Tottenham are hoping to pull off a £55m deal for Eberechi Eze after taking the lead over Arsenal in the race to sign the Crystal Palace winger.
Eze started Palace’s Premier League opener against Chelsea on Sunday even as negotiations ramp up over his future, with Spurs keen to add to their squad after James Maddison’s injury and Son Heung Min’s departure. With a fortnight left of the summer transfer window, it is one of the biggest deals still left to be resolved.
Manchester United have spent big on new forwards and may rival Manchester City for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma – although the Old Trafford club have ended their pursuit of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. They will need to make some sales with Jadon Sancho being targeted by Besiktas and Roma, Antony wanted by Benfica and Chelsea interested in Alejandro Garnacho.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have signed teenage defender Giovanni Leoni as they hope to bolster their defence. The club also remain in talks with Crystal Palace over Marc Guehi and the London side may want to cash in before his contract expires next summer. The Reds still hold an interest in Alexander Isak, who was absent from Newcastle’s opening weekend draw at Aston Villa on Saturday, but they will need to spend big money to secure him.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below:
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Transfer news live
- The transfer window rolls on with two weeks left for deals to be done before deadline day
- Tottenham are nearing the signing of Eberechi Eze in a big deal for Thomas Frank
- Arsenal had been chasing the Crystal Palace forward but may have to look elsewhere
- Liverpool continue their pursuit of Alexander Isak - but Newcastle are holding firm despite striker's exile
- Manchester United could let several players go before the end of the window
Eddie Howe wants new striker - regardless of whether Alexander Isak goes
18:30
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said it was up to other people at the club as to whether wantaway forward Alexander Isak would be fined.
The Sweden striker, who was the subject of a rejected bid from Liverpool, has been trying to force a move away from St James' Park and has been training alone after refusing to play in some pre-season matches.
He was not involved as Newcastle kicked off their Premier League campaign with a goalless draw at Aston Villa, where they failed to score against 10 men.
Asked whether Isak was facing a fine, Howe said: "Other people are dealing with that issue. I'm concentrating on the team and our next game."
The saga surrounding Isak's future has exacerbated a difficult transfer window, which has seen the Magpies miss out on a number of targets, including Benjamin Sesko.
Howe reiterated the club's desire to sign a new striker, regardless of where Isak was after the window closes.
"I think it's been my wish to get a striker when we needed to replace Callum Wilson," he added. "I can't say that enough. It's not like we're looking at any other area.
"We've been looking to recruit a striker to replace Callum. And Callum is a big miss, not just his playing ability, but his personality, so that's what we're looking to do."
DONE DEAL! Newcastle snare Jacob Ramsey
18:09
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Newcastle United have completed the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey.
The 24-year-old has signed a long-term contract with the Magpies, who are understood to have paid an initial £39m for his services, with a further £4m due in add-ons.
The Villa academy graduate, who made 167 appearances for the club, 10 of them in last season's Champions League, is head coach Eddie Howe's fourth acquisition of a difficult summer.
Sunderland sign PSG defender Nordi Mukiele on four-year deal
18:00
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Sunderland have announced the signing of Nordi Mukiele on a four-year contract.
The 27-year-old defender joins the Black Cats from Paris Saint Germain – where he won successive Ligue 1 titles in 2023 and 2024 – in a deal which is understood to be worth 11million euros (£9.5m), with 3million euros (£2.59m) in add-ons.
Mukiele represented Stade Lavallois, Montpellier and Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig before joining PSG, while spending last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen.
Brentford seal club record deal for Dango Ouattara
17:30
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Brentford completed the signing of forward Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth for a club-record fee yesterday, a marquee addition that you feel they needed after a tough summer.
Ouattara, 23, has signed a five-year contract, with the Bees holding the option of an additional year, and moves on a reported £42m deal.
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews said on the club's official website: "We are really happy to get Dango in.
"He is someone that we were aware and surprised could be available. Once we knew that signing him might be a possibility, we really focused on trying to get him in."
James McAtee explains why he left Manchester City
17:00
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
James McAtee has signed a five-year deal at the City Ground after Nottingham Forest beat off competition from a host of other clubs who were interested in the 22-year-old.
The youngster has said that he felt ready for a fresh challenge after leaving Manchester City.
