made just the one signing this summer having become the last Premier League team to strengthen their squad with the signing of a new goalkeeper.

But, they remain interested in re-signing attacking midfielder Reiss Nelson on loan.

“Talks between the clubs are over a loan deal with a permanent element attached,” reports Sky Sports.

Man City verdict on 100+ charges could be months away with further delays in sight

13:05

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Miguel Delaney

Club executives and senior football figures believe that the Manchester City case could still go until at least October before the initial outcome, as the controversy threatens to complicate another Premier League season. Some club leaders have even speculated that it might arrive in the campaign's second international break, from 4-18 October, given previous patterns regarding similar cases.

An outcome was expected last season, given that the hearing concluded in early December. It has nevertheless rumbled on into the summer, and means another season faces the weight of potential upheaval and drastic change through possible points deductions.

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Gibbs-White signs new Forest contract

12:53

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Mike Jones

Morgan Gibbs-White has signed a new three-year contract with Nottingham Forest.

Forest accused Tottenham of making an illegal approach for the midfielder with a £60m bid earlier this month.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis said: "Morgan is a special player – not just in terms of talent, but character and mentality. He represents everything we want this football club to be: he is a winner, talented, ambitious, fearless, and proud.

"There was significant interest from various clubs, but we were determined to build our future with Morgan at the heart of it. I promised our fans we would not only compete, but grow stronger and stronger every season. Today is another big step in that journey."

Newcastle’s handling of Alexander Isak transfer saga slammed by club legend Alan Shearer

12:44

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Mike Jones

Newcastle United’s handling of the Alexander Isak transfer saga has been slammed by club legend Alan Shearer.

The former Newcastle striker says the club made themselves look “ridiculous” on Thursday for claiming that Isak was injured amid reports he wants to explore a move away from the club.

Newcastle released a statement on Thursday morning to say the Swede would miss the club’s pre-season tour of Asia due to a minor thigh problem.

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Man Utd told Ollie Watkins is 'not for sale' after initial approach

12:35

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Mike Jones

Manchester United have been firmly rebuffed by Aston Villa after an informal inquiry over a possible move for Ollie Watkins.

United made the inquiry on Thursday evening but were told that Watkins ‘is not for sale’.

Watkins is just one of a few strikers United have looked at along with others including Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.

With a valuation of around £60m, Watkins is one of the cheaper options United are exploring and has proven Premier League quality.

If they do pursue a deal then it will be difficult to convince Villa to part ways with their man.

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Sunderland sign Xhaka

12:26

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Mike Jones

Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Granit Xhaka on a three-year deal.

The Swiss midfielder joins from Bayer Leverkusen, where he helped the club to an invincible domestic double in 2023-24.

Leverkusen, who signed Xhaka for about £21m two years ago, will receive £13m up front plus a potential £4m in add-ons from Sunderland.

“When I spoke to the club, I was excited and I felt the energy, and the mentality that all the people and players have,” the 32-year-old said as his signing was announced.

“It’s exactly what I wanted, and I have a very good feeling. We are back to where this club needs to be, and we want to stay here to write our own history.”

Rodrygo to Liverpool?

12:17

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Mike Jones

Could this really happen? It’s quite possible now.

Foot Mercato in France are reporting that Liverpool have opened talks with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.

The 24-year-old winger is out of favour under Xabi Alonso and could seek a move this summer.

L’Equipe also detailed how Rodrygo would “without a doubt” replace Luis Diaz, should the Colombian international leave this summer and now he has agreed a deal to make the switch to Bayern Munich.

Alexander Isak is seemingly next on Liverpool’s target list but should Newcastle remain firm in their £150m valuation, the Reds could target Rodrygo instead.

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Premier League clubs battle for centre-back

12:08

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Mike Jones

Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle are all said to be keen on Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni.

The 18-year-old Italian made 17 appearances last season for the Serie A side, who are understood to value him at €35m(£30m).

Leoni is attracting attention from within Italy, with clubs including Inter Milan reportedly monitoring his situation according to Corriere dello Sport.

