Football Transfers, News, Rumours, Reaction - talkSPORT

Arsenal’s 21-man transfer window wishlist included Tottenham stars and new Leeds man

Tom Hancock — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 12:01:31 +0000

Arsenal’s ambitious summer transfer shortlist featured two Tottenham players and others who moved to different Premier League clubs.

The window closed with the Gunners having made five new signings for the defence of their Premier League title – but the list of targets they did not land makes for fascinating reading.

Bruno Guimaraes was Arsenal’s marquee signing this summer

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Arsenal eyed Spurs duo

BBC Sport revealed Arsenal‘s 21-player shortlist that included the likes of Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola – who joined Chelsea and Liverpool respectively.

But perhaps most eye-catching of all is the presence of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven – both of Spurs, the Gunners’ arch-rivals who no player has left directly for Arsenal since Sol Campbell 25 years ago.

Tarik Muharemovic, who made his way to Leeds from Sassuolo, and Alex Scott – who ended up staying at Bournemouth amid links to a number of Premier League clubs – were among the other names on the list.

Arsenal did not do any business on deadline day – or indeed in the last 11 days of the transfer window.

The Gunners’ final signing proved to be Ezri Konsa, who arrived from Aston Villa.

He joined Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis and £75m man Bruno Guimaraes at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal also exercised their option to make title winner Piero Hincapie’s loan move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent.

Nonetheless, Mikel Arteta‘s side still missed out on bringing some seriously big hitters to north London.

And there were none more so than Vinicius Junior, another player on the shortlist.

The Brazil superstar would have been one of the most prominent signings in Premier League history, but he ultimately signed a new contract with Real Madrid.

Micky van de Ven would have caused quite a stir had he swapped Spurs for Arsenal

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Vinicius Junior would have been a huge statement signing

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Arsenal’s summer shortlist

Player	Club when shortlisted	Club at end of window
Morgan Rogers	Villa	Chelsea
Bradley Barcola	PSG	Liverpool
Kenan Yildiz	Juventus	Juventus
Yan Diomande	RB Leipzig	Real Madrid
Nico Paz	Como	Como
Eli Junior Kroupi	Bournemouth	Bournemouth
Elliot Anderson	Nott’m Forest	Man City
Joao Pedro	Chelsea	Chelsea
Vinicius Jr	Real Madrid	Real Madrid
Julian Alvarez	Atletico Madrid	Atletico Madrid
Malick Fofana	Lyon	Sunderland
Sandro Tonali	Newcastle	Spurs
Alex Scott	Bournemouth	Bournemouth
Amadou Onana	Villa	Villa
Jeremy Monga	Leicester	Man City
Louis Page	Leicester	Leicester
Ivan Fresneda	Sporting Lisbon	Sporting Lisbon
Cristian Romero	Spurs	Atletico Madrid
Micky van de Ven	Spurs	Spurs
Jacobo Ramon	Como	Como
Tarik Muharemovic	Sassuolo	Leeds

Arteta satisfied

On the whole, though, Arteta was happy with Arsenal’s summer business.

After last season’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, the Gunners manager underlined the need for the club to show great ambition in the transfer market. He said: “We will have to start making some very important decisions if we want to reach another level.

“We are going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it is going to demand us to be very ambitious, very fast and very smart.”

Asked if he felt Arsenal had achieved that, he replied: “Yeah, 100 per cent [all the boxes have been] ticked. The outcome after can be different to what you expect, but the intention was certainly there, which is, in my opinion, what I value the most.”

Next up for Arsenal

Having won their opening two Premier League games without conceding, the champions’ biggest test of the season so far comes on Sunday.

They entertain London rivals Chelsea, another side with a 100 per cent record at this early stage of the campaign, with Arteta coming up against his long-time friend Xabi Alonso in the opposing dugout.

Tottenham could rip up Richarlison’s contract and blow transfer saga wide open

Tom Hancock — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 16:04:16 +0000

There is a possibility of Tottenham ripping up Richarlison’s contract amid the ongoing transfer saga surrounding the forward, talkSPORT understands.

Spurs are trying to offload the Brazil international after leaving him out of their Premier League squad.

Richarlison still has a year left on his contract at Spurs

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Richarlison no longer needed

Roberto De Zerbi has deemed Richarlison surplus to requirements, but a return to Everton collapsed late in the transfer window, with the player insisting he would only leave Spurs on his own terms.

The 29-year-old has since agreed terms with Trabzonspor, though time is running out to complete a deal: the window in Turkey closes at midnight on Friday, September 4.

As such, Spurs could potentially terminate Richarlison‘s contract to allow him to move on a free transfer.

Spurs holding out for more money

Explaining the time-sensitive situation, talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs said: “Time is running out here. The player has not given a green light to the [Trabzonspor] project yet, but that could change today. He has accepted the broad financials. No surprise there.

“The issue is whether Richarlison wants to go and, interestingly, the Brazilian window stays open into mid-September as well – so he could get a return home if he holds out.

“The challenge here with Trabzonspor is the fee with Tottenham and, as you can imagine, the Turkish club are not prepared to match the deal that was agreed in principle between Spurs and Everton worth £35m because they know that Tottenham want Richarlison out.

“They know that he’s been removed from their Premier League squad – so the initial bid that went in now, I’m told, about 48 hours ago, was in the region of only £15m plus add-ons, and Tottenham want a little bit more than that if they’re to sanction it.

“That was their position 48 hours ago, and Trabzonspor, as a consequence, started looking at some other targets.

“It kind of stagnated a little bit, particularly yesterday, but it’s not entirely dead. This is going to be one to watch today to see whether Richarlison goes or whether, alternatively, he holds out for Brazil.

“There’s even an outside chance that, a bit like Karim Benzema at Al-Hilal [the striker has just become a free agent], you get a mutual termination of contract.”

Summer signings such as Omar Marmoush and Savio pushed Richarlison down the Spurs pecking order

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“Chelsea did it with Raheem Sterling as well, and that would allow Richarlison to enter into free agency and then take his pick of a far bigger pool of suitors.”

Sterling went on to join Feyenoord in February of this year after mutually agreeing to leave Chelsea in January.

Richarlison’s Spurs story

Richarlison joined Spurs from Everton in the summer of 2022, having previously played in the Premier League for Watford.

He’s scored 32 goals in 134 games for the North London club, making what looks to have been his final appearance in last month’s season-opening defeat to Brentford.

Having been an unused substitute for the Carabao Cup second-round win over Charlton, the 54-cap Brazilian was omitted from the matchday squad for last weekend’s loss to Newcastle.

Spurs finalised their 2026/27 Premier League squad after the end of the transfer window, with Richarlison not making the cut.

Richarlison has limited transfer options unless his contract is terminated, with many countries’ windows already closed

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De Zerbi blames Richarlison

And De Zerbi says the situation in which Richarlison finds himself is of his own making.

Lifting the lid on what went on behind the scenes over the summer, he explained: “Richarlison decided everything alone.

“He spoke with me at the beginning of the pre-season and told me his idea and desire was to leave.

“In the end, we go to bring in another striker and, like I said at the beginning of the pre-season, I want to keep the players – just the players that want to stay and be proud and with the right passion to stay here.

“Then for everything and other problems, it is not my business and not my job. It is the responsibility of the club.

“I can’t say anything because I didn’t decide anything. The message of Richarlison from the beginning of the season has been very clear. I accepted that and for me, nothing [to say].”

Will Enzo Fernandez start for Man City immediately after £125m Chelsea transfer?

Tom Hancock — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 21:01:55 +0000

Enzo Fernandez is the joint most expensive player in British football history after his mega-money move from Chelsea to Manchester City.

And the £125m midfielder will be itching to make his debut for his new club.

Fernandez has been reunited with his old Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca at Man City

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Man City, who have won their first two Premier League games under Enzo Maresca, are back in action at home to Coventry on Saturday.

Will Fernandez start for Man City against Coventry?

Following the summer arrivals of Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi – also for substantial fees – City certainly have no shortage of quality options in midfield.

Anderson started the wins over Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, with Bouaddi replacing him from the bench for his debut late on in the latter game.

And while 18-year-old Bouaddi is undoubtedly one of the most prodigious midfield talents around, Maresca may feel a need to ease him into the rigours of the Premier League.

Fernandez, by contrast, has been there and done it, spending the last three-and-a-half years with Chelsea.

He’s also got some minutes in the tank already this term, making what proved to be his final appearance for the Blues as a substitute in their opening-weekend win at Fulham.

As such, one would expect him to be in contention to start for City this weekend.

That could be bad news for Nico O’Reilly, who started in a more advanced midfield role against Bournemouth before playing deeper against Palace.

And with Josko Gvardiol starting the campaign so well in the England international’s slightly more natural left-back role, scoring the winner against Bournemouth and providing an assist last time out, O’Reilly may have to make do with a spot on the bench for the visit of Coventry.

Will City’s other new signings play?

City have made two other signings since their last outing, both wingers.

City won the race to sign Ndiaye

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Brazilian Allan joined from Palmeiras on the penultimate day of the transfer window, with Iliman Ndiaye arriving from Everton on deadline day.

But neither is likely to dislodge Phil Foden or Antoine Semenyo – both of whom set up goals in the 4-1 victory over Palace – so will probably find themselves among the substitutes in the first instance.

What has Enzo Fernandez said?

Speaking after completing his switch to City, Fernandez expressed his desire to go to another level. He said: “I could not be happier to be here, and I am ready for the challenge of helping City continue winning trophies. This is a club built for success.

“If you look across the squad, City have quality in every area. I want to learn from my new teammates and become a better player.

“I pride myself on continually improving my game. Anyone who’s worked with me will know how hard I train every single day and how much I put into matches. I give absolutely everything and I can promise Manchester City that will continue now I’m here.”

What have City fans said?

The signing of Fernandez has divided opinion among City fans following his antics for Argentina at the World Cup.

But one supporter who’s certainly excited to have him onboard is Noel Gallagher, who told talkSPORT he admired Fernandez’s ‘ballsy’ nature.

Everton consider bringing Jamie Vardy back to Premier League aged 39

Tom Hancock — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:42:12 +0000

Everton are reportedly weighing up a shock move for Jamie Vardy after missing out on Folarin Balogun.

The Toffees tried to sign Balogun from Monaco on deadline day, but the deal for the USA striker collapsed.

Vardy spent last season in Italy with Cremonese

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Everton’s frantic search for a striker

They also had a late loan approach for Joshua Zirkzee rejected by Manchester United.

But talkSPORT understands Everton have been offered the chance to sign former Man United striker Anthony Martial on a free transfer after he left Mexican side Monterrey earlier this year.

With the Toffees selling Beto to Fiorentina, they find themselves badly short at centre-forward.

Thierno Barry is now their only senior out-and-out option in that department.

But that figure could rise to two if Everton complete the signing of Vardy, with The Sun reporting the veteran is firmly on the Toffees’ radar.

Vardy is available

Vardy is currently a free agent after leaving Cremonese at the end of his contract this summer.

The 39-year-old Premier League legend scored seven goals in his one and only season with the Serie A side, who he was unable to save from relegation.

Vardy had joined Cremonese after his glittering 13-year stay with Leicester to an end in the summer of 2025.

The former England international racked up 200 goals for the club, famously firing them to a fairy-tale Premier League title in the 2015/16 campaign.

He also helped the Foxes to 2020/21 FA Cup glory and to two promotions to the top flight either side of their unforgettable title triumph.

Vardy won the prestigious FWA Footballer of the Year award for his part in Leicester’s Premier League success

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Winner of the Premier League Golden Boot in 2019/20, Vardy turns 40 in January but doesn’t seem to have any plans to retire just yet.

Cremonese were the fifth club of his long career that began with South Yorkshire eighth-tier outfit Stocksbridge Park Steels back in 2006.

Famously a late bloomer, not making his top-flight debut until the age of 27, Vardy continued his rise through non-League with FC Halifax Town and Fleetwood Town before Leicester came calling in 2012.

The Foxes paid a then English fifth-tier record £1m to secure his services.

That record stood until just last week, when Swedish club Djurgardens signed winger Abdul Abdulmalik for an initial £1.5m from National League Boreham Wood.

An all-time Premier League great

Vardy scored 145 Premier League goals for Leicester, placing him 14th on the competition’s all-time list.

He struck 20 or more times in three separate top-flight seasons, peaking with 24 goals en route to the title in 2015/16.

Capped 26 times by England, he notched seven goals for his country, including one in the win over Wales at Euro 2016.

Sunderland star in talks over late transfer exit amid Europa League squad snub

Amy Hamerslagh — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:28:43 +0000

Chemsdine Talbi has been left out of Sunderland’s Europa League squad as talks continue over a potential move.

The Black Cats have submitted their 22-man squad for the continental competition following a hectic summer.

Talbi is likely to leave Sunderland in the coming days

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The 21-year-old has featured sporadically for the north-east outfit, and was benched in the 1-0 win over Fulham last weekend.

talkSPORT understands the Morocco international has been in talks with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.

Turkish Super Lig clubs Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are also interested in the winger.

Because the transfer windows in Saudi Arabia and Turkey remain open, Talbi can still seal a move away from Wearside despite the Premier League deadline having passed.

The youngster only signed for the club from Club Brugges for £18million last summer.

Speaking in a press conference on Thursday, Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris said: “A move remains possible so it’s important to respect both parties. We’ll see.

“He’s still a good player, huge potential but after that you still have a window to decide if it’s the right pathway here.

“I believe he can succeed here, but after that it’s a question of mutual confidence and you have to respect the player’s choice.”

Who is in Sunderland’s Europa League squad?

Robin Roefs and Simon Moore are the named goalkeepers in the Europa League squad.

The nine defenders are Omar Alderete, Dan Ballard, Kevin Danso, Trai Hume, Reinildo, Dayann Méthalie, Thomas Meunier, Nordi Mukiele and Luke O’Nien.

View Tweet: https://x.com/EuropaLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Talbi became a crucial player at times for Sunderland last season

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Midfield options are Jules Ahoka, Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fee, Chris Rigg, Noah Sadiki and Granit Xhaka.

The forwards are Nilson Angulo, Brian Brobbey, Malick Fofana, Wilson Isidor and Romaine Mundle.

Eligible youngsters can still be registered on List B during the league phase; but Talbi does not meet those requirements.

He is young enough to meet the age requirement for List B, but he cannot be registered through that route because he has not been at Sunderland for the required two-year period.

The Morocco international netted four times in 28 Premier League games during his first season in the English top-flight.

After the campaign, Talbi was selected in Morocco’s 26-man squad for the World Cup in North America.

Man United forward Chido Obi set for loan transfer to European club a day after deadline

Tom Hancock — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 20:20:40 +0000

Manchester United youngster Chido Obi will join Dutch side Willem II on a season-long loan, talkSPORT understands.

The 18-year-old forward has made eight first-team appearances for Man United.

Obi made his senior debut for United last year

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Obi was also part of the United side that reached the final of last season’s FA Youth Cup against Manchester City.

Obi’s next step

Having not featured for the first team last term, he’s now set to head to the Eredivisie, where he’ll hope to get plenty more senior experience under his belt.

Based in the town of Tilburg, Willem II are back in the Dutch top flight after finishing third in the second-tier Eerste Divisie and winning promotion via the play-offs.

The club boast among their former players Man United great Jaap Stam, while current Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk started out in their youth system.

Willem II are already three games into the new Eredivisie campaign, losing their first two matches 4-1 before picking up their first point with a 2-2 draw against Heerenveen last Sunday.

John Stegeman’s men are next in action at home to Excelsior this Saturday coming.

Already making his mark on the international stage

Born in Denmark, Obi has represented the country up to Under-21 level.

However, he has also represented England‘s Under-17 team, featuring at the 2024 European Under-17 Championship and being named in the Team of the Tournament for his impressive displays.

He’s eligible to play for Denmark, England or Nigeria internationally.

Obi joined United from Arsenal later that year, a couple of months before his 17th birthday, with former United defender Phil Jones raving about his talent, describing him as an ‘animal’ of a player.

Obi joined United just under two years ago

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While with the Gunners, he made headlines by racking up ten goals during a 14-3 demolition of Liverpool in an Under-16 match.

He also broke the record for the most goals in an Under-18 Premier League season during the 2023/24 campaign, striking 32 times in 18 outings in total.

Named in the United senior matchday squad for the first time against Tottenham in February last year, he made his first-team debut in that game as a late substitute for Casemiro.

He made six further Premier League appearances in the 2024/25 campaign, becoming United’s youngest-ever starter in the competition against Brentford that May.

A player who knows where the net is

Among the goals for United’s Under-21s in Premier League 2 last term, finding the net 11 times, Obi came off the bench in the first team’s 5-0 pre-season friendly win over Rosenborg in Norway in July.

However, he hasn’t been involved in either of United’s two Premier League 2 fixtures so far this season.

He’s now poised for his first loan spell away from Old Trafford.

Jack Grealish seals return to former club as late deal with Man City struck

Tom Hancock — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:29:16 +0000

Jack Grealish has rejoined Everton on another season-long loan from Manchester City

The England forward is returning to Merseyside after the two clubs reached an agreement that will see the Toffees cover 90 per cent of the player’s wages.

Grealish has been back in action for Man City early this term

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Having completed his medical this morning, Everton confirmed Grealish’s arrival an hour before the end of the transfer window.

It brings an end to a summer of speculation over the 30-year-old’s future, who also had the option of making a return to boyhood club Aston Villa.

While the transfer is a loan, it effectively spells the end of Grealish’s City career as he’s in the final year of his Etihad Stadium contract.

After his loan move was confirmed, Grealish. shared his delight at returning to Everton.

View Tweet: https://x.com/Everton/status/2094897380030308712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

He told the club’s official website: “It feels so good. I’m so happy.

“I think I’m at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved. That’s what the manager has given me, what my teammates have given me and especially what the fans have given me.

“Every time I see an Everton fan, it’s just pure love and the way they’ve welcomed me since that first game against Leeds, I’ll never forget that. It means a lot to me and hopefully I’ve made a few Everton fans happy.

“I had a perfect time here for the first six months, then I stayed around after I got injured. I’ve been watching all the Everton games in pre-season and since the season started.

“Now I feel ready to go. I’m ready to start training tomorrow and prepare for the games.”

The race for Grealish

talkSPORT reported last week that both Everton and Aston Villa – Grealish’s boyhood club where he broke through and ultimately caught the attention of Man City – were interested in a loan deal.

Grealish enjoyed a new lease of life during his loan spell with Everton

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City sources denied an official approach from Sunderland amid reports of an enquiry.

With Grealish out of contract at the end of the season, City would have preferred to sell him in order to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.

City boss Enzo Maresca previously suggested there could be a role for Grealish at the club, but he also didn’t rule out a departure for the 39-cap England international.

“He is here and it is my duty to coach Jack and to try to get the best,” he said after City’s win over Bournemouth in the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

“Then it is one more week to go [until the end of the transfer window] and we will see what happens. Not only with Jack but also other players.”

Everton move helped Grealish bounce back

Grealish left on loan for Everton last August in search of more playing time, having been left out of Pep Guardiola’s City’s squad for the Club World Cup.

Grealish sparked hope of a Man City revival after featuring for them at the start of the new season

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And he looked to be getting back towards his best for David Moyes‘ side, setting up two goals on his first start.

In September, he won the league’s Player of the Month award for the first time in his career.

However, a foot injury he picked up against Villa in January ended his campaign prematurely.

Grealish said he was ‘gutted’ to be ruled out for the remainder of the season amid form that, had it continued, might have seen him make England‘s World Cup squad.

Nonetheless, he finished with six Premier League assists and two goals to his name in 2025/26, a strong return all things considered.

Grealish’s City struggles

Grealish joined City from Villa for £100m in the summer of 2021, making him the most expensive British player ever at the time.

Grealish is looking to continue the resurgent form he discovered with Everton last season

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He went on to make the best part of 100 appearances in all competitions across his first two seasons with Guardiola‘s men, winning back-to-back Premier League titles and helping City to the treble in 2022/23 – before another Premier League crown followed in 2023/24.

But he generally hasn’t hit the same heights for City as he did during his breakout years at Villa, and a move away could well be necessary to kickstart his career – as his time at Everton showed.

Premier League clubs questioned for snubbing midfielder Rio Ferdinand wanted at Man United

Joe Brophy — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:13:25 +0000

Premier League clubs have been urged to shoot their shot to sign one of Europe’s brightest young midfielders.

The midfield market has exploded for English top-flight clubs this summer, and is still set to be a major talking point on deadline day.

Kees Smit hasn’t made a summer transfer despite being tracked by huge clubs

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talkSPORT understands that Manchester City have seen a bid in excess of £120million for Enzo Fernandez rejected by Chelsea.

Enzo Maresca’s side have already invested heavily in recruiting in the middle of the park, with Ayyoub Bouaddi becoming the most expensive teenager in Premier League history, after Elliot Anderson was bought for £116m.

Their city rivals Man United have also transformed their midfield, with Youri Tielemans arriving from Aston Villa for £35m, Andrey Santos joining from Chelsea in a £50m transfer and a package worth an initial £70m deal signed off for Carlos Baleba.

Ahead of that summer spree, Rio Ferdinand told talkSPORT in May that he didn’t want his old club to miss out on Kees Smit.

Kees Smit transfer latest

The 20-year-old, who was named as one of the stars to watch in Europe at the start of last season, looked destined to be on the move this transfer window.

talkSPORT previously revealed that Newcastle and Crystal Palace were competing with Real Madrid to sign the Netherlands international.

However, despite the affordable price tag, with AZ seeking over £22m and the raft of Premier League clubs overhauling their midfield, Smit has stayed put.

European football expert Andy Brassell told talkSPORT.com: “I’m really surprised that he hasn’t gone anywhere already this summer.

“A 20-year-old midfielder who can dictate already. AZ have had a great start to the season. He’s been part of it.”

Smit was a surprise omission from the Netherlands’ World Cup squad after his impressive season

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Kees Smit next club

Brassell continued to talkSPORT: “Now, Newcastle were interested in him for a long time, and they went a bit cold because they felt that someone really big was going to get him.

“Like, really big. Like Real Madrid kind of big. So, I do wonder when you get closer to the deadline if there’s a club that could make that kind of move.

“I think that would be really, really interesting. Obviously, a big deal to piece together in the last day.

“I don’t know what more he could prove this season in the Eredivisie. Unless, like, AZ win the title and go the whole season unbeaten.

“What really could he do to prove any more?

Smit has already registered two assists in four Eredivisie games this season

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“People out there know he’s a really good player, and he could get to that top level.

“But maybe, if that opportunity is not out there for him, maybe he does have to look to go to a less esteemed club in a bigger league.

“I mean, look, if you’re anyone else in one of those big leagues, just shoot your shot already. You can only say no.”

What is a deal sheet and how can Premier League clubs sign players after deadline?

Amy Hamerslagh — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:06:27 +0000

The summer transfer window will dramatically draw to a close at 11pm on Tuesday night and Premier League clubs are ready for some last-minute action.

Clubs across Europe will conclude deadline day at various times depending on the specific league or competition.

Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea as their club-record signing

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This year’s edition has seen the record fee for a British player broken twice – with Elliot Anderson’s £116m move to Manchester City, closely followed by the signature of Morgan Rogers at Chelsea for £117m.

The Premier League champions Arsenal acquired Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle and Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, with the transfers sparking debate over Premier League financial rules.

Tottenham have spent around £320m throughout the window and are expected not to stop there with a potential frantic final few hours.

What times do the transfer window close?

The summer transfer window closes on Tuesday, September 1 at 11pm BST for Premier League and EFL clubs.

After opening on June 15, Fifa rules state that the window cannot be open for more than 16 weeks at a time.

Last year, the final day of the window finished at 7pm in the UK; however, it has now changed back to its original time.

However, the rest of Europe do not follow the same rules:

Ligue 1: Tuesday, 1 September – 18:59 BST
Serie A: Tuesday, 1 September – 19:00 BST
Bundesliga: Tuesday, 1 September – 19:00 BST
La Liga: Tuesday, 1 September – 22:59 BST
Scottish Premiership: Thursday, 3 September – 17:00 BST
Women’s Super League: Thursday, 3 September – 23:00 BST

Despite the strict deadline, there remains a way for clubs to complete late moves beyond the cutoff point.

What is a deal sheet?

It allows a club to confirm an agreement has been reached and also give themselves more time to submit the remaining documentation.

What a deal sheet looks like

Premier League

A deal sheet must be completed by Premier League clubs in the last two hours of a transfer window.

For an 11pm deadline, the form cannot be used before 9pm and needs to arrive fully completed before the transfer window closes at 11pm.

Once the sheet arrives, clubs have another two hours to submit the full paperwork (1am).

How do clubs register a player?

The full paperwork includes the contract, the transfer agreement between the clubs involved in the deal, permission to work in the UK (if required), and international clearance if transferring from abroad.

The Premier League’s Football Operations and Regulatory departments are staffed late into the night on deadline day.

Once the legal part is finished, it is cleared through the Premier League and Football Association rules. In some cases, the transfer needs to also comply with FIFA regulations.

Isak’s move to Liverpool capped off a blockbuster transfer window for the Reds last summer

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Previous deadline day signings

Last summer, Alexander Isak departed St James’ Park for Liverpool in a blockbusting deadline day switch that shattered the British transfer record.

Other final day transfers include:

Wayne Rooney from Everton to Manchester United (2004)
Ashley Cole from Arsenal to Chelsea (2006)
Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid to Arsenal (2013)
Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus to Manchester United (2021)
Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG to Aston Villa (2026)

Roberto De Zerbi reunites with Mykhailo Mudryk after making stunning Ballon d’Or prediction

Amy Hamerslagh — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:56:38 +0000

Roberto De Zerbi is set to sign Mykhailo Mudryk for Tottenham Hotspur – bringing in a player he previously tipped to win the Ballon d’Or.

The Spurs hierarchy have agreed a deal with Chelsea over the loan signing of the winger, which includes an option to buy for £75million.

Ukraine international Mudryk may have already played his last game for Chelsea

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The 25-year-old is eligible to return following a high-profile doping ban after all formal charges were dropped against him in July.

However, the Ukraine international has not featured in a competitive match since November 2024.

Reports emerged between the former Blues star and the north London outfit after Manchester City hijacked a deal involving Iliman Ndiaye to the Lilywhites.

However, the Tottenham manager is a fan of Mudryk after working closely with the forward during his short spell at Shakhtar Donetsk, famously stating in the past that the Ukraine International possesses world-class potential.

During a press conference as the Brighton manager in 2022, he said: “Mudryk can win the Ballon d’Or in the future.

“I know the value of Mudryk. He has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or.”

Proving his worth in north London

The 25-year-old has recorded 73 appearances for Chelsea, scoring ten goals across all competitions.

However, his form in the Premier League is largely different to the numbers he posted in Ukraine.

De Zerbi has continued to be a massive fan of the winger and stated the winger will improve in England – with time.

Under the management of the Italian, Mudryk bagged two goals and registered nine assists for Shakhtar Donetsk.

Spurs are also considering a late move for Chelsea outcast Tosin

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He exclusively spoke to talkSPORT in 2023 and said: “Mudryk is a top player and I think for him, it’s difficult to start in another country, in another team.

“Everyone knows the situation of Chelsea this year, it’s very difficult especially for a young player, for a young guy.

“But, he has the quality to become a star in the Premier League.”

Manager reunion

The duo could be reignited at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the Ukraine international wanting to prove his worth after an extended break.

Mudryk will be returning to football after his four-year ban by the FA but appealed against the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

On appeal, CAS confirmed anti-doping disciplinary proceedings had been resolved and that Mudryk accepted breaking anti-doping rules.

Mykhailo Mudryk is set to return to football after over 20 months out of action

Mudryk has consistently maintained he ‘never knowingly or intentionally’ had taken a banned substance, and said he was ‘grateful’ to be able to return to playing after ‘the most difficult period’ of his career.

Leeds United were also interested in signing the forward; however, it looks like he’s about to switch west for north London.

Top ten most expensive 2026 summer transfers so far: Huge Premier League deals ahead of deadline day

Joe Brophy — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:55:22 +0000

Premier League clubs have been hard at work splashing the cash this summer, with four clubs completing nine-figure deals.

The transfer record for a British player has been broken with Chelsea sealing the £117million capture of Morgan Rogers while Liverpool have spent the most on one deal, signing Bradley Barcola for £123m.

Rogers has joined Chelsea in a blockbuster deal

The 2026 summer window officially opened on June 15, with talkSPORT.com already providing a completed list of every deal.

The market will close today as top-flight clubs race to get late deals done before the 11pm deadline.

Teams have had to open up their chequebooks this summer with well over £2billion spent and we could yet see some huge moves completed before all is said and done.

Below are the top 10 most expensive arrivals in the Premier League…

10. Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea – Aston Villa) – £65m

After winning the Bundesliga while on loan at Bayern Munich last season, Jackson has now left Chelsea permanently.

Villa needed a new forward with Ollie Watkins heading to the Saudi Pro League and they spent big on Senegal international Jackson.

He scored 30 goals in 81 games for Chelsea and 11 for Bayern last term.

Despite his modest goals return, the Blues have over doubled their money on him.

The 25-year-old will now hope to settle at Villa Park and go on a good run of first-team football.

Jackson has a new home at Villa

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9. Carlos Baleba (Brighton to Manchester United) – £70million

United secured the signing of Baleba a year after they began their pursuit of the Cameroon international.

The Red Devils landed Baleba in a deal that is worth at least £70million, with a sell-on clause also included.

That is significantly less than what Brighton were demanding last summer, when they valued him at around £115m.

Having experienced a dip in performances after his move to Old Trafford failed to materialise a year ago, Baleba will now be looking to rediscover the form that made him such a hot property.

Baleba completed his move to Man United, which has been over a year in the making

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8. Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle to Arsenal) – £75m

Amid the swathe of departures at Newcastle, former Toon captain Guimaraes as headed to the champions.

The Brazil star has signed a four-year deal in north London and called the move one of the ‘toughest decisions’ of his life.

The 28-year-old scored 31 goals in 195 appearances for Newcastle, having joined them from Lyon for £40m in 2022.

“I’m at the point of my life, I think I need a challenge like this,” Guimaraes said.

“I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I’m in the right place to do it. I’m so excited to start.”

Bruno Guimaraes is now an Arsenal star

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7. Savinho (Manchester City to Tottenham) – £85m

Savinho became Spurs’ latest big-money arrival when he finally moved to north London in a deal worth up to £85m.

The 22-year-old had looked set to join the club last summer, only for the transfer broke down, but he is now officially a Tottenham playing, in a move worth an initial £75m with an extra £10m in add-ons.

Having struggled for game time at Man City after his £31m arrival from Troyes, Savinho is looking to rediscover his best form at Spurs.

The Brazilian got off to the perfect at his new club just a day after signing, as he marked his debut with a goal in Tottenham’s 5-1 Carabao Cup demolition of Charlton in a hugely exiting cameo.

Savinho is already up and running in a Tottenham shirt

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6. Mateus Fernandes (West Ham to Tottenham) – £85m

Spurs have broken their transfer record twice this summer, the first of which saw Fernandes arrive from their relegated London rivals.

The 22-year-old was one of the standout Premier League midfielders last season, despite West Ham’s struggles.

He scored five top-flight goals and registered four assists in 41 appearances but missed out on Portugal’s World Cup squad.

However, Troy Deeney told talkSPORT that he questioned whether Fernandes was really the player to ‘change the mentality’ at Tottenham after his successive relegations, having also failed to beat the drop at Southampton.

Spurs beat off competition from Manchester United to secure Fernandes’ signature

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5. Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille to Manchester City) – £86m

Manchester City made Morocco star Bouaddi the most expensive teenager in Premier League history by some distance.

After impressing at the 2026 World Cup, the 18-year-old joined City from Lille in a deal thought to be worth £86million.

The fee obliterates the previous record fee for a player under the age of 20 in England’s top-flight, previously held by Romeo Lavia following his £58m move to Chelsea in 2023.

Big things are expected of Bouaddi, who has earned a strong reputation in French football since bursting onto the scene with Lille as a 16-year-old in 2023

Bouaddi became one of the most expensive teenagers in history by joining Manchester City

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4. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle to Tottenham) – £100m

Spurs shattered their transfer record again to poach the Italian from Newcastle less than a week after unveiling Fernandes.

Tonali joined De Zerbi’s side in a £100m deal – an initial £92.5m fee with £7.5m in proposed add-ons.

The 26-year-old made 110 appearances across his three seasons with Newcastle after his reported £52m move from AC Milan in July 2023.

But he was accused by talkSPORT Breakfast co-host Gabriel Agbonlahor of joining Tottenham ‘for the big bucks’.

Tonali is the latest key player to leave St. James’ Park after signing for Tottenham

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3. Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest to Manchester City) – £116m

Man City were the first of two clubs to break the transfer record for a British player following their capture of Anderson at the start of July.

The England international sealed his move to the Etihad Stadium from Nottingham Forest for a fixed £116m fee while at the World Cup.

Forest have tried to claim the deal is worth a total of £130m, which would eclipse the Premier League transfer record set by Liverpool‘s £125m signing of Alexander Isak, but City dispute this.

Anderson featured in all of England’s games during their run to third at the World Cup – their best finish at the tournament since 1966.

Anderson put in some heroic midfield performances

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2. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa to Chelsea) – £117m

Anderson’s reign as the most expensive British player lasted mere weeks as his England teammate Rogers took the crown.

The 23-year-old was the leading target at Arsenal, but he has now signed a six-year deal, with the option of another 12 months, at their London rivals Chelsea.

“I’m so excited,” Rogers said on the move.

“For me, Chelsea are the biggest club in London and a club I’ve always admired since I was a kid.

Rogers made three starts and a further four sub appearances for England at the World Cup

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“I’m really excited about the project with the new manager, the players we’ve got and where the club is heading. That’s why I’m here, and I can’t wait to get started.

“The way the club wants to go and how it wants to move forward, it’s something I want to be a part of, and I think it was just perfect for me.

“I’m a free spirit, free-flowing footballer. I like to take risks, make things happen, change games. Whatever that may take. Just can’t wait to get started.”

Barcola has joined Liverpool

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2. Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain – Liverpool) – £123m

Liverpool have completed the most expensive top-flight summer signing for the second straight season following their deal for Alexander Isak last year.

Now, France forward Barcola has become Liverpool’s second most expensive signing ever following his big-money move from PSG.

The 23-year-old was valued at £145m but Liverpool negotiated that down to an initial £106m plus £17m in potential add-ons.

Barcola has signed a five-year contract at Anfield and will wear the number 29 shirt.

“It took a long time but I’m really happy today to be able to play for Liverpool and all I want is to be on the pitch and be able to play,” Barcola said.

“I hope to achieve very big things. First of all, winning the Premier League – it’s one of my biggest dreams in my life.

“It is to do that and to stay in this team in the long term – that’s why I signed a long contract – and I hope I can do it.”

Head over to talkSPORT BET for all the latest transfer odds ahead of the key moves this summer

Barcelona set to sign Gabriel Jesus in shock move after Arsenal star relegated to bomb squad

Tom Hancock — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 13:13:42 +0000

Barcelona are set to sign Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal on a two-year contract, talkSPORT understands.

It comes after Mikel Arteta revealed the striker had been training separately from the Gunners‘ first-team squad.

Jesus has been with Arsenal since 2022

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Fee agreed

talkSPORT understands the two clubs have agreed a transfer fee in the region of £8.5m.

It’s understood Jesus would pen a two-year deal with the LaLiga champions with the option of a further year, with a medical taking place on Monday if talks progress well.

talkSPORT reported earlier this week that Napoli were among the clubs interested in Jesus, whose Arsenal contract expires next summer.

The 29-year-old has fallen well down the pecking order in North London, with Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres both head of him in the centre-forward hierarchy.

Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 and has scored 32 goals in 123 games for Arteta’s side.

But he’s seen his playing time dwindle across the last two seasons, making only 14 appearances in last term’s Premier League title-winning campaign.

Barca respond after Alvarez disappointment

Barca’s approach for Jesus comes as they were met with resistance by Atletico Madrid in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez.

Arsenal themselves had held talks about signing Alvarez, but the Argentina striker reportedly told Arteta he didn’t want to move to the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking earlier in the week about potential transfer activity before the end of the window, Arteta explained how he approaches the difficult conversation of telling players they are surplus to requirements.

“We try to be as clear and transparent as possible and deliver the message as it is,” he explained. “They know from our place that the message is coming. If one day I have to give a message that is not that good, the proportion is quite good. I expect that they value that like the things they have done for the club. If the messages are 499 good to one not so good, certainly that one will bear so little in the way I feel about a player.”

Arteta has bolstered his squad as Arsenal look to defend their Premier League title

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Arteta was also asked how Arsenal’s current strikers might respond to the club potentially adding another player in that position.

“It’s very simple: whatever they are reading, come and knock on my door if they have a question and I will tell them if it’s true or not,” he said. “In any position, if you catalogued all the players linked with us in the last three months and put them on the wall, I think we’d need a whole building to put them on. They know there is a lot of speculation with players and if they feel in any doubt of what we think of them when we come to recruit a player, I tell them straight away.”

Next up for Arsenal

Arteta was speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa on Monday night, live on talkSPORT.

Ezri Konsa could make his Gunners debut against the club he joined them from last week, with Arteta confirming the England defender is available to play.

He also revealed fellow summer arrival Bruno Guimaraes could be fit to feature after missing Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Coventry.

“We’ve just managed the last few days with him,” Arteta told reporters. “He’s out on the pitch, he’s been doing training sessions, but we need to manage his load to get to Monday in the best possible condition to be able to get selected.”

Jamie Vardy record finally set to be broken as National League side agree historic transfer

Tom Hancock — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:49:43 +0000

Swedish club Djurgardens have reportedly agreed a National League record deal to sign Boreham Wood sensation Abdul Abdulmalik.

The transfer fee for the 23-year-old winger is said to be over £1.5m, surpassing the previous record for an English fifth-tier player of £1m, paid by Leicester to sign Jamie Vardy from Fleetwood Town back in 2012.

Vardy joined then-Championship Leicester after a prolific 31-goal National League season for Fleetwood

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Four years later, he fired the Foxes to Premier League glory

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Abdulmalik’s scintillating campaign

Abdulmalik tore it up last season, scoring 17 goals and registering 10 assists – including one of each in the National League play-off final at Wembley, which Boreham Wood led 2-0 before succumbing to Rochdale on penalties.

A former England Under-17 international, he came through the youth ranks at Millwall but never made a first-team appearance for the Lions.

He got his first taste of senior on football on loan at another National League club, Wealdstone, during the 2023/24 campaign.

After being released by Millwall in the summer of 2024, he joined then sixth-tier Boreham Wood on a free transfer.

Abdulmalik featured regularly as the Wood won promotion back to the National League via the National League South play-offs in 2024/25.

He also helped the Hertfordshire club to victory in the 2025/26 National League Cup, a tournament for National League teams and Premier League Under-21 sides.

Boreham Wood chairman’s frustration

After featuring in Boreham Wood’s first two games of the 2026/27 campaign, scoring in their 3-1 win over FC Halifax Town, Abdulmalik was left out of their squad for last Saturday’s clash with Forest Green Rovers.

And chairman Danny Hunter admitted he was frustrated about the transfer sage surrounding his player.