He said: “I feel ready for a new challenge and the club had a great season last year so I want to help build on that and show what I can do.
“I’m so happy to be here and really looking forward to getting started with my new teammates and I know the ambition of everyone associated with the club which is something I want to be a part of.”
The damage Newcastle’s disastrous summer could do to their wider project
16:30
,
Miguel Delaney
It was as early as the first days of June that Eddie Howe and his staff feared this summer was going to be “a big problem” for Newcastle United.
The reason then was not yet failed purchases, the departure of sporting director Paul Mitchell or even Alexander Isak. Or at least, just Isak. Newcastle had already known about the Swede’s ambitions to leave for months.
Now, the same fears were growing about Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon, with the added concern that any unrest could lead to more agitation in the dressing room. The mood was so foreboding that Howe’s staff even asked others in football about potential solutions.
Eddie Howe seeking resolution to Alexander Isak impasse
16:20
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has called for a resolution to Alexander Isak's future.
The Magpies' felt the absence of their wantaway striker in their Premier League curtain-raiser at Aston Villa as they were held to a 0-0 draw against 10 men.
Isak was left out by Howe as the Sweden international tries to force a move away from St James' Park, with Liverpool seeing a bid rejected earlier in the summer.
Howe reiterated his stance that the door remains open for Isak to be reintegrated into the squad if he wants to be but knows only the player is in control.
"We would like a resolution," he said. "When I say we, I'm talking about myself and I'm sure the ownership, everyone really, the players that we have, because I think we need that clarity this season.
"Any Premier League season can be hard enough. You don't need any kind of distraction to swerve your thoughts, to unbalance what we're doing.
"But I'm certainly not in control of that. And I think there's only one person really that could control that.
"Nothing's changed, the door is well and truly open. But he has to decide what he wants to do.
"I mean, that's the quickest way. But of course, Alex is in control of what he does. I'm not in control of him."
Chiesa could stay at Liverpool
16:00
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Federico Chiesa had been expected to move back to Serie A this summer but could now stay at Liverpool after his late cameo to win the match against Bournemouth last night.
“I’m very happy at Liverpool,” he said after the game. “I will speak to the club but I wanna stay here and fight to win many trophies.”
Arne Slot said: “When we needed him, he delivered. And that is always positive for your future at a club”.
Ederson is Man City’s No 1 goalkeeper – for now, says Pep Guardiola
15:40
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
The future of Ederson, however, does not appear clear at Manchester City after the goalkeeper was left out of their squad for the opening match of the Premier League season. Could he yet leave this summer?
Rico Lewis hoping to stay at Manchester City
15:20
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Rico Lewis is determined fight for his place with a Manchester City side he senses have “additional hunger” to regain the Premier League crown this season.
The England international produced the assist for the opening goal as City began their quest for a seventh title in nine years by thrashing Wolves 4-0 at Molineux on Saturday.
That came amid rumours linking the 20-year-old with a move to Nottingham Forest but, while manager Pep Guardiola has said more than once he would like to trim his squad, Lewis does not intend to depart.
West Ham make Lucas Paqueta stance clear
15:00
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady insists midfielder Lucas Paqueta wants to stay at the club.
The Brazil international was reportedly a target for Manchester City in August 2023 before he was the subject of a Football Association investigation into spot-fixing which could have effectively finished his career.
The 27-year-old was cleared by an independent regulatory commission in July and Brady is confident Paqueta, who has two years left to run on his deal, has no intention of leaving the London Stadium.
She said on Talksport: "I think he wants to stay and we definitely want him to stay so the thing is he will be staying.
"It's been a really tough time for Lucas. It's such a serious allegation and it was really hanging over him, and the FA were going for a worldwide life ban. So it came as a real relief."
Fenerbahce close in on Oleksandr Zinchenko
14:40
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Reports in Istanbul suggest that Fenerbahce are closing in on the signature of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal. The versatile Ukrainian can play at left-back or in midfield, of course, which would make him a handy addition for Jose Mourinho.
Kingsley Coman leaves Bayern Munich
14:20
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Kingsley Coman is leaving Bayern Munich after a trophy-filled decade to join up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
Bayern announced the transfer late Friday. Kicker magazine reported a fee of up to 35 million euros for the French winger.