Manchester United make offer for Hjulmand

11:56

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Mike Jones

Manchester United have reportedly tabled an offer for Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand.

According to Calciomercato, United have submitted a bid worth €40m (£35m) for the Sporting captain would would reunite with former boss Ruben Amorim should he make the move to Old Trafford.

United have decided to send Toby Collyer out on loan which means there is space in midfield for Hjulmand to slot into.

Sporting wanted any move for Hjulmand to meet his €80m release clause but will apparently settle for a figure closer to €50m.

Juve chasing striker Kolo Muani

11:47

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Lawrence Ostlere

Juventus are pushing for French striker Randal Kolo Muani:

Man Utd exploring swap deals with Chelsea and Aston Villa for Garnacho

11:31

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Lawrence Ostlere

Manchester United have spoken to both Chelsea and Aston Villa about Alejandro Garnacho, as well as the possibility of players such as Nicolas Jackson and Ollie Watkins going the other way.

The Old Trafford hierarchy are trying to find innovative solutions to multiple transfer issues this summer, as Ruben Amorim wants to continue his overhaul of the squad while moving players on. United's PSR pressures are nevertheless well known, meaning they are investigating deals where players go both ways. The club also want an athletic number-six and a goalkeeper, with the potential order of signings dependent on opportunities and sales.

Chelsea's interest in Garnacho is long-standing, but there is one main obstacle as regards any potential trade. While the Stamford Bridge hierarchy value Jackson at £80m, they don't want to pay more than £30m for Garnacho.

United are themselves holding a firm line on valuations, as they attempt to maximise sales. The club have especially dug their heels in on Garnacho and Antony, who has considerable interest from La Liga after his performances for Real Betis last season.

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City re-sign Trafford from Burnley

11:13

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Lawrence Ostlere

Manchester City have re-signed James Trafford for £27m from newly-promoted Burnley.

Trafford joins on a five-year deal after rejecting Newcastle to return to his former club, with City possessing the option to extend it for a further season.

City, who sold the 22-year-old to Burnley two years ago, activated the matching rights clause they put in that deal when Newcastle agreed a fee with the promoted club.

And Trafford, a long-term target for Eddie Howe, decided against going to St James’ Park in favour of a move to the former Premier League champions - the latest blow in what has been a frustrating transfer window for the Magpies, having already lost out in their pursuits of Hugo Ekitike, Bryan Mbeumo, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

Why Gyokeres changes the title race

10:55

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Lawrence Ostlere

When Arsenal finally accelerated plans to get a striker this summer, they had one fixed line. That was not to go above £65m.

Such a figure might make it sound like they weren’t that serious about a striker - and there have been some questions about the exact level of the talented Viktor Gyokeres - but then this wasn’t quite about getting the striker anymore. It was about options, and having enough to finally win the title.

This is the defining trait of Arsenal’s summer so far, which is that Mikel Arteta is determined to address the key flaws of last season.

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PSG close to agreement for Chevalier

10:37

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Lawrence Ostlere

Fabrizio Romano reports that PSG are close to reaching an agreement with Lille to sign goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier for €40m.

“Agreement done with the goalkeeper and deal at final stages between clubs,” reports Romano.

It is not known whether the signing will be made as a replacement for Gianluigi Donnraumma, who it is said could be on the way out from the Champions league winners.

Everton agree deal to sign Aznou

10:18

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Lawrence Ostlere

Everton have agreed a deal worth £8m to sign Bayern Munich left-back Adam Aznou.

The 19-year-old will join the Toffees on their USA tour once the move is finalised, reports Ben Jacobs.

United 'lead race' for Donnarumma and eye Pope

10:06

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Lawrence Ostlere

There are mixed reports on Manchester United’s hunt for a goalkeeper this morning.

Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport says United have moved into pole position to sign PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma after initial contact was made with the club.

But elsewhere it has been reported by TalkSport that United are considering moving for Newcastle’s Nick Pope, and that the club are reluctant to get dragged into a bidding war with Chelsea, City and others over Donnarumma.