While accepting Abdulmalik’s desire to seek a new challenge, Hunter felt he was being forced to accept a lower fee than he’d want.

He also revealed Abulmalik had refused to train or play for the club.

Abdulmalik recorded 27 goal contributions last term

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Hunter wrote in his programme notes: “At the moment, Abdul is refusing to train with us or play, though he is still very much our player and has two years left on his contract.

“Our valuation is set, it is fair and we will not be lowering it any more than the £350k that we already have over the next five days.”

Boreham Wood had previously rejected a £1.5m bid from Djurgardens, for which Hunter was praised for his ‘cojones’ by Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony.

‘A chance to push myself’

Abdulmalik posted on Instagram on Tuesday about his proposed move: “Through sheer hard work and perseverance, the opportunity to progress has come around.

“This is my chance to push myself as a footballer, elevate my game and most importantly fulfil my promise to the ones around me.”

He’s now poised to join one of the most successful clubs in Sweden.

Djurgardens currently sit fifth in the Swedish top flight, the Allsvenskan, whose season runs from March to November.

They remain in contention to qualify for Europe next term, having most recently played in the 2024/25 Conference League.

Andoni Iraola hints at more Liverpool transfers before window slams shut on Tuesday

Tom Hancock — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:57:22 +0000

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has hinted at more transfer activity in the final days of the window.

Deadline day falls on Tuesday (September 1) and the Reds could yet do more business, with Bradley Barcola firmly in their sights.

Liverpool have Barcola firmly in their sights

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Indeed, talkSPORT understands Liverpool have agreed a package worth up to £123m for the Paris Saint-Germain winger.

Iraola: ‘We must be patient’

Asked by talkSPORT’s Sam Matterface after his side’s 2-2 home draw with Nottingham Forest whether he’d be happy with his squad should the Barcola deal go through, Iraola said: “I think now we need to be patient. We don’t know what’s going to happen.

“There are still some days [left] in the market and obviously there are going to be movements. We will need to analyse when this happens.

“I’m looking forward to being in the second half of September and knowing what we have, and then making definitive plans with this.

“But the competition works like this – the rules are the same for everyone.

“It’s uncomfortable in terms of uncertainty until the market closes, but now it’s just a matter of a couple of days, so we will wait.”

With regards to the uncertainty Iraola speaks of, Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool future is still up in the air.

The winger has been linked with both Tottenham and Manchester City, and his manager admitted he couldn’t be sure if he would remain a Reds player beyond the transfer window.

No Gakpo guarantees

At his press conference ahead of the Forest last, Iraola said: “I can say what I said last week, and even after the performance he had in the first game.

“He is playing very well for us. He has been very good since he came back from the World Cup and after the holidays, a good attitude and I hope we can keep him at that level because he has been very influential.

Gakpo has started both of Liverpool’s games so far this season

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“When the market is open you cannot guarantee anything with anyone. When I arrived I would like to know how the market finishes and then when you finish with this one and this one, but I don’t know what is going to happen with any of our players. I cannot guarantee anything.

“You think I can smell who we are going to sign or what position, but experience shows you that, if there is an opportunity on the last day [of the transfer window], let’s take it.”

Gakpo started again on Saturday, setting up Liverpool’s first equaliser through Alexander Isak – who, despite scoring, was criticised for his ‘flat’ performance at Anfield.

But Barcola’s arrival would surely see Gakpo drop out of the starting 11, given the France international’s preferred side is also the left.

What’s next for Liverpool?

Liverpool, still looking for their first win under Iraola, return to Premier League action away to Ipswich next Friday, live on talkSPORT.

They then get their Champions League campaign underway at home to Atletico Madrid the following Wednesday.

Jack Grealish told the reason emotional Aston Villa homecoming won’t happen

Tom Hancock — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 10:59:21 +0000

Aston Villa won’t take Jack Grealish back as he doesn’t ‘tick the right boxes’ for Unai Emery.

That’s the opinion of talkSPORT’s Tony Cascarino with Grealish‘s future still uncertain heading towards transfer deadline day.

Grealish made over 200 appearances for boyhood club Villa

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A man in demand

Grealish featured in Manchester City‘s first two games of the season but wasn’t among the substitutes for Friday’s 4-1 win at Crystal Palace.

And he has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium to a number of other Premier League clubs, including Villa – who he joined aged six and went on to captain before his £100m switch to City in 2021.

New City boss Enzo Maresca hinted that he would give Grealish opportunities this term, but the winger may have to look elsewhere for the kind of playing time he’d like – which might help him revive his England career.

The 30-year-old looked on track to do that during an impressive loan spell at Everton last season, only for his campaign to be cut short by injury in January.

talkSPORT understands Grealish would prefer to join Everton in the event of an exit from the Etihad.

It’s also understood that Villa would be interested in bringing him back to Villa Park on loan, while City denied reports of an approach by Sunderland.

Cascarino can’t see him fitting the bill for Emery’s Villa, however.

Cascarino’s Grealish doubt

The former Villa, Chelsea and Republic of Ireland striker told Alan Brazil on talkSPORT Breakfast: “I think the manager [Emery] wouldn’t take Jack back.

“I think Unai Emery wants certain players to do certain things and I’m not sure that Jack ticks those boxes.”

Brazil didn’t seem so sure, replying: “I hate when you have a player with Jack’s ability running with the ball, strong on the ball, getting in the box. I hate when people say, ‘He’s a luxury player’. I hate that.

Grealish recorded eight goal contributions in 20 Premier League outings for Everton

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“It takes all to make a team; it takes all different types.”

The Ipswich legend noted Grealish’s disciplinary issues in the past but stressed how much he endeared himself to Everton supporters.

“I like Jack, I really do. And yeah, he’s been a naughty boy in his time, but that was normal when we played. It’s different now.

“But look at some of the games he’s been absolutely brilliant in. Everton fans really like him.”

Moyes reacts

Responding to talk of a return to Merseyside for Grealish, Everton boss David Moyes said ahead of his side’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday: “We are in the recruitment business and we are looking to see if we can bring some players in if possible.

“But there’s no guarantee and to name one person would be wrong. Jack’s not at our club. He was brilliant for us, a great boy, but not for us to talk about because he’s at another club.”

Liverpool legend gives blunt response to late transfer decision

Tom Hancock — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:39:28 +0000

Mark Lawrenson doesn’t think Liverpool will miss Cody Gakpo if he leaves before the end of the transfer window.

The Reds icon was speaking after head coach Andoni Iraola said he ‘couldn’t guarantee’ Gakpo would stay at Anfield.

Gakpo started Liverpool’s season opener amid interest from elsewhere in the Premier League

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Gakpo has been linked with Tottenham and, more recently, Manchester City.

The Netherlands winger impressed in Liverpool‘s season-opening 2-2 draw away to Newcastle last weekend, scoring the Reds’ first equaliser at St. James’ Park.

But that’s not to see he won’t have a new club this time next week, with the window closing on Tuesday, September 1.

Iraola ‘doesn’t know what’s going to happen’

Speaking to the media ahead of Liverpool’s first home game of the campaign against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Iraola said of Gakpo: “I can say what I said last week, and even after the performance he had in the first game.

“You think I can smell who we are going to sign or what position, but experience shows you that, if there is an opportunity on the last day [of the transfer window], let’s take it.”

Gakpo out, Barcola in?

Selling Gakpo could pave the way for Liverpool to sign Bradley Barcola.

The Reds have been linked with the Paris Saint-Germain winger throughout the summer, and talkSPORT understands the two clubs are finalising a deal worth at least £100million.

With both players preferring to play on the left, Liverpool would realistically be unable to accommodate both in any case.

Barcola could become one of the most expensive signings of this transfer window

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But Lawrenson isn’t worried about the prospect of Gakpo moving on.

Asked by Alan Brazil on talkSPORT Breakfast if Gakpo leaving would come as a blow, the former Republic of Ireland international said: “No, I don’t think so. I think they could cover for him.

“My worry is defensively. You’ve got to shut the back door and then let the guys go and play.

“But I’m just looking forward to the way that they’re going to play as much as anything.”

Liverpool’s transfer window so far

Liverpool have made three signings this summer, with Victor Munoz the sole attacking addition.

That’s after they bid farewell to club legend Mohamed Salah, who left at the end of his contract after a glittering nine years on Merseyside and his since joined Trabzonspor.

Forgotten Chelsea signing leaves permanently three years after last appearance

Tom Hancock — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:10:10 +0000

David Datro Fofana is reportedly leaving Chelsea having not played for the Blues since 2023.

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Swiss club Servette have completed an initial €2.5million (£2.1m) deal for the 23-year-old striker, who was most recently on loan at Strasbourg.

Fofana’s Chelsea career barely got off the ground

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Fofana’s Chelsea nightmare

Fofana joined Chelsea for £10.6m from Norwegian side Molde in January 2023 but went on to feature just four times for the Blues.

He also had loan stints with Union Berlin, Burnley – where he scored four Premier League goals in the 2023/24 – and Turkish outfits Goztepe and Fatih Karagumruk.

Fofana saw just 68 minutes of Premier League action for Chelsea, as well as featuring in an FA Cup tie against Manchester City – his most recent Blues appearance in 2023.

He’d been capped three times by the Ivory Coast prior to his move to Stamford Bridge but hasn’t appeared for his country since.

And with three years still to run on his contract in west London, it seems the Blues have decided to recoup what they can for Fofana.

Chelsea shuffle the pack

Chelsea have already offloaded five first-team players this summer amid a squad rebuild under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Liam Delap, Tyrique George and Andrey Santos have all departed – most of them for substantial fees.

Delap was the most recent of the five to leave, with Nottingham Forest breaking their transfer record to sign the striker earlier this week.

But it looks unlikely that he’ll be the last player out the door before the end of the transfer window.

talkSPORT understands Enzo Fernandez’s future is set to be resolved with the midfielder moving to Man City – though Chelsea deny that any formal talks have been held.

Enzo Fernandez might have played his last game for Chelsea

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The Blues have sent a further five players out on loan.

Two of them have joined fellow Premier League clubs, with Axel Disasi heading to Crystal Palace and Alejandro Garnacho joining Aston Villa.

Villa are also poised to complete a £65m deal for another Chelsea centre-forward, Nicolas Jackson, talkSPORT understands.

But talkSPORT understands Villa are about to lose goalkeeper Emi Martinez to the Blues.

Fofana’s next chapter

Having started out with Ivorian club Abidjan City, Fofana has spent the majority of his career in Europe.

Switzerland appears set to become the sixth country he’ll have played in.

Seventeen-time champions Servette finished eighth in the Swiss top flight, the Super League, last season.

Coventry transfer reignited just days after deal for highly-rated teenager collapsed

Tom Hancock — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:47:21 +0000

Coventry’s loan move for Manchester City defender Stephen Mfuni is back on, talkSPORT understands.

The Sky Blues had backed away from completing the deal, with Man City subsequently holding talks with Championship clubs Sheffield United and Swansea.

Mfuni was involved for Man City in pre-season

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But the 18-year-old might yet end the transfer window as a Coventry player.

Mfuni’s story so far

At City from Under-9 level, Mfuni starred in the club’s 2023/24 FA Youth Cup triumph, scoring against Leeds in the final.

He made his first-team debut as a half-time substitute in January’s 10-1 FA Cup demolition of Exeter.

Ahead of that milestone moment, Mfuni said of having the opportunity to work with then City boss Pep Guardiola: “Working with Pep? He opened my mind; he sees things I didn’t see before.”

Mfuni joined Watford on loan for the rest of the 2025/26 season, making eight Championship appearances for the Hornets.

A versatile player, he can operate at centre-back or left-back and is naturally left-footed.

Mfuni has represented England up to Under-19 level.

He started al three of the Three Lions’ games at last year’s European Under-19 Championship in Romania.

Mfuni could be the latest of many new arrivals at Coventry, back in the Premier League after 25 years away.

Coventry’s busy transfer window

The Sky Blues have made nine signings this summer, breaking their transfer record multiple times.

Mfuni got his first senior minutes for City in January

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Experienced centre-back Ethan Pinnock is the latest new face at the Coventry Building Society Arena, completing an initial £5m switch from Brentford earlier this week.

Manager Frank Lampard had said before Coventry’s season-opening defeat away to Arsenal that the club would be ‘analysing how the squad is looking’ with the transfer deadline coming up next Tuesday (September 1).

“We have tried to strike the balance of working strategically to add to what we already had,” he explained.

“We know the level goes up, so we’re trying to work to make ourselves competitive at the level and we’ll analyse over the next two weeks how the squad’s looking.”

Next up for Lampard and co.

Having beaten Plymouth 4-2 in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday – with recent signing Taiwo Awoniyi among the goalscorers – Coventry are preparing for their first home game of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign against fellow newly promoted side Hull.

They then travel to Man City before hosting local rivals Aston Villa in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Tammy Abraham wanted in Premier League loan deal despite Aston Villa striker crisis

Tom Hancock — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:54:38 +0000

Ipswich have agreed a deal with Aston Villa to sign Tammy Abraham on loan, talkSPORT understands.

It’s now up to the striker to decide whether he wants to make the move to Ipswich.

Abraham made three appearances in Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph last term, becoming just the second player to win all three current major UEFA club trophies

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Abraham might be on the move again

Abraham re-joined Villa in January having previously helped fire them to promotion from the Championship while on loan from Chelsea.

But Premier League minutes were few and far between last season for the 28-year-old, who made only two starts in the competition and averaged just over 23 minutes per appearance.

That was largely due to the form of Ollie Watkins – who is poised to leave Villa for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

Having already sold Donyell Malen this summer and with 17-year-old wonderkid Brian Madjo currently out injured, Villa are severely short of options at centre-forward – though talkSPORT understands they are close to completing a big-money deal for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson.

Villa’s nightmare start to the season

Unai Emery had to deploy Emi Buendia – typically a winger – up front for last Sunday’s terrible 4-0 Premier League opening-weekend loss to Brighton.

Watkins was left out of the matchday squad amid uncertainty over his future.

When quizzed by Sky Sports on the reason for Watkins’ absence, Emery stayed quiet for a moment before bizarrely replying: “Silence.”

Villa managed six shots all game – not helped by debutant Joao Gomes being sent off late in the first half for kicking out at Brighton’s Georginio Rutter.

But despite their attacking thinness, Villa are prepared to let Abraham leave on loan.

The 11-cap England international played 18 minutes in Villa’s Super Cup defeat by Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month but wasn’t even named on the bench for the trip to Brighton.

Four of Abraham’s last five Villa appearances have come from the bench

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Ipswich back with a bang

Newly promoted Ipswich made a dream start to the campaign by beating Sunderland 2-1, with Jack Clarke scoring a 90th-minute winner against his former club.

There was also an impressive debut for Emersonn, the Brazilian striker for whom Ipswich paid a club-record fee to sign from Toulouse.

The 22-year-old opened the scoring midway through the first half and had the joint most shots in the match.

Gary O’Neil’s side have added three further forwards: wingers Daizen Maeda and Abdul Fatawu, and centre-forward Chuba Akpom.

But it seems they’re not done yet when it comes to beefing up their attack, and Abraham could become the latest piece of the puzzle.

Having beaten Leicester 3-1 in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, Ipswich are back in Premier League action away to Manchester United on Sunday, live on talkSPORT.

Coventry complete signing of hero from Premier League rival in ninth summer transfer

Tom Hancock — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:58:15 +0000

Coventry City have signed centre-back Ethan Pinnock from Brentford.

The 33-year-old becomes the newly promoted Sky Blues‘ latest addition of a busy summer transfer window.

Pinnock found his playing time at Brentford limited last season

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It is understood Coventry have paid an initial £5million, rising to £6m with add-ons, for Pinnock.

“I’m really excited to join Coventry City and continue my footballing journey with this great club,” Pinnock said.

“After 25 years, the Club are back in the Premier League, and I know how much it must mean to everyone involved with the Club and the supporters. I can’t wait to be part of it.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to work and I can’t wait to meet everyone and represent this football club, especially at the Coventry Building Society Arena.”

A Brentford hero

A firm fan favourite, Pinnock played a key role Brentford‘s Championship promotion-winning campaign of 2020/21 and remained a regular throughout the Bees’ first four seasons in the Premier League.

But following the appointment of head coach Keith Andrews, Pinnock fell down the pecking order and featured only eight times in all competitions last term.

And with his contract expiring next summer, Brentford chose to cash in on the Jamaica international.

Pinnock joined Brentford from Barnsley in 2019, having previously played for non-League sides Dulwich Hamlet and Forest Green Rovers.

One if the Bees’ many success stories when it comes to finding diamonds in the rough, he’s gone on to make 216 appearances for the West London club, scoring 12 goals.

Pinnock was voted Brentford Supporters’ Player of the Year in 2023/24 as the Bees secured a third straight season of top-flight football.

Pinnock has won 28 caps for Jamaica

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One of his most memorable moments in a Brentford shirt came as he opened the scoring in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool in September 2021.

He made his debut for Jamaica in 2021 and has since played at the Copa America and CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Pinnock was named on the bench for Brentford’s 3-0 Premier League opening-weekend win over Tottenham on Saturday but didn’t feature.

Coventry ‘trying to make themselves competitive’

Pinnock becomes the Sky Blues’ ninth signing of the summer as they return to the Premier League after 25 years away.

Frank Lampard‘s team began the season with a 3-0 defeat at reigning champions Arsenal, but they’ve made some eye-catching acquisitions to bolster their squad in the aim of avoiding relegation.

They include their club-record signing, highly rated young Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, goalkeeper Carl Rushworth after a positive loan spell last season, and former Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

Pinnock’s arrival brings plenty of Premier League experience for Lampard’s squad

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“We have tried to strike the balance of working strategically to add to what we already had,” Lampard said of Coventry’s transfer activity ahead of the trip to Arsenal.

“We know the level goes up, so we’re trying to work to make ourselves competitive at the level and we’ll analyse over the next two weeks how the squad’s looking.

Next up for Coventry

Coventry are back in Premier League action on Saturday with their first home game of the campaign against fellow newcomers Hull, who produced a shock 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Saturday.

Man United transfer target told to ‘stay at home’ by manager amid transfer links

Amy Hamerslagh — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:59:36 +0000

Alejandro Balde has seemingly made his mind on his Barcelona future after Hansi Flick left the defender out of his matchday squad on Sunday.

The Catalan giants travelled to Elche for their La Liga opener, with Anthony Gordon enjoying a dream debut after coming off the bench for Lamine Yamal.

Balde has been at the Catalan side’s academy since 2011

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The victory ensured Barcelona‘s title defence started strongly as they matched rivals Real Madrid in victory.

However, one obvious absentee was Balde, who stayed at home with his future at the club being speculated by fans.

Manchester United have made contact over a potential €40 million (£34m) deal for the 22-year-old as a cheaper alternative to Newcastle’s Lewis Hall.

Barca are open to the move in order to raise funds for a new striker, while also bringing in Joao Cancelo as a replacement on the left flank.

Additionally, the emergence of young defender Xavi Espart has left Balde’s place in the starting XI increasingly insecure.

Not in the head space

In Flick’s pre-match press conference, the German manager hinted at the left-back’s potential departure while revealing the player needed to resolve his focus:

He said: “We have to manage the minutes, I hope to have six players who can play 90 minutes.

“I spoke with Balde this morning and told him that I think he’s not here at 100 per cent, clear your mind and then we’ll talk.

He added: “He’s a player of immense quality, and it’s important to know if he’s confident he can compete in his position.

“That’s what I want to see from all my players. Every day I observe what they do, their level, whether they demonstrate that they’re at the level to play.”

Flick never mentioned the move but said Balde was not 100 per cent focused

Europa Press via Getty

Old Trafford dreams

Michael Carrick is keen to provide cover for Luke Shaw ahead of Man United’s return to Champions League football.

After the Magpies have consistently made it clear that Hall is not for sale, they have turned their attention to Balde.

Although the full-back remains under contract with Barcelona for two more years with a nominal €1 billion (£855m) release clause, the Catalan hierarchy would prefer to cash in on the youngster, who is also pushing for a summer exit.

Balde previously expressed his desire to play for the Manchester-based side during a quick-fire Q&A on TikTok in 2020.

When asked to name ‘a club other than Barcelona?’, the defender immediately responded with ‘United’.

The left-back has made seven appearances for Spain; however, he was left out of the World Cup squad this summer.

Balde continues to train with the Barca team

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In the Premier League, Carrick’s side endured a disappointing start to their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Hull City.

The Red Devils are not the only club interested in signing the 22-year-old, with Aston Villa and Benfica also keeping close tabs on the situation.

Mykhailo Mudryk handed Premier League lifeline as loan deal explored

Tom Hancock — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:31:38 +0000

Chelsea have rejected an approach from Leeds to sign Mykhailo Mudryk on loan, talkSPORT understands.

It is also understood talks between the clubs remain ongoing.

Mudryk hasn’t played competitively for the best part of two years

Among a number of attacking options identified by Leeds, the winger was recently cleared to return to playing after his FA doping ban was resolved.

Mudryk returns

Signed by Chelsea in January 2023, Mudryk was suspended for four years in November 2024 having returned an ‘adverse finding’ for meldonium, are prohibited substance.

The Ukraine international subsequently appealed his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

And the FA confirmed last month that Mudryk was free to play again ‘with immediate effect’.

Since being banned, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) procedures have changed such that had Mudryk returned the same test result now, he would not be suspended.

An FA statement explaining the situation read: “Changes have been made…which, while not retroactive, mean that if Mr Mudryk’s sample was collected today, the concentration of meldonium in the sample would not have been reported and no anti-doping rule violations would have resulted.

“Further to that development and to other circumstances of the case, the FA and Mr Mudryk have now – with the agreement of WADA – resolved the appeal proceedings.

“As a part of the agreement, Mr Mudryk accepted that he had committed the ADRVs (Anti-Doping Rule Violations) charged and acceded to a period of ineligibility equal to the time served at the date of the agreement.

“Mr Mudryk is no longer ineligible and may return to competition with immediate effect.”

Mudryk ‘looking to the future’

Reacting to the resolution, Mudryk explained how tough a time it had been for him. He posted on Instagram: “After a long battle, the four-year ban that was imposed on me has been rescinded, and I am free to resume my career with immediate effect. I am grateful that this process has reached a conclusion, that I have been cleared to return to football and that I can now look ahead to my future.

Mudryk is eager to get his career back on track

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“This has been the most difficult period of my career. As I have always maintained from the outset of this case, I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance.

“My commitment to competing fairly and representing my club and country with professionalism and integrity has always been important to me. I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and belief throughout this period.

“I also want to express my deep gratitude to everyone at Chelsea FC, my teammates and the Chelsea supporters who have been with me throughout. I would also like to thank my legal team and others who assisted for their tireless work on my case.

“My focus now is on returning to football, working hard every day, and making a positive contribution on the pitch. Thank you to everyone who continued to believe in me. I look forward to the next chapter of my career.”

Mudryk made his Chelsea comeback in the Blues’ pre-season friendly against Juventus in Hong Kong earlier this month.

If Mudryk does make the move to Elland Road, he should be in good shape, with his Chelsea teammates remarking about how impressed they were with his fitness levels.

Mudryk joined Chelsea having been named Shakhtar Donetsk Player of the Year two years running

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“I’d say it was like a pre-season for 18 months,” Mudryk said. “So I’ve been training, I’ve been training hard. I didn’t give up and I just tried to work as hard as I could.”

Having come through the youth system at Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk, Mudryk became his country’s most expensive player of all time when he joined Chelsea.

The Blues pipped London rivals Arsenal to his signature in a deal worth up to £88m.

Mudryk penned an eight-and-a-half-year contract – one of the longest in football history – meaning he’s not due to become a free agent until the end of the 2030/31 season.

The 2022 Ukrainian Footballer of the Year, capped 28 times at senior level, has scored 10 goals in 73 appearances for Chelsea to date.

But with Xabi Alonso‘s Blues stocking up in attack this summer, he’s likely to find regular minutes hard to come by at Stamford Bridge.

Daniel Farke led Leeds to 14th in the Premier League last season

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Next stop Leeds?

Leeds could be the ideal destination for Mudryk to kickstart his career, then, as Daniel Farke‘s side look to build on a solid return to the top flight last term.

The Whites kick off the 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

They’ve made four signings this transfer window, breaking their club record to bring in goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City.

Darwin Nunez completes Al Hilal loan move as club eyes Ollie Watkins

Tom Hancock — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 10:37:38 +0000

Darwin Nunez has left Al Hilal, with the Saudi Pro League giants eyeing up Ollie Watkins.

The former Liverpool striker has joined Al-Diriyah on loan for the year with no option or obligation to buy included in the deal.

Nunez joined Al Hilal from Liverpool 12 months ago

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Nunez’s departure frees up a space in their squad as they look to sign Watkins.

talkSPORT understands Al Hilal have tabled a £38million bid for Aston Villa and England striker Watkins.

Watkins, 30, scored 21 goals in all competitions for Villa last season and featured for England at this summer’s World Cup.

His current contract at Villa runs until the summer of 2028.

Al Hilal’s approach for Watkins comes after the record 21-time champions of Saudi Arabia held talks with Harry Kane‘s representative about an audacious swoop for the England captain.

However, it’s expected Kane will commit his future to Bayern Munich by signing a new contract.

talkSPORT understands Al Hilal have also earmarked Galatasaray and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen as a potential centre-forward signing.

Former Liverpool frontman Nunez, 27, has endured a difficult time in Saudi Arabia.

Having joined Al Hilal from the Reds last summer, he found himself left out of their domestic league squad for the second half of the 2025/26 campaign due to a cap on the number of overseas players.

talkSPORT exclusively revealed on Monday that fellow Saudi Pro League side Diriyah Club were working on a loan move for Nunez, which has now been completed.

He was also linked with a switch to Turkish outfit Trabzonspor, who recently signed his old Liverpool teammate Mo Salah.

Nunez’s omission from the Al Hilal squad came after the arrival of Benzema from fierce rivals Al Ittihad in February.

Benzema arrived in the Saudi Pro League in 2023 with Al Ittihad, doing the double in 2024/25

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But while Real Madrid legend Benzema made a prolific impact for Al Hilal at the back end of 2025/26, scoring nine goals in 13 outings in all competitions, and has already opened his account this term, he might be on the move again.

Turning 39 in December, Benzema is in the twilight of his career, but he’s shown with his output in recent months that he’s lost little of that deadly striker’s instinct – even if he is no longer playing in a top-five European league.

Al Hilal finished second in the Saudi Pro League last season behind Cristiano Ronaldo-captained Al Nassr.

Managed by ex-Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, Al Hilal began the 2025/26 campaign with a 4-2 win over Al Faisaly.

Benzema opened the scoring with a penalty, with former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves also converting twice from the spot.

Neves went on to bag another brace as Al Hilal beat Al Raed 2-0 in the King’s Cup.

Frank Lampard told Coventry’s new £21m signing could become ‘properly special’

Tom Hancock — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 13:46:24 +0000

Anticipated Coventry City signing Sidiki Cherif has ‘enormous potential’ and could be the perfect fit for the Premier League newcomers.

That’s the view of European football expert Andy Brassell, who believes the sky’s the limit for the 19-year-old striker widely reported to be joining Frank Lampard‘s Sky Blues.

Cherif scored twice in 10 Turkish Super Lig appearances for Fenerbahce last season

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Cherif previously came through the youth ranks at French club Angers.

And Brassell thinks a move to Coventry would suit both parties.

Cherif ‘really good’ at Fenerbahce

Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT about Sidiki, he said: “He’s still young. There’s a lot of pressure to put on him. He’s not got the history of scoring 20 goals a season because he just hasn’t been around for long enough.

“But he looked the part at Angers and he arrived at Fenerbahce in winter last season and looked like he was going to be back up to another big centre-forward. They never got that other big centre-forward.

“He ended up playing a lot more than you thought he would. But he was good; he was really good. Someone like that who is really good at holding the ball up, who can score goals… He’s intelligent; he can run the channels – but he’s also good with the ball in front of him.

“That’s really ideal if you’re Coventry. He can play a lot of different ways. Despite being young, he’s not fazed by big pressure situations. He’ll get time and good coaching.

“So I feel like it’s a pretty good move for him. It’s another example of how Premier League money can make a massive difference and enable clubs that you wouldn’t think would be able to to get in players that you wouldn’t think they would be able to get.”

Brassell went on to explain what a high ceiling Cherif has and what a top player he could become.

He continued: “He’s got enormous potential; there’s no doubt about it. He’s shown already, I think in a relatively small sample size, that he’s got the ability to step up and really take the bull by the horns. This is a great opportunity for him.

“Clearly the way Fenerbahce have gone is a bit more experienced. They’ve brought in Romelu Lukaku as well. Maybe that would limit his minutes a little bit. But Cherif scored [and] showed in big moments last season that he was ready to seize the opportunity with both hands.

“So, if you think that Angers were written off left and right; they’ve had some horrendous financial problems over the last couple of years. He was a big part of them punching way above their weight before he went last season. So I guess in that sense, it’s a similar situation to Coventry. No one’s expecting them to stay up.

Born in Guinea, Cherif was called up to the France Under-21 squad earlier this year

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“I think he’s a really good get. I think coach him right and he could turn into something properly special.”

Coventry’s busy summer

Last season’s Championship winners, Coventry have already made a host of signings as they head into their first top-flight campaign for 25 years.

Remarkably, the Sky Blues have broken their transfer record four times during the current window, most recently to bring in Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi from Danish side Nordsjaelland.

Their latest new signing arrived on Monday as striker Taiwo Awoniyi joined from Nottingham Forest.

However, they have reportedly had a bid for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who Lampard managed at Chelsea, turned down by AC Milan.

Sky Blues face big challenge on long-awaited return

Coventry begin the new season with the toughest test possible: a trip to champions Arsenal for Friday’s Premier League curtain-raiser, live on talkSPORT.

The Sky Blues then host fellow promoted team Hull City in their first home game the following Saturday.

Man United told to hijack Premier League transfer for £60m-rated ‘new Steve Bruce’

Amy Hamerslagh — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:29:40 +0000

Alan Pardew has urged Manchester United to sign Ezri Konsa, drawing a comparison between the defender and Red Devils legend Steve Bruce.

There appears to be a defensive vulnerability at Manchester United, driven by a distinct lack of proven depth in central positions.

Konsa has been with Villa since 2019

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Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven offer a youthful yet inexperienced central pairing at just 20 and 19 years old respectively.

At the other end of the spectrum, Harry Maguire is now 33, yet is still expected to act as the Red Devils’ first-choice defender.

Meanwhile, Matthijs De Ligt‘s physical condition remains an issue as the 26-year-old has not featured at Old Trafford since November 2025 as he continues his recovery from a persistent back injury.

United’s back line also looked fragile recently when Ruben Amorim‘s AC Milan side put four goals past his former club in pre-season.

Speaking on talkSPORT, former Premier League manager Pardew put forward the England international as an ideal solution for United.

Arsenal have pursued Konsa all summer amid injuries to William Saliba, but have not been able to reach an agreement.

He said: “Konsa has been mentioned with a couple of clubs. What a signing he would be for Man United!

“A centre-back who can pass, who’s dominant in the air, gets you a goal from a set piece, just like Steve Bruce.”

Bruce was an inspirational servant for the club during his 417 appearances and became the defensive heartbeat and captain for Man United during their dominance in the early 1990s.

The former England international also became renowned for his goal scoring threat and famously scored 19 goals in the 1990/91 season.

Bruce was there when Man United ended a 26-year wait for a league title in 1993

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Aston Villa have already been forced to sell Youri Tielemans to United after they activated his release clause.

Now they will not want to lose one of their best defenders t o a direct rival.

The 28-year-old English defender is fully established in the Premier League and could hit the ground running under Michael Carrick.

Konsa’s ability to operate as both a central defender and a right-back adds versatility, which would take significant strain off the United back line.

Pardew noted the Manchester-based club were right to steer clear of signing Cristian Romero.

He continued: “If I were Michael Carrick, I would stay well away from it [Cristian Romero].

“That’s why big Premier League clubs left him alone. He’s a volatile character who brings problems to your dressing room.”

He added: “You look at external things as a manager. When you are bringing in a big player, who’s a World Cup winner, into your team, you have to understand what that player is about.

“Well he’s a volatile and an aggressive player who demands very great things, so you have to manage him very carefully.

Konsa has been a standout for Villa in recent seasons

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“If you have a dressing room that might not be so welcoming to a player like that, then you are not going to bring him.

“That’s from the ill-discipline he can show in games at times, that’s not just to the opposition by the way, I’ve seen him give the odd snarl or look to his fellow teammates. Those players never go down well.”

Romero’s transfer from Spurs

The former Tottenham defender recently completed a £34 million transfer to Atlético Madrid on a five-year contract.

The Argentine’s final appearance for Spurs came against Sunderland in April, where he was forced off in tears with a knee injury that ruled him out of the club’s final six matches during a grueling relegation battle.

Romero joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021 and became a mainstay in their defence, making 156 appearances.

He helped the Lilywhites end a 17-year trophy drought by defeating Manchester United in the 2025 Europa League final.

After the deal was confirmed, the defender posted on X: “I know I wasn’t perfect, But one thing gives me peace: I always gave everything. I defended this shirt with pride and with all my heart.”

Ex-Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi set for 11th club of career as he nears Germany exit

Tom Hancock — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 16:49:58 +0000

Former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi is poised to move to the Saudi Pro League, talkSPORT understands.

Batshuayi spent the last season-and-a-half with Eintracht Frankfurt but is expected to join an as yet unnamed Saudi club.

Batshuayi was part of Chelsea’s most recent Premier League title success in 2017

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They would be the 11th club of the 32-year-old Belgium international’s career to date.

Having started out with Belgian side Standard Liege, Batshuayi moved to Marseille in 2014 before making the switch to Chelsea two years later.

He scored 25 goals in 77 appearances for the Blues, netting five times en route to the 2016/17 Premier League title under Antonio Conte – despite only playing 236 minutes all season.

Indeed, he notched the decisive goal against West Brom which wrapped up the title – though he was less than complimentary about his manager.

Batshuayi said of Conte in 2022: “Conte was constantly contradicting himself. To start with my arrival. He called me and explained his project. He wanted me to play in a two-man frontline alongside Diego Costa.

“Did I believe that? Of course, because Conte has played with two attackers all his career. Except at Chelsea with me. I do not understand. The truth is that I have been fooled far too often.”

Batshuayi’s journeyman career

Batshuayi spent much of his six years as a Chelsea player out on loan, turning out for Borussia Dortmund, Valencia, Crystal Palace and Besiktas.

He left Stamford Bridge permanently in 2022, signing for Fenerbahce after a proposed switch to Nottingham Forest collapsed on deadline day – before making history when he joined Galatasaray in 2024.

By doing so, Batshuayi became the first non-Turkish player ever to represent all of Istanbul’s Big Three rivals.

His time in Turkey wasn’t entirely smooth sailing, however – while playing for Fenerbahce against Trabzonspor, he was seen trying to kick a pitch-invading fan in the head amid tumultuous scenes in the stadium.

Batshuayi made the controversial move from Fenerbahce to arch-rivals Galatasaray in 2024

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His family were also subjected to death threats before he signed for Galatasaray.

A Turkish Cup winner with Fenerbahce, Batshuayi was snapped up by Frankfurt in February last year.

But he ultimately featured sparingly for the Bundesliga outfit, making only 10 appearances in all competitions last term.

Batshuayi has earned 52 caps Belgium, playing at two World Cups – helping the Red Devils finish third in 2018 – and two European Championships.

With 27 goals, he is his country’s eighth-highest scorer of all time.

He hasn’t been capped for over two years, though, last appearing in a March 2024 friendly against England at Wembley.

Arsenal duo expected to leave club after being omitted from Community Shield squad

Tom Hancock — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 14:23:22 +0000

Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri are expected to leave Arsenal before the end of the transfer window, talkSPORT understands.

Both players were left out of the Gunners‘ squad for the season-opening Community Shield victory over Manchester City.

Nwaneri and Martinelli played no part in the Gunners’ win in Cardiff

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Martinelli and Nwaneri featured in last term’s Premier League title triumph, the former making 30 appearances for Mikel Arteta‘s side.

But talkSPORT understands their futures look set to lie elsewhere with the pair being omitted from the team sheet for Sunday’s game in Cardiff.

However, Martinelli and Nwaneri’s services weren’t required as Arsenal breezed to a 3-0 win over City thanks to goals by Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal to say goodbye to Martinelli and Nwaneri?

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano back in 2019 and has gone on to score 62 goals in 278 games for the Gunners.

The 25-year-old Brazil forward also helped Arsenal to the finals of last season’s Carabao Cup and Champions League – finding the net six times in the latter competition.

However, he averaged only around 35 minutes per Premier League appearance and now faces increased competition out wide following the signing of Christos Tzolis.

Nwaneri, meanwhile, rose through the Gunners’ youth ranks to become the youngest player in both Arsenal and Premier League history, making his first-team debut against Brentford in 2022 aged 15 years and 181 days.

The England Under-21 attacking midfielder was regularly involved during the 2024/25 campaign, scoring nine goals in 37 outings across all competitions, but found his opportunities limited last term, making 12 appearances before being loaned out to Marseille in January.

talkSPORT understands Arsenal have already held talks with Galatasaray over the potential sales of Martinelli and Nwaneri, with striker Victor Osimhen going the other way a possibility.

However, despite the Gunners receiving a verbal offer of £38.4m for Martinelli, the player has said he doesn’t want to join the Turkish champions.

Guimaraes is Arsenal’s most expensive signing of the summer at £75million

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Arteta suggests Martinelli and Nwaneri could stay

After Arsenal’s win, Arteta cooled suggestions that the club is actively looking for suitors to the pair.

The Spaniard says he wanted to include Martinelli and Nwaneri as well as Gabriel Jesus in his squad as he outlined his ongoing campaign to make matchday squads bigger.

“It’s really sad not to have the ability,” Arteta told TNT Sports post-match. “I’ve been fighting with the Premier League to extend and to accommodate more players in the squad.

“They deserve to be in the squad.

“Hopefully we can change the rule and players can enjoy on the pitch and be an option to play and contribute.”

Arteta was then asked whether he still expects those players to be part of the Arsenal squad moving forward.

“They are all very important for us,” the Arsenal boss replied.

Arteta responded to questions about the futures of Martinelli and Nwaneri after Arsenal dispatched of City in the Community Shield

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Arteta confirmed last week Arsenal are still looking to strengthen their squad before the window closes on September 1, having completed the long-awaited signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle last weekend.

“There is more that we want to do because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth to the squad, we need to do that,” Arteta said ahead of the Community Shield.

“We are actively trying to do so. The thing in the market is that it doesn’t just depend on you. We are very clear on that.

“But the approach, the will and the desire of the club, that’s unquestionable. We want to try to do that. But we cannot promise that we’re going to do it because it doesn’t only depend on us.”

In addition to Guimaraes and Tzolis, the Gunners have brought in former Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer – as well as making title winner Piero Hincapie’s loan switch from Bayer Leverkusen permanent.

Arsenal next turn their attention to the opening match of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign at home to newly promoted Coventry on Friday, live on talkSPORT.

The Gunners are aiming to win back-to-back league titles for the first time since 1935.