Coman, who scored Bayern's winning goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the 2020 Champions League final, will be part of a star-studded forward lineup with Ronaldo, fellow new signing Joao Felix and Coman's former Bayern teammate Sadio Mane.
Al-Nassr are looking to improve after finishing third in the Saudi Pro League last season and signed Ronaldo to a two-year contract extension in June. Former Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez joined on a free transfer last week.
Leeds not done spending yet, says Daniel Farke
14:00
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Daniel Farke insists Leeds' hierarchy remains committed to further strengthening his squad before the transfer window closes.
The newly promoted Premier League club, who face Everton in their season-opener at Elland Road on Monday, completed their eighth summer signing on Friday with the arrival of free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Leeds had previously spent a combined total of just over £75million on Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach and Lucas Perri, with Lukas Nmecha also a free signing, since winning the Sky Bet Championship title.
Farke, who declared there was "still business to be done", said: "I like to speak openly and honestly about our status and I've given praise to our key people so far. We're on a really good path.
"We've done lots in central defence, central midfield and the goalkeeping position, also the full-back position.
"I've also made it clear we need to strengthen our squad, perhaps one more full-back, and especially the offence.
"With Dominic it's a first step, an important step for us of course. But there is still business to be done."
Virgil van Dijk says signing defender would ‘accelerate’ Liverpool improvement
13:40
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Virgil van Dijk admits signing another defender would “accelerate” their immediate improvement but until the club go back into the market the hard work has to continue within the squad.
Just a couple of hours before the 4-2 win over Bournemouth, who exploited some of the weaknesses at the back highlighted by Crystal Palace in the Community Shield last weekend, the Reds announced the signing of Parma’s 18-year-old central defender Giovanni Leoni.
His six-year contract hints at the club’s expectation for him to be a longer-term success but what they would really like to do is bring in a Premier League-proven player to hit the ground running.
Liverpool have held talks with Palace about Marc Guehi, who is in the final year of his contract, but cannot agree on a fee.
With Newcastle and Arsenal to come before the end of the window, Liverpool captain Van Dijk said in the absence of a quick fix it was incumbent on the players to tighten up after twice being easily exposed.
Nottingham Forest agree deal for new striker
13:20
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal with Rennes for striker Arnaud Kalimuendo worth up to £25m, according to the Telegraph. The 23-year-old Frenchman scored 17 times in Ligue 1 last season.
Fabian Hurzeler insists Carlos Baleba can take next step with Brighton
13:00
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler wants to help Carlos Baleba hit new heights following rebuffed transfer interest from Manchester United.
Seagulls midfielder Baleba returned from a knee injury sustained in pre-season to play the opening 69 minutes of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Fulham.
The 21-year-old Cameroon international, who missed Albion's final four summer friendlies, is poised to remain at the Amex Stadium this term after interest from Premier League rivals United.
Asked to rate Baleba's performance in the season opener against the Cottagers, Hurzeler said: "Good against the ball. I think he can be better in possession. But that's something we have to work with him.
"We are very pleased that he is a Brighton player and that's why he stays with us because he knows that he still has a lot of potential.
"Together, we want to go with him and make with him the next step and give him the help he needs to improve as a player. And then I'm sure he will get more and more important for us during the season."
Everton explore alternatives to Tyler Dibling
12:40
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Everton have had three bids knocked back by Southampton for Tyler Dibling, and it appears they may have taken the message. The Liverpool Echo believe alternative targets are now being pursued.
Jack Harrison relishing Leeds return - and can win back supporters' trust
12:20
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Daniel Farke is convinced winger Jack Harrison can regain Leeds fans' trust having "already won the staff and all the players back".
Harrison's return to Elland Road this summer has divided opinion among supporters after he spent two seasons on loan at Everton following Leeds' top-flight relegation.
The 28-year-old, booed by a section of sceptical Whites fans during pre-season, could face his former club on Monday night when the two sides launch their Premier League campaigns at Elland Road.
Farke said: "I can confirm Jack definitely has already won the staff and all the players back because his behaviour was top class. He's working very hard and is an unbelievably nice team-mate.
"Right now it's up to him. With good performances and hard work he can win the trust of supporters back.
"Our supporters have a good feeling if someone really works for this club and I'm pretty sure he'll grab his chance with both hands."
