Benjamin Sesko is set to choose Manchester United over Newcastle, with the Old Trafford hierarchy confident that the highly rated RB Leipzig striker wants to join Ruben Amorim’s project despite the lack of Champions League football.
Newcastle United are themselves desperate for a new striker amid interest in Alexander Isak. The 25-year-old has been trying to force a move away from the club amid an ongoing pursuit from Liverpool but Newcastle are holding out for a massive fee, having rejected Liverpool‘s first bid. Manager Eddie Howe admitted the situation is “far from ideal” and the club have now banished Isak to train separately from the squad.
Newcastle have made a second bid for Leipzig’s Sesko, after their first was deemed not good enough by the German side. But Manchester United, who are hopeful of securing a No 9 of their own, have submitted their own big-money offer as the two clubs will battle it out over the closing days of the window.
Elsewhere, Liverpool have agreed to sell Darwin Nunez to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. Ruben Dias on the verge of agreeing a new contract with Manchester City, Nicolas Jackson is set to leave Chelsea this summer, while Arsenal are aiming to bolster their forward line by signing Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. Palace want a fee in excess of £60m which is the amount of Eze’s release clause but the Gunners are running out of time to trigger it.
All the latest updates, rumours and done deals will be covered in the blog below:
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Transfer news
- Isak to train away from Newcastle squad amid Liverpool pursuit
- Saudi club have verbal agreement over Liverpool striker Nunez
- Man Utd set to beat Newcastle in battle to sign Benjamin Sesko
- Arsenal set to make big-money bid for Palace star Eberechi Eze
- Dortmund targeting up to four Chelsea stars in major swoop
- Liverpool and England U21 midfielder Tyler Morton joins Lyon
Mamardashvili must be patient, says James
15:29
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Lawrence Ostlere
Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James accepts new signing Giorgi Mamardashvili has the self-belief to think he can displace Alisson Becker as first choice but patience may be the quality which serves him best.
"You have to understand Liverpool haven't looked at Mamardashvili and thought 'We need to fill a gap here'," James, who made 277 Liverpool appearances between 1992 and 1999, told the PA news agency at an event for Carlsberg.
"Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world and it's not often you get asked twice. Mamardashvili has come in as a direct challenger.
"He will have to believe he is good enough to play for Liverpool, one of the toughest goalkeeping positions in world football.
"But he has played at major tournaments and international finals and excelled so I don't think the occasion is going to faze him.
"It will just be interesting if he doesn't start the season how motivated he will be to wait for his opportunities, because he will get opportunities."
Man Utd and Newcastle submit offers for Sesko as Leipzig star makes choice
15:10
,
Miguel Delaney
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.
But The Independent understands that Manchester United are convinced Sesko would prefer a move to Old Trafford over St James’ Park. United had been cautious, reluctant to get into a bidding war, but have now played their hand with an offer of €75m plus €10m in add-ons.
Latest, by Miguel Delaney:
Everton confirm signing
14:50
,
Chris Wilson
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.
We have completed the transfer of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.
— Everton (@Everton) August 6, 2025
Welcome to Everton, Kiernan! ✍️ pic.twitter.com/oY7w1V4qKZ
Darwin Nunez on verge of Liverpool exit as striker faces decision
14:35
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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.
More from senior football Richard Jolly:
Barcelona facing Rashford registration problem
14:17
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Chris Wilson
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.
Liverpool transfer news: Alexander Isak, Rodrygo, Jean-Philippe Mateta and more
13:57
,
Chris Wilson
Liverpool are bracing for a busy summer to build on this season’s Premier League title success.
Arne Slot orchestrated a stunning debut campaign at Anfield, inheriting a stacked squad from Jurgen Klopp before taking English football by storm to seal a record-equalling 20th top-flight crown for the club.
The summer months of 2024 hardly shaped the season that followed for Liverpool, and Slot has already proven that he doesn’t require overwhelming transfer activity to be successful. Last summer, he saw just two arrivals come through the door in the form of Giorgi Mamardashvili (who was immediately loaned back to Valencia) and Federico Chiesa, who played a total of just 104 minutes in the Premier League.
But with Trent Alexander-Arnold heading for the exit and a Premier League title to defend, Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards are expected to engage in a substantial recruitment drive over the coming months.