Bamba Dieng told to snub Middlesbrough transfer and join Premier League club instead

Amy Hamerslagh — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:30:38 +0000

Bamba Dieng should snub a move to Middlesbrough and join Hull City instead.

That’s the view of European football expert Andy Brassell, who has has commented on reports that the two clubs are in a race to secure the forward’s services.

Hull City are Brassell’s favourites to sign Senegal international Bamba

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The Tigers defeated Boro in the Championship play-off final last term to earn promotion to the top-flight for the upcoming campaign.

Dieng is currently a free agent after departing Lorient at the end of last season, drawing significant interest from clubs across France, Spain, and Turkey.

The Senegal international is proving to be hot property after netting 16 goals in 26 appearances, a run that earned him a place in Senegal’s World Cup squad.

The 26-year-old performed a dramatic U-turn earlier in the summer after appearing set to join newly promoted Super Lig side Amedspor.

Now, Brassell has tipped the frontman to seal a move to newly promoted Premier League outfit Hull.

What has Brassell said about Dieng?

He said: “It’s got to be the Tigers, right? I think the chance to show that you could do it in the Premier League, and Bamba Dieng actually had a really decent season last year.

“Go back a couple of years and his reputation was on the floor.

“He’s not playing the way that he would have wanted to.

“But he’s brought his career back to life in the last year and was really impressive.”

Dieng is no stranger to chaotic transfer deadline-day drama throughout his career.

Dieng played against England at the 2022 Qatar World Cup

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In 2022, the striker was on the verge of joining Leeds United before Nice hijacked the deal at the eleventh hour.

After flying to France, the transfer collapsed amidst medical and contractual complications, leaving the player in the awkward position of returning to Marseille.

The situation damaged his relationship with the hierarchy at the French club, which led to reduced game time and a stagnation in his development.

Additionally, he suffered multiple injuries including ankle and groin issues further interrupted his momentum.

He eventually made the move to Lorient in 2023, yet initially struggled to secure a permanent role in the team.

However, he bounced back with strong scoring spells for the club and was able to re-establish his profile as a clinical forward.

Pagis’ partnership with Dieng seen Lorient finish tenth

AFP

What do Hull City need?

Brassell commented on his most recent season, and said: “He showed his ability to dovetail with other quality players as well. He’s got pace. He’s strong. He’s inventive.

“We’ve seen him link up with the likes of Pablo Pagis, who moved to Paris FC this summer, it’s a good effect. So we’ve always known that there’s a player there.

“He made some unusual career choices after leaving Marseille, but he’s now at a place where he’s coming off a strong campaign, he’s shown how much he’s still got to give as well.

“There’s definitely a leap he can make, and It’s very impressive – He’s got his career back.”

To survive in the top-flight, Hull City will need to maintain tactical flexibility and rely on the sharp counter-attacking football that served them so well in the Championship under Sergej Jakirović.

Despite the club boasting Oli McBurnie up front, additional attacking reinforcements will be essential to ensure adequate depth for their Premier League return.

‘That is the problem’ – Arsenal and Man United scouts urged to wait for Brazilian talent

Joe Brophy — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:42:49 +0000

Manchester United and Arsenal target Kaua Elias’ movement is terrific – he can go a long way.

That is the verdict of European football expert Andy Brassell, who hailed the Shakhtar Donetsk striker for his start to the season.

Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked with a move for Shakhtar Donetsk sensation Kaua Elias

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Man United and Arsenal scouts were reportedly in attendance to watch Elias score a ‘perfect’ hat-trick at the start of last week.

Representatives for the two Premier League giants were in the stands for Shakhtar’s first league game against Kudrivka.

Man United and Arsenal scouts watch summer target Kaua Elias

Elias, who is said to be valued at £30million and is also being eyed by Serie A giants AC Milan, took home the matchball in a 5-1 demolition.

However, Brassell wants to see the 20-year-old cut his teeth in the Champions League first instead of making the move this summer.

Shakhtar punched their ticket automatically for the league phase due to having the highest coefficient of all the clubs currently top of their domestic leagues from associations 11–55, since last season’s finalists Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have already qualified via their domestic league position.

It will be Elias’ first appearance in the Champions League, having only arrived at Hirnyky (The Pitmen) in February 2025 from Fluminense.

On the small sample size involved, Brassell exclusively told talkSPORT: “I think that is the problem.

“Like when you look at Shakhtar’s golden era – going back into the Mircea Lucescu years, when they were still in Donetsk.

“Then it was different because Shakhtar were a genuinely huge club that was on its way to becoming a European superpower, and I think you knew from the quality, not just the quality of the Ukrainian league then but the quality of their performances in the Champions League, that you were getting guys that were ready to go.

Shakhtar reached the semi-finals of last season’s Conference League

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“So when you bought a Fernandinho, [or] Willian – they were like ready now,” Brassell continued to talkSPORT.com.

“It’s so hard to judge the level effectively of Ukrainian domestic football now through no fault of Ukraine’s own or through no fault Shakhtar’s obviously but that they are really living in extraordinary times and very difficult conditions and Shakhtar in a league with a lot of teams that would not be anywhere near the Premier League, if we were comparing it, which I’m always bit loathe to do.

“But the reality is Ukraine is not one of the top leagues at the moment, so I think you need to see them a little bit more in European competition.

“That’s certainly the case with Kaua Elias.

“His movements terrific. I really like what I’ve seen of him, but again, I want to see him in the Champions League first.”

Elias scored twice in five Europa League qualifying appearances last term, before finding the net the same number of times in Shakhtar’s run to the Conference League semi-finals.

Shakhtar have been forced to play their European ‘home’ matches in Poland last season

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The Brazil Under-17 international registered an assist in the 3-1 home defeat to eventual tournament winners Crystal Palace in April.

But on Shakhtar’s return to the Champions League, Brassell added: “To see them in that sort of context would be really important.

“Now bear in mind, say when Kevin came over to Fulham, and that’s Fulham, not Arsenal or United, we’d seen some of him in European competition.

“So you knew that not only what he was able to do in there in the Ukrainian Premier League, but you’d seen a bit of him in Europe and you thought okay, this is something we can work with here.

“But this is Shakhtar’s model now, to go out and buy really young players from Brazil, so a sort of accelerated version of the model that they used to do when they were in Donetsk and be able to inflate them into players that they can sell for three/four times that sort of money.

“Of course, they need to sell to survive, whereas before it was about selling to satisfy the dreams of those players and go and buy the next lot of players.

“It wasn’t such a financial imperative because they were in a better financial position. The owner, Rinat Akhmetov, was in a better financial position.

“The country was in a better financial position, and the league was in a better financial position.

“But a great start to the season for Kaua; I think he can go a long way, but yeah, I need to see him in the Champions League first.”

Leeds handed warning over signing one of the best free agents around

Joe Brophy — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:14:23 +0000

Leeds United have been told not to expect too much too soon if they manage to sign defender Diogo Leite.

The Whites have been linked with a move for the centre-back, who is available to pick up on a free transfer after his Union Berlin exit.

Leite is one of the most highly coveted free agents still available on the market right now

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Leeds’ German boss Daniel Farke will be more than aware of the 27-year-old, who made 23 Bundesliga appearances last season.

Leite started his career in his native Portugal at Porto, before being loaned out to Braga and Union Berlin – with the latter signing him on a permanent deal in 2023.

The Portuguese Under-21 international helped the club secure Champions League qualification for the first time in its history.

He became a free agent at the end of his Union Berlin contract in June, and Leeds have been touted as among his potential suitors.

European football expert Andy Brassell believes Leite is ‘one of the better free agents out there’, but it won’t be until the September international break when Leeds can start to reap the benefits.

“He’s been so solid in the Bundesliga over the last couple of years now,” Brassell exclusively told talkSPORT.com.

“I think it’s hard to leave a big club like Porto and to really knuckle down and make a good career at not one of the biggest clubs in another league, which is what he’s done at Union Berlin.

“He’s been ultra reliable. He’s strong. I think he could deal with the tempo of the Premier League.

“The Bundesliga is quite good prep for that as well. I think it’ll be hard for him having not had a proper preseason.

“So if they’re gonna sign Leite, I would have thought it would be like sort of mid-September, until we see the best of him, but he’s definitely one of the better free agents out there.”

Leite has made over 100 Bundesliga appearances but will be severely lacking match sharpness

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Leeds transfer news

Farke has been active in the market this summer, with Tarik Muharemovic coming in to replace Pascal Struijk.

James Trafford has completed a club-record £40million switch from Manchester City a year on from rejoining the Etihad set-up.

Leeds also beat out plenty of Premier League competition to pick up Harry Wilson following his release from domestic rivals Fulham.

The Welsh international was one of the standout figures in the top-flight last term, scoring 10 goals and assisting seven more.

However, Leeds passed on the opportunity to sign AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, who was offered to the Elland Road club earlier this month.

Crystal Palace youngster has loan terminated after a month to join another EFL club in same division

Tom Hancock — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:50:56 +0000

Young Crystal Palace midfielder Hindolo Mustapha has left Wigan Athletic after barely a month on loan with the club.

The 20-year-old joined Wigan on a season-long loan in early July, but the deal has been terminated before the start of the new League One campaign.

Mustapha was named Crystal Palace Under-21s Player of the Season for his performances in Premier League 2 in 2024/25

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But Mustapha will still begin the season in the third tier having made another loan move, this time to newly promoted Notts County.

Announcing Mustapha’s departure on their website, Wigan explained: “After a period of adapting to his surroundings, it was felt that a change would be beneficial for all parties. Hindolo now returns to Selhurst Park to continue the next stage of his development.”

The Sierra Leone international featured for Wigan in pre-season but was not included in the squad for their first competitive game of the campaign, Saturday’s Carabao Cup first-round defeat on penalties to Barnsley.

Having joined Palace‘s youth set-up at U9 level, Mustapha went on to sign his first professional contract at Selhurst Park in January 2024.

He has yet to break into the Eagles’ first team but did make two appearances for their U21 side in the 2024/25 EFL Trophy, scoring once.

And unfortunately for Mustapha, this isn’t his first loan spell that hasn’t worked out.

Loaned out to German second-tier outfit Nurnberg for the first half of last term, he returned to Palace in January without having played a single minute.

During that stint, Nurnberg boss Miroslav Klose appeared to question Mustapha’s attitude.

“He has something that I like,” Klose said. “That’s why I will support him – but only up to a certain point. But we brought him in because he has to perform here.

“It’s not like in London, where he can stroll through the city and go shopping,” he said. “Perhaps it’s a bit different in Nuremberg. We need time to settle in a bit, but we won’t be able to manage without him. He needs to know where our limits are, where everything starts with discipline.”

Mustapha subsequently spent the second half of the 2025/26 campaign with Championship West Brom, though he only featured twice for the Baggies.

Mustapha made a sole Championship appearance for West Brom

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He’ll be hoping to be more involved for Martin Paterson’s Notts County, who host Leicester in their League One opener this Saturday.

Mustapha is one of three players Palace have loaned out so far this summer.

Goalkeeper Owen Goodman and left-back Rio Cardines have joined Dundee and Bristol City respectively, both on season-long loans.

Palace begin the new Premier League campaign away to Everton next Saturday.

It’s the start of a new era for the Eagles, now managed by Pierre Sage following the departure of FA Cup and Conference League-winning boss Oliver Glasner, who has since taken over at Nottingham Forest.

Championship on talkSPORT

talkSPORT will bring you unmatched live and exclusive coverage of the Championship’s opening weekend.

Just look at what we’ve got in store!

FRIDAY 14th AUGUST

Wolves v Blackburn – 8pm (talkSPORT)

SATURDAY 15th AUGUST

Bolton v Preston – 12.30pm (talkSPORT)
Around the Grounds with Adrian Durham – 2.30pm (talkSPORT)
Middlesbrough v Lincoln – 3pm (talkSPORT 2)
Sheffield United v Birmingham – 5.30pm (talkSPORT 2)

SUNDAY 16th AUGUST

Watford v Southampton – 1.30pm (talkSPORT 2)
Burnley v West Ham – 4pm (talkSPORT 2)

MONDAY 17th AUGUST

Cardiff v Wrexham – 8pm (talkSPORT 2)

Why Everton are the clear winners in Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil swap deal

Amy Hamerslagh — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:37:39 +0000

Everton have pulled off daylight robbery with a straight swap deal involving Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson.

The two clubs announced on Tuesday morning that McNeil is heading to Selhurst Park, with Johnson making the move to Hill Dickinson – without Everton having to fork out a single penny.

Johnson’s time at Palace was short lived

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On paper, it is a move that does not immediately make sense, especially considering Palace made Johnson their club-record £35million signing just six months ago.

The 25-year-old has struggled badly since moving to south London, failing to score in 26 appearances for the Eagles.

However, both financially and statistically, Everton are getting the far better end of the bargain.

Speaking on talkSPORT on Monday, Ben Jacobs explained the situation: “It appears quite damaging for Crystal Palace’s books, but it’s a good old-fashioned swap deal.

“It’s probably the first time it’s happened between two Premier League clubs where there doesn’t appear to be any cash changing hands.

“I agree it’s a surprise, because Brennan Johnson, prior to Strand Larson arriving, was briefly Crystal Palace’s record signing.

“Whereas McNeil has a lower market valuation. He thought he was going in January, only to find there was a last-minute paperwork issue which disappointed him at the time.

“But he was sold on that move, personal terms agreed on a four-year contract. They have now been given permission to start their medicals this morning. This will be one going one way, one going the other in a straight swap deal.

“It does feel like, on paper and financially, the deal to gain Johnson is the better one. But I think Palace would argue that Johnson hasn’t worked out there, and the club has always wanted McNeil.”

Everton would never have possessed the financial muscle to purchase Johnson in a standalone transaction had they simply pocketed the £20m Palace originally offered for McNeil in January.

McNeil saw a deadline day transfer to Crystal Palace from Everton fall through at the 11th hour in January

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Instead, Everton have made Palace effectively take a £15m hit under the Premier League’s new squad cost ratio rules.

Both players must be valued at the same figure for the exchange, and when McNeil’s proposed move to Selhurst Park fell through in February, he was valued at £20m.

If this is a true swap deal, and the two players are both valued at £20m, it will represent a £15m loss for Palace.

Will Johnson prove a success for Everton?

His tenure at Selhurst Park was undeniably underwhelming, drawing heavy criticism toward the 25-year-old.

On talkSPORT, Gabby Agbonlahor questioned the deal: “When I saw it, I was like ‘I get it’. Certain managers and certain players suit one another. Maybe David Moyes is looking at it an wants more pace in the side, wanting to use him in that way.

“Also, with D w ight McNeil, there was talk he was leaving in January, and the new [Palace] manager has clearly seen enough of him already and wants to bring him in.”

Johnson scored the only goal in the 2025 Europa League final to win the trophy for Spurs

Shutterstock Editorial

Jamie O’Hara replied: “Brennan Johnson has been a myth for a few seasons. He didn’t do it at Spurs. In one of our seasons he got top scorer, but he hides in big games.”

Agbonlahor pointed out: “You look at both of them and their output last season – 16 Premier League appearances for Spurs, two goals, zero assists. Then at Palace, zero goals and one assist.

“But then Dwight McNeil last season: 22 appearances in the Premier League, zero goals, one assist, so he’s not doing enough either.”

O’Hara replied: “It’s like ‘We’ll give you crap, you give us crap back. Call it quits, no charge’.

“I like McNeil. If I were to pick which player would I rather have, I’d take Dwight McNeil. He’s going to work hard, with a lovely left foot. He gives you something.

“Brennan Johnson is just so frustrating because he’s got all the attributes.”

He added: “Maybe it’s a confidence thing, maybe David Moyes might be the right manager for him. He’s got the right attributes, he showed it at Nottingham Forest.”

Statistics, however, can tell a different story. Despite Johnson enduring a rough 18 months for Tottenham and Palace, he has remained far more clinical in the Premier League than McNeil.

Since Johnson was promoted to the top flight with Nottingham Forest, he has scored 37 goals across all competitions. During that same timeframe, McNeil has netted just 15 times.

Looking at goals-per-minute, Everton’s new recruit finds the net once every 253 minutes, whereas Palace’s newest winger scores just once every 908 minutes.

There is a clear gap in clinical edge. The Merseyside outfit are replacing a player with a similar assist rate while more than doubling their goal threat upfront.

Additionally, Johnson offers output that comes from a versatile, high-tempo, vertical approach instead of the structured, possession-orientated role McNeil occupied.

Everton were just three points off the Champions League places with seven games left last season but then imploded

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While O’Hara argued the ex-Forest player was disappointing for Spurs, the 25-year-old finished as the club’s top goalscorer in the 2024/25 campaign with a total of 18 goals.

In comparison, Everton have not had a player hit that mark since Romelu Lukaku in 2016/17.

Even when McNeil was the Toffees’ top scorer in 2023, he managed a grand total of just seven goals.

What will Johnson add to Everton?

A primary criticism of Everton in recent seasons is that the squad has severely lacked raw speed, particularly under Sean Dyche and David Moyes.

When the Premier League published sprint data in April and highlighted the fastest recorded sprints since the 2020/21 season.

Johnson featured 15th on the list by clocking 36.70 km/h against Manchester City in 2023.

With Spurs’ Micky van de Ven and Wolves’ Jackson Tchatchoua each appearing twice on that list, statistically only 11 Premier League players have achieved a higher top speed than the 25-year-old.

Moyes can now harness Johnson’s explosive pace in counter-attacking setups—a vital asset for an Everton side that registered the fourth-lowest possession average in England’s top flight last term.

Jadon Sancho in transfer battle with ‘box office’ sensation as European giants weigh up decision

Joe Brophy — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:01:12 +0000

Jadon Sancho has been told that there is a willingness for Borussia Dortmund to offer him a career lifeline with a third move to the club.

However, the 26-year-old has been warned that he may have to wait until the end of the window despite being available as a free agent.

Sancho’s immediate future is unclear following mixed success on loan at Aston Villa last season

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Sancho has been on the search for a new permanent home after he was released by Manchester United at the end of his contract in June.

He has spent the last two-and-a-half seasons on loan at Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa – reaching the final of UEFA’s three competitions in successive campaigns, and winning the Conference League and Europa League in each of the past two years.

The winger, who has kept himself fit using the facilities at 10th-tier Flixton FC, has been the subject of a surprise enquiry from Qatar.

Sancho has been linked with a third stint at Dortmund since the start of the year, but as of yet, no movement has taken place over a deal.

Sancho back to Dortmund latest

The future of the 23-cap England international was a talking point on the latest episode of talkSPORT’s Trans Europe Express podcast.

Andy Brassell asked his fellow European football expert Kevin Hatchard: “What about Jadon Sancho [back to Dortmund]?

“Because he’s still without a club. We know they’ve got lots of people at the club who still rate him, who still like him.

“To me, it feels that a deal might happen if we were to get to the back end of the window and he still hasn’t got a club and they could do it more on their terms at a relatively small, risk-free level.”

Bundesliga commentator Hatchard replied: “I think there’s a willingness to do it at Dortmund. The story wouldn’t hang around for as long as it has if there wasn’t.”

Sancho enjoyed a strong loan spell back at Dortmund in the second half of the 2023/24 season

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Realistic wages

“And even though there have been changes at the top in terms of Sebastian Kehl moving on, Nils-Ole Book has gone there as sporting director, I still think within the building there’s a willingness to bring him back at some stage.

“Now, as you say, I think they would have to wait until a bit later in the window.

“I think Jadon would have to be realistic about the wages on offer, to be honest, because I think Dortmund don’t have the wriggle room that some people might think they do.

“And I think he’s somebody that can work in that [Niko] Kovac system because he could actually be one of those interior players that can spark things off. I mean, they’ve just lost Julian Brandt. Or, I say lost, they let him go, they let his contract lapse, they didn’t extend it.

“But there’s a really talented player who makes things happen around him, who can be a little bit inconsistent. Well, I’d put Sancho in that bracket.

The winger played in the 2024 Champions League final defeat against Real Madrid during his last stint at the club

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“I think he’s somebody that could come in, could have an impact, and as long as he was willing to put the work in under Kovac, because there are certain prerequisites there in terms of the work…you have to do it.

“Otherwise you’re not going to play. There’s no point going there if you’re not prepared to put that work in.

Hatchard continued: “He’s won things at Chelsea, he’s won things at Villa. Was he a central figure in either of those things? Not really.

“I still think there’s incredible talent there and Manchester United fans will be apoplectic with rage about me saying that.

“But I still think he’s a very talented footballer. But I think he needs the right environment. And I think he needs a lot of things to go his way.

“And I really hope we see that. And if that’s at Dortmund, great.”

Sancho made 39 appearances across all competitions for Villa last season, scoring just once

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Said El Mala transfer

Sancho’s potential return to Dortmund may also hinge on the future of Said El Mala, who has been linked with a move to Westfalenstadion.

Brighton were thought to be the leading suitors to win the race for the 19-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Tottenham.

The Seagulls even had a unique plan to steal a march over their rivals by signing El Mala’s brother Malek as well.

However, a transfer never materialised, and Brentford’s proposed club record deal for the German Under-21 ace collapsed in June.

Hatchard added: “There is a feeling that Jürgen Klopp, the new Germany manager, is a big fan of his and is kind of leaning on Dortmund to try and make that move because he believes El Mala being successful at Dortmund would be a really good thing for Germany.

“I think he’s mega raw. I think he’s got a lot to recommend him. He moves like a racehorse; he’s built like a boxer.

“The physical gifts are there. I just think he needs more consistency.”

El Mala looked set to become Brentford’s most expensive signing

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“He needs better coaching is what he needs,” Brassell stated. “I think he would get that off Niko Kovac.

“For Kovac to get hold of him while he was a teenager, make him understand defensive responsibility, working in a structure.

“But the fact is, he is the superstar that Köln fans have wanted ever since Lukas Podolski, because of course they never had the chance for Florian Wirtz to be that because Wirtz was pinched by Leverkusen.

“I saw a lot of El Mala first hand last season. He’s box office. He’s so great to watch. He really is.

I guess maybe this will be the question for Dortmund come later in the summer. Do you go the extra mile and sign him?

Dortmund have been strongly linked with a move for one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting talents

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“It will not be mad wages, but a big transfer fee. And that’s why it hasn’t got done already, right? Because they want 50 million euros.

“Köln are looking at it like we are not prolific producers of players and we’ve got to replace him and we can only sell him once basically, which I think is a fair point to take.

“But given how poorly he was coached last season, particularly by Lukas Kwasniok, who I don’t think looked after him very well at all.

“And the way that he shunted him in and out of the team when he was the player most likely to [to inject the attacking impetus] at all times for Köln.

“I think he needs to get to a good place. He needs to get to a good place, I guess. But for me, that would have a knock-on effect with Sancho. I don’t think you sign El Mala and sign Sancho as well.

Sancho vs El Mala

Hatchard agreed, telling talkSPORT: “No, I think you’re right. I think it probably is one or the other, unless, as we say, it becomes a situation where Sancho, you know, the well’s pretty dry.

“There aren’t many options, and he comes in on a reduced deal.”

Brassell said: “But I think that’s where he is, isn’t it? At the moment, he’s back up, which with his talent is a is a sad thing to say.

“But I think Dortmund are letting it play out and seeing where they are probably at the back end of the month.”

Everton and Crystal Palace complete rare swap deal

Joe Brophy — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:22:58 +0000

Everton and Crystal Palace have completed a swap deal involving Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson.

The two clubs announced the deal on Tuesday morning that sees McNeil head to the Eagles and Johnson to the Toffees.

Johnson has struggled since joining Palace from Tottenham in January

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Johnson is now an Everton player

Everton FC

Wales international Johnson only joined Palace in January from Tottenham in a £35million move.

He briefly held the mantle of the Eagles’ club record signing before it was broken weeks later for now-teammate Jorgen Strand Larsen.

The 25-year-old has struggled badly since swapping London’s north for south, having failed to score in 26 appearances for Palace.

The former Nottingham Forest star was then an unused substitute in his new club’s Conference League final triumph over Rayo Vallecano.

It is a rapid fall from grace from the heights of the 2024/25 season in which Johnson finished as Tottenham’s top scorer with 18 goals – which also included the winner in the Europa League final as Spurs ended their 17-year trophy drought.

He found the net just four times across 22 appearances under Thomas Frank in the first half of last season before heading to Palace.

Johnson said: “I’m so excited to be here. The club speaks for itself – it’s a massive club and one that when I first heard of the interest, I immediately wanted to come and be part of it.

“There were a lot of reasons why I was so keen to join – the manager, the players, the direction the team is going in. You can see this is a club that wants to go in the right direction, and I’m a player who wants to go in that direction, too, so it feels like a really good match.

“I want to come in and show what I can do. The manager spoke to me about getting back to the form that I’ve shown previously, and that’s a massive thing for me – the fact he knows and believes in what I can do. For me, listening to him – a manager who is so experienced and someone who has been so successful – it was really nice to hear.

“I want to bring all of my attributes. First and foremost, I’ll work for the team, the fans, and represent the club properly. I know that’s something that’s definitely appreciated and a non-negotiable here. They can expect that from me. On top of that, I think I can bring speed, goals and everything I’ve got.

“The incredible fanbase that Everton has, whether it’s home or away, is something I’ve always felt. It’s a massive honour to be here and play for them now.”

Palace and Everton completed Johnson and McNeil swap deal

Johnson could have been joined at Selhurst Park by McNeil, who looked set to seal a deadline-day switch to the club in January.

A loan deal with a £20m obligation to buy was agreed with Everton, only for the transfer to be aborted at the 11th hour.

talkSPORT previously reported that the relevant paperwork was not submitted to the league in time, despite McNeil completing a medical and Palace submitting a deal sheet to be granted extra time.

The 26-year-old’s partner, Megan Sharpley, subsequently accused Palace of messing with his mental health and breaking promises.

Sharpley criticised the Conference League winners over a lack of communication and labelled their handling of McNeil as ‘cruel’.

View Tweet: https://t.co/aYWOpZzZA7

McNeil would have been keen to get his future sorted after a roller coaster year

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talkSPORT revealed in the days afterwards that Palace did not intend to abandon the deal and were sympathetic to the player’s plight.

It has also been reported that Palace held clear the air talks with McNeil’s partner.

Rare swap deals

McNeil had entered the final 12-months of the five-year deal he signed upon his arrival on Merseyside from Burnley in 2022.

Straight swap deals between two Premier League clubs, meanwhile, are proving increasingly rare due in part to amortisation (PSR Rules).

Teams are less likely to replicate the Alexis Sanchez-Henrikh Mkhitaryan swap and instead line up pseudo-swaps that go down on the balance sheet as two separate transfers – such as the individual deals which saw Luka Vuskovic join Brighton while Jan Paul van Hecke headed in the opposite direction to Tottenham.

Other recent examples included Everton and Aston Villa sending their academy products Tim Iroegbunam and Lewis Dobbin to each other in separate deals for a reported £9m each.

McNeil and Sharpley both took to social media to comment on his failed switch to Palace earlier this year

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Villa also flogged Omari Kellyman to Chelsea for £19m days after landing the Blues’ homegrown defender Ian Maatsen for £37.5m.

The most infamous of them all saw Elliot Anderson leave his boyhood club Newcastle for Nottingham Forest in July 2024 for £35m.

Yet Forest effectively paid only £15m on the balance sheet, given goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos moved to Tyneside for £20m.

talkSPORT verdict

McNeil’s former manager at Everton Sean Dyche is intrigued to see how both players adapt.

“Maybe it’s a good fit in a different way. It gives Dwight a different feeling coming to London,” Dyche told talkSPORT on Sunday.

“Would he be affected by that? I’ve mentioned before that some players are and some love it and they fit and hand in glove and others find it a bit tricky.

Equally with Brendan, he could be better off going outside London, there’s a different feel to a northern club… it’s a different feel, different people, different cultural feel.

“So it might suit both in a different way. It’ll be really interesting to see if this happens how them two players do.”

Barcelona set to avoid extra payment to Man City as Ferran Torres closes in on £42m transfer

Tom Hancock — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:01:00 +0000

Barcelona are set to avoid paying an add-on fee to Manchester City as he closes in on a £42million move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Torres joined Barcelona from Man City back in January 2022 for an initial €55million, signing a contract until the summer of 2027.

Torres is out of contract at the Camp Nou next summer

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But the versatile forward has emerged as an option for the back-to-back Champions League winners.

Should the deal be completed, it might also open up a potential departure for Bradley Barcola, with Liverpool very keen.

The cost of keeping Torres

Barcelona have already paid Man City €10m in add-ons, but they’ll have to pay around a further €8m if the Spain international extends his contract at the Camp Nou, The Athletic report.

As such, LaLiga champions Barca are said to be erring against offering Torres a new contract.

And with the 26-year-old not becoming a free agent until next summer, he would command a fee in the current transfer window.

Torres scored the winner in the World Cup final for Spain as he slammed home late on to ensure La Roja beat Argentina at the MetLife Stadium.

It made Spain two-time world champions and ensured Torres’ name is in history forever.

The former Valencia man made 49 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions last season, scoring a career-best 21 goals.

That being said, he endured a 14-game goal drought between January and April and lost the starting place he’d gained from Robert Lewandowski.

With that in mind, Barcelona may not be overly concerned about parting ways with him this summer.

Torres has found the net 65 times in his four-and-a-half years at Barcelona, winning three LaLiga titles and a Copa del Rey.

He previously won the Premier League title and EFL Cup in his only full campaign at Man City, as well as reaching the Champions League final.

Torres joined Andreas Iniesta in becoming just the second man to score for Spain in a World Cup final

Spain’s super-sub

As far as goalscoring goes, he’s fared better in international football, striking 25 times in 65 caps since making his senior Spain debut six years ago.

Part of the squad that went all the way at Euro 2024, Torres mostly featured as a substitute at the 2026 World Cup, and he came off the bench again to win the World Cup for his country.

A changing of the guard

Barcelona have already offloaded two players for fees this off-season, with goalkeeper Inaki Pena and attacking midfielder Ansu Fati joining Panathinaikos and Monaco respectively.

Meanwhile, veteran striker Lewandowski has left following the expiry of his contract, joining MLS side Chicago Fire.

In terms of inbound business, Anthony Gordon has been the sole signing so far, joining for £70m.

Arriving from Newcastle, the England star became only the third English player to sign for Barcelona since the Second World War.

Gordon’s international teammate Marcus Rashford spent last season on loan at the Camp Nou, but his move has not been made permanent, with Barcelona signing Karim Adeyemi.

Jamie Vardy could make stunning return to English football with Championship club

Amy Hamerslagh — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:05:21 +0000

West Ham have inquired about Jamie Vardy as they bid to bolster their attack ahead of the new Championship season.

The 39-year-old is a free agent having left Cremonese following their relegation from Serie A last season.

Vardy was training back at Leicester, but only temporarily

@vardy - Instagram

The Hammers are targeting an immediate return to the Premier League following their own fall to the second tier.

The east London outfit made a winning start to the 2026/27 campaign as they beat Portsmouth in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Saturday, with Taty Castellanos scoring twice.

Nuno Espírito Santo remins keen on adding another striker to his ranks as the Hammers prepare for their league opener against Burnley this Sunday.

Concerns persist at the London stadium regarding attacking depth, with Pablo still waiting to score his first goal for the team following his £21m arrival from Gil Vicente in January.

Additionally, Niclas Fullkrug has returned from his loan spell with AC Milan but has been left without a squad number.

Their biggest coup is keeping hold of Jarrod Bowen – though talkSPORT understands he can leave next summer for £15m should they fail to get promoted.

Jamie Vardy to West Ham

As a result, West Ham are interested in Vardy, who is available on a free transfer after scoring seven Serie A goals for Cremonese.

talkSPORT understands Vardy is assessing all options with a number of clubs enquiring over his availability.

He was back training at League One Leicester, but there was never a possibility of a return to his former club.

Vardy had the option of an extra year in Italy, but it was subject to securing safety, and that never happened.

Those close to Vardy have said he has several options, including some from the MLS, and he is assessing his next steps.

Meanwhile, Manor Solomon is expected to complete his transfer to West Ham from Tottenham on Monday.

Solomon has been a key player for Tottenham during pre-season so far

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West Ham are closing in on a permanent signing for the winger in a move worth £5m up front.

During the transfer window, Nuno’s side have already secured the signing of defender Joel Veltman, alongside Venezuelan winger Keiber Lamadrid on loan.

Additionally, the east London club have been pursuing AZ Alkmaar forward Troy Parrott; however, the Ireland international would require a substantial transfer fee.

Jamie Vardy’s career

Signing Vardy would bring useful experience to the Championship, having earned promotion from the second tier twice during his decorated career.

Vardy will be forever known as a Leicester legend

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The 39-year-old built his reputation with Leicester City, leading the Foxes to their shock title win in 2016.

The veteran goalscorer scored 145 goals in 342 top flight appearances for them and also won the FA Cup.

Championship on talkSPORT

talkSPORT will bring you unmatched live and exclusive coverage of the Championship’s opening weekend.

Just look at what we’ve got in store!

FRIDAY 14th AUGUST

Wolves v Blackburn – 8pm (talkSPORT)

SATURDAY 15th AUGUST

Bolton v Preston – 12.30pm (talkSPORT)
Around the Grounds with Adrian Durham – 2.30pm (talkSPORT)
Middlesbrough v Lincoln – 3pm (talkSPORT 2)
Sheffield United v Birmingham – 5.30pm (talkSPORT 2)

SUNDAY 16th AUGUST

Watford v Southampton – 1.30pm (talkSPORT 2)
Burnley v West Ham – 4pm (talkSPORT 2)

MONDAY 17th AUGUST

Cardiff v Wrexham – 8pm (talkSPORT 2)

£42m star removed from team moments before kick-off in decision that could provide Liverpool transfer boost

Joe Brophy — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 14:27:00 +0000

Paris Saint-Germain transfer target Mika Godts was forced out of Ajax’s first Eredivisie game mere minutes before kick-off took place.

The Belgian wonderkid, who has been dubbed the ‘next Eden Hazard’, could inadvertently spark a transfer merry-go-round with his future.

Godts went through his full pre-match warm-up routine before pulling out

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The 21-year-old, previously tipped for stardom by Lionel Messi, has been actively pursued by PSG since the end of last month.

Luis Enrique’s side have already strengthened in wide attacking areas this summer, having signed Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco.

Despite this, PSG are still eyeing a deal for Godts, which may suggest that the club are anticipating at least one of their own to leave.

talkSPORT previously revealed that Liverpool are plotting an audacious double transfer raid on the Champions League winners for wingers Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye.

A move for either one of the PSG stars would appear much more feasible should Godts join the Ligue 1 champions, who already have Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, and now Akliouche on their books.

And speculation that Godts could be on the brink of a transfer ramped up after his omission from Ajax’s first match on Sunday.

Fabrizio Romano reported two days ago that PSG are set to offer €45million (38.6m) fixed fee plus add-ons for a package in excess of €50m (£42m).

No risks taken on Godts amid PSG transfer interest

The Belgium international was named in Míchel’s starting XI for their opening Eredivisie game of the 2026/27 season.

However, Godts was a late withdrawal, with Ajax posting on social media that the reason was that ‘he was not fit enough to start.’

ESPN cameras from the dressing room showed Ajax’s No.11 wearing his match shirt and having a private chat with his manager before the decision was made for Abdellah Ouazane to be named as his replacement.

View Tweet: https://x.com/hashtag/pecaja?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Godts has attracted serious interest from PSG as they plan on further upgrading their wing options

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After the game, the player confirmed that talks between both clubs over his move to the French capital are ongoing, telling ESPN: “I’m happy to be playing for Ajax. Yes, talks with PSG are ongoing.”

“I’m here at the moment and I’m giving it my all.”

Ajax head coach Michel addressed the rumours surrounding his talisman’s future before kick-off when he looked set to play.

“I see a happy player and someone who trains well,” the former Girona chief told reporters.

“I don’t know exactly what is going through his head because of all those rumours, but I see that he is ready to give 100 per cent today and help us win the match.”

Godts was a rare bright spark for Ajax last season, registering 17 goals and 12 assists in 31 appearances to earn a senior Belgium call-up.

Liverpool are hopeful of completing a double deal for PSG pair Barcola and Mbaye

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He was a surprise omission from his country’s final World Cup squad, with Rudi Garcia leaving his post after they lost 2-1 to Spain in the quarter-finals, and Mark van Bommel has since taken the reins.

Liverpool transfer latest

The Reds will be keen to make inroads on improving their attacking options as they edge closer to announcing Ronald Araujo’s arrival.

talkSPORT revealed on Friday that Liverpool have agreed a loan deal to bring the 27-year-old Barcelona captain to Anfield.

He is set to be the latest new face on Merseyside this summer, with Jeremy Jacquet officially completing his move from Rennes after a deal for the 21-year-old was agreed earlier this year.

Liverpool have since unveiled the signing of Spain’s Victor Munoz, having hijacked Newcastle’s move for the World Cup winner.

Dele Alli tipped to reignite career with Championship promotion contenders in surprise move

Joe Brophy — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 10:59:40 +0000

Tony Cascarino has suggested that West Ham could be an ideal club for Dele Alli to reignite his career at if they hand him a lifeline.

The talkSPORT Weekend Breakfast host believes the 30-year-old needs a team with a large fanbase to give him the lift that he needs.

Dele has not appeared in a competitive fixture since March 2025

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Dele has been without a club since his Como contract was terminated last September – with his last competitive appearance coming six months before that.

The playmaker featured just once under Cesc Fabregas during his eight-month stint in Italy.

And that ended in ignominious fashion as he was sent off less than 10 minutes into his first senior match in nearly 750 days.

During his search for a new club, the 37-cap England international soon cast aside rumours that he could be contemplating retirement.

However, links to a new team have been thin on the ground in the past 12 months, with MK Dons denying that he would be returning.

His ex-manager at the Dons, Karl Robinson, reacted to unconfirmed reports of Dele training with West Ham on talkSPORT this week.

Now, Cascarino has admitted that the Hammers represent the type of project that would give the former Tottenham star the best opportunity to rediscover his untapped potential.

Dele Alli needs a big club to lift him back up

Discussing Dele’s potential next move, Cascarino told Shebahn Aherne on talkSPORT’s Weekend Breakfast: “Well, he needs to be excited.

“He needs something to give him the lift of reigniting his career, because it’s very hard for him to go to a club that’s not going to have a huge fan base who can lift him.

Dele’s one appearance for Como is his only bit of senior football in over three years

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“He needs that because I just don’t see a small club option for Dele Alli,” Cascarino continued.

“I think if he can get excited by something, he can go, do you know what, I’m going to give my heart and soul, and I’m going to kick football back in the teeth here and prove to people how good I am.

“And that could be the sort of signing that West Ham could make, only he’s got to do a lot of proving.”

Cascarino added: “Imagine getting that gift of a big opportunity; I say that because that happened to me.

“I was given the gift of Marseille when I was out of contract, and that was the biggest lift I ever had in my career.

“For Dele Alli, it could be the West Ham link and go, ‘Do you know what, he’s going to give his absolute all’.”

Dele was given a standing ovation upon his appearance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in February

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Dele, who came through the ranks with MK Dons in League One before joining Tottenham, has never played in the Championship.

