Transfer news live: Man United reach Sesko breakthrough, Liverpool get Isak boost, Eze to Arsenal

FootballSports
7 Aug 2025 • 10:16 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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Manchester United are on the verge of signing Benjamin Sesko in a major coup for the club, after beating off competition from Newcastle for the Slovenian striker. RB Leipzig had been prepared to do a deal with Newcastle for Sesko, but the 22-year-old chose Old Trafford and is now set to have a medical ahead of the new season.

Newcastle also have issues with Alexander Isak. The 25-year-old has been trying to force a move away from the club amid interest pursuit from Liverpool but the Magpies want a huge fee, having rejected Liverpool‘s first bid of £110m.

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 valuation. Nunez will now undergo a medical ahead of his move to the Saudi Pro League.

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.

Elsewhere, 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:

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Transfer news

  • Man Utd set to sign Benjamin Sesko in £73.7m deal
  • Liverpool handed boost for Isak move having agreed sale of Darwin Nunez
  • Isak to train away from Newcastle squad amid Liverpool pursuit
  • Arsenal set to make big-money bid for Palace star Eberechi Eze
  • Join Miguel Delaney's Inside Football newsletter and go beyond the game with exclusive insights

Grealish wages 'stumbling block' for Everton

16:09

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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.

West Ham's statement on Antonio

16:00

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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."

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Zabarnyi closing in on PSG move

15:48

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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.

Benjamin Sesko snubs Newcastle with fee agreed for Man United move

15:44

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Richard Jolly

Manchester United have agreed a £66.5m fee with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian striker, who could cost up to £73.7m if add-ons are triggered, is set to become Ruben Amorim’s third major signing this summer and to take his spending in the transfer window to over £200m.

But, with Sesko preferring to join Manchester United after Newcastle United also made a bid for him, it represents another blow for Eddie Howe in the Magpies’ troubled summer.

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Burnley want to finalise Broja deal

15:36

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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.

Interest growing in Antonio

15:25

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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.

How Man Utd could line up after Sesko signing

15:14

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Mike Jones

Manchester United are on the brink of signing Benjamin Sesko and will head into the new season with a whole new forward line.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have also been brought in from Wolves and Brentford respectively and bring a heap of Premier League experience with them.

Ruben Amorim is pleased with how his team have been performing in pre-season but may want a few more additions before the window is done.

Here’s how United could line up for their first match against Arsenal on August 17:

Man Utd possible XI: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez; Amad, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha, Sesko

Man Utd strike Sesko deal for €85m

15:11

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Jack Rathborn

Manchester United have a breakthrough in their bid to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports a €85m (£73.7m) fee has been agreed between the clubs, which should see off competition from Newcastle to send the Slovenian to Old Trafford.

The initial fee is €76.5m (£66.3m) with €8.5m (£7.4m) in add-ons.

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Mike Jones

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Dubravka on joining Burnley

14:50

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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

14:38

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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?

14:25

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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.

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'Anything can happen' says Maresca

14:11

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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

14:00

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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.

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Burnley sign Martin Dubravka

13:50

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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.

John Stones fires warning to Manchester City’s Premier League rivals

13:39

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Mike Jones

John Stones is convinced Manchester City have the “fire in our bellies” to regain their Premier League title.

City surrendered the crown they won in the previous four seasons to Liverpool during an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign.

Defender Stones believes lessons have been learned and has detected a strong desire to put things right since the players have reported for pre-season training.

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Fulham have Kevin bid rejected

13:25

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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.

Burnley edging closer to deals

13:12

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Mike Jones

Burnley are closing in on two more signings, with deals for Martin Dubravka and Lesley Ugochukwu on the horizon according to Sky.

The club have agreed a permanent deal with Newcastle United for goalkeeper Dubravka, while Ugochukwu is expected to have a medical at Burnley in the next 24 hours ahead of finalising his move.

Ugochukwu has agreed in principle a five-year contract, and the deal will be worth over £20m.

Darwin Nunez on verge of Liverpool exit as striker faces decision over future

13:00

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Richard Jolly

Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal to sell Darwin Nunez to Saudi Pro-League side Al-Hilal for an initial £46.2m.

However, they are waiting to see if the striker will agree to leave Anfield after a three-season spell.

Nunez also attracted interest from AC Milan but there were doubts if the Serie A side could meet Liverpool’s asking price, whereas Al-Hilal are willing to pay a fee that could rise to £56.6m, including add-ons.

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Chelsea set to step up Simons & Garnacho efforts

12:51

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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

12:40

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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.

Rodrygo on the move?

12:27

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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.

Everton confirm signing

12:15

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Mike Jones

Everton have confirmed the signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea on a five-year deal.

The fee is an initial £25m plus add-ons that could increase it to somewhere in the region of £29m, reports Sky.

Barcelona facing Rashford registration problem

12:04

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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.

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James Maddison to undergo surgery on ACL

12:01

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Flo Clifford

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.

Everton open talks over Grealish

11:55

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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.

Isak training away from main Newcastle group

11:46

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Mike Jones

Alexander Isak will train away from the main group at Newcastle United training, reports Sky Sports.

Isak’s been told to train and recover on his own.

The players and staff will have a team gathering this afternoon with families invited, adds Keith Downie.

Isak will report to the training ground after they have left.

Phil Foden ready to be Man City’s talisman in the post-De Bruyne era

11:35

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Mike Jones

New season, new Manchester City. And, if it all goes well, old Phil Foden. The best season of his career was followed by his worst. And yet, in the curiosity of a tournament that belonged fully to neither one season nor the other, there were hints he was returning towards the kind of form that saw him named Footballer of the Year. The Club World Cup may offer a long-term benefit to City if it provides a shift in momentum for Foden.