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Antony targeted by Saudi club

09:48

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Lawrence Ostlere

Man Utd winger Antony could be set for a move to Al Nassr, with reports suggesting that the Saudi club have made an offer to sign the Brazilian.

Al Nassr are close to completing a deal for Joao Felix but it is not thought that this would affect a move for Antony, with United said to be demanding around £30m.

Real Betis remain interested after a successful loan spell last season, but the Spanish club are said to be finding it difficult to raise the required funds.

Ajax and Chelsea near breakthrough over Hato

09:27

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Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea are now closing in on a deal to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax.

An agreement is “yet to be reached but getting nearer”, with a compromise expected to take the fee closer to the €40m mark.

“Personal terms in place” for the 19-year-old, reports The Athletic.

And Fabrizio Romano reports that the deal is “very close” with Ajax after progress in talks yesterday.

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The logic behind Liverpool’s decision to sell Luis Diaz

09:26

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Richard Jolly

Luis Diaz was electric for Liverpool at his best, but the 28-year-old provided an opportunity for the Reds to refresh the squad with a deal for Alexander Isak still possible after Hugo Ekitike’s arrival.

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Liverpool sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich

09:25

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Richard Jolly

Luis Diaz has left Liverpool to join Bayern Munich for £65.5m.

The 28-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the German champions and will replace Leroy Sane in Vincent Kompany’s squad.

Liverpool had rejected a first offer of £58.5m before accepting an improved bid after Bayern maintained their interest and the former Porto player wanted to go.

Diaz had initially asked to leave Liverpool last summer while the club’s attempts to tie him down to a longer deal failed, with the Colombian asking for significantly more than they were willing to pay.

More here:

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Chelsea readying opening offer for Simons?

09:12

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Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea are reportedly preparing an opening bod for RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons, according to talkSPORT.

The German club are said to be willing to sanction a move for around €70m, with Chelsea hoping to agree a deal at a slightly lower sum.

Terms are already in place with the 22-year-old.

Arsenal have also considered a move for the Dutchman but have not made contact with Leipzig.

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DONE DEAL! Luis Diaz leaves Liverpool and completes Bayern Munich move

09:08

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Jamie Braidwood

Luis Diaz has completed his move from Liverpool to Bayern Munich.

The winger will join the German champions in a €75m move after three-and-a-half years at the Reds, where he won the Premier League title last season.

“Everybody at Liverpool FC thanks Luis for all of his contributions during his time at the club and wishes him the best for the future,” the club said.

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Everton plot shock move for Man City forward Jack Grealish

08:58

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Lawrence Ostlere

Everton are aiming to secure a loan deal for Jack Grealish, although any negotiation depends on whether Manchester City will accept a "deluxe" temporary agreement or push for a permanent sale.

The 29-year-old has been frozen out of Pep Guardiola's squad, having not been taken to the Club World Cup, and is free to look at other options.

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Leipzig using Ekitike fee as benchmark?

08:33

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Lawrence Ostlere

Reports from Germany suggest that RB Leipzig will use the fee Liverpool paid for Hugo Ekitike as a reference point for their valuation of Benjamin Sesko this summer.

Ekitike completed a £79m move to Liverpool earlier in the window, with Leipzig expected to demand a similar sort of fee for their Slovenian striker, who is a target of Newcastle and Man Utd.

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Forest making progress in Ndoye deal

08:15

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Lawrence Ostlere

Nottingham Forest are “in advanced talks” with Italian side Bologna over the signing of winger Dan Ndoye, reports the Telegraph.

The deal to sign the Switzerland international would be for a club record fee, above the £30m Forest paid for Ibrahim Sangare.

Ndoye will sign a five-year contract if he completes his move.

Nuno Espirito Santo is also targeting Adama Traore, with talks starting with Fulham over a potential deal, while Jacob Ramsey and Ben Doak are two other options who have been discussed.

Liverpool 'agree personal term