He spent six-and-a-half years at Spurs after arriving in February 2015 and then joined Everton in 2022 under Frank Lampard.

Yet Dele managed just 13 appearances for the Toffees, following a succession of injuries and off-field issues.

Prior to his ill-fated Como revival, the ex-England star had not played competitive football for nearly two years, having featured in a 0-0 draw against Antalyaspor in February 2023 while on loan at Besiktas.

‘I’d love to see him rekindle it’

Whatever becomes of Dele’s future, he’ll be getting cheered on from the side of one of his former managers in Sean Dyche.

Dyche sang the praises of Dele despite the player’s spell at Goodison Park never taking off.

“He just can’t quite rekindle,” Dyche told talkSPORT. “I would love to see him come through it. I really would, because what a player.

“I remember him being a kid at MK Dons. Everyone wanted him, by the way, but to be fair, Tottenham stuck their neck out and went £5million. It was a lot, by the way.

“He was unbelievable. And he never looked back and then just lost his way and then the rest is history. But I’d love to see him rekindle it wherever he lands.”

James Trafford becomes Leeds’ highest-paid player as record-breaking deal announced

Joe Brophy — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:02:36 +0000

James Trafford has started the journey to becoming England’s future No.1 by sealing his record-breaking transfer to Leeds United.

He has now signed a five-year deal at Elland Road to become Leeds’ highest-paid player, banking eye-watering wages of £170,000-a-week.

Trafford has completed a permanent move to Leeds, becoming their highest-paid player

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Leeds will pay a club-record fee for Trafford of £40m, plus add-ons. This eclipses the £36m they paid to sign Georginio Rutter in 2023.

The 23-year-old, who was an unused back-up to Jordan Pickford at the World Cup, has officially left Manchester City for a second time.

Trafford had been keen to leave City in search of a No.1 job at another Premier League club, as previously revealed by talkSPORT.

The goalkeeper, a former Newcastle target, played just 17 times after returning to his boyhood club from Burnley last summer.

Trafford rejoined the Etihad set-up last summer in a £27million deal – just two years after Pep Guardiola sanctioned his £14m exit.

He started in the opening three Premier League games of the season, but City’s deadline-day swoop for Gianluigi Donnarumma relegated him to a No.2 role for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.

Trafford ultimately made only one more top-flight appearance under Pep Guardiola, but kept eight clean sheets across all competitions to help the club claim a domestic double.

Upon sealing his departure from City, Trafford said in an emotional message to fans: “To everyone at Man City, it was my dream to play for the first team from when I moved away from home at 12.

“And it makes me so proud to have achieved that last season, whilst also winning two trophies in the process.

“The fans singing my name was something I dreamt of when I went to the Etihad growing up through the academy.

Trafford won two trophies last season with Man City

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“I wish nothing but the best for the club for the future.”

Leeds get their man

Upon signing for Leeds, Trafford captioned a social media post which showed a picture of him signing the contract: “Marching on together, let’s do something special.”

Whites boss Daniel Farke was in desperate need of reinforcements between the sticks following a flurry of exits in that department.

Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow have already both left Leeds this summer, to back-up roles at Arsenal and Man United respectively.

Meanwhile, Brazilian shot-stopper Lucas Perri is closing in on a switch to Italian outfit Torino.

Trafford is a two-cap England international and was part of the squad at this summer’s World Cup.

Trafford is in good company in terms of expensive Premier League goalkeepers

Arguably the best achievement of the 23-year-old’s career so far saw him help England win the Under-21 European Championship in 2023.

He proved to be the hero having saved a last-minute penalty to seal the Young Lions a 1-0 win over Spain.

Liverpool can register two PSG stars with one non-homegrown slot thanks to loophole rule

Joe Brophy — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:45:15 +0000

Liverpool are eyeing an audacious double transfer raid on Paris Saint-Germain for wingers Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye.

The Reds are in need of reinforcements in attack due to Trabzonspor-bound Mohamed Salah’s exit and Hugo Ekitike’s serious injury issues.

Liverpool are hopeful of completing a double deal for PSG pair Barcola and Mbaye

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Ekitike remains absent for the foreseeable future after rupturing his Achilles during a Champions League match against PSG in April.

Liverpool have now turned to the Frenchman’s former side to strengthen their forward options under Andoni Iraola.

The Spaniard has already overseen the signing of his compatriot Victor Munoz, while he continues to eye a bumper move for Barcola.

talkSPORT understands Liverpool are also pushing to sign Mbaye, with the PSG teammates scoring their first World Cup goals in the same game when France beat Senegal 3-1 in June.

Reds fans will be acutely aware that Iraola only has one more available senior non-homegrown slot, with the Premier League allowing a maximum of 17 in each club’s 25-man squad.

How Liverpool can register both Barcola and Mbaye without sales

While Barcola would take up the 17th and final senior non-homegrown slot if he arrives at Anfield, his 18-year-old teammate would be able to be registered immediately as well.

An Under-21 loophole exists in the Premier League’s rules that means Liverpool can bypass the 17-player non-homegrown cap.

Players who were born on or after January 1, 2005 will count as U21 for the 2026/27 season, which includes new signing Jeremy Jacquet.

Jacquet became Liverpool’s second-most expensive defender ever after a £60million package was agreed with Rennes.

Mbaye (left) wouldn’t take up a non-homegrown slot while Barcola would

AFP

Liverpool’s new No.5 is expected to play a huge part for the club this season after Ibrahima Konate left on a free transfer to Real Madrid.

However, the 21-year-old will join Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni on the unrestricted Under-21 list, as would Mbaye if he arrives at Anfield.

In fact, the latter wouldn’t even have to be registered as a senior player in Liverpool’s Premier League squad until 2029/30.

By which time, Mbaye, assuming he does join Iraola’s side this summer, would even count as a homegrown player.

The Premier League’s regulations stipulate that a HG player counts as anyone who registered to any club affiliated to either the English or Welsh FA for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons, or 36 months, before his 21st birthday, or the end of the season during which he turns 21 – regardless of nationality.

This loophole is why Jeremie Frimpong, who was born in Amsterdam and is a Netherlands international, counts as homegrown thanks to the years he spent in Manchester City’s academy.

Liverpool's homegrown players

Joe Gomez

Curtis Jones

Harvey Elliott

Conor Bradley

Stefan Bajcetic

James McConnell

Vitezslav Jaros

Jeremie Frimpong

Freddie Woodman

Liverpool’s non-homegrown players

The 16-man list includes both of Iraola’s first two goalkeepers in Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Captain Virgil van Dijk leads a pool of four defenders: Kostas Tsimikas, Milos Kerkez, and Calvin Ramsay.

Wataru Endo, Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch are the non-homegrown midfield options.

New signing Munoz has taken up one of the slots in attack, alongside Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, and Ekitike.

National League owner praised for his ‘cojones’ after rejecting seven-figure record bid for star

Joe Brophy — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:43:30 +0000

Boreham Wood chairman Danny Hunter has been praised for turning down a non-league £1million bid for star man Abdul Abdulmalik.

Swedish side Djurgardens have tabled two bids for the best player outside the EFL – the second of which matched the seven-figure fee Fleetwood received from Leicester for Jamie Vardy in 2011.

Abdulmalik is regarded as the top prospect in English non-league football

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Abdulmalik, who came through the academy ranks at Championship club Millwall, only signed for the Hertfordshire club in July 2024.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in the fifth tier last season as Boreham Wood narrowly missed out on promotion.

Abdulmalik scored 18 goals and provided ten assists across 56 games last season to help The Wood to the National League play-off final.

At Wembley, the winger was involved in both of his side’s goals in their 2-2 draw against Rochdale, scoring one and assisting the other, but was powerless to prevent a heartbreaking defeat on penalties.

Abdulmalik has since been pursued heavily by Swedish side Djurgardens, who produced Tottenham star Lucas Bergvall and faced Chelsea in the Conference League semi-finals in 2025.

However, Boreham Wood have stood firm in beating away offers for the National League Young Player of the Season, who is also the cousin of Torino midfielder Tino Anjorin.

Boreham Wood reject £1m bid for Abdul Abdulmalik

Referencing Boreham Wood chairman, Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony told talkSPORT: “I love Danny’s ‘cojones’.

“Danny’s the owner. Barry [Fry – the Director of Football at Posh] goes back a long way with him. I’ve met him. Runs a brilliant club.

“I think he wants his son to have that club in the EFL. Hence why Danny’s a very wealthy man. Hence why he can say no.”

Djurgardens have had two offers rebuffed for Abdulmalik

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Leicester made Vardy the first £1million non-league player

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Abdulmalik is the best player by a country mile at non-league

“He’s having a right go,” MacAnthony continued to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook on Boreham Wood chairman Hunter.

“So the flip to that would be that obviously the boy is turning, I think, [24] this season – obviously he’s been the best player by a country mile in non-league.

“And the player seems to be pretty calm about staying, which is fascinating nowadays because 9 times out of 10, the player is aggressively pushing to move out of there and go upwards.

“So you want Boreham Wood to win promotion this year. They were very unfortunate last year. I was gutted for them.

“For Danny, and for what he’s done for his club and put the time in.
If that’s his last hurrah to win promotion to the EFL and then hand it to a family member, that would be wonderful for him.”

Championship on talkSPORT

talkSPORT will bring you unmatched live and exclusive coverage of the Championship’s opening weekend.

Just look at what we’ve got in store!

FRIDAY 14th AUGUST

Wolves v Blackburn – 8pm (talkSPORT)

SATURDAY 15th AUGUST

Bolton v Preston – 12.30pm (talkSPORT)
Around the Grounds with Adrian Durham – 2.30pm (talkSPORT)
Middlesbrough v Lincoln – 3pm (talkSPORT 2)
Sheffield United v Birmingham – 5.30pm (talkSPORT 2)

SUNDAY 16th AUGUST

Watford v Southampton – 1.30pm (talkSPORT 2)
Burnley v West Ham – 4pm (talkSPORT 2)

MONDAY 17th AUGUST

Cardiff v Wrexham – 8pm (talkSPORT 2)

Liverpool make Jarell Quansah decision as new assistant joined in training amid defensive crisis

Joe Brophy — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:40:52 +0000

Liverpool do not plan to trigger Jarell Quansah’s buyback clause despite their defensive injury crisis, talkSPORT understands.

The Reds have the option to re-sign Quansah from Bayer Leverkusen for £70million – double what they sold the England international for last summer.

Liverpool secured a buy-back option for both 2026 and 2027 when Quansah was sold to Leverkusen

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With Joe Gomez set to miss the start of the season and youngsters Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni also coming back from injury, new boss Andoni Iraola has admitted he is ‘light’ on defensive options.

However, other areas of the squad are currently seen as a priority with hopes high that Jacquet and Leoni can become Premier League stars.

The former became Liverpool’s second-most expensive defender ever after a £60m package was agreed with Rennes earlier this year.

Liverpool’s defensive crisis

Jacquet spent the second half of the season in France, but a serious shoulder injury suffered in February ended his campaign early.

The 21-year-old is still feeling ‘some discomfort’ from that issue, which has meant Liverpool’s new No.5 is yet to make his debut.

Leoni, meanwhile, was touted as the long-term successor to Reds captain Virgil van Dijk following his arrival from Parma last summer.

Yet the Italian sustained an ACL injury after impressing on his debut in the Carabao Cup in September and he hasn’t played since.

The 19-year-old is finally closing in on a comeback himself but will understandably be rusty due to his lack of football in the past year.

This time last year, Liverpool were in the market for a new senior centre-back but missed out on a deadline-day deal for Marc Guehi.

Jacquet has since been signed, but the Merseysiders saw Ibrahima Konate leave on a free transfer to Real Madrid in June.

Jacquet is not being rushed into the matchday squad due to the risk of further injury

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Liverpool fans have seen £26m man Leoni play for the club just once

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Van Dijk hasn’t featured under Iraola yet either, having been afforded an extended break following his recent exploits for club and country.

Despite now being 35, the Dutchman has played more minutes than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues since June 2025.

Van Dijk’s long-term future also remains unclear as Liverpool’s highest earner, having entered the final 12 months of his contract.

Iraola’s threadbare options were further thinned in his pre-season opener when Gomez was forced off in the 4-2 win over Sunderland.

His replacement in that friendly, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, has seized his opportunity to impress, but work permit issues will prevent him from featuring for Liverpool once the Premier League gets underway.

Ndukwe will leave Liverpool on loan this summer due to work permit issues

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Gomez’s injury opened the door for Ndukwe to showcase his ability in pre-season

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The 18-year-old was forced to play the entirety of the Reds’ 4-2 defeat to Leeds due to a lack of centre-back options.

He started the match alongside Luke Chambers, who is naturally a left-back, before he was partnered by fellow teen Mor Talla Ndiaye.

Such is Iraola’s lack of options for their pre-season tour that his assistant Tommy Elphick has reportedly even joined in training sessions to make up the numbers amid a severe centre-back shortage.

Liverpool’s stance on Quansah return

Reacting to the reveal in Alex Crook’s transfer notebook, Liverpool fan and Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony told talkSPORT’s White and Jordan: “£70 million quid for Quansah – Do me a favour.

“They should have got a better buyback in place than that, you know. Ideally, he can play centre-back and right back so he would suit them right now.

“Shame they sold him for 30 [million] because he’s the kind of player that they could have done with keeping last year and maybe selling Gomez if they could.

“But no, you’re not paying 70 million for him – not a chance.”

Arsenal urged to hijack transfer for star ‘with higher ceiling’ than Vinicius Junior

Joe Brophy — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:36:05 +0000

Kevin Nolan has named the two alternate Arsenal transfer targets that suit the club more than a prospective move for Vinicius Junior.

The Gunners are contemplating making a move for Real Madrid’s No.7 amid his continued contract standoff with the Spanish giants.

Vini Jr chipped in with five direct goal contributions at the World Cup in North America

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Vinicius’ contract saga has been the biggest storyline of the transfer window, with the winger set to become a free agent next summer.

Jose Mourinho is understood to want to keep Vini Jr. at the Bernabeu, while club-to-club talks with Mikel Arteta’s side are not yet underway.

talkSPORT reported last week that Arsenal viewed the 26-year-old as an option rather than their top target.

Their other targets to upgrade at left-wing include Bradley Barcola, whom talkSPORT has revealed wants to join Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Christos Tzolis has already completed a move to the club while Arteta remains a long-time admirer of Nico Williams.

And Premier League legend Nolan believes deals for Barcola and Williams seem much more fitting of the current division champions.

Arsenal should be going for a Barcola or Nico Williams, not Vinicius

On Vinicius, he told talkSPORT: “He’s obviously a complex character. His off-the-field stuff probably doesn’t suit what an Arteta looks at.

“And I think they do go into all that great detail as well.

“What’s the character of the person? What’s his attitude like? What’s his personality like?

Barcola’s future remains up in the air amid interest from Premier League giants

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Williams penned a huge new ten-year deal with Bilbao in July 2025

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“I think someone like a Nico Williams would be perfect for an Arsenal,” Nolan continued. “In that left-hand side role, or Barcola, if you like.

“They’re the ones who I thought would suit more of an Arsenal-type player than Vinicius Jr.”

The ceiling is higher for Barcola

Arsenal’s domestic rivals Liverpool are readying a €100million (around £85m) offer, plus add-ons for Paris Saint-Germain forward Barcola.

That falls significantly short of PSG‘s starting valuation of €170m (around £145m), which would prove to be a Premier League record.

European football expert Andy Brassell believes that he’d still be more comfortable with that fee in light of other money being splashed around this summer already, with Elliot Anderson (£116m) and Morgan Rogers (£117m).

He told talkSPORT’s Trans Europe Express podcast: “If you’re looking at £145 million, for example, and this is just a ballpark figure for the moment, it does seem like a lot of money.

“But I think I’d be more comfortable paying £145m for Barcola than I would £117m for Morgan Rogers. And I say that as someone who’s a huge Morgan Rogers fan. I think he’ll do great for Chelsea.

Could we see Barcola in an Arsenal shirt?

“He’s proved himself already for Aston Villa, for England, of course, and is Premier League proven. I don’t think Rogers is ever going to get to the point where he scores 20 goals in the season.

“Barcola could do that. And I think that’s the interesting thing.
Before [Khvicha] Kvaratskhelia arrives at PSG, there’s this sense that Barcola is going to be the guy who’s going to become the next major goal scorer in the team once Kylian Mbappe moves aside.

“He started the 2024-25 season really, really well. And of course, I think being dropped from the XI and deprioritised, but look, there’s no shame in losing your place to Kvaratskhelia, but I think it really affected his confidence. And he doesn’t want to be a pinch hitter.

“He wants to be a main guy. I think that is the thing that really appeals to me about Barcola.

“Not just that he’s great now, but I think of all the big-name players, even someone like Vinicius Junior, I think the ceiling is higher for Barcola because Barcola can get loads better than he currently is.

“And he’s very, very good at the moment.”

Man United consider surprise move for Premier League star as Lewis Hall alternative

Tom Hancock — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 10:59:30 +0000

Manchester United could make a move for Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.

talkSPORT understands that while Newcastle‘s Lewis Hall remains Man United’s preferred left-back target, Lewis-Skelly is being considered.

Lewis-Skelly was part of Arsenal’s 2025/26 Premier League-winning squad but didn’t feature as much as he’d have liked

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Man United are looking to bolster their options on the left-hand side of defence, with Luke Shaw currently the only senior player in that role.

talkSPORT initially reported in March that Man United had identified Lewis-Skelly as a possible signing.

The 19-year-old saw minutes hard to come by at Arsenal last season, and his cause won’t be helped by the permanent signing of the versatile Piero Hincapie – who thrived on loan at left-back to help the Gunners end their 22-year Premier League title drought.

With Riccardo Calafiori also ahead of Lewis-Skelly in the pecking order, a move away from the Emirates Stadium might be the England international’s best option as he looks to kick on his career.

Having risen through Arsenal’s youth ranks and broken into the first team in 2024/25, Lewis-Skelly made just five Premier League starts last term amid stiff competition for places.

While he’s already been capped six times by England, he’ll need to be playing more regular club football if he’s to truly establish himself at international level.

Lewis-Skelly still has four years remaining on his Gunners contract and is valued by Transfermarkt at just under £38.5m.

However, Man United have been told to pull out all the stops to bring Hall to Old Trafford.

With Eddie Howe stepping down as Newcastle boss on Friday, more player exits from St. James’ Park might well follow – and Hall could be among them.

talkSPORT pundit Flex has told Man United to put in a substantial opening bid for the 21-year-old.

Four-cap England international Hall has made over 100 appearances for Newcastle since joining from Chelsea three years ago

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“We’re not in charge of the purse, but I’m saying you slap £50million down – opening bid – and just ruffle some feathers in there,” he said on Inside Devils.

Man United have been busy adding to their squad during Michael Carrick‘s first full transfer window as head coach.

Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos are the headline arrivals so far, joining from Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively.

The Red Devils have also added Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer following his departure from Leeds.

Having continued their pre-season with a 2-1 friendly win over Atletico Madrid in Sweden on Saturday – with wonderkid JJ Gabriel playing his first senior minutes – Carrick’s men get the 2026/27 campaign underway with a trip to newly promoted Hull on August 22.

They then take on another promoted side, Ipswich, in their home opener eight days later.

Man United pre-season on MUTV

Fans can watch Michael Carrick prepare for the new season and how the squad is shaping up across Finland, Norway, Sweden and Ireland.

MUTV is the home of all Manchester United pre-season fixtures. It’s the opportunity to watch new faces, young players, returning names, tactical clues and the first signs of what United might become over the next season.

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Mikel Arteta’s response to Vinicius Jr question sends Arsenal fans into a frenzy

Tom Hancock — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 10:11:35 +0000

Mikel Arteta again outlined Arsenal’s transfer ambitions, amid continued talk of a move for Vinicius Jr.

The Brazil superstar remains linked with a switch to the Gunners, with his Real Madrid future yet to be resolved.

Could we see Vinicius Jr lighting up the Premier League this coming season?

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Vinicius is out of contract at the Bernabeu next summer, and talkSPORT reported last month that Arsenal were considering a surprise swoop for the 26-year-old forward.

And now comments from Arteta have heightened Gunners fans’ excitement around the possibility of what would be surely the most momentous transfer of the summer.

Arsenal ‘won’t sit still’

Asked ‘when’s Vini joining?’ after Arsenal’s 4-1 pre-season friendly win over Girona, Arteta smiled.

And he went on to tell reporters about the prospect of more signings as the Gunners prepare for their Premier League title defence: “Well, we are already active trying to improve and evolve the team – that’s clear.

View Tweet: https://x.com/IsaanKhan_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

“We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously, because we want to get better like anybody else, and you just can see the transfer market and our opponents what we are doing.

“We won’t sit still and we are very ambitious what we want to do.”

Could that ambition extend to bringing Vinicius to the Emirates Stadium?

Gunners fans have been getting carried away with themselves following that interview.

One said: “Remember same reaction from Wenger when Ozil signed.”

Another added: “That smile says it all.”

Vinicius has scored 128 goals in 376 appearances for Real Madrid

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Well, Arsenal fans have been warned that the situation might be a misdirection, as Transfer Insiders host Rickie Haywood-Williams suggested.

“I think this is the biggest red herring in history in terms of live transfers,” he said on talkSPORT.

“Because I feel like Vinicius Jr has been trying to get a new contract at Real Madrid for the last couple of years.

“In that time, they’ve signed [Kylian] Mbappe – Mbappe is on incredible money and he [Vinicius] obviously is going to want parity with that or somewhere close, and I think he’s using the Premier League as a bit of a bargaining chip to try and up the ante on his money, to try and get a bigger contract.”

Gunners’ squad takes shape

Arsenal have made two new additions to their squad during the current transfer window.

Goalkeeper Illan Meslier has come in on a free transfer after leaving Leeds, while winger Christos Tzolis has arrived from Club Brugge in a deal worth £34m.

Title-winning full-back Piero Hincapie has also made his loan move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent.

And the Gunners are closing in on Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes.

Arsenal are back in pre-season action against Real Betis in Dublin on Wednesday.

Their first competitive game of the new campaign sees them face FA Cup winners Manchester City in the Community Shield in Cardiff on August 16 – before the Premier League curtain-raiser at home to newly promoted Coventry five days later.

Trent Alexander-Arnold told to explore controversial Premier League return at specific club

Tom Hancock — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 09:19:30 +0000

Liverpool should be open to re-signing Trent Alexander-Arnold.

That’s the strong belief of talkSPORT’s Angelina Kelly, who called on supporters to embrace the possibility of the right-back returning to Anfield.

Alexander-Arnold won two Premier League titles with Liverpool after coming through the Reds’ academy

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The relationship between Alexander-Arnold and Reds fans became strained after he opted against signing a new contract with his boyhood club and joined Real Madrid last summer, with some going as far as to boo their former hero.

But the 27-year-old’s move to Spain has proved far from successful so far, after he started just 14 LaLiga games last season and failed to score in any competition for the first time since his maiden senior campaign of 2016/17.

And Kelly believes Liverpool should at least think about bringing Alexander-Arnold back to Merseyside amid question marks over their own right-back position.

Joining Nick Bright on talkSPORT’s Transfer Insiders, she said: “I know what it’s like for a player to, in your opinion, betray the club – especially one of your own, especially being a Liverpudlian. I get it.

“When Real Madrid come calling, it is hard to say no – we have to be honest with that – and he’s made the move and it hasn’t really worked out.

“And you look at Liverpool and you think do they need a new right-back?

“I mean, [Jeremie] Frimpong didn’t look great last season – I think he’s probably better playing further forward – [Conor] Bradley injured…

“I think maybe they should cut their losses and just explore the Trent situation.

“I’m not saying you’ve got to sign him immediately – let’s just explore this. Because Real Madrid have signed another right-back in Denzel Dumfries – that is not good news for Trent [who has been warned to expect to lose his place].

“So, why can’t everyone just take some ownership…take a bit of accountability and we can all come back together and be happy?

Alexander-Arnold faces right-back competition from new arrival Denzel Dumfries

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“You know, Marcus Rashford and Manchester United, they’re having not exactly the same but a similar situation of having to come back.

“I think that there is a way back, and surely there’s one Liverpool fan listening that would have him back – I can’t be on my own here.

“I just think that…you may as well try it because…he was so good at Liverpool…

“Back at Liverpool where a few games, a few goals maybe, a few assists or something – he does something. If he ends up helping Liverpool, like, win the Premier League or get to a Champions League final – if he does something really, really good for Liverpool, I know the fans are loyal, but surely that’s his way of saying sorry and making up for it [his departure]?

“If he can make up for it, why not?”

Reminded by Bright that she’d said fans should accept Alexander-Arnold back in a Liverpool shirt, Kelly affirmed: “They should have him back because on paper, things have gone wrong, yes – but there’s always a road back.

Alexander-Arnold has played 354 games for Liverpool… so far

“People sometimes deserve second chances and I think Trent does.

“So, the way things are going – right-back situation, you’ve got a gap there – get him back in.”

Liverpool have completed two first-team signings so far this summer, bringing in France U21 defender Jeremie Jacquet and World Cup-winning Spain forward Victor Munoz from Rennes and Osasuna respectively.

West Ham’s ‘next Declan Rice’ completes permanent transfer to Champions League club

Martha Riley — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 08:38:00 +0000

West Ham have sold academy graduate Freddie Potts to Club Brugge in a deal worth around £10million.

The 22-year-old was expected to be a key member of the Hammers‘ squad in their upcoming Championship season, as they seek an immediate return to the top flight.

Freddie Potts has departed West Ham after making 32 senior appearances

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But Potts – the son of club icon Steve – has ended his 17-year association with the club he first joined as a six-year-old.

The midfielder will be swapping the Championship for Champions League football, after the Belgian giants qualified by clinching league glory last term.

West Ham said in a statement: “We can confirm Freddie Potts has joined Club Brugge on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee.

“Everyone at West Ham United would like to sincerely thank Freddie for his hard work, commitment and all-round contribution and wish him every success in the future.”

Potts, who has drawn comparisons to former West Ham captain Declan Rice, is being lined up as a replacement for Raphael Onyedika.

The Nigeria international is closing in on a move to Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt for a rumoured £7.6m fee.

Pott twist

Potts’ West Ham exit comes just as he looked set to play a greater role for the club in the Championship.

The local lad made 22 Premier League appearances last season, starting 12 times as the Hammers were relegated on the final day.

But having spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Portsmouth in the second tier, he was expected to feature more in the upcoming campaign.

The departure of key man Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham in a £85m deal appeared to pave the way for this.

Potts captained West Ham in a 1-1 draw with Rangers in pre-season

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Potts’ dad, Steve, made over 500 appearances for West Ham in 17 years at the club

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Potts wore the captain’s armband during West Ham’s pre-season friendly draw with Rangers in July, suggesting he would be among Nuno Espirito Santo‘s starting midfielders.

It appears Potts himself even expected this, having recently shared his plans to become an established player at the London Stadium.

In an interview with BBC Radio London, he said: “I want to play as much as I can for West Ham this season.

“I want to show that I’ve got the experience in the Championship from before with previous clubs. I’m excited for the challenge that comes ahead.”

Potts also spoke of the desire throughout the club to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt following relegation.

He added: “I think it’s going to be a very good season for us.”

Potts has never played outside of English football in his fledgling career

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“We can see the love for the club from the fans, and we want to replicate that on the pitch.

“We’re very confident going into this season that we can achieve the goal that everyone wants to achieve and no doubt the fans will back us.”

talkSPORT verdict

Former Hammers striker Tony Cottee joined Jeff Stelling and Andy Townsend on talkSPORT Breakfast on Monday.

The ex-England international strong expressed his stance that Potts should have been kept hold of by the club.

Asked about his potential departure, Cottee admitted: “I don’t get it. Freddie Potts, I don’t know I might be a bit biased.

“I played with his dad and I want to see the academy players. I don’t get it, £10million to Brugge, I think they’re talking about.

“When he played in the Championship two seasons ago, he was Player of the Year for Portsmouth, he was the Player of the Year for Wycombe in League One and we’re getting rid of a good young academy player.

“It doesn’t make sense to me at all. Alright, £10million, you could argue that the club needs a bit of money to pay the bills.

“I get that at the moment, but in the grand scale of things, you’ve got to keep your good academy boys.”

He added: “West Ham might have raised well over £200million by the time the season starts.

Nuno Espirito Santo is looking to win promotion from the Championship for the second time in his career with West Ham

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“At which point, why are you selling an academy player for £10million? I don’t get that one.”

End of the road

Potts will leave West Ham having made 32 first-team appearances.

He made his senior debut in a 1–0 loss against Dinamo Zagreb in the Conference League in 2021, with his Premier League bow coming last August, coming on as a half-time substitute in a 5-1 loss to Chelsea.

West Ham will play their first competitive game of the season next week, as they host league rivals Portsmouth in the Carabao Cup first round.

They will then get their league campaign underway a week later with an away trip to fellow relegated side Burnley on August 16.

Phil Collins’ son secures move to German fourth-tier club

Tom Hancock — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 16:29:58 +0000

Music legend Phil Collins’ son Mathew has signed for German side 1860 Munich.

The 21-year-old midfielder, born in Switzerland, has spent the majority of his senior career in Austria, spending last season with second-tier side Austria Salzburg.

Collins has featured for clubs in Austria and Germany

WSG Tirol

1860 announced the signing on Friday, with Collins penning a one-year deal at the Grunwalder Stadion.

Collins’ new club play in the Regionalliga, the fourth tier of German football.

1860 finished eighth in the third-tier 3. Liga last term but were relegated after failing to obtain a licence for the upcoming campaign.

Established as a multi-sports club way back in 1848, they added a football department in 1899.

Founder members of the Bundesliga in 1963 – unlike city rivals Bayern – they enjoyed their finest hour when they won the 1965/66 title.

1860 have also lifted the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) twice and reached the 1965 Cup Winners’ Cup final, losing to West Ham at Wembley.

After spells with German outfits Astoria Walldorf and Hannover 96 as a youngster, Collins moved across the border to Austria to join WSG Tirol in 2023.

Collins even featured for the club in a pre-season fixture against Bayern, where he came up against Harry Kane.

He made four league appearances for Austria Salzburg in 2025/26 and featured once in the domestic cup.

Collins linked up with his 1860 ahead of the campaign-opening 2-2 draw away to FC Schweinfurt.

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The Collins clan has churned out several famous faces

@mcollins0112 - Instagram

His move comes after completing a trial at 1860.

Phil your boots

Mathew is the youngest of Phil Collins’ five children, with his brother Nic also born in Switzerland.

Phil Collins shot to fame as the drummer and later lead singer of rock band Genesis in the 1970s.

He then went on to have a hugely successful solo career with hits such as ‘In the Air Tonight’ and his cover of the Supremes’ ‘You Can’t Hurry Love’.

Collins was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year.

He had previously been inducted as a member of Genesis in 2010.

Mathew’s other sibling are actress and model Lily Collins, drummer and singer Simon Collins, and producer and actress Joely Collins.

Lucas Herrington in line to become most expensive Australian ever in Premier League move

Tom Hancock — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 15:42:25 +0000

Premier League newcomers Hull are poised to sign Australia World Cup star Lucas Herrington.

The 18-year-old centre-back, currently playing his club football for MLS side Colorado Rapids, was one of the breakout stars of this summer’s World Cup.

Herrington featured in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game as one of the league’s standout players

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talkSPORT understands Hull are in advanced talks about a deal to bring Herrington to the Premier League.

The Tigers are ready to pay more than £20million, which would be a record for an Australian player, and Herrington is keen to join.

Harry Souttar previously set the record with his £14.5m move from Stoke to Leicester.

Born in Brisbane, Herrington came through the ranks at local A-League club Brisbane Roar.

Last summer, he agreed a deal to join Colorado Rapids ahead of the 2026 MLS season, making his MLS debut in February.

But, helped by his impressive showings in Australia’s run to the World Cup last 32, he appears set to make the biggest move of his career yet.

Herrington has earned six caps for his country since making his senior debut in March.

He previously starred in Australia’s 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup triumph.

Herrington became the Socceroos’ youngest-ever World Cup starter in their final group game against Paraguay.

Herrington achieved his ambition of representing Australia at the World Cup

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“I can’t really describe it,” he said after that game. It means everything to me to represent the Socceroos at a World Cup.

“I’ve been dreaming of it since I was a kid, and to be able to do that today, it’s so, so special.”

Herrington also featured in the last-32 defeat to Egypt, agonisingly missing a penalty in the shootout, drawing praise from Zlatan Ibrahimovic for ‘showing a lot of courage’ to step up to the spot.

Tigers continue to gear up for Premier League return

Hull are preparing for their first Premier League campaign in almost a decade after returning to the top flight as last season’s Championship play-off winners.

Sergej Jakirovic’s men have made four signings so far this summer as they aim to secure survival.

Former England goalkeeper Jack Butland and Ecuadorian midfielder Oscar Zambrano have arrived from Rangers and Maribor respectively, with left-back Matt Targett and Japan midfielder Hidemasa Morita heading to the MKM Stadium on free transfers.

Hull kick off the 2026/27 campaign at home to Manchester United on August 22.

Peterborough chairman reveals transfer for Premier League teenager broke down over five-figure wage demands

Joe Brophy — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:00:35 +0000

Darragh MacAnthony has revealed that a Premier League academy star preferred to ‘collect his money’ over making a career in the EFL.

The Peterborough United chairman told talkSPORT that a deal for the teenager, whose contract in the top-flight expires next year, collapsed over his £11,000-a-week wages.

MacAnthony has signed five new players this summer

talkSPORT

Posh, who reside in League One, are no strangers to clubs further up the pyramid swooping in to poach their top talents.

22-year-old winger Kyrell Lisbie was sold to Championship side Millwall last weekend despite signing a contract extension as recently as April.

However, Peterborough’s attempts at strengthening their squad are being hampered by talents higher division clubs don’t even want.

MacAnthony admitted a 19-year-old transfer target is already commanding wages that would make him the club’s highest-paid player despite his lack of experience.

‘He wants his money’

“The biggest problem with the Premier League academies, and I’m not having a go at the Premier League,” He explained on talkSPORT.

“I was trying to sign a player last week. The player is already 11 grand a week at 19.

“That’s way above our pay. He’s got a year left.

“We want to do a four-year deal. He doesn’t want to leave for the year because he wants his money.

“So now he’s going to spend the year there, go out on loan; he could have a disaster, and then where’s he going after that?”

MacAnthony revealed the player ‘didn’t want to leave for the year because he wants his money’

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Peterborough are no strangers to dealing with Premier League academies, having loaned Jimmy-Jay Morgan from Chelsea last year.

The 20-year-old was lured back to Cobham over then-club Southampton with a five-figure salary in February 2023.

England youth international never managed a single senior appearance with the Blues but impressed on loan with Peterborough.

Morgan scored 14 times in 39 appearances for Posh last campaign and has now joined West Brom on a four-year deal.

Yet MacAnthony picked Chelsea’s London rivals Brentford and Crystal Palace as two of his favourite Premier League clubs to deal with.

The 50-year-old famously oversaw the deal which saw England striker Ivan Toney join the Bees in 2020 with a significant sell-on clause.

Morgan joined West Brom from Chelsea for around £4m, with the deal including a substantial sell-on clause

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Inside Toney’s transfer to Brentford

The 30-year-old striker, who now resides in the Saudi Pro League, had just one year left on his Peterborough contract at the time of his exit.

MacAnthony added on talkSPORT’s segment ‘Ask the Chairman’: “When I was selling Ivan Toney, he had a year left, and they were initially not going to Brentford straightaway, and I had a conversation with him and his dad, and I said, ‘Well, if you don’t go to Brentford today, we’re basically keeping you for the rest of the season. You can run your contract down.’

“But it either happens now, or never, because we have to replace you, we have a pre-season, we can’t let this drag on.

“So that’s the best move for you, get rocking and rolling. Or, by dinner time, if you’re still here at St. George’s, we had a camp, I said, we ain’t signing anyone else, and you’re staying for a year.

“And he looked at me, and his dad looked at me, and they were like gone by lunchtime. Call their bluff sometimes, call their bluff.”

Lewis Hall tipped for immediate £50m exit after Eddie Howe quits Newcastle

Amy Hamerslagh — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 10:21:35 +0000

Eddie Howe will leave Newcastle and it could turn into open season for St James’ Park transfers.

Lewis Hall could be one out of the door this summer and Manchester United have been told to go all out for the left-back.

Hall has established himself as one of the top left-backs in the Premier League

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Howe will leave as Magpies boss just weeks before the start of the season to leave the North East club in complete disarray.

The 53-year-old is said to have informed the club of his decision several weeks ago, but stayed on while a replacement was found. That will be Al Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle.

Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, meanwhile Arsenal are pushing to sign club captain Bruno Guimaraes.

Lewis Hall transfer

talkSPORT’s Inside Devils panel want Man United to make a bid for the 21-year-old defender as soon as possible.

The former Chelsea player made 46 appearances under Howe last year, scoring once and registering an assist.

He was unlucky to miss out on a place in England’s World Cup squad to the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Man United are expected to add a new left-back to their squad, as Michael Carrick plans to build depth ahead of a return to the Champions league.

So far this summer, the Manchester-based outfit have added midfielders Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and goalkeeper Karl Darlow to their ranks.

Those three signings aren’t enough, according to talkSPORT pundit Flex, who began: “I think we need to do everything we can to get Lewis Hall. Newcastle United is a tough place at the minute.

Rippling the Toon

“There’s Bruno Guimaraes who’s probably about to leave for Arsenal, then [Sandro] Tonali and [Anthony] Gordon are already gone.

Howe delivered a first trophy in 70 years for Newcastle

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“People are looking around the place, and players are probably thinking, ‘what’s happening here?’

“Harvey Barnes has committed his future, but there were rumours and reports that he [Hall] might have been a bit agitated.

“[Athletic writer] Andy Mitten has been talking, saying he’s someone who Manchester United like.

“We’re not in charge of the purse, but I’m saying you slap £50million down – opening bid – and just ruffle some feathers in there.

“Newcastle could say, ‘Listen, we can’t have this because fans are going to turn this place upside down.’

“You can’t lose Tonali, Guimaraes, Gordon and Hall in one window, plus Isak last season. They will say absolutely not. So for the fans, they might put their foot down and say, ‘Sorry Lewis’.

Hall was a standout player for the North East side last term, despite not being picked for the World Cup squad

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Man United pre-season on MUTV

Fans can watch Michael Carrick prepare for the new season and how the squad is shaping up across Finland, Norway, Sweden and Ireland.

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“But then he might put his foot down and say, ‘I’m off, I don’t want to play here.'”

Newcastle denied any falling out between Hall and Howe following media reports which highlighted the player’s frustrations.

However, leading up to the World Cup, the youngster was granted limited minutes towards the conclusion of the campaign.

It is understood he feels the lack of game time was a factor that contributed to hi s omission from the Three Lions squad that travelled stateside.

Newcastle eventually finished a disappointing 12th in the Premier League, having achieved a fifth-placed finish to secure Champions League qualification the previous year.

Shaw has played nearly every minute under Carrick

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Levelling up

Presenter Angelina Kelly added: “If I was Lewis Hall I would feel disrespected that you’ve lost your place to Dan Burn. That cost him his place at the World Cup, essentially because of what Eddie Howe decided to do at Newcastle.