And the signs are extremely promising for Reds fans, with Jeremy Frimpong having signed from Bayer Leverkusen before Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike followed through the door.
Here’s everything you need to know about Liverpool’s summer transfer plans.
Darwin Nunez set for Liverpool Community Shield squad despite doubts over future
13:37
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Chris Wilson
Darwin Nunez is expected to be in Liverpool’s squad for the Community Shield on Sunday despite ongoing speculation about his future.
The PA news agency understands the Uruguay international’s representatives are in talks with Al Hilal, who have been linked with the striker for several months, but the Saudi Pro League club have yet to open discussions with the Reds.
Everton open talks over Grealish
13:18
,
Chris Wilson
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 to train away from main Newcastle group
13:00
,
Chris Wilson
Alexander Isak will train away from the main group at Newcastle United training today, reports Sky Sports.
Isak’s been told to report late afternoon and train and recover on his own.
The players and staff will have a team gathering this afternoon with families invited, adds Downie.
Isak will report to the training ground after they have left.
Son Heung-min set to join MLS club in record-breaking deal
12:52
,
Chris Wilson
Tottenham captain Son Heung-min is set to finalise his move to Los Angeles FC on Wednesday, concluding a decade with the Premier League club.
The South Korean forward revealed his departure plans on Saturday, before playing in Sunday’s pre-season 1-1 draw against Newcastle in his homeland.
After an emotional farewell, Son arrived in Los Angeles on Tuesday, witnessing LAFC’s 2-1 victory over Tigres at BMO Stadium.
Antony wants Betis move
12:34
,
Chris Wilson
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.
Al Hilal reach agreement in principle for Nunez
12:14
,
Chris Wilson
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”.
Hojlund priced at £30m
11:54
,
Chris Wilson
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.
Arsenal duo set for exit door?
11:35
,
Chris Wilson
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.
Leicester agree fee for Ndidi transfer
11:16
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Chris Wilson
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
10:57
,
Chris Wilson
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
10:38
,
Chris Wilson
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?
10:20
,
Chris Wilson
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.
Ekitike, Wirtz, Kerkez and Frimpong make Anfield debuts to reveal a new side to Arne Slot’s Liverpool
10:02
,
Chris Wilson
Anfield got its first glimpse of what the best part of £300m gets you. Quite a lot, it seems. Which, given the numbers involved, it really should. But the Anfield bows of five lavish arrivals offered an insight into Arne Slot’s remodelled Liverpool. The goals came from the old, with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo scoring to defeat Athletic Club 3-2, the intrigue from the new.
Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike made Anfield bows, albeit in an unofficial outing and after each has featured further afield in preseason. Even as the £110m bid for Alexander Isak indicated Liverpool did not necessarily intend their business to stop with those five, it is half a team. Jurgen Klopp called the side he left Liverpool 2.0. Perhaps this is 2.0 for Slot’s Liverpool, significantly different to the title-winning outfit.
Villa agree deal for striker
09:54
,
Chris Wilson
Aston Villa have agreed a deal for Nice striker Evann Guessand, according to Sky.
The deal will cost an initial £23.5m potentially rising to almost £28m with add-ons, and it is all pending a medical.
The 24-year-old will sign a contract until 2030.
Newcastle to move on to new targets?
09:46
,
Chris Wilson
Newcastle may have to quickly move on to new striker targets as news emerges that Benjamin Sesko prefers to join Man Utd.
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.
Will Liverpool bid again for Alexander Isak?
09:38
,
Chris Wilson
Liverpool’s first bid for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak was for £110m and landed on Friday with the North East side rejecting it promptly.
The swiftness of their rejection led to The Independent’s Richard Jolly reporting that the Reds had decided against making a second bid with Newcastle’s £150m valuation for Isak deemed too high.
However, Fabrizio Romano believes Liverpool have changed their mind again and are preparing to make a second bid for Isak depending on what Newcastle do in the market.
Newcastle are exploring moves for Benjamin Sesko and Goncalo Ramos while Al-Hilal hold an interest in Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez which could be a boon to help fund a move for Isak.