Chelsea in talks with Bayern Munich over Christopher Nkunku
12:00
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Christopher Nkunku could be one of the players that Chelsea move on in the next fortnight if they do want to open up space in their squad for Alejandro Garnacho or Xavi Simons. The Daily Mail suggest that talks with Bayern Munich, who are interested in bringing the former RB Leipzig forward back to Germany, are underway.
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City have to reduce squad size
11:40
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Pep Guardiola claimed Manchester City's squad size is "not healthy" after opening their Premier League campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory at Wolves.
Erling Haaland struck twice and new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki also got on the scoresheet as City began their quest for a seventh title in nine seasons in emphatic fashion at Molineux on Saturday.
Yet while goalkeeper James Trafford also made a confident debut and Rayan Ait-Nouri shone against the club he left in the summer, Guardiola's main concern is now offloading players.
Guardiola said: "(It's) too much - too many people. I like a deep squad to compete in all competitions but I don't want to leave players at home. It's not healthy. You cannot create a good vibe or atmosphere to compete.
"Everyone has to feel they can play and help. The club has known it since last season, it's not news, but the situation is what it is.
"In the next two weeks, people will talk with players and agents to find a solution."
Nottingham Forest is ‘perfect place to be’ – new signing Omari Hutchinson
11:20
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Omari Hutchinson admitted Nottingham Forest was the “perfect place to be” after he signed a five-year deal with the club.
Nuno Espirito Santo secured his fifth and sixth signings of the summer transfer window on Saturday after both Hutchinson and James McAtee committed to long-term contracts at the City Ground.
Hutchinson was part of the side that won the European Championship with the England Under-21 side this summer and he will be reunited with fellow winning team-mates McAtee and Elliot Anderson in Nottingham.
The 21-year-old admitted Anderson convinced him to join the club after spending two years at Ipswich.
Roma agree deal for Leon Bailey
11:05
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Roma appear to be closing in on Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey. La Gazzetta dello Sport report that a loan deal worth £1.7m will precede a possible permanent switch of about £20m.
Eddie Howe says Newcastle need ‘clarity’ over Alexander Isak future
10:50
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has called for a resolution to Alexander Isak’s future.
The Magpies’ felt the absence of their wantaway striker in their Premier League curtain-raiser at Aston Villa as they were held to a 0-0 draw against 10 men.
Isak was left out by Howe as the Sweden international tries to force a move away from St James’ Park, with Liverpool seeing a bid rejected earlier in the summer.
Howe reiterated his stance that the door remains open for Isak to be reintegrated into the squad if he wants to be but knows only the player is in control.
“We would like a resolution,” he said. “When I say we, I’m talking about myself and I’m sure the ownership, everyone really, the players that we have, because I think we need that clarity this season.
Could Alejandro Garnacho be left in limbo?
10:35
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
The presumption is that Chelsea would eventually sign Alejandro Garnacho this summer having been strongly linked with the Manchester United forward throughout the transfer window - yet Enzo Maresca’s group of frontline options remains bloated. Sky Sports believe that the London club will only progress with deals for Garnacho and Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig if some can be let go.
Manchester United could accept Jadon Sancho deal
10:20
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Manchester United have been holding out for a permanent departure of Jadon Sancho, but despite heavy interest around Europe, a suitable offer is yet to arrive. There are plenty of loan suitors, though, and Fabrizio Romano believes that Roma may be the winger’s next club if he is willing to move to Serie A.
Manchester United set to let out-of-favour forwards go
10:10
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Still available for transfer, meanwhile, are Manchester United’s exiles. Marcus Rashford has been moved on but all of Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho may yet be on the move before the end of the window.
Manchester United end pursuit of Carlos Baleba
09:55
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Ruben Amorim probably needed heavy investment this summer, and the Manchester United hierarchy have backed him. His desire to sign Carlos Baleba will have to wait, though, after Brighton held firm in negotiations and commanded a high fee. The BBC report that Manchester United’s interest has been ended for now.
Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres set to duel
09:42
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
There will be plenty to watch at Old Trafford this afternoon, but one storyline feels likely to dominate as two new centre forwards go head-to-head. Ruben Amorim once had Viktor Gyokeres at his disposal, helping to turn the Swedish striker into the player he has now become, and will now hope that Benjamin Sesko proves a catalyst in his Manchester United rebuild. Richard Jolly considers the fortunes of the two forwards key to this season-opening clash.