“So, I would be absolutely fuming if I was him, and I would be looking at Newcastle and thinking, ‘you don’t value me, so I’m going to go somewhere that will.’

“I think Man United would value him because, we have to be honest about our full-backs, we’ve been struggling.

“Are Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw of the calibre we need to challenge for a Premier League title? No.”

Newcastle have not sold a player to United since Andy Cole completed a then-British record £7million move in January 1995.

Hall scored twice at Old Trafford during the 2023/24 campaign in what was a 3-0 victory for Newcastle in the Carabao Cup and again in a 3-2 defeat at the end of that season.

Chelsea transfer spending soars to £280m mark as Maxence Lacroix announced

Robert Calcutt — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 10:08:12 +0000

Chelsea have announced the signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.

The centre-back has moved from Selhurst Park to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth a guaranteed £52million.

Lacroix has joined Chelsea from Premier League rivals Palace

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Lacroix has become the fifth player to sign for Chelsea this summer, with fellow defender Marco Palestra joining from Atalanta for £47m.

A pre-agreed transfer for striker Emmanuel Emegha has been made official, with the Blues reportedly paying Strasbourg £22m.

Geovany Quenda is another new face after Chelsea hijacked a move from Manchester United to sign him from Sporting for £42m.

Chelsea have also broken the British transfer record with Morgan Rogers, who has arrived from Aston Villa in a £117m switch.

The Blues also remain in talks over the surprise signings of Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson, who have a combined age of 71.

Their summer spending has now reached at least £280m with the arrival of Lacroix.

Lacroix – Chelsea ‘best club in the world’

“I am really happy to be part of this beautiful club,” Lacroix said upon signing. “Everyone knows the legend of Chelsea, its tradition of winning, and to be a part of that is a proud moment.

“When I spoke with the manager (Xabi Alonso), I saw that we have the same direction and desire for this club. We want to win.

“When you see the quality of the players here, everything we have around the club, it’s something that we can achieve.

“The ambition is to lift trophies, and I can’t wait to contribute.”

View Tweet: https://t.co/Eix5531jhy

He added: “I think it’s the best move for me because it’s the best club in the world.

“I spoke with Malo. I spoke with Trev (Chalobah). I spoke with Benoit (Badiashile). It’s easy for people to speak well about this club because it has a lot of big history and I’m really proud to be a part of it now.

“I spoke with the manager on the phone. We spoke about tactics, we spoke about how he sees the game.

“First of all, I was happy just to speak about football with him, and I saw that we have the same direction and desire for this club.

“When I spoke with the gaffer, when I spoke also with the people I know from the national team who play for Chelsea, like Malo, they told me it was the best club I can go to.

“So already I was saying, ‘Okay, I don’t need to think too much’. After talking to people I said to myself, ‘This is the best step forward for me’.”

Lacroix has swapped Selhurst Park for Stamford Bridge

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Lacroix spent two seasons at Palace, with whom he won the FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League.

The 26-year-old was named in the Team of the Season for the latter competition, featuring in 14 matches and scoring two goals.

He also has Champions League experience on his CV, having made six appearances for VfL Wolfsburg.

Lacroix was part of the France squad that finished fourth at the World Cup, so is unlikely to join Chelsea on their pre-season tour.

Tottenham plot £60m raid for Premier League winger to take transfer spending over £250m

Amy Hamerslagh — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:27:16 +0000

Tottenham have rekindled their interest in Man City winger Savinho after holding initial talks last summer.

The Brazil international has emerged as a key target for Roberto De Zerbi, with the player keen to depart in search of more first-team minutes.

Spurs have reportedly reignited their interest in Man City winger Savinho

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The process of securing the move to the capital is now underway after the attacker spent two years under Pep Guardiola.

The 22-year-old signed for City from sister club Troyes for £30million in July 2024, having spent the previous campaign on loan at Catalan side Girona.

Savinho had talks with the Lilywhites last year, but former Man City boss Guardiola blocked the negotiations.

The Brazilian subsequently signed a two-year contract extension in October, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031.

He was a regular starter in his first season, scoring three times in 48 appearances across all competitions.

However, during Guardiola’s final season at the club, the winger’s playing minutes were limited to only 14 starts across the full season in an injury-hit campaign.

Savinho faced intense competition for his position from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo.

City wanted around £70m a year ago — and Spurs chiefs are now working on a deal worth closer to £60m.

On talkSPORT’s White and Jordan, chief football correspondent Alex Crook stated: “I don’t think the interest from last summer and January has ever really gone away.

“It was Pep Guardiola who put the stoppers on that move this time a year ago and he had no kind of season at all at Manchester City.

“I think the player is keen to make the move and Roberto De Zerbi is keen to sign him. Around £60 million is the fee being touted, and this would be another addition to the Tottenham squad that De Zerbi is assembling.”

The hierarchy at the north London club have backed the Italian manager in the transfer window following back-to-back 17th-place finishes.

Despite the attacker’s desire to leave, he was included in Enzo Maresca‘s initial 28-man squad for their pre-season tour of Asia.

City will face Inter Milan, the K League All-Stars, and Atletico Madrid in Hong Kong and Seoul.

Maresca may be more open to selling Savinho

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Man City 28-man squad

Goalkeepers: Marcus Bettinelli, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Max Chabot, Jack Wint.

Defenders: Rayan Ait-Nouri, Max Alleyne, Kaden Braithwaite, Josko Gvardiol, Matty Henderson-Hall, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis, Stephen Mfuni, Vitor Reis

Midfielders: Claudio Echeverri, Phil Foden, Jaden Heskey, Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Monga, Divine Mukasa, Nico, Xavier Parker, Tijjani Reijnders, Floyd Samba, Antoine Semenyo, Savinho.

Forwards: Ryan McAidoo, Divin Mubama, Mahamadou Sangare

Spurs transfer spending

If Spurs were to pay the expected fee for Savinho, he would become the club’s fourth-most expensive signing.

Spurs have already broken their transfer record fee twice this summer with Sandro Tonali (£100m), and Mateus Fernandes (£85m).

Tonali broke Spurs’ transfer record by £35million

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They also splashed out £52m for Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton to take their total spend to £237m so far.

Meanwhile, the north London side have acquired Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, and Martin Dubravka on free transfers.

English National League star joins Spanish club in unique role two months after signing new deal

Joe Brophy — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:45:53 +0000

National League outfit Worthing have surprised fans by revealing Sam Beard has left the club two months after signing a new deal.

The club’s vice-captain has completed a move to CD Atlético de Marbella Paraíso, which includes an academy coaching role.

Worthing boss Adam Hinshelwood will now have to replace his vice-captain

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The 28-year-old has made 200 appearances across the National League and National League South during his career.

The former Dorking, Barnet, and Eastbourne Borough player is now heading to Marbella to join a newly-promoted fifth-tier side.

The left-back has followed in the footsteps of his father, Mark Beard, who had a spell at Spanish lower league side San Pedro after his stints at the likes of Millwall, Sheffield United, and Southend.

National League star joins Spanish club in player/coach role

Former Brighton & Hove Albion youngster Beard was an integral part of Worthing’s promotion to the National League last season.

‘Beardy’ started eight out of the club’s final nine matches as the Mackerel Men were crowned National League South champions.

His manager Adam Hinshelwood – father of Brighton player Jack – was delighted to tie Beard down to a fresh contract in May.

“Beardy signing is a massive boost for us,” the 42-year-old revealed.

“He was a big part of our success towards the end of the season and is a player that has National League experience, which is going to be vital for our squad.”

Beard himself added: “I’m buzzing to extend my stay another year and play for this club in the National League.”

View Tweet: https://x.com/WorthingFC/status/2082074339843940478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Beard (left) has left England to pursue the opportunity abroad

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However, two months later, Worthing confirmed an agreement has been reached with Atlético de Marbella Paraíso for Beard’s transfer.

The Reds also revealed that alongside representing the Albicelestes as a player, their No.3 ‘will also work as a coach in their academy systems, contributing to several teams and age groups.’

Having helped return fifth-tier football to the Sussex Transport Community Stadium, Beard’s new team achieved an identical promotion at the end of last season.

The phoenix club, who were born from the now defunct CA Marbella in 2010, will compete in the Tercera Federación this season for the first time in their existence.

Worthing, meanwhile, have already signed a new full-back this summer after agreeing a deal to loan QPR talent Cory Adjetey-Brew.

He joins fellow Queens Park Rangers teenager Harvey Boddy in spending the 2026/27 campaign with Hinshelwood’s side.

Vinicius Jr warned over major Premier League issue despite ‘Arsenal deal making sense for all parties’

Joe Brophy — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Vinicius Junior has always been inconsistent, and he’s not robust enough for the Premier League.

That is the verdict of South American football expert Jon Cotterill, after the news that Arsenal are considering a move for the Brazilian.

Vini Jr chipped in with five direct goal contributions at the World Cup in North America

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talkSPORT understands that the Gunners are yet to engage in club-to-club talks for the Real Madrid winger, with the player viewed as an option rather than their no.1 target.

The 26-year-old has also been offered to Liverpool; however, the Reds have opted against pursuing a deal for the 53-cap international.

Arsenal’s interest comes after Real Madrid moved for RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, who is part of the same agency as Vinicius.

‘I’d prefer someone like Julian Alvarez’

Discussing Vini Jr’s situation in the market this summer, Cotterill was asked what other club would be interested in Los Blancos’ No.7 if he does indeed become available to sign.

He told talkSPORT’s Weekend Sports Breakfast with Katie Shanahan and Tony Cascarino: “I’m sure, like Flamengo, for example, in Brazil would love to get him, but there’s no chance.

“He’s too young; it’s too expensive. But all the big names, it depends where he could fit into the plan if Arsenal have got a plan, for example, if anybody else in the Premier League also got a plan.

“For me, okay, 26 [years old], 22 goals for Real Madrid last season, had a decent enough campaign with Brazil, four goals in the World Cup.

“But for me it’s always been inconsistent, and that’s been an issue for me.

“I also think perhaps he might not be robust enough for the Premier League, and I’d prefer someone like Julian Alvarez, the Argentine who’s at Atletico Madrid, who’s had Premier League experience as well.

Alvarez’s future at Atletico Madrid is becoming a major talking point

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“But yeah, Vini Junior of course, the clubs are limited who’ve got that kind of price tag, but again for me it’s not only the price.

“What’s he going to do? How is he going to fit in?

“Can he fit in around the team they’ve got, and can he fit into the style they’ve got as well?”

Cotterill also added that any deal for Vinicius is likely to cost north of £100million despite him having just one year left on his contract.

Cascarino told talkSPORT: “Well, the only thing I’d say is his agent will probably say, ‘Vini, wait a year, you’ll probably get 50 yourself before we even talk about salary.’ I just don’t see that being the case.

“And also, you talked about being robust – I remember watching him last season within the Champions League against Man City, scored two away from home, played really well.

Vinicius Junior scored to help send Real Madrid through to the quarter-finals at Man City’s expense last season

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“I thought he really gave Man City a number of issues,” Cascarino continued. “I then saw him. he backed it up.

“He played in the Super Cup, he played a game against Atletico Madrid and scored a brace straight afterwards.

“And I felt by the end of the season he was playing probably as well as he had done for a good 18 months to two years.”

‘Fabulous player but again I think inconsistent’

Cotterill replied: “Yeah, the technical side of things, there’s no question about the skills he’s got.

“He’s an absolutely fabulous player, but again I think inconsistent. And I did see him actually before when he was at Flamengo, Flamengo’s Under-17 side in the Copinha, the little cup as it’s called, the biggest youth championship in Brazil.

“So I actually went to see him quite a few years ago now, and he was a standout player, just absolutely head and shoulders above everybody else on the pitch.

“But again for me it’s that question of inconsistency.”

Could the player end up at the Emirates this window?

Arsenal deal makes sense

Despite Cotterill’s concerns, Spanish Football Journalist Phil Kitromilides argued that Vinicius to Arsenal makes sense for all parties.

“It’s not that they’ve made a bid,” he explained to talkSPORT’s Transfer Insiders with Will Gavin and Luke Moore on Saturday evening.

“It’s not that they’ve been speaking to Real Madrid. It’s that they are interested in signing him, which is fair enough.

“And you know what, Vinicius to Arsenal makes a lot of sense actually on a lot of levels on both sides.

“Vinicius going into the final year of his contract hasn’t necessarily felt like he’s the main man at Real Madrid since the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.

“He’s been asking, I’ve been told, for around €30million a year at Real Madrid, which is about €550k a week.

“Real Madrid aren’t going to pay that. Can Arsenal come anywhere close to that?”

Real Madrid agree verbal deal in principle for World Cup star as Jose Mourinho gets fifth new signing

Tom Hancock — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 15:47:58 +0000

Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement in principle pending final details with RB Leipzig to sign Yan Diomande.

The 15-time European champions have have won the race for the Ivory Coast winger, who starred at this summer’s World Cup, talkSPORT understands.

Diomande played in all four of Ivory Coast’s games at the 2026 World Cup

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Paris Saint-Germain had agreed a five-year contract with the player, however, they will not match Madrid’s offer.

The 19-year-old going to the Spanish capital means he will become Real Madrid‘s fifth signing of the summer as they prepare for the new season under returning boss Jose Mourinho.

talkSPORT reported last month that Liverpool had pulled out of a move for Diomande as he favoured joining Paris Saint-Germain.

Joining Real Madrid sees him head back to Spain having begun his senior career with another Madrid-based club, Leganes.

Diomande joined RB Leipzig just 12 months ago after the Bundesliga side triggered his €20m (approximately £17m) release clause.

He’s since his stock continue to rise since then, catching the eye on the biggest stage of all to help Ivory Coast into the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time ever.

He scored 13 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions for RB Leipzig last term, helping them finish third in the Bundesliga and secure Champions League qualification.

Diomande’s switch to the Bernabeu will bring him European football for the first time.

New era

Madrid lost out to arch-rivals Barcelona in the LaLiga title race but, as they have done every year since 1997, qualified for the Champions League.

Mourinho won the LaLiga title and Copa del Rey during his first stint as Real Madrid boss

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Mourinho returned to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa as head coach last month, 13 years after the end of his first spell in charge of Los Blancos.

And the legendary Portuguese manager is set to have an increadingly star-studded squad at his disposal.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given Mourinho’s penchant for keeping things tight at the back, Real Madrid have bolstered their defensive ranks.

Spain World Cup winner Marc Cucurella and Netherlands international Denzel Dumfries have joined from Chelsea and Inter Milan respectively, with France’s Ibrahima Konate arriving on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have added a tried and trusted creative outlet in Bernardo Silva, another free signing following his departure from Manchester City.

However, Mourinho could suffer a big blow in the transfer market.

talkSPORT reported on Saturday how Arsenal were considering an approach for Vinicius Junior.

The Brazil superstar, who is out of contract at the Bernabeu next summer, has also been offered to Liverpool although the Reds opted not to pursue a deal for him.

Paris Saint-Germain’s huge Bradley Barcola valuation revealed as England World Cup stars give Liverpool headache

Tom Hancock — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 13:14:45 +0000

Liverpool have held preliminary talks with PSG over Bradley Barcola, talkSPORT understands.

Barcola is emerging as one of Liverpool’s top targets to replace the departing Mo Salah after deciding not to pursue their interest in Real Madrid-bound Yan Diomande.

Barcola has won back-to-back Champions League titles with PSG

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Sources have indicated to talkSPORT PSG would not sell for less than £145million (€170m).

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Pedro Neto is not believed to be on Liverpool’s radar.

Reds to break their own record?

talkSPORT previously reported that Barcola had told the European champions he wanted to leave, having made only 21 league starts last season.

But if Liverpool are to sign the 23-year-old, they might have to break the British transfer record – which they set themselves.

The Reds paid an initial £125m to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle last September.

PSG are open to selling the former Lyon player, who helped France to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

And Les Parisiens have been keeping an eye on other Premier League transfers this summer to gauge Barcola’s valuation.

Three players have already moved for £100m or more during the current window.

Morgan Rogers’ £117m move from Aston Villa to Chelsea has been the most expensive so far, pipping Elliot Anderson’s £116m switch from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali has left Newcastle for Tottenham in a £100m deal.

Iraola succeeds Arne Slot as Liverpool boss

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Liverpool have made two first-team signings since appointing Andoni Iraola as their new head coach last month.

Centre-back Jeremy Jacquet has joined from Rennes, with World Cup-winning Spain winger Victor Munoz arriving from Osasuna.

Liverpool ‘definitely need a winger’

But Iraola has stressed the need for the two-time Premier League champions to add another winger to their squad.

Asked if he had a number of signings in mind, he told reporters in Chicago, where the Reds arrived for their pre-season tour of the USA earlier this week: “No, I think it’s difficult to say a number when the market is open, and you have to be always open to new options to improve the squad.

“There are obvious situations that we know where we need to sign players. A winger, for example – we definitely need to sign a winger. But there are other situations that we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what’s the cost, how we also see the players we have.

“We have some tricky positions where we have injured players that we trust but it is still not the ideal situation. So, it will depend on a lot of things.”

Meanwhile, some big names have headed for the Anfield exit this summer.

Mo Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all departed as free agents, with Robertson joining Spurs and Konate heading to Real Madrid.

Arsenal and Newcastle in advanced talks over Bruno Guimaraes transfer as progress made on fee agreement

Martha Riley — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 11:20:16 +0000

Arsenal are confident they can strike a deal with Newcastle United over Bruno Guimaraes, talkSPORT understands.

Although Newcastle have denied formal contact, talkSPORT understands progress has been made on a verbal agreement north of £75million.

Newcastle skipper Guimaraes could be on his way out of St James’ Park this summer

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Arsenal have made the Magpies captain a priority signing and hope to agree a verbal package before formally bidding.

Arsenal step up in Guimaraes pursuit

Guimaraes has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, as talkSPORT revealed earlier this month.

Newcastle, who said goodbye to legendary manager Eddie Howe on Thursday, have been left frustrated over speculation regarding his future, and insiders are surprised by Arsenal’s lack of a formal bid to date.

Yet Arsenal sources have told talkSPORT that three verbal offers have already been placed.

The clubs clearly disagree on what constitutes a bid, which may in part be down to semantics and also the use of intermediaries.

For any deal to be formalised, Arsenal would need to make a direct approach to Newcastle, whose stance remains their skipper is not for sale.

Having lost their manager as well as key players Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, Newcastle can ill-afford let go of their captain.

Star winger Gordon joined Barcelona in a £70m deal, while Tonali moved to Tottenham for a total package worth around £100m.

The departure of Guimaraes would see Newcastle lose two of last season’s midfield three, though they have strengthened in that area having brought in Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba from Ajax and Monaco respectively.

Guimaraes still has two years left on his contract, and the Magpies are under no pressure to sell after losing two of their key players already.

Arsenal are working hard on their title defence, and want to add Guimaraes to their midfield

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The Brazilian helped end a 70-year wait for a major trophy at Newcastle with League Cup glory last year

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How will this play out?

With Arsenal stepping up their pursuit of Guimaraes, now former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted on Saturday he does not know what the future holds for his skipper.

The Magpies played out a 1-1 draw away at Gateshead, and after the match, Howe was asked about his captain.

He said: “I’ve spoken to Bruno before, during and after the World Cup. We have had some really good conversations. He’s just a fantastic person.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen with his future; that’s for other people to speculate about. There’s conversations I’m not part of.

“I don’t think it’s fair to compare (to Isak last summer). You’ve got to look at it in its own right.

“He’s captain of our club and been an unbelievable player, through the whole time we have worked together.

Incoming Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle is to inherit a squad in chaos

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“I speak on behalf of everyone at the club; we absolutely love him, and of course everyone would love him to stay.

“He’s due back on the 31st [of July], and there’s nothing to say he won’t be back.”

‘His love has gone’

Meanwhile, former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is adamant that Guimaraes has checked out.

“It will be a massive loss for them,” Pardew, who managed Newcastle from 2010 to 2014, said on talkSPORT on Sunday.

“I think his love has gone. I can’t see him staying there and being the same player, so I think it’s going to be a question of as much money as possible.

“I think that’s where the Newcastle board will sit.”

Guimaraes will be remembered as the star who captained Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory in 2025, ending their 70-year wait for a trophy

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talkSPORT understands Newcastle also want quick clarity over Guimaraes’ future.

Sources are reticent to compare the situation to the Alexander Isak saga given Newcastle believe Guimaraes won’t refuse to participate in pre-season or play for Newcastle again.

He remains a popular member of the dressing room, and Newcastle have received no indication Guimaraes will act anything other than professionally.

However, Newcastle don’t want speculation to drag on all summer, while those close to Guimaraes have told talkSPORT he would prefer his future resolved sooner rather than later as well.

The Brazilian is still on a break following the World Cup. Newcastle would be prepared to offer Guimaraes a new deal if he remains.

Newcastle sources also indicate a £70m bid would be rejected, but talkSPORT understands Arsenal are prepared to go higher than this reported number.

Liverpool star who only joined last summer among three players fighting for immediate future

Joe Brophy — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 09:44:25 +0000

Liverpool’s new era under Andoni Iraola unofficially gets under way this weekend with the club’s first pre-season game.

The ex-Bournemouth head coach has been eager to dish out fresh starts for several players, who were fringe players in the old regime.

Iraola has a completely different project at Liverpool than he did at Bournemouth

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What’s happened at Liverpool?

The Reds have been cleaning house following Arne Slot’s sacking last month, with a host of background staff also relieved of their duties.

Michael Edwards has stepped down as Fenway Sports Group’s (FSG) CEO of football, while sporting director Richard Hughes has been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.

Meanwhile, a consortium backed by the Mittal family are also in talks to buy a minority stake in Liverpool, talkSPORT understands.

On the pitch, Iraola has taken charge of a Liverpool team in transition, with Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate all departing at the end of last season.

The Spaniard has brought Tommy Elphick from Bournemouth as a first-team coach, but transfer activity remains thin on the ground.

Jeremy Jacquet has officially arrived from Rennes after a deal for the 21-year-old was agreed on deadline day of the winter window.

During the World Cup, Liverpool then signed Spain’s Victor Munoz, having successfully hijacked Newcastle’s move for the winger.

However, Iraola’s pre-season squad – made even thinner by stars on an extended break following their international exploits – has provided an opportunity for fringe players to stake their claims.

Here, talkSPORT.com runs through three players who have the most to prove to their new boss that they should be in next season’s plans.

Szoboszlai won’t have to worry after underlining his importance to Liverpool’s project with his new contract

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Trey Nyoni: ‘Pre-season tour is an opportunity’

The 19-year-old understandably realises that the Reds’ pre-season tour of the USA is an ideal opportunity to prove his qualities to Iraola.

He told Liverpoolfc.com: “It’s exciting times ahead. It’s been good to be back and to see everyone again, and I’m ready to go.

“There are still a few players away [due to the World Cup] so obviously there’s an opportunity to play [in the USA] and just show what I can do in that sense.

“But I’ll just go out there and just enjoy it and just try to do my best.”

Nyoni was one of two Liverpool starlets tipped for a breakout season in 2025/26, with the other living up to the billing in Rio Ngumoha.

Nyoni wasn’t afforded the opportunities Ngumoha was to steal the spotlight

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He impressed in Arne Slot’s first pre-season in 2024, but made just five senior outings, with his fortunes unchanged last campaign.

The England U19 international only managed six Premier League appearances last season – which added up to a combined 21 minutes.

Now, with Curtis Jones looking increasingly likely to stay amid interest from Inter, a pathway to a midfield spot at Liverpool remains blocked.

For Nyoni, a move to Swansea City has been mooted, with former Anfield coach Vitor Matos in charge of the Championship outfit.

The ex-Leicester City academy talent will have a major opportunity in the USA to convince Iraola his immediate future is at Liverpool.

Nyoni made 14 senior appearances across all competitions last season

Elliott ‘will have a chance during pre-season’

This time last year, Harvey Elliott had the world at his feet after his starring role in the Young Lions’ defence of their U21 Euro title.

The 23-year-old was named the player of the tournament after scoring five goals for Lee Carsley‘s side – which was second only to Newcastle’s record signing, Nick Woltemade.

His standout success escalated his ambition to leave boyhood club Liverpool, having made just six starts in the 2024/25 season.

He ultimately joined Aston Villa on deadline day on an initial loan with a £35million obligation to buy once he made 10 league appearances.

Unfortunately for Elliott, Unai Emery quickly stated publicly that his side had no interest in signing him from Liverpool permanently.

Elliott effectively lost a year of his career after being exiled at Villa

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Villa’s stance meant the Fulham academy talent was either excluded from most matchday squads or left languishing on the bench.

Elliott played just 13 Premier League minutes from the end of September until returning to Liverpool for pre-season this summer.

The attacker only has one-year remaining on his Anfield contract, but new boss Iraola has claimed he will receive a genuine chance during pre-season rather than being forced straight back out the door.

“Harvey is here with us. He has come [in early] also,” Iraola told reporters in his first press conference earlier this month.

“I’ve seen him with this eagerness to show himself, to get himself ready again. He will have a chance during the pre-season; we will need him.

“It’s a good sign that he came a week earlier; he’s been training with the under-21s, and I hope we can see him in a good place.

“I think Harvey, last season, had to be very difficult for him, because it was a strange situation where basically they couldn’t even put him in to play.

“I think he uses what he has experienced, the bad situation, to make him even more eager to be a Liverpool player, yes.”

Elliott returned early to pre-season and began preparatory work with Liverpool’s U21 squad

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Frimponged

Jeremie Frimpong was the first arrival of the Reds’ record-breaking £416m summer spend 12 months ago.

The Netherlands international had the best opportunity to hit the ground running as the replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

He scored in the Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace in August, but then suffered an injury on his Premier League debut.

That proved a sign of things to come, as Frimpong tweaked his hamstring in a 5-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt in mid-September.

His second injury ensured that the Dutchman didn’t start another Premier League game until after Christmas.

Frimpong had an injury-plagued first season as a Liverpool player

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A third hamstring setback in January only compounded his issues, and Frimpong ultimately missed out on a place in the World Cup.

In total, the former Bayer Leverkusen man started just 12 Premier League games, of which only seven were at right-back.

Conor Bradley remains a long-term absentee after suffering serious bone and ligament damage in his knee in January, with midfielders Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai forced to deputise in the position.

Iraola has already confirmed that the Reds are looking to find a solution at right-back, which could spell bad news for Frimpong.

“So with the centre-back and the right-back situations in terms of defensive depth, we are, I think, really thin right now, and it is a solution we are trying to find, yes,” he said.

This pre-season will be a vital opportunity for Frimpong to see if he can convince Iraola that an understudy, not a replacement, is needed.

Arsenal star compared to Jude Bellingham among trio who could face fight to save their future in pre-season

Joe Brophy — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:40:30 +0000

Arsenal begin their unofficial start to the defence of their Premier League crown with their first pre-season game next weekend.

Mikel Arteta’s side are ramping up their preparations for the new season with trips to Girona and Dublin before returning to London.

Ethan Nwaneri has reported for duty after the end of his Marseille loan last season

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The Gunners had 15 players at the World Cup this summer, which means that several key players won’t be back in training for weeks.

However, their absence presents other fringe players with the opportunity to impress Arteta at the start of pre-season.

The Spaniard has largely kept the same squad intact in recent years, but this summer promises to be a potentially dramatic shake-up.

Arsenal transfer latest

Arsenal have already agreed a deal to sign Christos Tzolis in a deal worth £34million, with Leandro Trossard exiting to Besiktas.

The Gunners have since missed out on top target Morgan Rogers after he instead sealed a record-breaking £117m deal to Chelsea.

The club remain keen to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, though the two clubs differ regarding the Brazilian’s valuation.

Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is another player that is admired, while France winger Bradley Barcola has also been linked.

But it promises to be just as big a summer for some players already in the building – with some facing a fight to prove their worth.

The following names do not include the likes of Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson, who seemingly already know that their futures lie elsewhere.

Arteta is looking to guide Arsenal to back-to-back Premier League titles for the first time in club history

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The future of Ethan Nwaneri

Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for a Premier League title, but it was a hugely frustrating season for one of their Hale End success stories.

Just a year before, Nwaneri was being compared to Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal, with talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham even going so far as to say it is a ‘sackable offence’ for Thomas Tuchel not to pick the teenager in his first England squad in March 2025.

Yet Nwaneri made only four starts across 12 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions last season before he was loaned out.

The 19-year-old joined Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille for the second half of the campaign and scored just 13 minutes into his debut.

Yet he found himself out of the team after the now-Tottenham boss left his role as head coach, and Nwaneri was an unused substitute in five of the club’s final six Ligue 1 games of the 2025-26 season.

Nwaneri registered six Premier League goal involvements in 2024/25 compared to zero last season

Arsenal’s No.22 trained with the England squad in the United States ahead of the World Cup and is now back in pre-season training.

European football expert Andy Brassell expects the Arsenal style to evolve a little bit from last season – which could mean bad news for Nwaneri, with the club eyeing Morocco’s teen star Ayyoub Bouaddi.

He told talkSPORT.com: “What do they do with Ethan Nwaneri? Do they bring him back?

“Do they send him out on loan again and hope he plays more than he did at Marseille, or do they decide to cash in and sell him?”

With Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke all having a delayed return following the World Cup, the start of pre-season will be a huge opportunity for Nwaneri.

Nwaneri was loaned to Marseille for more minutes, but his action was limited

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The rise, fall and rise again of Ben White?

Arsenal have confirmed that William Saliba will be out for an ‘extended period’ with a back injury.

On the opposite end of the scale, England defender White has recovered from his knee problem for the start of pre-season.

The 28-year-old picked up the issue during the Gunners’ Premier League win over West Ham in May, which ended his World Cup hopes.

White had been on a run that saw him start the last five matches in all competitions, which also saw him recalled by England in March.

White’s season was ended prematurely after he was forced off with a first-half injury against West Ham

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Eight injuries across the past two seasons saw the ex-Brighton defender miss 42 matches for Arsenal, leaving his future in doubt.

Now White, who only has two years left on his deal, can reclaim his place as a core part of Arteta’s backline with others’ fitness issues.

Saliba is sidelined for the foreseeable future, while first-choice right-back Jurrien Timber continues to struggle with a groin problem.

Arsenal have since been linked with moves for England pair John Stones and Ezri Konsa, the latter of whom can play both centrally and at right-back just as White can.

A strong start to pre-season for White may convince Arteta that an approach for Aston Villa’s Konsa isn’t what is needed right now.

Injuries in recent seasons have slowed White, but he was fit to start pre-season

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Taking the Vik

Unlike both Nwaneri and White, Viktor Gyokeres will start pre-season belatedly after spearheading Sweden’s run to the World Cup last-32.

The striker is arguably fighting for his future more than most, despite finishing as Arsenal’s top scorer in his first season at the club.

talkSPORT revealed Arsenal explored the possibility of offering Gyokeres as a makeweight during initial talks for Julian Alvarez.

Arteta made it clear who he sees as his first-choice striker in the Champions League final, with Kai Havertz tasked with leading the line.

Despite finishing as Arsenal’s top scorer, doubts remain over Sweden international Gyokeres

The German underwent two surgeries in seven months last year but scored three goals in four World Cup appearances for his country.

Gyokeres could even find himself third in the pecking order, now that World Cup winner Mikel Merino is also back fit and firing.

The Spaniard only returned from injury just before the tournament after fracturing his foot in January.

He then underlined his credentials in front of goal by scoring two late winners for La Roja en route to their run to glory.

Man United told to sell Bruno Fernandes as ‘assists are meaningless’

Martha Riley — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:42:26 +0000

Dean Saunders believes Manchester United should sell Bruno Fernandes to fund a summer rebuild, as he dismissed the midfielder’s incredible assist record.

Fernandes has been widely hailed as the Red Devils’ best player in recent years, and enjoyed an historic 2025/26 campaign by breaking the Premier League record for the most assists in a single season.

Bruno Fernandes has been hailed as Manchester United’s best player in recent years

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The United skipper set up a huge 21 goals last term, surpassing the previous best shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

His stunning individual campaign saw him crowned the Football Writers’ Association’s (FWA) men’s Footballer of the Year, and helped propel his team to an impressive third-place Premier League finish.

But with United now set for a first Champions League campaign since 2024, they have set about bolstering their squad ahead of it.

The Red Devils are in the process of a midfield rebuild, having already snapped up Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos from their Premier League rivals, while they are interested in France duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Manu Kone.

Man United pre-season on MUTV

Fans can watch Michael Carrick prepare for the new season and how the squad is shaping up across Finland, Norway, Sweden and Ireland.

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‘Brainless’

As Man United weigh up how they will fund any further summer spending, talkSPORT’s Saunders pointed to Fernandes.

There is currently no suggestion that the 31-year-old will be going anywhere, as he has a year left on his existing contract, with a one-year extension option.

And while many would label Fernandes indispensable – who has 107 goals and 108 assists in his United career – Saunders was less convinced by his exploits in the latter field.

On Friday’s Breakfast Show, he floated around the idea of offloading United’s talismanic captain this summer to talkSPORT’s Chief Football Correspondent, and Red Devils superfan Alex Crook.

To this, Crook responded: “If you’re going to say Bruno Fernandes, the answer is no chance.”

He continued: “21 assists last season. Wears the captain’s armband, been the best player by a country mile since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club.

Fernandes received the Premier League’s Playmaker of the Year award in the 2025/26 season

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“Absolutely brainless to even contemplate that.”

Appearances can be deceptive

Despite Crook’s adamant response, Saunders argued that Fernandes’ incredible assist statistics could be deceptive.

The former Wales international claimed the Portuguese playmaker’s numbers are largely dependent on those around him, insisting his teammates can put him in positions to claim easy assists.

Saunders said: “This assist business, I don’t get it.

“I asked Jamie O’Hara the other night, how many assists did you get in your career? He went: ‘I don’t know’. I said: ‘Yeah, because no one ever told you and we never counted them’.

“The assists depend on who you’re playing with.

Fernandes has consistently been United’s biggest creator, recording double digits in assists in each of his full seasons at the club

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But Saunders wasn’t buying his label as the Premier League’s top creator

Talksport

“So, for example, if Harry Maguire robs the ball off the centre forward and pokes it to Fernandes and he first times it round the corner for me to go clean through and score, who gets the assist? Harry Maguire or Fernandes? Or both?”

Arguing his case, Saunders insisted Fernandes’ upturn in goal contributions was due to him having more clinical players ahead of him.

In the 2024/25 campaign, United recorded a record-low 16th-place Premier League finish, with striker Rasmus Hojlund scoring just four league goals.

By contrast, Michael Carrick‘s side finished third last term with three of their attacking players hitting double digits in league goals – Bryan Mbeumo (11), Benjamin Sesko (11) and Matheus Cunha (10).

Saunders continued: “If you’re playing with Robbie Fowler and you’re a left winger, John Barnes, say, and he’s whipping crosses in the face of the goal, Robbie Fowler’s finishing every cross that comes across – 10 goals, 10 crosses.

“Then he plays with Darwin Nunez, who manages to miss from everywhere. So John Barnes’ stats are down because they’re not getting finished.

Fernandes benefitted from having a more clinical front line in front of him last season

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“Tugay [Kerimoglu] played for Blackburn. He hit Damien Duff’s chest on the left wing every five minutes [to then cross] – Damien Duff’s [assist] stats were up, and then we signed Andy Cole and his stats went up again because he was finishing them. It’s a team game.”

Crook was unable to argue with this, who admitted: “It’s made a difference that Fernandes was hitting Cunha and Mbeumo and Sesko last season, and not Rasmus Hojlund.”

No debate

However, Crook was insistent that Fernandes’ record-breaking statistics are still incredibly impressive, who also set a new record for the most big chances created in a Premier League season last term.

He added: “To set up 21 goals over the course of a Premier League season is not to be shied away from.”

And the talkSPORT reporter insisted Fernandes’ influence at Old Trafford cannot be understated, as he has reached double figures in goal contributions in all of his full seasons at the club.

Crook told Saunders: “Take that away, there’s no conversation that since Fergie left the club, Bruno Fernandes has been the most important person at Manchester United.”

Leeds immediately sanction exit with James Trafford set to sign

Lee Davey — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:01:47 +0000

Leeds United’s pursuit of James Trafford appears to be inching closer with goalkeeper Lucas Perri set for a move to Italy.

The Whites are closing in on the Manchester City shot-stopper Trafford, as reported by talkSPORT on Thursday.

Lucas Perri is on his way out of Elland Road after just one season

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Trafford, who secured a move back to the Etihad last summer, has found first-team football hard to come by since the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

And now an impending move to Leeds is set to be finalised after the club entered into negotiations with Torino for Perri.

The Serie A club have made Perri their first-choice target this summer and are confident of completing a deal for the Brazilian.

According to Fabrizio Romano, just a few details remain before the transfer can be completed.

Perri, who enjoyed a 12-month spell at Lyon prior to moving to Elland Road, is understood to be keen on a move to Italy.

Torino had originally proposed a loan deal for the 28-year-old with an option to buy; however, Leeds are understood to want around £8.5million for the star.

His exit should accelerate Trafford’s arrival at the club with the England international keen on a move to Elland Road.

Trafford had been linked with a switch to Newcastle and almost made the move to St James’ Park 12 months ago.

The Magpies’ interest resurfaced again this summer, but no offer has been tabled for the 23-year-old.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke has long admired the ex-Burnley goalkeeper, who is set to become the club’s first-choice between the posts next season.

James Trafford is edging closer to a permanent move to Leeds

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Leeds boss Daniel Farke is a long-term admirer of Trafford

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A busy window

Farke has been active so far in the summer transfer window, having added two fresh faces to his squad.

Leeds have wrapped up the signing of Bosnian centre-back Tarik Muharemovic, and he joins free-agent signing Harry Wilson after his departure from Fulham.

Farke led Leeds to a 15th-place finish last season, steering his side away from a relegation dogfight.

The Whites finished nine points above the bottom three thanks to a good run of late-season form.

Leeds kick off their 2026/27 Premier League campaign at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, August 22.

Fixtures against Brentford, Brighton and Newcastle follow for Farke’s side, who will be confident of getting early-season points on the board.

Alejandro Garnacho was arguing with coaches at 10 years old and only one ‘genius’ can save him

Joe Brophy — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Alejandro Garnacho has officially entered the last-chance saloon after joining Aston Villa – but ‘genius’ Unai Emery might be his saviour.

The 22-year-old Argentine international has sealed a season-long loan to Villa Park, which includes a conditional obligation-to-buy clause.

Garnacho’s loan move to Aston Villa is now official

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The winger scored eight times in 43 appearances for Chelsea last season following his move from Manchester United last summer.

However, only one of those came in the Premier League, and the £40million man was then placed on the transfer list after one season.

Despite this, Emery said upon his arrival to Villa’s club website: “We are delighted with Alejandro.

“He is so talented, young, and he showed us his wish to help our project. We are really happy.”

It is those words that have gone some way to waking Gabby Agbonlahor up from the ‘nightmare’ that is Garnacho’s arrival.

“If there’s ever a manager who can get extra out of a player, it’s Unai Emery,” Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT Breakfast.

“Last season, he tried with [Jadon] Sancho, it didn’t work, he’ll try again with Garnacho. We hear reports that he’s been interested in him for a couple of years; maybe he sees something in Garnacho that I don’t.