Man United and Newcastle submit contrasting offers for Benjamin Sesko as transfer battle heats up
09:29
,
Chris Wilson
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.
But The Independent understands that Manchester United are convinced Sesko would prefer a move to Old Trafford over St James’ Park. United had been cautious, reluctant to get into a bidding war, but have now played their hand with an offer of €75m plus €10m in add-ons.
MLS side set to pay record fee for Son
09:21
,
Chris Wilson
LAFC are set to pay a fee in the region of £20m for Heung Min Son, making the deal an MLS record.
At $27m, it would be $5m more than the $22m that Atlanta United paid for Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Guiu 'undergoing a Sunderland medical'
09:16
,
Chris Wilson
Chelsea striker Marc Guiu îs currently undergoing his medical at Sunderland ahead of a season-long loan move, reports Sky Sports.
The two clubs have agreed a loan deal that “should be finalised later today” according to Keith Downie.
‘I want to be player of the year’: Phil Foden ready to be Man City’s talisman in the post-De Bruyne era
09:10
,
Chris Wilson
New season, new Manchester City. And, if it all goes well, old Phil Foden. The best season of his career was followed by the 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 [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 his best; his 100th for City came in the 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal and was special.
Some 27 of that century came in 2023-24. If Foden could return to that brilliance, it may be particularly timely.
Man Utd reject offers for Harry Maguire
09:04
,
Chris Wilson
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
08:56
,
Chris Wilson
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.
Dortmund targeting up to four Chelsea stars
08:49
,
Chris Wilson
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.
Man Utd expecting Garnacho offers
08:42
,
Chris Wilson
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.
Leipzig looking at Elliott
08:35
,
Chris Wilson
RB Leipzig are exploring a deal for Liverpool forward Harvey Elliott, reports the Athletic.
Elliott is seen as a potential replacement for Chelsea-bound Xvi Simons, with talks between the two clubs at an early stage.
The Reds value Elliott at around £50m, and have no real need or great desire to sell the England U21 international at present.
Alexander Isak set for crunch talks with Eddie Howe after returning to Newcastle
08:29
,
Chris Wilson
Alexander Isak is facing showdown talks with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe after returning to Tyneside.
The 25-year-old Sweden international headed back to Tyneside over the weekend after spending time working on his fitness at former club Real Sociedad as Premier Leaguechampions Liverpool formalised their interest in him with a £110m bid, which was swiftly rejected by the Magpies.
He reported to the club’s training headquarters on Monday morning as the rest of the squad returned from their pre-season trip to Singapore and South Korea.
Man Utd closing in on Sesko deal
08:23
,
Chris Wilson
Manchester United are indeed “closing in on [a] deal to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig” reports David Ornstein.
The German club have accepted the previous bid from Newcastle but the striker wants to join Man Utd, and while there is no club-to-club agreement yet, “talks [are] advancing towards [a] conclusion”.
This one could move quickly from here!
Arsenal set to bid for Eze?
08:19
,
Chris Wilson
Arsenal could make their first formal bid for Ebere Eze later this month as they wait for the proposed transfer of Fabio Vieira to Stuttgart.
The Gunners have targeted Eze all summer but rumours persist that Crystal Palace will insist that Arsenal pay the England international’s full release clause, which is around £68m.
The clause is set to expire around 16 August, though Palace could decide to remain firm in their valuation of the player.
Sesko makes decision over future?
08:13
,
Chris Wilson
Manchester United believe that Benjamin Sesko has chosen to join them after they submitted an official bid for the striker yesterday.
Sesko has been the subject of interest from Newcastle – who made their own bid ahead of United – and both clubs are waiting for the Slovenian’s final decision.
But Man Utd believe that the 22-year-old only wants to join them, reports Fabrizio Romano.
Saudi club have verbal agreement over Nunez
08:08
,
Chris Wilson
Al Hilal are closing in on a deal for Darwin Nunez after securing a verbal agreement with Liverpool, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian says that the “club to club agreement is done”, with the Saudi club in talks with the Liverpool striker over personal terms.
He does state that the final decision on the move rests with Nunez, however.
Transfer news live
08:02
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Good morning and welcome along to live coverage of the transfer window’s news, rumours and done deals... Let’s get going!