“I wouldn’t say [I was at my] absolute best but I was definitely feeling a lot sharper, I managed to score a couple of goals as well,” he said. Three, to be precise. The last was his best and 100th for City during the 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal.

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Liverpool draw up striker shortlist including Barcola

11:25

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Mike Jones

Liverpool haven’t yet gone all in on signing Alexander Isak though it seems he is their priority.

The Reds want to bring in a new striker during this window and have drawn up a shortlist of options after selling Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich and accepting an offer for Darwin Nunez.

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been linked with them and now reports say that Bradley Barcola has been added to the list.

Barcola is a key member of PSG’s team and the French champions will not let him leave easily with the sum of £87.3m (€100m) being touted as the possible fee.

Antony wants Betis move

11:23

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Mike Jones

Manchester United winger Antony is still determined to return to Real Betis during this window, reports Sky.

Betis are struggling to gather the funds to make a permanent deal this summer, and Antony has attracted interest from Saudi clubs, though the Brazilian has so far refused their advances.

However, “there is a willingness from all parties to strike a deal” between Utd and the Spanish club.

United are said to value the winger at around £30m, and prefer a sale over a loan.

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Arsenal duo set for exit door?

11:11

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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.

The complicated character of ‘Mr Marinakis’ poses one Nottingham Forest question

11:00

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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 reads something about managers, teammates, fans or wider ambition - but not about the typically-silent powerbroker, their over-arching 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.

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Al Hilal reach agreement in principle for Nunez

10:51

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Mike Jones

David Ornstein reports that Al Hilal have reached an agreement in principle with Liverpool for a deal for Darwin Nunez, worth €53m (£46m) plus add-ons.

The Liverpool striker is “indicating willingness to accept” the deal, with “steps needed to finalise”.

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Hojlund priced at £30m

10:40

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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.

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Liverpool agree Nunez sale

10:27

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Chris Wilson

Liverpool have reached an agreement with Al Hilal for the sale of Darwin Nunez, reports Sky.

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 understood that Liverpool are yet to be informed that Nunez has given his blessing for the move.

Leicester agree fee for Ndidi transfer

10:17

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Mike Jones

Leicester City have agreed a fee worth around £8.5m with Besiktas for Wilfred Ndidi, according to Sky.

Ndidi has attracted interest from a number of clubs in the Premier League and Europe after his buy-out clause reduced following Leicester's relegation, but plans are now in place for Ndidi to fly to Istanbul in the next 24 hours to undergo a medical.

Dortmund still want Sancho deal

10:05

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Mike Jones

Borussia Dortmund are still pushing to do a deal for Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho, according to Sky.

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.

Premier League clubs interested in Sterling

09:53

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Mike Jones

Raheem Sterling is believed to have caught the interest of Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham, according to the Daily Mail.

The former England international is virtually guaranteed to make the move away from Chelsea this summer.

Newcastle to compete for Guehi?

09:44

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Mike Jones

Newcastle United are considering returning to a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, according to the Times.

Guehi has been a target for Liverpool this summer but was the subject of a large bid from Newcastle last summer, and recent reports suggest that the Reds may not return with another bid, instead targeting young talent from around Europe.

This year, it is thought that the Magpies value Guehi at £40m, though Palace’s valuation is more like £50m.

Man United and Newcastle submit contrasting offers for Benjamin Sesko as transfer battle heats up

09:30

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Mike Jones

Manchester United have submitted a first offer worth up to €85m for Benjamin Sesko as they battle with Newcastle for the RB Leipzig striker.

Earlier on Monday, Newcastle submitted their second offer for Sesko, worth €80m plus a further €10m in potential add-ons, in the hope of getting a deal over the line after seeing their first bid rejected. Newcastle want to secure a replacement striker for manager Eddie Howe as Liverpool pursue Alexander Isak, his top goalscorer last season.

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Man Utd reject offers for Harry Maguire

09:08

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Mike Jones

Man Utd have rejected five offers from clubs in the Premier League and Serie A for defender Harry Maguire, reports the Daily Mail.

The club have reportedly told potential suitors that Maguire could be offered a new deal to see out his career at Old Trafford, though clubs in Europe and the UK are ready to swoop in if that doesn't happen.

Liverpool and England U21 midfielder Tyler Morton joins Lyon

09:00

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Mike Jones

Liverpool have sold midfielder Tyler Morton to Lyon for £15m, meaning they have brought in almost £150m in transfers this summer.

The England Under-21 international, who made 14 first-team appearances for Liverpool, joined the Ligue Un club after passing a medical.

Liverpool also have a 20 percent sell-on clause for Morton if the 22-year-old, who helped England win the European Under-21 Championships in June, continues to improve.

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Dortmund targeting up to four Chelsea stars

08:50

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Mike Jones

Borussia Dortmund are targeting four pf Chelsea’s wantaway players, according to reports in France.

The German club are close to agreeing a move for midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka – who spent the second half of last season on loan at the Signal Iduna Park – in a deal that would be worth around £22m.

And they are also said to be interested in Tyrique George, Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga, with talks ongoing between the two clubs.

Son Heung-min completes move to LAFC from Tottenham in MLS record deal

08:41

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Mike Jones

Son Heung-min has completed a move from Tottenham Hotspur to Los Angeles FC in what is a record Major League Soccer transfer.

Son has officially ended his 10-year stay at Spurs, where he scored 173 goals in 454 appearances and led the team to Europa League glory in May.

After an agreement between Tottenham and LAFC was struck for a deal in excess of £20m, the 33-year-old arrived in Los Angeles on Tuesday and a day later he has finalised his transfer, which is the highest fee paid by an MLS club for a player.

Image from: Transfer news live: Man United reach Sesko breakthrough, Liverpool get Isak boost, Eze to Arsenal