“But our manager is a genius, so I’ll have to trust what he does. He’s going to be an Aston Villa player, so I have to try and be positive because it is my football club.

“But what I’ve seen throughout his career, because I watch a lot of football for my job, I haven’t seen a player who is at the level that Aston Villa need.

“But he’s 22, he’s not 28, 29, hopefully we haven’t seen the best of Garnacho in his career.”

Garnacho will hope it’s third time lucky at finding a long-term home in the Premier League

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Aston Villa reveal Garnacho shirt number

As talkSPORT’s Agbonlahor alluded to, this is the latest in a line of redevelopment projects for underperforming wingers at Villa.

Garnacho has inherited Morgan Rogers’ No.17 shirt – and, ironically, considering the latter’s celebration, the Argentine’s career has blown cold in recent years.

The Spanish-born star was proving a handful for coaches as far back as his transition from seven-a-side to 11v11 football at Under-12 level.

His ex-Getafe youth coach Antonio Mellado told the Sun: “I remember many times arguing with Alejandro in the middle of a game.

“He saw things his way and told them to my face without any beating around the bush. Other guys don’t even dare to ask why the coach makes his decisions.

Garnacho has only just turned 22 and still has time to live up to his teenage promise

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“It’s not normal for a ten-year-old boy to tell you so many things about how he saw them,” Mellado continued.

“And he’d tell you straight, without any anaesthetic. I told him he was a right winger, and he said no, he was a left winger.”

Garnacho’s temperament failed to improve following his move to Atletico Madrid, with his off-field problems leading the club to hand-pick one of their best youth coaches to work directly with him.

Jesús Adolfo Marcos revealed: “They wanted me to train the best young player at the club. That was my mission, and at the same time my biggest challenge.”

Garnacho chipped in with one goal and four assists from 24 Premier League games in the 2025/26 season

He added: “Alejandro was a street boy, from a Getafe neighbourhood, and we immediately decided to transfer him to the academy hotel, because he was not a good student.

“He was smarter than the rest of the kids, but he became troublesome…he was a rascal, and he created trouble inside the hotel.

“He would sneak food into the room, candy and stuff, and hide his phone from us and be on it until late at night. He was also the first of his group to break the rules.”

Emery wouldn’t stand for anything similar – but this time Garnacho himself has chosen his coach; and it might be just what he needs…

How can Chelsea afford Morgan Rogers? Alejandro Garnacho ‘PSR deal’ theory dismissed

Tom Hancock — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:38:01 +0000

Chelsea broke the British transfer record to sign Morgan Rogers, and questions have been raised over how they can afford it.

England star Rogers joined the Blues from Aston Villa on Tuesday for a massive £117million fee.

Rogers has joined Chelsea in a blockbuster, British record deal

Alejandro Garnacho has since moved in the other direction on loan, with an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met.

Football finance expert Stefan Borson doesn’t believe the two clubs struck any kind of deal relating to the Premier League‘s Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules, however.

‘I wouldn’t read too much into it’

Asked whether he thought there was an ‘arrangement of convenience’ between Chelsea and Villa, Borson told talkSPORT on Tuesday: “I don’t think so actually at this point, particularly on Garnacho.

“First thing is, it is a loan, and we know that Villa have taken a number of players on loan with conditions and have not bought those players ultimately.

“So they’ve ended up paying relatively small loan fees, including players with Chelsea themselves.”

Jadon Sancho and Axel Disasi have both spent time on loan at Villa from Chelsea in recent seasons, but neither player made their move permanent.

“So I wouldn’t read too much into it that it’s a certain deal,” Borson continued.

“I think the other factor is that there’s no profit on Garnacho either way. I mean, there be a couple of million here or there, but it’s certainly not significant player trading profit.

“It gets them out of a difficult deal, I guess. I mean, I think they’ve done well to get their money back largely if the player does end up going to Villa [permanently].”

‘A red herring’

“But generally,” Borson added. “It doesn’t really work from settling the issue that they have with UEFA. I think it’s a bit of a red herring there.”

Garnacho is the latest player to join Villa on loan from Chelsea

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Both Chelsea and Villa were among four English clubs fined for breaching UEFA’s squad-cost rules for 2025.

Villa and Chelsea entered into three and four-year settlement agreements with UEFA in light of the aforementioned rule breaches.

Newcastle and Nottingham Forest were the other sides punished.

Villa have also been linked with a move for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, but a deal for the striker could prove difficult, as Borson explained.

“And of course, if they did a permanent deal with, say, Jackson,” Borson said.

“And they can’t do a loan deal now because they’ve got one player on loan [from Chelsea, Garnacho]. So they’d have to do a permanent deal with Jackson.

“And the rules have changed this summer such that if you trade a player within 45 days, it’s deemed to be a player exchange. And that will cause both Villa and Chelsea issues in respect of their UEFA settlement.”

Liverpool midfielder set to join Arsenal youth stars in Slovakia and could face Yaya Toure

Joe Brophy — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:35:20 +0000

Liverpool academy midfielder Tommy Pilling is reportedly closing in on joining the English football revolution in Slovakia.

The 21-year-old, who was in and around the first-team picture last season, was left out of the Reds’ pre-season tour of the United States.

Tommy Pilling is set to join Slovakian club MFK Zemplin Michalovce

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Pilling, who trained under new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola earlier this summer, has been on the Anfield books for 16 years.

However, he is expected to join MFK Zemplin Michalovce on a long-term deal in the coming days, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Who is Tommy Pilling?

Pilling progressed through the Reds academy since he was five years old, and looked on the cusp of a first-team breakthrough last season.

He played for the senior team in one of the two friendly victories against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield in August 2025 under Slot.

Pilling told the Liverpool website: “Even though it wasn’t a competitive game, just the feeling of being at Anfield, being around the fans, warming up, sitting on the bench behind the coaches, listening, getting an insight into what the first-team players listen to before the game, how people are moving about before the game, what they’re doing.

“To actually come on, I had a good 25 minutes too; it was just a moment to express myself, to show what I can do.

“I was nervous before the game, but warming up and stuff, it just felt natural. When the gaffer said, ‘You’re coming on’, I was just focused and happy.”

The boyhood Liverpool fan, who was born in St Helens, followed in the footsteps of his great-grandfather Jack Pilling, who played 118 times for the club between 1942-43 and 1945-46.

The Reds’ No.70 was then part of Slot’s matchday squad for the Carabao Cup ties with Southampton and Crystal Palace last autumn.

Pilling played for Liverpool’s first-team in pre-season last summer but never made a competitive appearance

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The 21-year-old (right) was left out of the squad for their pre-season tour

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Liverpool squad for pre-season tour of USA

*Further senior players to join later in tour after World Cup commitments

Goalkeepers: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, Vítezslav Jaros, Harvey Davies, Bailey Hall

Defenders: Joe Gomez, Jeremy Jacquet, Milos Kerkez, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Kostas Tsimikas, Jeremie Frimpong, Luke Chambers, Calvin Ramsay, Calum Scanlon, Ifeanyi Ndukwe

Midfielders: Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Josh Abe, Trey Nyoni, Stefan Bajcetic, Kieran Morrison,

Forwards: Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, Hugo Ekitike, Lewis Koumas, Rio Ngumoha, Will Wright, Hall, Josh Sonni-Lambie,

Unfortunately for Pilling, he was unable to make his competitive bow for Liverpool despite training with the first-team stars several times.

Having entered the final year of his deal, the local lad is now closing in on his first career transfer in a move to the Slovak top-flight.

Who are MFK Zemplin Michalovce?

Anton Soltis’ men, who finished fifth in the Slovak First Football League, have built up an English core in the past 18 months.

Zemplin’s squad already boasts two players who started at Arsenal: the first of which is midfielder Ben Cottrell.

The 24-year-old made his senior Gunners debut under Mikel Arteta in a 4-2 win over Dundalk in the 2020 Europa League group stage.

Slovakia’s top-flight is the home of several English academy talents

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Kido Taylor-Hart trained with Arsenal’s first-team before heading to Slovakia

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View Tweet: https://x.com/Bencottrell8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Cottrell was joined in Slovakia by fellow Hale End academy product Kido Taylor-Hart, who Arsenal released in the summer of 2024.

Zemplin also has further British links in Kai Brosnan, who was previously at Hemel Hempstead Town in the National League South.

Pilling could now join the trio in an early test away at Slovan Bratislava on August 29, who are managed by Yaya Toure.

The Manchester City legend was announced as the club’s new head coach last month in what represents his first senior management job.

Aston Villa urged to sign England U21 star who was sold by Roberto De Zerbi

Joe Brophy — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:51:00 +0000

Jonathan Rowe is the exact sort of player Aston Villa should be signing – he’s got that spice to him that Unai Emery can handle.

That is the verdict of Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor, who was wowed by the Bologna winger’s performance against his old club last season.

Rowe ripped Villa defender Matty Cash ‘to shreds’ when the two sides faced off in the Europa League

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The 23-year-old could be on his way to English football after a topsy-turvy two-season spell in France and now Italy.

Rowe scored the winning goal for the Young Lions in England’s Under-21 Euros final win last summer after completing a permanent move to Marseille following a successful loan the year before.

However, the attacker was told to find a new club by now-Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi after a furious bust-up with Adrien Rabiot.

Rowe made the move to Bologna in Italy, but now could be on the move again despite managing just three goals in 28 Serie A games.

The former Norwich City starlet was a rare shining light for his side in their run to the Europa League quarter-finals last season.

Rowe scored Bologna’s only goal across their 7-1 aggregate defeat to eventual tournament winners Villa, who are now hoping to sign him.

And talkSPORT Breakfast presenter Agbonlahor believes he fits the bill, with his old side set to lose £117million Morgan Rogers to Chelsea.

Jonathan Rowe to Aston Villa

On Rowe, talkSPORT’s Jeff Stelling said: ” Reports are that Chelsea and Villa are interested, which could boost his chances of eventually getting in the England squad.

“We’re going to be looking for a number nine. He doesn’t score a lot of goals, hasn’t scored a lot of goals in Italy.

“But I remember his performances for the England under-21s when he won the Euros, and he was absolutely exceptional.”

Rowe gave Villa fans a potential taste of what they could expect from him next season

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‘A player that I want Aston Villa to get’

Agbonlahor said: “I watched him in the games against Aston Villa, and Matty Cash is a top defender, but he ripped him, ripped him up, Jeff.

“He was direct, stop-start, quick, very sharp. He’s a player that I really want Aston Villa to go and get.

“If you look at his appearances last season, he could score more goals, Jeff, only three goals in 28 league games and only four goals in 12 Europa League games.

“Has he got to produce more output in goals and assists? Yes, he does, but if there’s a manager to get it out of him, it’s Unai Emery.

“If I had my perfect world, I’d love Rowe and [Crysencio] Summerville. Aston Villa need wingers, and I think he fits that bill.”

Rowe scored the winner to help England claim a fourth U21 Euros title in June 2025

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Rabiot (far left) and Rowe (third from right) were both sold by Marseille after their bust-up

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Rowe has proven he’s still got a bit of the red mist that led to his Marseille exit by getting a red card in a friendly match last week.

Bologna’s No.11 was sent off for shoving Stefano Russo to the ground after a stiff challenge in a 4-0 pre-season defeat to Arminia Bielefeld.

Agbonlahor added: “[Age] 23, but what he has got, Jeff, he’s got that spark to him that maybe some managers will have to calm him down.

“He had the fight with Rabiot at Marseille, and both of them got sold by De Zerbi.

View Tweet: https://x.com/lequipe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

“I had just seen a clip last week of a preseason friendly, and he got caught by a defender, and he ran over, pushed the defender over, [and] had to walk off the pitch in anger.

“So he’s got that spice to him that maybe a manager like Unai Emery can calm him down.

“But top, top winger and I’m sure clubs will be looking at him.”

Eden Hazard almost joined surprise European club he was never linked to before Chelsea

Joe Brophy — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 07:23:00 +0000

‘The best player we never signed’ is an honour that Eden Hazard can claim a lot of European giants feel about him.

Yet many fans won’t be aware that the Belgian’s injury that ruled him out of the 2013 Europa League final left both sets of supporters with a case of what might have been.

The 2013 Europa League was Hazard’s first piece of silverware with Chelsea

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The 35-year-old was nursing a hamstring issue in the stands at the Johan Cruyff Arena when Chelsea sealed a 2-1 win over Benfica.

It was his first major trophy during his seven years at the Blues, but if things had been different he could have been playing against them.

Hazard has publicly admitted that he turned down Tottenham, Manchester United and Man City to move to Stamford Bridge in 2012.

However, the retired Belgium international also had a little-known opportunity to join Benfica after bursting onto the scene with Lille.

With his first senior goal, scored in a 3-2 win over Auxerre in 2008, Hazard became the then-youngest scorer in the Ligue 1 side’s history.

Now-Flamengo sporting director José Boto had only recently become Benfica’s chief scout when he made an ambitious move for the teen.

Benfica failed in Eden Hazard transfer

“When we were at Benfica, we kept a very close eye on Eden Hazard,” he revealed in an exclusive interview with talkSPORT.com.

“We tried, but we didn’t manage it.

“Then he really took off when he was 17-years-old. We tried to sign him, but lots of clubs came in wanting him, and it was difficult.”

Chelsea beat out a host of European giants to complete a £32million deal for Hazard

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But Benfica had tried years beforehand to poach him from Lille

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‘The best player we never signed’

Injury cost Hazard the chance to underline his talent against Benfica, as Branislav Ivanovic’s injury-time header secured the Europa League.

Chelsea lifted the trophy again in 2019, with their No.10 scoring two goals and making another in a dominant 4-1 triumph over Arsenal.

That proved to be his final action as a Chelsea player before he joined Real Madrid, with Hazard retiring from football in 2023.

The two-time Premier League winner made more than 350 appearances for the Blues and was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2025, a decade on from his PFA Player of the Year award win.

Boto added: “He might well be the best player we never signed.”

Hazard is a certified Chelsea and Premier League legend

That 2013 Europa League final was also significant for two of Hazard’s other teammates, Nemanja Matic and David Luiz, who were on opposite sides following the cash-plus-player deal that Boto was part of helping get over the line.

“The work of a scout, or a director, is always a team effort,” He continued to talkSPORT.

“It goes without saying that we’re the ones who take the blame, for better or for worse. Whoever’s in charge takes the blame.

“But fortunately, I’ve had many successful signings in my career – not just Victor Lindelof, but, for example, Matic, whom we brought in from Chelsea as part of the David Luiz deal and who was later sold back to Chelsea. For 25 million euros, having been signed for €5m.

Luiz kept 15 clean sheets en route to Premier League glory with Chelsea in 2017

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“Then there’s [Lazar] Marković, for example, whom you may not remember, but who had a spectacular year at Benfica and was sold after that season. He was bought for 6 million and sold to Liverpool for 25 million.

“Let’s also remember [Axel] Witsel, a player we brought in from Standard Liège and who, after a year of good performances at Benfica, was sold to Zenit for 40 million euros – at the time, for his release clause.

“And many other players. My time at Shakhtar too, with many good players, such as [Manor] Solomon, who is at Fiorentina, and other players, such as [Mykhailo] Mudryk, who was also breaking through at that time, and [Georgiy] Sudakov, who is at Benfica.

“Although there, the fact that we had sparked the war meant that, perhaps, the players did not have that value, given everything we know about the situation. But, fortunately, I’ve had many success stories in my career and I’m very proud of that.”

Jarrod Bowen commits long-term future to West Ham on one condition

Joe Brophy — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:39:52 +0000

Jarrod Bowen has committed his immediate future to West Ham by signing a revised contract until 2030.

However, talkSPORT understands he will be allowed to leave next summer should the Hammers fail to get promoted back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Bowen’s future has been uncertain throughout the summer

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The 29-year-old was facing an uncertain future at the London Stadium following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.

A blockbuster move to Liverpool as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah had been touted.

Aston Villa had also been credited with interest in signing the forward, who scored 11 goals and 12 assists in 42 games across all competitions last season, despite West Ham’s struggles.

However, he was involved in the launch of West Ham’s new kit, while Bowen‘s father-in-law Danny Dyer teased that he would instead snub Premier League interest to continue with the Irons this season.

talkSPORT understands the England international has agreed to amend the terms of his current deal to reflect the club’s 2026/27 Championship campaign.

The length of his contract remains the same, with four years left to run but as mentioned it’s understood West Ham won’t stand in his way of attempting to find a new club if promotion evades them next season.

It ramps up the pressure is on the Hammers to secure promotion back to England’s top tier at the first time of asking.

Bowen speaks on staying at West Ham

“The main motivation for me is staying and bringing this club back into the Premier League, where we belong,” he said in a video on X.

“There were always going to be rumours, there were always going to be different things going on, what’s going on, and I think for me it was only right to speak when the time’s right in circumstances like this.

“Ultimately it hurt everyone, and it should hurt everyone because it was such a disappointing thing that happened, but you can’t change it, you know, it doesn’t last forever.

View Tweet: https://t.co/sRC5C1v8g1

Bowen has finished as the Hammers’ top scorer for the last three years running

“I flew out to Prague in the Czech Republic to meet Daniel [Křetínský] and Jiri [Švarc], go out and speak.

“The ambition that I got from Daniel and Jiri, certainly in terms of the direction the club wants to move in, it interests me a lot.

“It didn’t take a lot for me because this club means a lot to me. As I said, I did an interview after the game and said my vision is to get this club back in the Premier League.

“I’ve been here six and a half years and obviously transitioned from a boy really, from the Championship, into a man now, captain of the club, which is a huge honour.

“I’d seen myself in years to come as a die-hard West Ham fan, so I always think what would they want as a fan if they got the opportunity to play on the pitch?

“50,000 season ticket holders in the Championship is some feat, but I think it goes to show you the loyalty that they have for the club and the love that they have for the club.

Bowen has confirmed his ambition to stay at West Ham to try and get the club back into the Premier League

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“They want to see their club back in the Premier League, and we need everybody to be a part of that.”

“It’s about what we create as a group, what environment we want to create, because when things are ours, we have to put our arm around each other, look at our mate in the eye and know that we’re going to go again in three days’ time after a game.

“I think there’s going to be a different pressure on us now. The most important thing is a desire and attitude and a winning mentality.

“It’s good to be back here at Rush Green, ready to go.

“Pre-season has started, the games have started, the training has started, and we’re looking forward to the first game already.

“I feel like we’re moving in the right direction as a club.

West Ham had been desperate to keep hold of captain Bowen

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“There’s a lot of thinking time over the summer and a lot of things that go in your head, but for me, I look in years and years to come of when I retire, what’s going to bring me the most happiness, and for me now it’s getting this club back into the Premier League.”

West Ham begin their season on August 8 with a Carabao Cup first-round clash against Portsmouth, which is live on talkSPORT.

The Hammers, who are back in the second tier of English football for the first time since the 2011/12 season, will then begin their Championship campaign away to Burnley over a week later.

Wrexham ‘agree’ first summer transfer but will have massive sell-on clause

Tom Hancock — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:39:08 +0000

Wrexham have reportedly agreed a £7.2m deal to make Fiorentina defender Matias Moreno their first signing of the summer.

The 22-year-old Argentine is poised to complete his move to Welsh club as they build towards another Championship promotion push.

Moreno joined Fiorentina from Argentine club Belgrano

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However, the transfer will include a hefty 50 per cent sell-on clause, Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reports.

Moreno spent last season on loan with Levante in LaLiga, making 28 appearances.

He joined Fiorentina in 2024 after the Serie A side sold fellow centre-back Nikola Milenkovic to Nottingham Forest.

Premier League still the aim

Wrexham will be targeting a play-off finish in the second tier after agonisingly missing out on the final day of last season.

The Red Dragons have enjoyed a meteoric rise up the English football pyramid since being bought by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac in 2020.

Under Phil Parkinson, they became the first team in England’s top five tiers to achieve three successive promotions.

National League champions in 2023, Wrexham subsequently won automatic promotion from League Two then League One.

Their seventh-placed finish in the Championship last term was the best in their 161-year history.

Reynolds and Mac remain determined to take Wrexham to the top flight for the very first time, CEO Michael Williamson confirmed last month.

Williamson emphasised that ‘they are absolutely focused on what their ambitions are of arriving to the Premier League, to improve the stadium, to invest in the long-term success of the club while also trying to make a positive difference in the wider Wrexham community’ – the latter being something the pair have won plenty of plaudits for since taking over at the Racecourse Ground.

Mac and Reynolds completed their takeover of Wrexham in November 2020

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Red Dragons on tour

Wrexham began their preparations for the new campaign with a 0-0 friendly draw against Poland’s Wisla Krakow last Saturday.

They’ll also take on three Premier League clubs between now and the start of the season, first taking on Manchester United in Helsinki this Saturday coming.

The Red Dragons then head to their owners’ homeland, the USA, for games against Leeds in Tampa and Liverpool in New York.

Wrexham’s first competitive clash of 2026/27 sees them travel to Middlesbrough in the first round of the EFL Cup on August 7, before beginning the new Championship campaign with an all-Welsh encounter away to newly promoted Cardiff City on August 17.

While Moreno is set to be Wrexham’s first arrival of the window after they missed out on goalkeeper Pierce Charles, the club have already bid farewell to a number of stars who played key roles in their rise through the leagues.

Midfielder Andy Cannon and striker Paul Mullin are among those to leave the Racecourse Ground as free agents at the end of their contracts.

Wrexham also recently announced a major shirt sponsorship deal with Firefox and unveiled their new away kit featuring the web browser’s logo.

England star Djed Spence in surprise transfer talks over move to European giants

Tom Hancock — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:35:19 +0000

Djed Spence has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Italian champions Inter Milan.

Inter have been in talks with Tottenham over a deal for the full-back, reports journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Spence was a regular for Spurs last season

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England international Spence is said to be open to joining the Serie A giants, who won their 21^st Scudetto in 2025/26.

Versatile enough to line up in either full-back position, Spence could be a big asset to Inter – who are managed by an adaptable former defender of their own, Cristian Chivu.

The Nerazzurri are looking to replace Denzel Dumfries after the Netherlands right-back left for Real Madrid earlier this month.

Spence’s redemption

Having had his inclusion in England’s World Cup squad questioned at first, Spence – who has been playing in a protective mask after breaking his jaw in May – went on to play a key role off the bench in helping Thomas Tuchel’s men over the line against Norway in Saturday’s quarter-final.

The interest from Inter comes off the back of a season in which the 25-year-old made 30 Premier League appearances for Spurs as they fought off relegation.

Spence made the switch to Tottenham from Middlesbrough in 2022 and has featured 85 times in all.

During the first couple of years of his time at Spurs, the former Fulham academy player had three loan spells away from North London.

And one of those came in Italy, where he played 16 Serie A games for Genoa in the latter part of the 2023/24 campaign.

That followed loan stints at French side Rennes and then-Championship Leeds.

Spence had previously impressed on loan from Middlesbrough at Nottingham Forest, starring in their return to the Premier League as 2021/22 Championship play-off winners.

Capped 13 times by England, Spence has featured in all six of the Three Lions’ matches en route to the World Cup semi-finals.

Spence almost forced a goal when he rapidly closed down Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland

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And his exploits as a substitute against Norway might have secured him a starting berth for Wednesday’s hugely anticipated showdown with holders Argentina.

‘A dangerous winger’

Such was his impact in an attacking sense, former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino floated the idea of deploying Spence as a winger.

“I think he looks such a dangerous winger because he’s so quick and direct,” Cascarino told talkSPORT. “And I actually feel like, Thomas, you could use Djed further up the pitch quite comfortably.”

England face their great rivals in Atlanta as they look to reach their first World Cup final since 1966.

You can listen to all the action live on talkSPORT.

The winners of that clash will take on Spain for the trophy, after the European champions comfortably dispatched France in the first semi-final on Tuesday.

Simon Jordan reveals Ken Bates’ reaction to his attempt to sign John Terry for Crystal Palace

Jake Lambourne — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:07:00 +0000

Simon Jordan was told to ‘f*** off’ by Chelsea when he tried to poach John Terry for Crystal Palace.

The talkSPORT host purchased his beloved Eagles in 2000 and was keen to snap up the Blues legend as one of his first signings.

Terry was the subject of interest from Crystal Palace early into his Chelsea career

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Terry at the time had only played 16 times for the west London outfit across two seasons, and had spent part of the 1999/2000 campaign on loan at Nottingham Forest.

He had featured in just six matches in the now-Championship division with the Reds, but that was enough to convince Jordan that the then-19-year-old was good enough.

But as it turned out, that was what Chelsea chairman Ken Bates also thought of the defender, and he was quick to let Jordan know what he thought of his transfer request.

Simon Jordan tried to sign John Terry

The talkSPORT host was asked about his previous dealings with White & Jordan on Monday and said: “I tried to take John Terry on loan.

“A very young John Terry. And I got told to ‘F off and grow up, don’t waste his time’ – I think the words were a little bit more expansive than that, in that sort of neighbourhood.

“And I laughed. And I laughed a lot about things that Ken did.”

Jordan has previously told his now-World Cup Uncensored co-host to his face how their fates nearly intertwined at a much earlier date.

Speaking to Terry on his YouTube channel Up Front in 2024, the ex-Palace owner recalled how the conversation played out.

After the formalities of introduction were out of the way, Jordan said: “Here’s a fun fact for you.

Jordan was met with an X-rated response when he tried his luck at signing Terry

YouTube: Up Front With Simon Jordan

The blunt response from Bates had Terry cracking up

YouTube: Up Front With Simon Jordan

“I don’t know if you know this, you were out on loan at Nottingham Forest in the 1999/2000 season.

“And I had bought Palace in 2000, and I put a phone call into Batesey, and said, ‘I’d like to sign that kid John Terry.’

“And I got, ‘Well, you can f*** off.

“‘He’s a top player, he’s not going to your club.”

Following his loan spell at the City Ground, Terry become a key player for Chelsea from the 2000/01 season.

And in 2004, he was appointed as the permanent club captain, where he will go down as one of the Premier League’s greatest skippers.

Terry went on to become one of the Premier League’s greatest centre-backs in history

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Terry eventually departed Stamford Bridge in 2017, where he played a whopping 717 games in all competitions – the third-most appearances in the club’s history.

As well as scoring an incredible 67 goals as a centre-back, he also won 17 major honours with the club.

Brendan Rodgers could make move for key Liverpool star as Saudi clubs circle

Joe Brophy — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:52:21 +0000

Saudi dealmakers could reignite their interest in Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, talkSPORT understands.

Liverpool don’t wish to sell the 33-year-old Brazilian, who is set to begin the new season as Andoni Iraola‘s No.1.

Alisson is not expected to agitate for a move despite interest from Saudi Arabia

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The club’s position was made clear to Juventus earlier in the summer, with the Serie A side moving on to other targets, including Aston Villa‘s Emiliano Martinez.

Alisson Becker transfer latest

Liverpool have not yet had any direct approach from Saudi clubs, but that could change in the coming weeks as keeper exits materialise.

Al Ittihad hold a historical interest in Alisson and could yet reignite talks.

Saudi sources believe Al Ittihad are open to signing another foreign goalkeeper despite Serbian keeper Predrag Rajkovic being at the club.

Al Qadsiah, managed by former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, have also been linked with a move.

talkSPORT understands Qadsiah would only add another keeper if Koen Casteels departs, and this is not the current plan.

Casteels only has one year left on his contract and is drawing interest from Club Brugge. The Belgian side might wait until 2027 to sign Casteels on a free.

Al Hilal must also decide whether to keep Morocco stopper Yassine Bounou, who is drawing suitors from both Turkey and Argentina.

There is no suggestion they have added Alisson to their radar as of now. However, Alisson was one of the names they discussed back in summer 2023, but no offer was ever made to the player or Liverpool.

Alisson will return to pre-season with Liverpool at the end of the month following his World Cup exploits

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Former Bournemouth technical director Simon Francis is now working for Al Hilal, and Richard Hughes is likely to join once this summer window ends, or at the latest when his summer 2027 contract ends.

As a result, Al Hilal are expected to be transparent should they decide to pursue any Liverpool targets, and no contact or expression of interest has been made to date.

Some Saudi reports also list newly promoted Al Diriyah as holding an interest in Alisson, yet sources have told talkSPORT this is not the case. Al Diriyah have former Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman leading their recruitment.

Alisson is not expected to agitate for a move, leaving Liverpool in a strong position. He was tempted by Juventus’ offer, but a transfer has not progressed.

Alisson knows he will start next season as the first-choice keeper at Anfield, so does not need to consider leaving for minutes despite long-term faith from the club in Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Liverpool would require a substantial fee to change their position on Alisson, and a move to Saudi is therefore viewed as unlikely.

Mamardashvili has been forced to step in on several occasions amid Alisson’s injury issues

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Suggestions Liverpool would entertain a sale around €15million (£12.7m) are wide of the mark.

No specific valuation has been offered to any interested club, but only a figure well north of that number would result in Liverpool engaging.

Johan Manzambi appeared to confirm Aston Villa transfer hijack to Emi Martinez hours before Newcastle deal collapsed

Tom Hancock — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:41:23 +0000

Emi Martinez appeared to ask Johan Manzambi if he was joining Aston Villa just hours before they swooped in to hijack Newcastle’s bid.

One of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup, Manzambi has joined the Villans despite Newcastle agreeing a €60million (£51.2million) with German club Freiburg for the midfielder.

Manzambi scored three goals for Switzerland at the World Cup

Villa snapped up Manzambi for £52m, making him the club’s record signing having surpassed the £50m forked out to land Amadou Onana in 2024.

Martinez asks the question

Not long before news of the 20-year-old’s impending move to the West Midlands broke, Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez couldn’t resist bending Manzambi’s ear about the situation.

“You’re going to Villa?” Martinez joked with Manzambi as players shook hands following Argentina’s 3-1 World Cup quarter-final win over Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday night.

Manzambi’s reply was not audible on the footage from Arrowhead Stadium, but he does appear to be on his way to Villa Park.

Manzambi comes of age on the biggest stage

Playing at his first major tournament, Manzambi announced himself on the biggest stage when he came off the bench to bag a brace in Switzerland’s 4-1 group victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

View Tweet: https://t.co/CivAr4Nt1L

He went on to score once more and provide two assists before a knee injury prevented him from playing any part beyond the round of 32.

Nonetheless, he did more than enough to catch the eye in North America and is set to play Premier League football next season.

Born in Geneva, Manzambi spent time with the academy of Swiss club Servette before switching to Freiburg in 2023.

He made his first-team debut the following year and has gone on to feature 58 times for the Bundesliga side in all competitions, scoring nine goals.

Called up to the Switzerland senior squad for the first time last summer, he’s already netted six times in 16 caps.

Manzambi helped Switzerland reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years

Incredibly, Manzambi actually started out wanting to be a goalkeeper, growing up idolising Manuel Neuer.

Newcastle miss out again

Manzambi is the latest player Newcastle have missed out on to another Premier League club.

In recent years, the Magpies have failed to get deals over the line for the likes of James Maddison, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko.

Manzambi could become Villa’s second first-team signing of the summer after centre-back Modou Keba Cisse arrived from Austrian outfit LASK.

Unai Emery and co. are preparing for a return to Champions League football next term, having ended Villa’s 30-year wait for a major trophy with Europa League glory last time around.

As for Newcastle, who will be without European football in 2026/27, they’ve already made three additions to their squad.

Manzambi looks to be heading to Aston Villa

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Goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, winger Bazoumana Toure and midfielder Sean Steur have come in from Reims, Hoffenheim and Ajax respectively.

talkSPORT verdict

Manzambi’s transfer to Aston Villa was a hot topic on last Sunday’s Trans Euro Express.

European football experts Kevin Hatchard and Andy Brassell see him as a perfect Premier League player.

Hatchard said: “He is one of the breakout stars of this World Cup. He’s a guy that carries the ball incredibly well in midfield for Freiburg and he’s only 20.

“He was the most fouled player in the Bundesliga and what that tells you is that A, this is a guy who’s brave on the ball and B, he doesn’t mind a bit of contact.

“People find it incredibly difficult to stop him. If Villa do pull this off and it looks as though that’s the way it’s heading, this is a real coup for them.”

Brassell said: “You can see that he sees himself going to that next level and going beyond, actually. So to see him move into the Premier League is no surprise for me.

“It’s exactly the sort of player that a Premier League team wants, a player that we know can produce now, but really is about the deep potential he has and the fact that he’s at that age as well, where you can tell that he’s really on the path to being absolutely world class.

He added: “It’s a real shame for Newcastle that they’ve lost out on this or seemingly lost out on this.

“It does strike me as, even if there’s doubt whether Villa could really afford this, certainly at the start of the negotiations, it’s a player that Villa really need for me, even without the Amadou Onana injury, because they’re very different sorts of players.

“It felt to me as if Villa were lacking a player outside Morgan Rogers who can really unlock the door.”

Mason Greenwood closing in on Fenerbahce move despite Saudi club’s late bid to hijack deal

Jackson Cole — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 22:25:00 +0000

Mason Greenwood has decided to join Fenerbahce despite Saudi club Al Ahli’s attempts to hijack the deal, talkSPORT understands.

The English striker is set to sign a four-year contract with the Istanbul outfit, who have agreed €45million deal – equivalent to approximately £38m – with Greenwood’s club Marseille.

Greenwood is set to leave Marseille for a new challenge in Turkey

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Al Ahli made a late attempt to hijack the deal over the weekend with the nine-time Saudi Pro League champions calling Greenwood.

Al Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle spoke directly to the player but his powers of persuasion weren’t enough with Greenwood opting to join Fenerbahce.

Former club Manchester United retain a 50 per cent sell-on clause for Greenwood, who left Old Trafford in 2024.

talkSPORT understands at least one Premier League club explored the possibility of signing Greenwood before deciding against it due to fears of a backlash from fans.

Greenwood’s career

The 24-year-old will move onto the fourth club of his career.

Coming from the Man United academy, Greenwood’s Red Devils career was halted when he was suspended by the club in January 2022.

This was after he was arrested and charged for attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour. These charges were dropped in February 2023.

Greenwood joined Spanish club Getafe on loan in August 2023, where he scored ten goals in 36 appearances for them, winning their Player of the Season award.

A permanent move didn’t follow with the player opting to sign for Marseille in the summer of 2024.

He enjoyed a very productive two-year spell at Marseille as he scored 48 times in 81 appearances, while also providing 17 assists.

Greenwood was scouted by Man United as a boy and was on their books for six years as a senior player

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He has also represented Getafe, joining them on loan from Man United

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His form in France led to some Premier League clubs explore a move for Greenwood, however, these didn’t materialise.

Barcelona and Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest in Greenwood in the past.

Greenwood’s final season at Marseille saw him win the fans’ Player of the Season prize but now a new challenge in Turkey awaits.

Fenerbahce bound

The one-cap England international will join a Fenerbahce side that narrowly missed out on the Turkish Super Lig title last season as they finished three points behind winners Galatasaray.

They have been Turkish champions on 19 occasions, although the last time came back in the 2013/14 season.

Fenerbahce are hoping to reach the Champions League proper for the upcoming season, and they face Polish side Gornik Zabrze in the second qualifying round, with the first leg to take place on July 21.

Chelsea name their price for Alejandro Garnacho amid Premier League interest

Amy Hamerslagh — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 15:33:16 +0000

Chelsea have put a price tag of £42.5million on Alejandro Garnacho, talkSPORT understands.

talkSPORT previously reported that the Blues winger was up for sale.

Garnacho made no impact during his first season at Stamford Bridge

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This comes just a year after he signed for the club in a deal worth £40million from Manchester United.

The Argentina star, who missed out on a place at the World Cup, is attracting plenty of interest.

Teams in the Premier League, Italy and Saudi Arabia are keen along with admirers from other European clubs too.

Sources at Stamford Bridge suggest the hierarchy are working with the winger to secure a permanent move.

The player is believed to be keen to leave after failing to nail down a guaranteed regular starting role.

Garnacho is yet to report for pre-season training due to the ongoing interest from multiple teams, with his future expected to be resolved in the next fortnight.

The 22-year-old only scored one Premier League goal during his debut campaign as a Chelsea player last year.

He featured 24 times in the top flight but only started on 14 occasions, struggling to hold down a first-team place.

Across all competitions, he played 43 times for the Blues in total, scoring eight and assisting four goals last campaign.

Chelsea began pre-season training on Thursday for members of the squad who were not at the World Cup.

The Chelsea role will be Alonso’s third as a manager

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Garnacho was cut from Argentina’s final 26-man squad for the tournament, with manager Lionel Scaloni prioritising recent club form.

However, the winger was absent from the sessions at Cobham, the first under the new Blues boss Xabi Alonso.

The west London club has made it clear they will only listen to permanent offers for the Argentine, despite reports of a loan interest from Serie A side Roma.

Former club Man United are entitled to 10 per cent of any sale made by the Blues with new manager Alonso hoping for a wholesale reshape of the squad.

The club has already confirmed two outgoing players with Marc Cucurella joining Real Madrid for £52million and Tyrique George moving to Everton for a fee that could rise to £24m.

Meanwhile, they have completed the signings of full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £47m and winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting for £40m.

Garnacho had a rough reunion with Man United at Stamford Bridge this season

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There is expected to be more business happening from the London-based outfit this summer, including Trevoh Chalobah exploring options abroad.

Alonso spoke about the team he wants to create at Chelsea, stating: “For me, in football, there are principles that are non negotiable.”

“You need to be willing to pay the price to compete at the highest level. You can’t hold back anything. You need to give everything you have for the benefit of the team. The team is always the most important thing.

“We need to create that culture, which is a process – and the process is on a daily basis here in Cobham, training every day to prepare for when we have to perform in front of our fans.

“I think there is a strong culture already built; there’s an important core of the team and those players that they have established throughout the years need to help the young ones to feel that.

“That’s with their professionalism, with their work ethic, with knowing the team is the most important thing. Daily, we will be able to have that perception and create that culture.

“That culture we are able to build here will, 100 per cent, be transmitted onto Stamford Bridge.”

Chelsea underwhelmingly finished 10th in the Premier League last season and are training ahead of a pre-season tour in Asia and Australia in two weeks’ time.

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Rafael Leao could become one of world’s best players with transfer to surprise Premier League club

Joe Brophy — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:54:48 +0000

Rafael Leao will be a potential bargain for one lucky Premier League club as the race to sign the AC Milan attacker heats up.

That’s the verdict from European expert Andy Brassell, who believes he could be the Son Heung-min replacement Tottenham needs.

Leao is on the radar for multiple Premier League clubs this summer and could flourish at Tottenham

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As one of the more active clubs in the transfer window so far, Spurs have already broken their transfer record twice this summer, following the £100m signing of Sandro Tonali.

That came after Mateus Fernandes’ £85m arrival from West Ham, with Roberto De Zerbi looking to upgrade his attack next.

talkSPORT reported last week that Tottenham are believed to be lining up an £85m bid for Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi.

De Zerbi is also eyeing a new left-winger, with talkSPORT understanding that Cody Gakpo is of interest to Spurs this summer.

However, with the Lilywhites likely needing to pay over the odds for the Dutchman, another World Cup star could represent a bargain.

Rafael Leao transfer latest

Portugal star Leao has already announced publicly he wants a new challenge after seven years with Milan.

Manchester United have been warned against making a move for the 27-year-old, who has been a long-standing Premier League target.

“Rafael Leao is not at the peak of his form at the moment,” Brassell told talkSPORT.com. “But that probably means he’s a potential bargain for some lucky Premier League team out there.

“I suppose he would have surprised a lot of people who had a casual relationship with his football career when he turned up at the World Cup.

“He wasn’t the starter because he is a player who has generated a lot of column inches and a lot of excitement with his YouTube clips and highlights of his goals in the last few years.

There aren’t many familiar faces from last season in Tottenham’s dream XI for the 2026/27 campaign

“But you know what? He has not really been the same since he won the Serie A MVP in the 2021/22 season, which was when Milan last won the championship, and he was the pivotal player in them doing that.

“If you look at the raw numbers since then, they’re still pretty good, certainly up until last season and in the season just gone.

“He scored nine Serie A goals, but only one assist, which I think is really important because he’s a player who’s always been quite altruistic – started out as a centre-forward at Sporting but developed into a wide player.

“And that’s really where he’s ended up for the bulk of his career on that left-hand side cutting in. But if you’ve ever seen Rafael Leao either on television or in person, if you’re catching him on a good day, you can be really easily convinced that this guy can be one of the absolute best in the world.

“And for that reason and for that MVP title in Serie A in 2022, when Milan extended his contract going forward a year later to 2023, they wrote in a buyout clause of a €175m.

“That was to not just put off domestic competitors, but to put off international competitors as well.

Leao has announced he is ready for a new challenge away from Milan this summer

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‘Perception versus reality’

“So that’s why when he’s been linked with clubs in the last year or two, it’s mainly been with Saudi clubs.

“Now, of course, part of that is the fact that he had this great relationship with Theo Hernandez going down the left-hand side at Milan.

“When Paulo Fonseca was there [as manager in 2024] it was felt that a lot of the difficulties that he suffered were to do with the fact that Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao were a bit switched off and didn’t really pay him enough respect.

“I think that’s perception as much as it is potential reality, but nevertheless, when Fonseca got the team together, and he was chatting to them all, Leao and Hernandez stayed on the other side of the pitch and didn’t join in.

“Obviously, it didn’t look great. And sometimes I do feel this is the problem with Rafael Leao: perception versus reality.

“That, due to his laid-back demeanour, people don’t realise how much he puts into it.

Modric agrees with the high assessment

“He’s had some stuff going on off the pitch as well – personal stuff that he’s had to deal with which is no doubt affected him.

“But as we said, even with him playing below potential, the numbers have actually been pretty good if we overlook the fact that he didn’t create as much as he might have done last season and, in fact, all the numbers have been down.

“But what this has meant is that there’s a potential bargain there. We talked about that 175 million euro buyout clause.

“No one’s paying even half that at the moment. There’s no question of that.

“So this brings the Premier League teams back into the picture. It’s not just about the Saudi clubs. And he’s shown a real disinclination to go to Saudi.

“He wants to stay in Europe, and he wants to test himself in the Premier League.”

Leao scored ten goals in all competitions this season as Milan finished fifth in Serie A

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Leao to Tottenham?

Leao put himself in the shop window perfectly at the World Cup, with a goal and an assist in only one start across his five appearances alongside Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Portugal.

“He said before the World Cup that he thinks this is the moment for him at 27 to separate from Milan,” Brassell added.

“So I guess the question is: can he do it, and where is the fit? He can definitely do it. We’ve seen that in this World Cup.

“In fact, in that rather scratchy last 32 performance that Portugal gave against Croatia, he was one of their better players.

“He’s brilliant on that left-hand side, creating the winner with a fantastic cross for Goncalo Ramos. How much is he as well?

Leao was surprisingly dropped after his starring role against Croatia as Portugal crashed out to Spain

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“So underlining exactly what an impactful player he can be any given moment. Before you look at his dribbling and his speed, the way he can change pace and direction. It just glides on the ball. It looks so effortless, almost like Thierry Henry in that sort of slot.

“He never looks like he’s busting a blood vessel, but he’s completely outpacing others. So the second bit that who really see?

“We know Tottenham were interested in him, and that would be a really interesting bit, a big upgrade for him for them on that left-hand side.

“Of course, since Son [Heung-min] has gone, they’ve not really had a player of that sort of explosive quality in that sort of area of the pitch, and I think they are comparable because even though Son did become more central in the closing part of his time, it’s first we know Rafael now can do that.

“We know he can come inside and score goals as well, and maybe the fluidity of the Premier League and the pace of it really works for him in that sense in the sense that he’s always fighting for the right to counter-attack.

“Now look, there are loads of other clubs that he could end up at, but with Tottenham really nailing their colours to the mast in terms of getting out there in terms of battering down all the previous cliches about them not spending money this season – He would be a huge, huge upgrade in attack.

“Working with a coach as intense as Roberto De Zerbi might get the best out of him consistently, which is exactly what he needs at the age of 27 if he’s really to become one of the best players in the world.”

Kylian Mbappe had a two-hour private jet meeting with Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool owner John W. Henry

Connor Andrews — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:45:00 +0000

In another life it’s Liverpool fans cheering on Kylian Mbappe from afar as he smashes it at the World Cup for France.

Mbappe is having an incredible tournament as he currently sits joint top of the tournament’s goalscoring charts on eight with Lionel Messi; Mbappe‘s latest seeing him curl in a beauty during France’s quarter-final win over Morocco.

Mbappe has scored eight goals for France at the 2026 World Cup and 20 World Cup goals overall

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No wonder Liverpool owner John W Henry pulled out all the stops top try and sign him

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Mbappe plies his trade at Real Madrid but before he wound up at the Bernabeu, Anfield could’ve been a destination for him.

In the summer of 2022, Mbappe was asked about Liverpool and said: “Now we talked to them a bit, but not much, in the end it was between Real Madrid and PSG.

“I have spoken to Liverpool because red is my mother’s favourite colour and she loves Liverpool. Why? I don’t know.

“We met with them a few years ago when I was at Monaco, it’s a great club.”

Charm offensive

However, it was more than just a brief chat when Mbappe was heading for the exit door at Monaco in 2017, with L’Equipe reporting the Reds’ owner took him on a two-hour flight.

Henry, whose Fenway Sports Group bought Liverpool in 2010, is the club’s principal owner, and he brought Mbappe and his family on a private jet tour around the bay of Nice while discussing his future.

During France’s 2-0 win over the Atlas Lions on Thursday, this meeting was confirmed by then-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

Working as a pundit for German TV channel Magenta TV, the soon-to-be Germany boss said: “It was the most expensive non-transfer that we [Liverpool] invested in.

“We flew from Blackpool to Nice. In Nice, the whole Mbappe family got on board a private plane with five rooms or something.

“We really went big. Then we flew around in a circle, talked to the family, ate good food. We weren’t allowed to be seen. We flew in a circle. It was fantastic. And then he went to Paris.”

Klopp has expressed his admiration for Mbappe and it appears Henry was keen too

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As Klopp said, the forward opted for Paris Saint-Germain, signing initially on loan for a deal that cost a reported €180million [£157m].

Mbappe was then linked with a move to Liverpool as he grew increasingly unsettled in the French capital, however, he opted to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2024.

It hasn’t been smooth sailing for Mbappe at Los Blancos as he’s yet to win a league title or Champions League in his two years at the club.

Meanwhile, former club PSG have been European champions for the last two seasons.

But Mbappe’s stellar form at the World Cup shows exactly why Liverpool went to the trouble of trying to woo him into signing a contract with them.

Up next for Mbappe is a semi-final showdown with either Spain or Belgium on Tuesday, live on talkSPORT.

Arsenal’s new look XI with £275m summer spree for three new stars to go back-to-back

Tom Hancock — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:55:08 +0000

Having won their first Premier League title since 2004, Arsenal will want to do what they’ve never previously done: retain it.

After three successive second-placed finishes, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners finally got over the line last season, beating Manchester City to glory and sparking an almighty celebration in North London.

Arteta became the first Arsenal manager to win a title since 2004

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But they’re not done there. After their agonising Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, Arteta promised Arsenal would be “very, very ambitious” in this summer’s transfer market.

And Troy Deeney told talkSPORT he thinks the champions are well-placed to make it two Premier League titles in a row.

“I think Arsenal are in the best situation to win back-to-back. Their squad is still the best,” the Watford legend said on Wednesday’s World Cup Drive.

“They’ve probably got the harder job now of finding the one or two right fits. I think when you’re doing a whole rebuild like certain other clubs, it’s easier to just throw money at it and hope to be better in loads of different areas.

The Gunners kicked off their summer business by making Piero Hincapie’s loan move to the Emirates Stadium permanent, and one would anticipate them splashing plenty more cash between now and the end of the window.

With that in mind and taking into account some of the star names they’ve been chasing, we’ve taken a look at how Arsenal might line up in 2026/27.

A new No2 to back up the No1?

David Raya joined Pepe Reina and Ederson on three Golden Gloves last term

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Arsenal boast arguably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League – and one of the best in the world.

David Raya won his third straight Golden Glove last season, keeping 19 clean sheets – the most by a Gunners shot-stopper in the Premier League era.

There’s no doubt that the Spaniard will continue as number one – though there looks set to be a change in understudy.

Illan Meslier is poised to complete a free transfer to the Emirates after leaving Leeds, with current number two Kepa Arrizabalaga expected to depart.

No need for a new-look back four

Gabriel and William Saliba have formed a formidable partnership at the heart of Arsenal’s defence

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Despite paying £34.5m to keep hold of Hincapie, the Ecuador international might not be Arsenal’s starting left-back, with Riccardo Calafiori getting the nod in our XI.

And the Gunners hope to have Jurrien Timber fit and ready to flank the elite centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel from the other side.

Arsenal conceded a Premier League-low 27 goals last term at an average of 0.71 per game – and with a defensive unit comprising players either in or very near to their prime, you wouldn’t put it past them to emulate such numbers in the coming campaign.

Rice to thrive with two big arrivals?

Bruno Guimaraes has his eye on a move to Arsenal

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Arsenal’s midfield could have a considerably different look about it as they aim to push on in 2026/27.

As one of the best in the business right now, Declan Rice simply has to be one of the first names on the team sheet – but he might find himself among new faces if the Gunners land two of their top targets: Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.

An outstanding No6, Guimaraes – who talkSPORT understands has informed Newcastle of his wish to join Arsenal – would allow Arteta to deploy Rice in the No8 role where he’s been thriving for England at the World Cup.

The Gunners are prepared to offer £60m, but the Magpies want similar money to the £100m Spurs paid for Sandro Tonali.

Meanwhile, Rogers – who talkSPORT reported last month the Gunners had made their leading target – having recorded 34 goal contributions across the last two Premier League campaigns, would bolster Arsenal’s creativity and all-round attacking threat.

Rogers is likely to cost north of £100m, while Villa are said to value him at around £130m.

And in the event that Guimaraes and Rogers force skipper Martin Odegaard out of the side, the armband could go to vice-captain Bukayo Saka on a regular basis.

Barcola to help Gyokeres keep going?

Bradley Barcola wants to leave PSG

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While Saka could find himself promoted to on-field leader at his boyhood club, his opposite numbers on the left wing might find themselves struggling for minutes.

For all their contributions to the Arsenal cause in recent years, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard would certainly have their work cut out to dislodge France star Bradley Barcola – who talkSPORT understands told PSG last month that he wanted to leave and is target for the Gunners and Liverpool.

PSG are said to value in north of £116m.

But Viktor Gyokeres, after a relatively slow start to his Arsenal career, went some way to silencing the doubters with a 21-goal haul in all competitions last season – and he’ll be wanting to hit the ground running in the new campaign, and Barcola’s service ought to help him do just that.

How Arsenal could look next season

Tottenham warned over Junior Kroupi hijack in Premier League battle for £85million star

Joe Brophy — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:10:01 +0000

Eli Junior Kroupi can become one of the best goal scorers in the Premier League if he joins the right club this summer.

That’s the opinion of European football expert Andy Brassell, who backed the striker to push towards Sergio Aguero-sort-of numbers.

Spurs are readying an £85million bid for Kroupi after his breakout debut season in England

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Eli Junior Kroupi transfer latest

talkSPORT previously reported that Tottenham are believed to be lining up an £85million bid for the France Under-21 international.

Arsenal have also shown interest in Kroupi, who scored 13 goals in 33 Premier League appearances last season.

However, Brassell has exclusively told talkSPORT.com that the 20-year-old ‘would be absolutely great at Manchester United.’

“If Eli Junior Kroupi can make the right move this summer, he can be one of the best goal scorers in the Premier League,” Brassell said.

“An incredible start to his career in the Premier League after coming over from Lorient, with that special relationship that Lorient and Bournemouth have, scoring 13 in 21 starts.

“He’s only 19 and not many teenagers have had a start like that, having come from abroad in the Premier League.

“I guess the thing that was most noticeable about him in such a fast-paced environment is his movement and what a natural finisher he is when given the opportunity.

“Now, having done that for Bournemouth, it’s natural, of course, that other Premier League clubs and big Premier League clubs are having a look at him.”

Spurs are now readying an opening offer for Kroupi, but Bournemouth are adamant that he is not for sale this summer.

Kroupi scored 13 Premier League goals for Bournemouth last season but is not for sale according to the club

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Kroupi to Spurs?

Brassell continued: “The most closely linked with him in recent days is Tottenham, of course, who are on a huge spending spree at the moment, completely reshaping the face of their team after a couple of bad seasons and under the demands of new coach Roberto De Zerbi.

“And I think if you look at the sort of football that De Zerbi likes to play, Kroupi is a natural fit for it because the movement is so intelligent and because once he gets in those spots, he’s a very, very tidy finisher indeed with both feet.

“He’s going to improve the rest of his game. The involvement outside the box is something that will come. As we said, he’s only 20 now.

“There’s clearly a lot of work to do. And we know that Premier League clubs like to invest in potential as much as they do current aptitude.

“So when you look at the sort of strikers that succeeded under De Zerbi before, and you look at the sort of forwards that he likes, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being a key one in recent years at Marseille, you can see exactly how Kroupi would fit.

There aren’t many familiar faces from last season in Tottenham’s dream XI for the 2026/27 campaign

“Now, the fact is, though, Bournemouth have a hot property and they know they have a hot property.

“So they won’t be letting him go cheaply. We’re pushing up, I think, already to 85 million, 90 million, which might seem a shocking amount to some.

“But I think there are a couple of aspects of this to consider. The fact that he has got such huge potential is what makes it expensive.

“And the fact that at the moment he’s already producing at a very high level, but not one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, makes the big ones think that, ‘OK, if we get this guy, we could turn him into something even more special, something that could dominate the league.’

“Someone who could be pushing up towards Aguero sort of numbers if we can get our hooks into him.

‘Would be absolutely great at Man United’

“So the fact that you have interest maybe from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United as well, and I think it would be absolutely great at Manchester United as they seek to progress their game under Michael Carrick, makes total sense.

“Bournemouth hold all the cards with Kroupi; there’s no doubt about that, because they’ll either get paid an absolute fortune for him, or they’ll keep him and he’ll manage to prove himself in Europe.

“So unless he suffers a massive drop in form with Bournemouth going into the Europa League this season, he’ll be only increasing his value going forward.

“Bournemouth, I think, are in a really good spot as they decide where they’re going to sell him to, or if indeed they’re going to sell him.”

Kroupi scored the goal that confirmed Bournemouth will be playing European football – and that saw Arsenal win the title

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Tottenham have already broken their transfer record twice this summer, following the £100m signing of Sandro Tonali.

That came after Mateus Fernandes’ arrival from West Ham in a deal worth £85m, with a £50m deal for Jan Paul van Hecke also struck.

Elsewhere in the backline, free transfers have been agreed for Marcos Senesi, Andrew Robertson and Martin Dubravka, but a new striker is still on their wishlist.

“For Tottenham, the team that have really been with our reliable goalscorer for a long time, especially with the Randal Kolo Muani signing not coming off after he arrived unfit last season, this could be the player that scores the goals that finally gets them up the table a little bit.”

Andrey Santos tipped to become ‘cornerstone of Brazil’ after £50million Man United deal agreed

Joe Brophy — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:40:56 +0000

Andrey Santos can become the cornerstone of future Brazil sides after Manchester United reached a £50million agreement to sign him from Chelsea.

talkSPORT understands the Red Devils will pay £48m plus £2m in achievable add-ons to land the Brazilian midfielder, who has passed a medical as he prepares to sign sign a five-year deal with an option to a further year.

Santos has become of interest to United

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Newcastle were also understood to be keen on Chelsea’s No.17, who now has permission to undergo a medical.

Santos was omitted from Carlo Ancelotti‘s final 26-man squad following his struggles during his first full season at Chelsea.

The 22-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge from Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama in January 2023 but has only been a bit-part player.

His debut came during the Blues’ Club World Cup triumph last summer, but he made only 13 Premier League starts last season.

Nearly half of those came under his former Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior, during the latter’s four-month tenure at the Chelsea helm.

In defence of Santos

talkSPORT’s European football expert Andy Brassell said: “Andrey Santos was too tied to the Liam Rosenior era at Chelsea to survive at Stamford Bridge, but this doesn’t mean that it wouldn’t be a great signing for another Premier League club.

“Now, Andrey Santos arrived back at Chelsea after his loan at Strasbourg, and Liam Rosenior always lamented this.

“He sat around in press conferences before and after games at Strasbourg going, ‘Oh, we could really do with a player like Andrey Santos.’ What he meant is we could really do with Andrey Santos, because the minute the Brazilian went, he left a huge hole in the middle of the Strasbourg team.

“Now, we think of him primarily as a defensive midfielder, and he does all that good stuff that you want a defensive midfielder to do.

“He makes his tackles, he makes his passes as well, very, very rarely gives the ball away. So a very modern defensive midfielder, but not just a defensive midfielder.

Santos is open to a move away from Chelsea

“In that season at Strasbourg, before he went back to Stamford Bridge, 10 league goals, which is a really, really good effort as well.
So more of an all-roundness to him.”

‘Cornerstone of this Brazil team’

“Because of the way it hasn’t gone for Brazil in this World Cup, his development over the next couple of years is really in Carlo Ancelotti’s, presumably, and the Brazilian national team’s interest as well.

“Casemiro is not the athlete he once was, I think it’s fair to say, even though he had a great back end of last season with Manchester United.

“Andrey Santos, only 22 years old, really good at covering ground, and Brazil are really short in midfield.

“So if he can get this next move right, and of course, a heck of a lot of midfield competition at Chelsea and more to come, perhaps, he can make himself a cornerstone of this Brazil team.”

Santos excelled during his loan spell at Strasbourg

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Why didn’t it work at Forest?

Santos had an ill-fated season-long loan at Nottingham Forest in August 2023.

But after making his debut against Burnley in the Carabao Cup days after his arrival, he played just seven more minutes – in a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool – before Chelsea recalled him in January.

Santos later claimed that his lack of game time at the Reds was ‘the coach’s choice’, with Steve Cooper sacked just before Christmas.

Brassell added: “Now, it’s funny, I think straight away, Nottingham Forest, despite the fact he went there, it didn’t work out, and he left what seemed like five minutes later.

“I think that would be an interesting move for him. There are a lot of different Premier League clubs where he would work actually.

“And I wonder if even in a different context, without the players that they have at the moment, and a big question mark over Rodri’s future, he would even work at, say, a Manchester City.

“I certainly think he’s got the level to aspire to that sort of club going forward. I think he would be an interesting back-up for Arsenal.

Santos returned to Chelsea after playing just seven minutes during a failed loan at Forest

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“If they’re looking for a way to allow Declan Rice to play on the front foot a little bit more to release him from his defensive responsibilities, because I really do feel that Andrey Santos, with time, is going to have the level to play at one of the very best clubs in Europe.

“Whether that’s realistic, I think, is a question, because at the moment, he’s proven himself in Ligue 1; he hasn’t proven himself in the Premier League.”

Brassell added: “But wherever he goes, Andrey Santos, I just hope he gets an opportunity to play every week or almost every week so he can prove for himself and for Brazil just how good he is.”

Crysencio Summerville told which Premier League club will help him explode – and it’s not Man United

Joe Brophy — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:30:34 +0000

Aston Villa could be the club Crysencio Summerville needs to take his game to the next level after starring at the World Cup.

That is the opinion of European football expert Andy Brassell, who believes the winger will be a big Premier League player next season.

Summerville raised his stock massively with his showing at the World Cup

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The Dutchman has been attracting interest from multiple Premier League sides following West Ham’s relegation last term.

Summerville managed just one goal and one assist in an injury-hit debut campaign for the Hammers following his arrival from Leeds.

However, the 24-year-old rediscovered his best form last season, with five goals and two assists during his 31 Premier League appearances.

His form wasn’t enough to save West Ham from the drop, but Summerville enhanced his emerging reputation at the World Cup.

He registered four goal contributions in as many games for the Netherlands during their round-of-32 defeat on penalties to Morocco.

Prior to the tournament, Brassell told talkSPORT.com that Summerville could have been a weapon for West Ham in the Championship next term – if not for his strong finish to the season.

The attacker was Leeds’ top scorer with 21 goals and 10 assists during their run to the Championship playoff final in the 2023/24 season.

“Crysencio Summerville is in an unusual situation,” Brassell explained. “If he’d have gone back six months, say to mid-January, when West Ham were already staring down the barrel of relegation to the Championship, you would have bet on Summerville staying there for their return to the EFL and maybe being one of the players who helped them come back up, helping to not just improve his confidence and his consistency.

“Of course he got that 20-goal season for Leeds when he was last in the Championship, but inflating his value in terms of the transfer market.

“But then the last couple of months happened as West Ham narrowly missed out on staying up, Summerville was excellent.

Summerville was unable to help West Ham to Premier League safety

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“He was the player who, in flashes, had shown in his first season in the Premier League with Leeds what a player he could be in terms of his pace, in terms of his dribbling and in terms of his goals.

“He scored a lot of important goals for West Ham in the second half of the season, even if in the end it wasn’t enough.

“Now he’s carried that on and then some to the World Cup, and it felt to me as if he was the key piece of the Netherlands front three.

“Even if you look at the fact that Cody Gakpo was excellent in parts and got some goals, ditto for Brian Brobbey of Sunderland who’d come off a very good season in the North East.

“Summerville was the player that gave them that extra little bit of variety. Even in the game that they played against Sweden and won handsomely, of course, 5-1 in the middle game in the groups.

“Ronald Koeman was at pains to say afterwards that Summerville hadn’t been fit to start and that’s the only reason that he hadn’t played in that game.

Summerville, who starred at the World Cup, is attracting interest from Man United

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Summerville ‘not just a dribbler’

“It all started going wrong against Japan when he substituted Summerville in the first game,” Brassell continued.

“Even so, the West Ham winger managed to come on in the second half and had a huge involvement in Gakpo’s goal that really sealed the game at the start of the second half with a brilliant backheel.

“That really underlines the sort of variation that Summerville had. The fact that he’s not just a dribbler, he’s not just an assister, he’s not just a scorer, he’s all of these things.

“He links the play really well as well, besides covering a lot of ground, which is an often overlooked part of his game.

“So maybe there are no clubs out there at the absolute top rank of the Premier League ready to go and splash out on him and spend an absolute fortune on him.”

Summerville was the Championship’s best player the last time he was in the division

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Crysencio Summerville transfer latest

talkSPORT understands that Manchester United have opened exploratory talks with West Ham over signing Summerville.

Tottenham launched a surprise enquiry over the six-cap international in January, with Fulham among his other summer suitors.

Brassell added: “We already know Fulham have been in negotiations with him but I do just wonder, and I think he’d be excellent for them by the way, of course they’ve already got the wide option of Kevin who I think will be even better in his second season in the Premier League, but you just wonder if Fulham could have that little bit of competition because Summerville has proved that that ability at 24 is ready to explode and go on to the next level.

“Now you just wonder if the right players are around him, the right stage on which to compete, he could really get there.

“I wonder if he could be a potential Aston Villa player going into next season.”

Sancho featured in 39 matches, mostly from the bench, and registered just one goal and two assists but did win the Europa League

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Summerville to Aston Villa?

“Now of course we know that their hands are tied a little bit with PSR and they can’t go out splashing out infinite amounts to improve their squad.

“But of course they could always generate some by selling, but I just wonder if in terms of their price level Summerville is about there.

“We know they’re not going to retain Jadon Sancho going into next season, and whether Emi Buendia can keep up the sort of efforts we’ve seen from him last season. Of course, he was very good in the Europa League final as well. We’ll have to wait and see.

“I tend to see him as more of an inside player than an outside player, which Summerville is even though he can come into those central areas as well. So I wonder if that could be a good get for them.

“But there are a number of teams in the Premier League who would really benefit from Summerville, and I think with the right situation around him he’s ready to go and become the player that a lot of people believed he could be when he came into the Premier League with Leeds in first place.

“Now I don’t think going back six months ago anyone would have predicted this.

“I don’t think going back two months ago you would have predicted that he’d be one of the better players of the World Cup group stage.

United were at one stage interested in a £130million double swoop for Fernandes and Summerville before the former joined Spurs

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“But this, I think, is just him coming to fruition at absolutely the right time.

“When he’s ready to make a move, he’s just started showing the world exactly how good he is.

“I think with the right surroundings he’s going to be a big, big player in the Premier League next season.”

Everton interested in surprise move for England World Cup star

Amy Hamerslagh — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:19:33 +0000

Everton are reportedly interested in making a move for England star Djed Spence to strengthen their right-back options.

The Three Lions defender faces increased competition for places under Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham, making the Hill Dickinson the perfect place for him to secure consistent starts.

Spence was criticised after the DR Congo game but managed to impress in his brief appearance against Mexico

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The north London side has already added Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, while Pedro Porro has signed a new long-term contract and Destiny Udogie is expected to be a key member of the new squad redevelopment.

The London-born star signed with Spurs from Middlesbrough on a five-year contract under then-manager Antonio Conte in 2022.

He then spent various spells on loan to Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa.

The 2024/25 season was his breakthrough as he managed an extended run in the Spurs first team. At the end of the year, he even signed a new long-term deal with the club.

During his time with the Lilywhites, he has made 85 appearances and netted two goals.

Everton’s defensive need

Since Seamus Coleman announced he was leaving the Toffees at the end of the season, David Moyes has been keen on recruiting a new defender to fill the vacancy.

Last season, centre-back Jake O’Brien and midfielder James Garner predominantly occupied the role while playing out of their natural positions.

The Everton boss has seemingly not been keen on utilising Scottish international Nathan Patterson in that area, and he is also expected to leave the club this summer.

The Toffees mean business this summer transfer window and have already announced three signings, including Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George, and Merlin Rohl.

Tuchel demands

However, many Evertonians feel the Merseyside club’s next priority needs to be a right-back and The Athletic have reported that Moyes has Spence on his radar.

Spence has been at Tottenham since 2022

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The Tottenham defender has played a vital role in the Three Lions’ World Cup journey following Reece James’ injury, especially in the huge 3-2 victory against Mexico.

The 25-year-old was a doubt for the clash; however, with England down to ten men, Spence entered the pitch and in his 28-minute appearance he made five clearances, an interception and won one aerial duel.

Spence typically plays at left-back, but he can also operate on the opposite channel or push up to wing-back.

Many fans originally felt England manager Thomas Tuchel was highly demanding of the Spurs defender after footage emerged of the manager yelling at him in training: “Djed, Djed, Djed, wake up! Wake up!”

However, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler defended the approach and said: “I think he (Tuchel) has a clear profile regarding his full-backs. Clear demands, clear expectations and clear profile in what a full-back should be doing in his system.

“I see a quite flexible system and I see the full-back as a playmaker role and full-back that can really create a dynamic with deep runs and overlaps.

“I think he keeps pushing Spence because he’s a profile that has all these attitudes inside of him and these qualities. He likes full-backs who join the attack and who attack the box.

Doue’s biggest strengths is creativity, aerial duels and being a goal threat

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“He has that with Nico O’Reilly on the left side and Spence on the right side because Reece James is injured.

“He tries to get the best out of them. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t work. But for me, the most important thing is to be really consistent in the messaging and the principles he wants the full-back to play.”

Alternative targets

Everton have also been linked with Arsenal‘s Ben White and Guela Doue, though the Ivory Coast international is likely to be expensive.

The Premier League winner would provide the perfect replacement on the right flank now that Jurrien Timber has become Mikel Arteta‘s first-choice at the Emirates.

Signing the Strasbourg defender would be a bolder decision for Moyes; however the Ivorian has enjoyed an impressive 18 months in Ligue 1 and was described by his former manager Liam Rosenior as a natural leader.

Man City hijack Arsenal transfer to land League One wonderkid in record-breaking deal

Joe Brophy — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:15:00 +0000

Manchester City are edging closer to completing their £12.5million deal to sign Leicester starlet Jeremy Monga, talkSPORT understands.

talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook revealed last month how Arsenal had agreed a fee to sign the 16-year-old winger.

Arsenal felt the valuation was too high and have now withdrawn from a potential deal

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The Gunners were previously in club-to-club contact over Monga, but withdrew from any deal after feeling the valuation was too high.

That allowed Man City to come up on the rails with confidence and work on a move.

Mikel Arteta will now be unable to resurrect any interest, with the teenager given permission by Leicester to undergo his City medical.

The transfer is believed to be worth £12.5m in total – £10m of which will be upfront – with the Foxes also including a sell-on clause.

If all of the £2.5m add-ons are ultimately paid, it will make Monga the most expensive 16-year-old in Premier League history.

He will surpass the £12m fee Arsenal splashed on Theo Walcott in 2006, with Hannibal Mejbri’s £8.5m switch to Old Trafford in third.

Reporter Ben Jacobs told talkSPORT: “Monga is going to be joining Manchester City. £10m with £2.5m in add-ons.

“Leicester were always pushing for a fee of in excess of £10m and City were able to move very fast. Why?

“Because Enzo Maresca is coming into the squad and he knows Monga very well from his time at Leicester City, the new Manchester City manager was able to drive that one and get it over the line, even though there was firm competition from Arsenal.

“Arsenal’s last offer, according to my information, was only about £6.5m. So Manchester City, in terms of the total package, have essentially doubled what Arsenal were prepared to pay.

Monga is regarded as one of England’s most exciting talents

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“But they were pushing hard and also in advance talks on the player side.

“But, a few days ago, Arsenal withdrew and Manchester City are going get the young teenage Leicester City winger and that is a fantastic signing.”

Man City reach agreement to sign Monga

Enzo Maresca is behind City’s drive for Monga, having known the player from his time as Leicester head coach in the 2023/24 season.

The 46-year-old regularly watched the then-15-year-old play for the Under-21 side, before the latter made his Premier League debut under Ruud van Nistelrooy in the following campaign.

Manchester United, Leeds and Newcastle were all admirers of the teenager, as revealed by talkSPORT towards the end of last season.

However, Arsenal were largely considered the front-runners until the record fee touted for the attacker put Man City in pole position.

Teenage starlet Monga is tipped to be a future England international

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Who is Jeremy Monga?

Coventry-born Monga only made his first-team debut for Leicester in April 2025 when he came on as a substitute against Newcastle.

Aged just 15 years and 271 days, he became the second-youngest player in Premier League history at the time after Ethan Nwaneri.

Monga, who is also the second-youngest player ever to turn out for Leicester, already has experience playing in the Premier League.

The seven-cap England Under-19 international made seven top-flight appearances en route to Leicester’s relegation to the Championship in the 2024/25 season.

Last season, Monga scored one goal and assisted twice in 27 matches in England’s second tier as the Foxes were relegated again.

He became the youngest goalscorer in Championship history when he opened his senior account against Preston North End in August.

Interest from as many as eight clubs meant Monga was always set to leave the King Power Stadium this summer following the club’s second straight relegation into League One.

Serie A side confirm signing of 18-year-old Everton midfielder

Joe Brophy — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 20:28:26 +0000

Italian side Cagliari have confirmed the signing of Ademide Akarakiri on a long-term deal following his Everton exit.

The midfielder, who joined the Toffees in the summer of 2024 after 10 years at Arsenal, rejected fresh terms to remain on Merseyside.

Former Arsenal prospect Akarakiri has spent the past two seasons at Everton

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The 18-year-old – who is from London – impressed for Everton‘s Under-18s and Under-21s last season and had the option to stay.

However, ‘Demi’ Akarakiri has instead opted to move to Sardinia to sign for Cagliari, who finished 14th in Serie A last season.

Ademide Akarakiri joins Italian club

Cagliari, who won their first and only Scudetto in 1969/70, only returned to Serie A in 2023 after winning the promotion play-offs.

Since then, Fabio Pisacane’s men have bettered their league position by one each year, from 16th to 15th and then 14th last season.

‘Gli Isolani’ have now announced that Akarakiri has signed a contract until June 30, 2030, with an option for a further three seasons.

The London-born teenager, who has Nigerian heritage, would become only the second Englishman to play for the club if he makes his senior debut.

Gerry Hitchens, who lifted the Scudetto with Inter Milan, left Cagliari 12 months before their one and only top-flight title-win.

Akarakiri, meanwhile, is ‘considered one of the most interesting prospects of his generation‘ according to his new club.

Cagliari added: “A promising player, Akarakiri joins the Rossoblu to embark on a development journey with the goal of further developing his talent and guiding him through the transition to professional football.”

View Tweet: https://t.co/3olUapxxv8

Who is Akarakiri?

Cagliari revealed that the midfielder was monitored closely during his tenure for Everton’s youth sides last season.

Akarakiri, who counts his running power with the ball and his passing among his key attributes, first rose through the ranks at Arsenal.

He made the move to the north of England to join Everton’s Finch Farm two seasons ago, predominantly with the Under-18s side.

Akarakiri stepped up to make a debut for the Blues’ Under-21s in February 2025 in the Premier League Cup.

He was offered extension terms to remain at Everton this summer, but was swayed by continuing his development at Cagliari.

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Mateus Fernandes takes shirt number from Tottenham teammate immediately upon arrival

Tom Hancock — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:42:37 +0000

New signing Mateus Fernandes already has his Tottenham shirt number.

The Portugal midfielder completed an £85m move from London rivals West Ham on Thursday, with Spurs breaking their transfer record in the process.

Tottenham will be Fernandes’ third Premier League club in as many seasons

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A familiar number for Fernandes

And it’s been confirmed that Fernandes will wear the number 18 shirt for Roberto De Zerbi‘s side.

The 21-year-old takes the number from fringe player Yang Min-hyeok.

Twenty-year-old South Korea international Yang has yet to make a senior appearance for Spurs, spending time on loan in the Championship last season with Portsmouth and Coventry City.

Fernandes wore 18 in his sole campaign at West Ham, who he joined from Southampton last summer.

He’ll be hoping it’s a case of third time lucky at Spurs, having been relegated from the Premier League with each of his last two clubs.

Reacting to Fernandes’ arrival on, head coach De Zerbi told the club’s website: “I’ve admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.

“Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments. I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I’m excited to start working with him.”

Not everyone has been so enthusiastic about Spurs’ latest signing, however.

Ahead of the deal being completed, former Watford striker Deeney told talkSPORT’s White and Jordan questioned whether Fernandes was really the player to ‘change the mentality’ at Tottenham after his successive relegations.

Tonali to trump Fernandes?

Despite the hefty fee exchanged, Fernandes might not be Spurs’ record signing for very long.

Tonali is expected to join Fernandes at Spurs imminently

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talkSPORT understands that Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is on the verge of sealing a £100m switch to North London.

Spurs have already brought in five players as they look to steer well clear of a relegation scrap in 2026/27.

Centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke has arrived from Brighton for £52m, with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka all joining as free agents.

talkSPORT’s Jamie O’Hara recently urged his former club to add Marcus Rashford to that list, with the England star’s Manchester United future still up in the air after Barcelona opted against making his loan spell permanent.

Tottenham have finished 17th in each of the last two Premier League campaigns.

They pipped West Ham to survival by two points last term, ensuring they remain one of the Premier League’s six ever-present clubs.

‘Spurs are back’ – Tottenham transfers send Jamie O’Hara wild despite ‘overinflated’ claim

Tom Hancock — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:09:08 +0000

talkSPORT’s Jamie O’Hara insists that Tottenham are ‘still big six’ despite Troy Deeney’s scathing criticism of their summer signings.

Having escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth last term, Roberto De Zerbi’s Spurs are hard at work rebuilding their squad for the new season.

Mateus Fernandes has just become Spurs’ fifth summer signing

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Deeney’s doubts over Spurs business

Five players have already come through the door at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Mateus Fernandes the latest new face in north London after completing a club-record £85m switch from West Ham on Thursday.

And it was that deal which formed the basis of Deeney’s strong doubts over Spurs’ transfer activity.

Appearing on White and Jordan on Wednesday, the Watford legend told talkSPORT: “So, Fernandes – £85m – he’s been relegated last season and he got relegated the season before. Back to-back relegations and he’s going to come in and, what, change your mentality?

“One thing about getting relegated is you get used to losing – so if you do that for one season, ok, fair enough, it’s a bad year. [If] you’ve done that back-to-back seasons, now he’s going to come in and change the mentality? I don’t think so.”

Deeney went on to question deals for Jan Paul van Hecke – signed from Brighton for £52m – Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, who joined as free agents after the expiry of their respective contracts at Liverpool and Bournemouth.

“Van Hecke: decent, solid player,” he noted. “Why is he going to Spurs? Why is Spurs the team? If he’s a top-six player, why is he not going to any of these top-six clubs?

“Andy Robertson – love Andy Robertson, been fantastic. He’s going in to add leadership qualities and all that. Not the player he once was.

“The boy Senesi from Bournemouth. You’ve got a free transfer; the whole market’s yours; you land at Spurs. I’m sorry, but I’m not really blown away…”

When asked by Jim White if he was “baffled” by those recent signings, Deeney responded: “But it’s what Spurs do all the time. They buy bang average players [at] overinflated prices and they tell you that it’s good.”

Money talks for Tottenham?

Simon Jordan weighed in with another perspective. The ex-Crystal Palace chairman explained: “The narrative that’s being curated is that Spurs are now in a footrace over wages and winning those footraces, and they’re prepared to meet the expectations of players – whereas those players would have elected to go to another club.

Scotland captain Robertson joined Spurs after helping Liverpool to two Premier League titles

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“So that also tells you a different argument about the type of player, which is the only reason you’re going to Tottenham in this instance – if that argument is to be won – is because you’re getting paid more than other football clubs, so what kind of player are you?”

White again probed Deeney, adding: “But why would you spend £85m on Fernandes, who you say is bang average?” – to which Deeney replied that Spurs had “been sold a dream” regarding the player’s quality.

‘Spurs are back!’

But former Spurs midfielder O’Hara sees things very differently, as he explained – much to Jason Cundy’s derision – on Tuesday’s Sports Bar.

“Spurs are back,” enthused O’Hara. “Back amongst the elite. You can’t get away from it – we are going to be a problem.”

“Spurs [are having] a huge summer window: Andy Robertson, Senesi, van Hecke, [Martin] Dubravka, [Sandro] Tonali, [Mateus] Fernandes… Spurs are back! You can’t disagree with this. Spurs are back.”

talkSPORT understands that Spurs are set to shatter their transfer record again to sign Tonali from Newcastle.

Tonali is poised to be the next new face at Tottenham

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But Cundy absolutely did disagree with his colleague. “You’ve been banging that drum for the last three years,” the ex-Chelsea and Spurs defender retorted. Last two years, you’ve been fighting relegation, so don’t be giving ‘Spurs are back’.”

O’Hara would not back down, however, concluding: “Everyone wanted us gone [relegated], everyone laughing at Spurs, making a mockery of us… And we’ve just shown we are still the big six.”

Spurs will set out to start proving that when they begin the 2026/27 Premier League campaign away to Brentford on August 22.

Real Madrid consider selling Manchester United target to fund spree for £120million-rated Premier League star

Joe Brophy — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:27:05 +0000

Jose Mourinho is now driving Real Madrid’s pursuit of Enzo Fernandez – but the club need to work out if need to sell to fund a deal.

That is the latest from talkSPORT reporter Ben Jacobs, who revealed Chelsea are open to a sale, but value the Argentine at £120million.

Fernandez won’t come cheaply for the Spanish giants

Fernandez, who served a two-game club ban after publicly fuelling talk of a switch to Spain, is keen on a move to the Bernabeu – potentially following ex-teammate Marc Cucurella to the club following his £51.8m switch.

talkSPORT understands he would welcome a bid from Madrid, with whom his agent, Javier Pastore, has been in contact.

Latest on Fernandez to Real Madrid

talkSPORT transfer expert Jacobs told The Window: “No movement yet, but Real are set to make an approach to Chelsea.

“It’s not true, to my understanding, that Fernandez has already got a five-year deal in place with Real Madrid.

“But what I can tell you is that Fernandez wants that move, and personal terms will not be a problem. Jose Mourinho is now driving it.

“Real have to work out two things. One, can they afford Enzo Fernandez? Chelsea value him at £120m.

“And number two, are they going to need an outgoing to fund a deal of that magnitude.

“There’s been talk of [Eduardo] Camavinga, the player wants to stay. [Aurelien] Tchouameni, of course, is linked with Manchester United as well.”

Jacobs previously revealed that Tchouameni is one of the names on Man United’s radar and has been valued in excess of £70m.

Man United transfer news

Michael Carrick’s side are already closing in on a deal to sign Brazil’s World Cup star Ederson, with a £38.8m move expected imminently.

Real Madrid’s asking price for Tchouameni is £70m

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The Red Devils are in the market for further midfield reinforcements, especially in light of Manuel Ugarte’s serious injury on Uruguay duty.

United, who have already lost out on Elliot Anderson to Man City, are now in a race with Tottenham to sign West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.

Jacobs added: “United are still in talks with the player at the time of recording [Saturday], and West Ham United and Tottenham are there as well now.

“We’ve heard some suggestions in the last 24/48 hours that it’s a done deal with Spurs. We’re not there yet. Tottenham have been in advanced talks with the player.

“Manchester United’s talks with the player predate Tottenham entering the race, and again, it could change very quickly.

“But at the time I’m recording this, Fernandes has not made a decision on which club he wants to join, and there could be others to enter the race as well.

Fernandes came second in West Ham’s Hammer of the Year award

“Remember, Arsenal were there a little bit earlier in the summer before the window opened. PSG and Real Madrid also hold appreciation too.

“But Manchester United are still in formal talks with West Ham, and what I sense here is that both Man United and Spurs are waiting to see if they can get that communication from the player that he only wants to join a particular club.

“Then you’re in a stronger position to negotiate with West Ham United now, even though West Ham have gone down.

“They’ve got a cash injection of £90m, and as a consequence, there is not as big an urgency anymore to try and bring in that £150m through sales alone.

“Jarrod Bowen linked with Aston Villa, Crysencio Summerville…Manchester United and Tottenham have him on their radar, too and of course Fernandes.

“It was thought maybe three or four weeks ago that West Ham United would need a bit of a fire sale, but now they are in a stronger financial position, and that is going to allow them to dig in on this £80m-£85m asking price.”

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Julian Alvarez has realistic Premier League alternative to cashless Barcelona that would suit everyone

Jack Johnson — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:17:22 +0000

Julian Alvarez isn’t going to get his dream move to Barcelona – but Arsenal could be the perfect club for him to join instead.

That’s the view of talkSPORT’s European football expert Andy Brassell, who thinks Alvarez would be ideal for the Gunners.

Alvarez’s future at Atletico Madrid is becoming a major talking point

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The Atletico Madrid forward looks certain to leave the Spanish side this summer, despite the club saying he’s not for sale.

Alvarez dropped a transfer bombshell earlier this week, straight after featuring in Argentina’s 2-0 World Cup win over Austria.

He stated that he wanted to ‘fulfil his dream’ and get the move away from Atletico to join La Liga rivals Barcelona.

But Brassell can’t see it happening and thinks a return to the Premier League for the ex-Manchester City striker may be on the cards.

“This could be one of the transfer sagas of the Premier League summer,” Brassel predicted on Alvarez’s future to talkSPORT.com.

“Alvarez himself lit the blue touchpaper…he wanted to admit that he wanted to move on [from Atletico Madrid].

“I think we all know the move that he wanted. It was Barcelona. They have been keen for a while.

“This has been a bit of back-and-forth between Atletico and Barca…a lot of social media sniping between the two, of course.

“Atletico feel that Barca have overstepped the mark, mainly because Barca don’t have the money to complete this deal.

“Atletico paid over £77m for Alvarez when they bought him two years ago, he has a £431m buyout clause, so there’s no way that Barca can force them to sell at a rock bottom price.”

Alvarez wants to leave Atletico for Barca – but they can’t afford him

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He continued: “So there’s a bit of a problem for Barca in that sense, a problem accentuated by Real Madrid.

“Florentino Perez mischievously made a £129m bid on Real’s behalf when Alvarez had no intention of going there, and the club had no intention of signing him either.

“But what he did pushed the price up and put Barca in a spot that they couldn’t get it down to what they want to pay, which is £86m.”

Where could Alvarez end up instead?

So, with Barcelona being priced out and therefore missing out on their man, who could swoop in to get the wantaway Argentinian?

Brassell believes a move to Arsenal, who are interested in Alvarez, could be on the cards, with Manchester United also an option.

“It’s never felt that Alvarez or at least his entourage have been fully into the idea of staying at Atletic long term,” he admitted.

After the World Cup, Alvarez could find himself back in the Premier League

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“Now, Arsenal reportedly have held a long-term interest, longer than Barcelona, so to see them back in the picture makes total sense.

“Arsenal went out and bought their No.9, and I think Viktor Gyokeres is sometimes looked at in the wrong way, as the guy to take them to the next level.

“He kind of did in a way, by offering them something different, not by being the best striker in the world or anything like that.

“Now that is more Alvarez’s territory – he’s someone who can really lead a team.

“He has heart and soul; he gives everything in every game. He does so much running…can create on his own, score from within the penalty box, from range, can set up others.

“That is really why he’s a player so many managers will want, and it seems Manchester United are interested as well.”

The ex-Man City man has been attracting interest from Arsenal for months

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‘A terrific spot for him’

Brassell then went on to weigh up the realistic possibility of a deal for Alvarez to come back to the Premier League happening.

He explained: “The difference between Arsenal and Man United [and Barcelona] is they [the English clubs] have the money, they have the money to satisfy what Atletico are going to want.

“Atletico are not wanting a world-record fee or anything like that, the buyout clause is just a negotiating position.

“I think they’ll take something around the £129m price.

“That will be a palatable price for Man United or, more likely, Arsenal to pay for someone who can make a massive difference.”

On what Alvarez could bring to Mikel Arteta‘s side, Brassell added: “He’s world-class, there’s no doubt about it…only eight league goals last season, but in the Champions League he was brilliant…load management would help him be consistently world-class.

Alvarez could take Premier League title winners Arsenal to the next level

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“Arsenal would be a great spot for him, not just because they’re current Premier League champions and Champions League finalists.

“But he is someone who will be going into a really stacked squad and get a chance to shine at the right moments, not to play every game.

“It would be a terrific spot for him. It would be a plus for Arsenal as well, I don’t think they have a player like him, there aren’t many players in football quite like him either.”

Folarin Balogun tipped to join Premier League club and land second European trophy in two years

Jack Johnson — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 19:42:22 +0000

Folarin Balogun has been tipped to sign for Crystal Palace this summer amid his impressive form at the World Cup.

The USA international has two goals in two games for his nation so far this summer, starring for Mauricio Pochettino‘s side.

Balogun has been one of the USA’s biggest stars at the World Cup so far

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And his performances, on top of his standout stats for Monaco in Ligue 1 last season, have led to talk of a transfer.

Balogun scored 13 Ligue 1 goals last campaign, as well as another five in the Champions League for the French outfit.

He proved that he can compete at the top level after departing Arsenal and the Premier League in 2023, having played just 10 first-team games for the Gunners, scoring twice.

The striker has now backed that up at the World Cup, and talkSPORT’s European football expert, Andy Brassell, has tipped him to return to England from Monaco this summer.

“Folarin Balogun would be the perfect signing for Crystal Palace,” Brassell told talkSPORT.

“The Conference League holders will, of course, be going into the Europa League next season, the competition that they should have been in in the first place, going back to the start of last season.

“But you feel that Palace are set to be able to do something, especially with their new coach, Pierre Sage, in that competition.

“Although with Jean-Phillipe Mateta potentially finally leaving this summer – there are plenty of teams still interested after his move to AC Milan fell through – they’ll need someone, Palace, to put the ball in the back of the net…and maybe Balogun can be that guy.”

Dat Guy Flo

Brassell thinks Balogun could end up being ‘that guy’ for Crystal Palace as he already has a connection with London and has developed his game massively in recent months.

“He is a US international, but he was brought up in London; he knows it really well, having come through at Arsenal,” he said.

The 24-year-old used to play for Arsenal before heading to France in 2023

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“And I think when you’re making the leap from Ligue 1 to the Premier League, that’s something that’s very doable.

“It’s one of the most physical leagues, and for that reason, we see a lot of players coming over from Ligue 1 and settling in quickly.

“Now, what’s interesting about him is how he’s developed in the last seven, eight months, because if you go back to the start of his spell at Monaco, it wasn’t that successful.

“He was bought for £25m from Reims; he’d done very well there and scored over 20 goals in a Ligue 1 season.

“But there were doubts…and if you look at the season just gone, he only scored three league goals before Christmas.

“2026, though, it was completely different for him. He ended up with 11 goals in the last 16 games, a real hot streak.

Balogun is having an incredible 2026, scoring plenty for Monaco and the USA

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“As well as a lot of goals, he scored some in big games, two against PSG in the Champions League for Monaco.

“You have to look at what he did in the Champions League, and this is relevant to Palace as they’ll be in European competition.

“He’s already done it in the Champions League, five goals in 10 starts last season, including those against PSG and a winner away at Bodo/Glimt.”

More European success?

Balogun’s standout skills are a perfect match for Palace, too, according to Brassell, and that could lead to another trophy.

He explained: “You’re looking at someone whose movement has always been fantastic; he’s always been able to finish with both feet.

“But now, he’s got much better at linking play since he’s been at Monaco, surrounded by some really talented forward players.

Brassell thinks Balogun could lead Palace to another European title

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“He can create space for the others in his team, and if you look at someone like Yeremy Pino, I think he’d click really nicely with him.

“And then of course, he’d have the boost of coming in off the back of his home World Cup with the US…he’s looked fantastic.

“He’s a guy who, when he gets a chance, it’s decisive, and we’ve seen that with not just the amount of goals he’s scored but the type.

“If Palace can create chances for him, I feel pretty confident that he’ll score a decent amount of Premier League goals and goals in Europe.

“Which then, who knows…a second European trophy for Palace?”

Arsenal told to prioritise World Cup sensation over Bruno Guimaraes transfer

Robert Calcutt — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 19:27:53 +0000

Arsenal should make signing a new left winger a priority this summer over a move for Bruno Guimaraes.

That’s according to Darren Bent, who named his dream target for the Premier League champions ahead of their title defence.

Guimaraes is a midfield target for Arsenal

Shutterstock Editorial

talkSPORT understands that Arsenal are keen on pursuing a deal for Newcastle captain Guimaraes.

The midfielder is pushing for a move to the Gunners, with sporting director Andrea Berta keen to sign him.

Arsenal are yet to approach Newcastle regarding a transfer, but have spoken to the player’s representatives.

It would be a major coup for Mikel Arteta and his reigning champions, with Guimaraes eyed as one of the league’s best midfield talents.

However, Bent believes they should focus elsewhere when it comes to strengthening the team.

“Does Bruno walk straight into Arsenal’s team?” Andy Goldstein asked the former Premier League striker on Breakfast.

“Because if he doesn’t, you’re effectively telling him he’s going to be a squad player. I, for the life of me, can’t see him agreeing to that.”

“If he wants to play in the Champions League and have the chance to win trophies, then he’s going to have to.”

Bent added: “He doesn’t walk into any top side now and start straight away… Manchester United, he actually would. But Arsenal? No.

“Arsenal just won the Premier League… that’s not the priority for me, left wing is the one that I’d go for first. If there’s a little bit of extra change, then you start strengthening other areas.”

Bent has made it clear that he wants Arsenal to sign Barcola

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“I’d like to start at left wing, because that’s the area I think we need to improve the most,” he reiterated.

Goldstein then asked who he would want at left wing, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard potentially leaving this summer.

“Barcola, PSG (Paris Saint-Germain),” he swiftly said. “Bradley Barcola, incredible.”

Bradley at his best

It’s been a memorable few weeks for Barcola at both international and club level.

The 23-year-old won a second consecutive Champions League title with PSG, as well as a third Ligue 1 honour.

Didier Deschamps handed him a call-up to the France squad for the World Cup, and he made an immediate impact on his tournament debut.

Barcola is regarded as one of the most talented wingers in world football

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Barcola was brought off the bench with ten minutes remaining in their 3-1 win over Senegal, scoring their second of the match.

He then played the majority of their weather-affected 3-0 victory against Iraq earlier in the week.

Elliot Anderson on verge of Premier League record transfer as huge breakthrough made

Joe Brophy — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 21:06:00 +0000

Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle with Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson, talkSPORT understands.

However, it is understood both clubs dispute the fee involved.

England international Anderson has always favoured a move to the Etihad Stadium

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City sources insist they are paying a fixed fee of £116million with no add-ons, but Forest maintain the total package is worth up to an eye-watering £130m.

That would mark a new British transfer record, surpassing the £125m Liverpool forked out last summer to prise Alexander Isak from Newcastle.

However, City argue it is a fixed fee below the £125m figure.

How Anderson’s record-breaking move came about

The major breakthrough comes after Forest had rejected two bids before the World Cup, the highest of which totalled £121m.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis handled negotiations personally and kept others at the club in the dark, including manager Vitor Pereira and Anderson’s agency.

Anderson was informed early in the week the move was likely to happen while on international duty after he respectfully informed Forest he wanted to join City.

Forest are now expected to declare the gargantuan fee on the new financial year.

As for who Forest are targeting to replace Anderson, it is understood wantaway Tottenham star Lucas Bergvall is viewed as a leading candidate to fill the imminent void.

The swoop represents a bitter blow for Manchester United who viewed Anderson as a dream target, but once it became apparent he had his heart set on a switch to City, the Red Devils quickly pivoted to other options.

United also did not want to enter a bidding war without player buy-in.

Tuchel has revealed he wouldn’t stand in the way of Anderson completing a medical

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They turned to West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, but again face missing out on a deal.

Tottenham are in advanced talks with the Hammers seeking around £80m.

The Red Devils United are already closing in on a deal to sign Atalanta’s Ederson, with a £38.8million move expected imminently.

As for Anderson, the 23-year-old has played the full 90 minutes in both of England’s opening Group L games.

He is likely to be in the starting XI when the Three Lions face Panama on Saturday.

Anderson’s future has been the main talking point of the summer window following a season in which he scored four goals and registered as many assists in 38 matches for Forest.

Anderson was hugely impressive against Luka Modric on his World Cup debut

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Anderson has enjoyed a meteoric rise since arriving at the City Ground from Newcastle in the summer of 2024 for a fee of £35m.

In fact, his arrival effectively went down as just £15m on the balance sheet, with Odysseas Vlachodimos also moving in the opposite direction for £20m so that Eddie Howe’s men could comply with PSR.

Only 30 months before that, Anderson was sealing a loan move from his boyhood Magpies to Bristol Rovers, who were 12th in League Two.

His expected triple-figure switch to the Etihad four years on is now thought to be linked to doubts over Rodri’s future.

City have already lost one key midfield star to the Bernabeu, with Bernardo Silva joining on a free transfer.

Quansah: Anderson will go ‘right to the top’

Although some across the football landscape will raise an eyebrow at City’s record-breaking outlay for Anderson, England defender Jarell Quansah believes it will prove to be money well spent.

“He’s got probably everything you want as a midfielder,” Quansah exclusively told talkSPORT’s Faye Carruthers.

“Hearing about him at Bristol Rovers, he was playing on the wing. Knowing he can do that and what he does in training sessions, he’s got a lot of attributes that are really good for the England squad and exactly what the manager wants.

Quansah added: “He’s a proper focused young lad and he’ll go right to the top, I think.”

Martin Dubravka joins Premier League club in surprise free transfer

Joe Brophy — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:10:00 +0000

Tottenham have completed a surprise deal to sign veteran goalkeeper Martin Dubravka following his Burnley exit.

The 37-year-old had been a free agent after he was released by the Clarets on June 10, following the club’s Premier League relegation.

Dubravka made 35 Premier League appearances for Burnley last season

AFP via Getty

The Slovakian was Burnley‘s undisputed number one between the sticks last season during their one-year stint back in the top-flight.

He featured in 35 Premier League outings – keeping four clean sheets and conceding 71 goals.

Though he was on the bench for the final three games of the campaign with Max Weiss preferred instead.

S-Mart choice

The former Manchester United and Newcastle star has now made an instant return to the Premier League, with Roberto De Zerbi‘s side announcing the deal on Wednesday.

Speaking to the club’s website, a delighted Dubravka said: “It’s an exciting time for me, a new journey and new experience for me and my family. I’m looking forward to it.

“Everything moved pretty quickly and I’m really happy to be here. I’ve loved watching Roberto’s teams over the years and know all about his style, vision and the fantastic fans here.

“Tottenham Hotspur is one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and I can’t wait to meet everyone and get started.

Tottenham have been looking to bulk out their goalkeeper options, with doubts over the long-term future of Guglielmo Vicario.

talkSPORT reported in April how the Italian has agreed personal terms with Inter Milan regarding a potential summer switch.

Antonin Kinsky started Spurs’ last seven games of the 2025/26 season and is in line to retain his No.1 role next term.

View Tweet: https://t.co/oA5m2W92ga

Kinsky had a howler against Atletico – but is now poised to be Spurs’ number one choice for the 2026/27 season

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The 23-year-old joined the club as a back-up from Slavia Prague in January 2025 in a £12.5million deal.

Two high-profile gaffes against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in March threatened to derail his career in north London after he was brutally taken off just 17 minutes into the game.

Tottenham’s transfer window so far

Spurs have been one of the busiest clubs so far this summer, with Dubravka becoming their fourth arrival already.

De Zerbi is looking to build a squad capable of challenging for a European spot after he guided his side to Premier League survival on the last day of the term thanks to a 1-0 victory over Leeds.

Andy Robertson was the first player to be announced by the club on a free transfer following his Liverpool release.

Marcos Senesi was the next to be confirmed by Tottenham after the centre-back run his contract down at Bournemouth.

De Zerbi kept Spurs in the Premier League last season – and has now set his sights on building a squad capable of qualifying for Europe

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And Spurs then snapped up Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton in a £52million deal.

More signings are expected, with the club recently having an opening offer knocked back by Newcastle for Sandro Tonali.

talkSPORT understands that a bid in the region of £75m-£80m was turned down by the Magpies, who are holding out for in excess £100m.

Spurs are also looking to hijack United’s move to bring in West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

Meanwhile, there could be a number of high-profile players being shown the exit door.

Teenage defender Luka Vuskovic has recently been the subject of a £45m bid from Brighton, with Spurs willing to part ways for £60m.

And midfielder Lucas Bergvall could be sold two years after joining having told Tottenham he wishes to leave – with three Premier League clubs keen to secure his services.

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Bruno Fernandes makes decision on Manchester United future amid Saudi interest

Joe Brophy — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:00:07 +0000

Bruno Fernandes is set to stay at Manchester United, talkSPORT understands.

Although Fernandes didn’t hold any formal talks with the club over his future before the World Cup, he has already told teammates and those close to his circle that he intends to remain.

United suits are not concerned about the future of club captain Fernandes despite his attractive release clause

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The 31-year-old has one year left on his existing contract, but there is also a one-year extension option.

Fernandes’ contract also contains a €65million (£56m) release clause, valid for non-English clubs.

Fernandes to stay at Man United

Saudi sides Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad all made approaches last summer.

Fernandes was tempted by a move to Al-Hilal in particular ahead of the Club World Cup, but decided in the end that the best football and family decision was to remain at Old Trafford.

Saudi dealmakers had hoped Fernandes might be open to leaving Manchester United after the World Cup, but talkSPORT understands the Portugal international plans to stay for at least one more year.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are still keen, and Portugal manager Roberto Martinez is even in talks to take over the Riyadh-based side after the World Cup.

Yet talkSPORT understands Fernandes is expected to remain at Old Trafford.

Doubt over Fernandes’ future was fueled when the Manchester United midfielder revealed last year he felt the club wanted to sell him.

Fernandes told Canal 11: “The club wanted me to leave. I told the directors that, I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision because the manager wanted me.

“But if I said I wanted to leave, even with the manager wanting me to stay, the club would let me.”

Fernandes has already told his Portugal teammates that he intends to remain at Old Trafford

AFP

Fernandes a key part of long-term plans

Sources confirmed to talkSPORT that former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim did indeed play a key role in Fernandes staying.

Michael Carrick also wants his captain to remain, and United sources insist Fernandes is a key part of their long-term plans.

Fernandes joined Manchester United in 2019 from Sporting and has gone on to make 327 appearances, scoring 107 goals.

Last season, Fernandes got a Premier League high 21 assists for a single season, breaking the record set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

He registered his first goal contribution at the World Cup on Tuesday, teeing up Cristiano Ronaldo‘s second in the 5-0 win over Uzbekistan.

Enzo Maresca proven right over World Cup star as ‘tactical magpie’ tipped for Premier League return

Tom Hancock — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 12:19:18 +0000

Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been vindicated in his views on one of Portugal’s 2026 World Cup stars.

Villarreal’s Renato Veiga made his major tournament debut in his country’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo and European football expert Andy Brassell expects him to make a big impact this summer.

Veiga left Chelsea last summer for £26m

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During their short time together at Stamford Bridge, Maresca highlighted the defender’s tactical flexibility – and he has turned into more than just a centre-back, his preferred role.

Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, Brassell shared his thoughts on a potential return to England for the 22-year-old.

He said: “Renato Veiga promises to be one of the real revelations of this World Cup. And what a journey it’s been for him to get here.

“At 22 years old, he’s already played in his native Portugal, in Switzerland, in Germany, in Italy and of course in England with Chelsea before arriving in Spain with Villarreal, where he’s been absolutely outstanding this season and one of the best defenders in the whole league as Villarreal got themselves into third place and returned to the Champions League.

“Now, I guess there will be people out there asking, ‘Why hasn’t he made a splash at Chelsea? Why didn’t he get a go at Chelsea?’.

“I think Chelsea always saw him as collateral, to be honest. But I think when you look at him physically, he’s someone who should be a great Premier League centre-back.”

Another summer transfer?

Brassell went on to point out how, as a Villarreal player, Veiga ought to be relatively attainable at this moment in time.

He continued: “And look, he’s at Villarreal – he’s not un-gettable. Maybe he will be at some point in the future as well. But he’s someone who’s 6’3”, an absolute prince on the ball; he looks all class with that left foot, doesn’t really give the ball away much; he’s really good at bringing the ball out of defence as well…”

One of the most impressive aspects of Veiga’s development has been his demonstrable ability to perform a variety of roles.

Brassell noted:“And of course, he wasn’t always a centre-back as well. He was a defensive midfielder when he first started out in the academy at Sporting back in his hometown of Lisbon.

Veiga featured in Portugal’s World Cup opener

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“And that is a really good testament to why he’s so good with the ball at his feet – because if they put him back in defensive midfield now, he’d look like a defensive midfielder.

“He wouldn’t look like a defender playing in defensive midfield, which I think is quite an important definition.

“But in an age where you want your centre-backs to be better on the ball, where you want your centre-backs to defend by keeping and circulating the ball on a lot of occasions, I think that gives him an extra level and an extra level of versatility.”

Brassell doesn’t expect Veiga to be in any haste to move on from Villarreal, but he thinks he would take seamlessly to Premier League football, stressing he has “everything that can make him a great Premier League centre-back”.

If Veiga is to make his way back to the English top flight, it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise in the world to see him end up at Manchester City.

With fellow centre-back John Stones leaving the club this summer and Maresca edging towards succeeding Pep Guardiola in the Etihad Stadium dugout, it could be a match made in heaven.

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Tottenham told £90m transfer to ‘run the midfield’ would help them in area they lacked

Lee Davey — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 16:22:43 +0000

Former Tottenham defender Kyle Walker has urged his old club to break the bank for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali.

The midfielder has been linked with a move to north London this week, with Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi keen to link-up with his Italian countryman.

Sandro Tonali is on Roberto De Zerbi’s summer wishlist

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Tonali, who signed for the Magpies from AC Milan in 2023, has been a key component of Eddie Howe’s midfield, but has been linked with a move away from Tyneside.

Speculation began in the final hours of the January Transfer window when his agent reportedly offered the star to Arsenal.

Since then, Tonali’s long-term future at the club has been unclear.

Manchester City and Manchester United have also been linked with the 26-year-old; however, it is understood that should he leave St. James’ Park, his preference would be a return to AC Milan.

Tottenham’s interest comes amid an air of optimism after securing Premier League survival on the final day of the season.

Spurs are hopeful that De Zerbi’s arrival in March will be the catalyst for a much-improved campaign next time round.

A transformative signing

And for Walker, Tonali should be the club’s marquee signing this summer and one that will help bolster Spurs’ midfield.

Asked who Spurs should splash the cash on, he told talkSPORT: “Maybe a Tonali or someone like that who can run the midfield a little bit better than what’s been orchestrated now.”

Tonali is very much a fan favourite on Tyneside, and there is a growing fear that he could soon follow Anthony Gordon out of the exit door.

The Italian maestro has clocked up 110 appearances for the Magpies, scoring ten times and registering ten assists.

Kyle Walker has urged Tottenham to splash the cash on the classy Italian midfielder

talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook has revealed that Newcastle want at least £90million for Tonali.

Such a fee would smash Tottenham’s transfer record, which is still the £65m total package spent to sign Dominic Solanke in 2024.

Spurs have been active in the transfer market this summer following the acquisitions of Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi.

Walker believes Spurs already have a squad laden with talent, and with the new signings on board, he hopes they deliver a better campaign next season.

A solid base to build from

“It’s always hard for a load of signings to come into a team, but from (what we saw from Spurs at) the back end of last year, the only way is up,” Walker added.

“I think they are signing good quality players and I hope for them and for the club that they do well.

De Zerbi is already plotting his transfer options, but Walker believes his squad is already stacked with talent

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“I think that they’ve got a good team as it is. I just don’t think they’ve performed well as a team. When you look on paper, they’re very good.

“But in forward areas, you look at [James] Maddison, [Xavi] Simons. Maybe [Dominic] Solanke, but you need a fit Solanke.

“I think they’re quite well covered and on the bench as well.

“But you don’t know what’s happening with [Cristian] Romero [Micky] Van de Ven and the signings that they’ve made from now on, hopefully they can do well.”

Premier League club want Desire Doue’s £40m-rated brother Guela

Amy Hamerslagh — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:41:45 +0000

Everton are reportedly interested in Strasbourg right-back Guela Doue this summer as they look to strengthen their defence.

The Premier League club have been forced to play centre-back Jake O’Brien out wide due to limited options in the position.

Doue’s biggest strengths are being a goal threat, creativity and aerial duels

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The 17-time Irish international has performed strongly while out of position, but there’s a clear need for a natural replacement in the right-back role, especially to boost the attack.

Seamus Coleman has also left after 17 years of service, with Nathan Patterson as the only natural right-back at the Hill Dickinson, yet he is likely to follow him out the door this summer.

Patterson signed from Rangers in January 2022 in hopes of becoming Coleman’s successor, but has struggled heavily with injuries and consistent form.

Doue to Everton?

Guela, the 23-year-old brother of Paris Saint-Germain star Desire Doue, has emerged as a favourite for the Toffees hierarchy, according to The Times.

The Ivory Coast international made his debut for Strasbourg after signing from Rennes and has a contract until 2029.

Similar to O’Brien, he is also a centre-back who can seamlessly feature as a full-back, ranking in Ligue 1 top five players for progressive passes.

In Doue’s first year at his new club, he has cemented himself in the French outfit’s starting 11.

His versatility remains a massive strength, offering the option to deploy him on the wing, at right-back, or in a central defensive partnership.

The 23-year-old has scored two goals and contributed with six assists during the Ligue 1 campaign.

The better brother?

Unlike his younger sibling, who is representing France at the World Cup, Guela was called up to the Ivory Coast national team.

Guela has often been overlooked by his younger brother who has been PSG’s breakout star

AFP

He played the full 90 minutes as the African nation won their opening game and beat Ecuador 1-0 with a last-minute winner from Manchester United‘s Amad Diallo.

After the close game and securing all three points, the Ivory Coast have handed themselves a massive boost for progressing through the tournament.

Additionally, Guela faced his brother during a pre-World Cup friendly, scoring and assisting Diallo’s winner against France.

Desire Doue was very complimentary as he sat on the bench watching his older brother dominate on the international stage.

After the game, the 21-year-old said: “It’s a shame I didn’t get to play against [my brother], as this was our first France-Ivory Coast match.”

The Doue brothers have been previously complimentary of each other despite playing for rival teams.

The two brothers could play against each other in the international competition if they both make it to the knockout stages

AFP

Desire added: “My brother and I are like twins.

“That’s how we’ve always felt, right from a young age. We have this incredible bond that loads of people have commented on over the years.

“We tell each other everything and have no secrets. He’s such a massive support for me in my daily life.”

Everton will be hoping the right-back doesn’t gain too much attention during the World Cup, as the 23-year-old will inevitably attract various suitors.

Strasbourg is owned by the same group as Chelsea, BlueCo, and if the Blues were to get involved in a bidding war for the right-back, they would automatically become favourites.

Xabi Alonso would need to sell one of Malo Gusto or Josh Acheampong if there were any real interest in Guela.

However, the Ivory Coast international is valued at £40million, a price the Merseyside outfit are not aiming to pay.

Everton have also been linked with West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Arsenal’s Ben White, and Tottenham’s Djed Spence due to their strengths in attack.

Man United told to make transfer U-turn as Marcus Rashford shines for England at World Cup

Joe Brophy — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:15:27 +0000

Manchester United have been warned that they might be missing a trick by not reintegrating Marcus Rashford after his England heroics.

The 28-year-old had the perfect response to losing his battle with Anthony Gordon to start the Three Lions’ World Cup opener against Croatia by scoring off the bench in the 4-2 victory.

Rashford has now scored four World Cup goals in his 12 games at the finals

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Rashford sent out a statement just two days after Barcelona opted against activating the £26million permanent option in his loan deal.

The forward scored eight goals and added nine assists across 32 league appearances for the LaLiga champions.

However, Barca completed a £70m deal for Rashford’s England teammate Anthony Gordon, rather than making his loan permanent.

The latter was then given the nod to start on the left for England’s first World Cup game, but was largely ineffective.

Rashford then stepped off the bench to add a fourth for the Three Lions after being expertly teed up by fellow substitute, Bukayo Saka.

Rashford has now scored four substitute goals for England – only Jermain Defoe (7), Harry Kane (5) and Peter Crouch (5) have more.

And talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent, Alex Crook, believes his boyhood club Man United should be looking into reintegrating him.

Man United told to make Rashford U-turn

“We’ve just seen England open their 2026 World Cup campaign with an emphatic 4-2 victory over Croatia,” Crook reported from Texas.

“Marcus Rashford, off the bench, scored an excellent fourth goal. He is going to be the subject of plenty of transfer stories this summer and is the subject of today’s transfer takeaway.

“Now Barcelona’s buy option to make his loan deal permanent expired earlier this week, I’m told by senior United sources, they don’t plan to engage with the Spanish Giants over another loan deal.

Rashford was praised for coming off the bench and taking the game by the scruff of the neck

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“So, Marcus Rashford available on the open market. We know he has a £40m release clause in his contract that can be activated by any team other than rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.

“But when you see him play like that, coming off the bench, taking the game by the scruff of the neck, taking defenders on, scoring a brilliant goal from a fine finish, it does beg the question, are Manchester United maybe missing a trick here?

“Should Michael Carrick be reintegrating Marcus Rashford into his plans for next season, and could he play a part in a potential title challenge.”

Marcus Rashford transfer update

Gordon recently told talkSPORT that Rashford has been offering him tips and information about Barcelona ahead of his arrival in Spain.

Rashford, given a rating of seven out of 10 by Adrian Durham for his cameo vs Croatia, will return to Old Trafford after the World Cup.

He does have a £40m release clause in his United contract, but both Liverpool and Man City are blocked from activating it at that price.

New Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola transfer theory emerges amid Liverpool links

Amy Hamerslagh — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:14:50 +0000

Liverpool’s pursuit of Yan Diomande could take a twist and instead see them land Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola.

The Reds have been linked with the 19-year-old prodigy after he has taken the Bundesliga by storm.

Diomande starred for Ivory Coast against Ecuador in his first World Cup outing

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The RB Leipzig wonderkid also impressed on the world stage on Sunday for the Ivory Coast in their opening game of the World Cup, as the they scored a last-minute winner against Ecuador.

He caused various problems for Arsenal‘s Piero Hincapie throughout the fixture, creating five goal-scoring opportunities, in his man-of-the-match display.

talkSPORT reported the Merseyside outfit’s interest in the teenager in February, with Andoni Iraola looking for a replacement for Mohamed Salah.

RB Leipzig’s prodigy

However, the German club have valued the young attacker at £100million after he scored 13 goals and secured ten assists across all competitions last season.

In 2025, Liverpool broke two British transfer records to sign Florian Wirtz for £116.5m and Alexander Isak from Newcastle for £125m.

If Liverpool were to pay up, it would be their third player who would cost nine figures.

Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the 19-year-old, however, he is not entertaining any transfer links until after the tournament.

However, talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor believes a bidding war for the teenager, between the Reds and PSG, could cause a domino effect as he expects the French giants to win the race for his signature.

He said: “When you’re that good at that age and you have so long left of your career, if you don’t get injured of course, your price tag is going to be so much higher than a 24-year-old.

“I know he’s not proven amazingly yet but last season Diomande scored 12 goals and had nine assists in the league for Leipzig, he’s 19 years of age.

Diomande has been tipped to be one of the World Cup’s breakout stars in North America

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“Over the season, he has 118 successful dribbles, 50 more than anyone else and last night he made Hincapie look ordinary. He twisted him left, right and centre on the big stage.

” I think he goes to PSG because of the way they’re performing at the moment and PSG will let Barcola go to Liverpool because they don’t need that many wingers.

“Diomande would 100 per cent get straight in the team and it looks like he would score more goals than Barcola, he likes to miss a lot of chances.

“Either way, Liverpool will get one of the two players but PSG will want the 19-year-old.”

The teenage trap

Andy Goldstein seemed hesitant on the move: I think if you’re putting a £100million price tag on a teenager and you’re bringing him to the Premier League.

“It’s like Jadon Sancho, United paid 75mil for him, if he comes over and it doesn’t work, it’s a big risk.”

Barcola is now with France at the World Cup – but he wants to leave his club this summer

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The market for elite teenage talent has exploded, with Agbonlahor pointing out that Bournemouth‘s newly acquired Brazilian star Rayan also has a £130million release clause.

Domino effect

talkSPORT understands that Barcola has asked to leave the French champions after making 21 league starts last season.

However, PSG’s stance is that the Frenchman is not for sale unless they secure another winger in this window.

While the international summer tournament is ongoing, it is unlikely any move will happen as the 23-year-old is currently in America with France, yet he didn’t start either of their pre-World Cup friendlies.

Barcola believes he has slipped down Luis Enrique‘s pecking order, with him opting for a front three of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele.

Jarrad Branthwaite tipped for ‘no-brainer’ transfer to Premier League title contenders

Amy Hamerslagh — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:13:42 +0000

Manchester City have been told to push for Jarrad Branthwaite to kick off Enzo Maresca’s reign.

Maresca is believed to have his eyes set on the Everton defender as a replacement for John Stones, however the Toffees are demanding a big fee.

The one-capped England international has been admired by various clubs for the last two seasons

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David Moyes is a huge fan of the 23-year-old despite the defender being out with an injury for the majority of last season.

The Merseyside outfit are under no pressure to sell one of their important assets after the England international signed a five-year contract last summer and have given him a £70million label.

Branthwaite appeared only ten times for Everton in their most recent Premier League campaign and scored the opening goal against Newcastle in the Toffees’ 3-2 win away from home.

On talkSPORT Breakfast, the two presenters talked about whether the potential England star would be worth the valuation.

Is he worth it?

Gabby Agbonlahor said: ” I really like him, I think he will suit that team as well. It’s a no-brainer.”

Andy Goldstein replied: “Man United were in for him quite a few times, I think he’s a very good player.

“There’s not a ‘but’ coming… but I’m yet to be convinced. How much are they [Everton] asking for?

“£70million, he is a good, English centre-half. I haven’t seen his best yet but I think it will come.

“I would definitely buy him, so yes [I like the transfer].”

Agbonlahor added: “He hasn’t been at his best, but he’s had injury problems.”

United would need to offload players to afford Branthwaite

AFP

The red-half of Manchester

Manchester United are also reportedly monitoring the player’s situation and deciding whether they should reignite their longstand pursuit.

The Old Trafford faithful pursued Branthwaite in the summer of 2024, with an initial bid of £35million, which was quickly rejected.

They returned with an improved bid of £45million, yet this was turned down again by Everton, which ended their interest.

Instead, the Red Devils forked out on Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt for a combined total of £129.2million.

Branthwaite missed the first five months of the season after he went off in Everton’s final game at Goodison Park and had hamstring surgery in October, returning to the side in January.

However, he was stretchered off in the Merseyside derby in April with a new issue which completely ended his chances of making a late bid for the England World Cup squad.

Branthwaite will hope to remain injury-free next season

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Moyes’ side sent their young centre back to a specialised clinic in Germany, which is used by Olympic athletes, to help him fully recover for the start of pre-season.

His only year where he has managed to go injury-free was his breakout season in 2023/24, scoring three goals in the Premier League.

It led to his first call-up for England, as he made his senior debut in a 3-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The 23-year-old was also a part of the Under-21 team who won the 2023 European Championship, alongside Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer.